Xbox Consoles: Complete Release Date Timeline

Xbox has become a household name since its debut in 2001, evolving from a newcomer to a dominant force in the gaming industry. Microsoft's commitment to innovation has led to a series of consoles that have not only pushed the boundaries of gaming but also expanded into multimedia and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass. As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, it's the perfect time to explore the rich history of Xbox consoles.

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. Since the first Xbox hit the market in 2001, Microsoft has consistently introduced new models, each boasting enhanced hardware, innovative controllers, and other improvements. This count includes console revisions, which offered upgrades like better cooling systems and faster processing speeds.

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 world, setting the stage for the Xbox brand's future success. The launch title, Halo: Combat Evolved, became a pivotal hit, 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 fondly remembered.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

As Microsoft's second console, the Xbox 360 was released into a market where the Xbox brand was already well-known, particularly for its focus on multiplayer gaming. The Xbox 360 introduced numerous innovations, including new accessories and peripherals like the Kinect, which revolutionized motion-based gaming. With over 84 million units sold, the Xbox 360 remains the most successful Xbox console to date, and many of its games continue to be celebrated.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

The Xbox 360 S introduced a sleeker design and significant internal upgrades. It addressed the notorious "Red Ring of Death" issue by implementing a completely redesigned cooling system. Additionally, the 360 S offered increased storage options, with models available up to 320GB.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

The Xbox 360 E, released just before the Xbox One, featured a design that aligned with the upcoming console's aesthetics, with slimmer and less rounded edges. It was the last Xbox model to include a pop-out disc drive, as subsequent models integrated the drive internally.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

Marking the beginning of Microsoft's third console generation, the Xbox One brought increased power and new applications, opening up fresh possibilities for developers. The Kinect 2.0 was launched alongside it, enhancing gameplay and camera interaction. The redesigned Xbox One Controller, with its numerous ergonomic improvements, has remained a staple, with only minor tweaks in later generations.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

With the Xbox One S, Microsoft introduced the first Xbox console to support 4K output and 4K Blu-ray playback, positioning it as a versatile entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, enhancing visual quality on compatible displays. The console was also 40% smaller than its predecessor, making it more space-efficient.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

As the final model in the Xbox One line, the Xbox One X offered true 4K gaming. Its GPU boasted a 31% performance increase over the original Xbox One, and new cooling methods were implemented to manage the increased heat. The console significantly improved performance for many Xbox One titles, including Halo 5: Guardians, Cyberpunk 2077, and Forza Horizon 4.

Xbox Series X - November 10, 2020

Unveiled at The Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X supports up to 120 frames-per-second, Dolby Vision, and can enhance the frame rates and resolutions of older games. A standout feature is Quick Resume, allowing seamless transitions between multiple games. Currently, the Series X stands as Microsoft's flagship console, and you can explore some of the best games available for it.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launched simultaneously with the Series X, the Xbox Series S offers a more affordable entry into the Xbox ecosystem. As a digital-only console without a disc drive, it's priced at $299 and comes with 512GB of storage, capable of up to 1440p resolution. In 2023, a 1TB model was released, providing more storage for gamers.

Future Xbox Consoles

While no specific details have been announced for new 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 several years away. Microsoft has promised that its next home console will represent "the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation."