Xbox Consoles: Complete Release History

Xbox has established itself as a major player in the gaming industry since its launch in 2001. Microsoft's commitment to innovation has led to a series of consoles that have not only evolved in terms of hardware but have also expanded into TV, multimedia, and the renowned Xbox Game Pass subscription service. As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the evolution of Xbox consoles and their impact on gaming culture.

Which Xbox had the best games? ------------------------------

Original XboxXbox 360Xbox OneXbox Series X|S

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How Many Xbox Consoles Have There Been?

In total, there have been nine Xbox consoles released across four generations. Starting with the original Xbox in 2001, Microsoft has consistently introduced new models, each with enhanced hardware, innovative controllers, and other improvements. This count includes console revisions, which are updated versions with better cooling systems and faster performance.

Latest Budget Option### Xbox Series S (512GB - Robot White)

1See it at AmazonEvery Xbox Console in Order of Release

Xbox - November 15, 2001

Launched in November 2001, the original Xbox entered the market as a competitor to the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. This was Microsoft's first foray into the console market, setting the stage for the Xbox brand. The launch title, Halo: Combat Evolved, became a pivotal success, helping Xbox carve out a significant share of the console market. Both Halo and the Xbox have since built a legacy that spans over two decades, with many of the original Xbox's games still celebrated today.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

As Microsoft's second console, the Xbox 360 was released into a market where the Xbox brand was already recognized. It emphasized multiplayer gaming and introduced several innovations, including the Kinect motion-sensing accessory. The Xbox 360 became the best-selling Xbox console to date, with over 84 million units sold, and its games continue to be influential in the gaming community.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

The Xbox 360 S introduced a sleeker design and addressed the notorious overheating issues of the original model, known as the "Red Ring of Death." With an improved cooling system and increased hard drive capacity up to 320GB, the 360 S was a significant upgrade.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

Released just before the Xbox One, the Xbox 360 E featured a design that aligned with the upcoming Xbox One, with slimmer and less rounded edges. It was the last Xbox model to include a pop-out disc drive, marking a transition in console design.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

The Xbox One marked the beginning of Microsoft's third console generation, offering increased power and new applications. It launched with the Kinect 2.0 and a redesigned controller, which has remained largely unchanged with minor modifications in subsequent models.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

With the introduction of 4K support and a 4K Blu-ray player, the Xbox One S became a versatile entertainment system. It was 40% smaller than the original Xbox One, and its games were upscaled to 4K, enhancing visual quality on compatible displays.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

As the final model in the Xbox One line, the Xbox One X offered true 4K gameplay. Its GPU performance was 31% higher than the standard Xbox One, and it included new cooling methods. It significantly improved the performance of many Xbox One titles.

Xbox Series X - November 10, 2020

Announced at The Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X supports up to 120 frames-per-second, Dolby Vision, and features like Quick Resume, allowing seamless transitions between games. It remains Microsoft's flagship console, with a range of top-tier games available.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launched alongside the Series X, the Xbox Series S offers a more affordable entry into the Xbox ecosystem. As a digital-only console, it lacks a disc drive but provides 512GB of storage and supports up to 1440p resolution. In 2023, a 1TB model was released, offering more storage for gamers.

Future Xbox Consoles

While no specific details have been announced for future Xbox hardware beyond the Series X|S, Microsoft has confirmed plans for at least two new consoles: a next-generation Xbox and a handheld version. Both are expected to be released in the coming years, with Microsoft promising a significant technological advancement in their next home console.