"Xbox Consoles: Complete Release Date History"

Xbox has carved out a significant place in the gaming world since its debut in 2001. Microsoft's journey with Xbox has been one of constant innovation, expanding from a gaming console to a multimedia powerhouse, including its renowned Xbox Game Pass subscription service. As we approach the midpoint of the current console generation, let's delve into the rich history of Xbox consoles.

How Many Xbox Consoles Have There Been?

To date, there have been nine Xbox consoles released across four generations. Starting with the first Xbox in 2001, Microsoft has continually introduced new consoles with enhanced hardware, innovative controllers, and other improvements. This count includes console revisions, which feature upgrades like enhanced 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 to challenge the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. As Microsoft's first foray into gaming consoles, it set the foundation for the Xbox brand. The launch title, Halo: Combat Evolved, became a defining hit, helping Xbox secure a foothold in the console market. Both Halo and the Xbox have since built a legacy spanning over two decades, with many original Xbox games still fondly remembered.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

Following the success of the original Xbox, the Xbox 360 was released in 2005, cementing Microsoft's presence in the gaming industry. With a focus on multiplayer gaming, the Xbox 360 introduced numerous innovations, including the Kinect motion-sensing device. It became the best-selling Xbox console, with over 84 million units sold, and many of its games continue to be celebrated.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox 360 S offered a sleeker design and addressed the notorious overheating issues of the original model, famously known as the "Red Ring of Death." The revamped cooling system and increased hard drive capacity up to 320GB made it a significant upgrade.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

Image Credit: iFixitReleased just before the Xbox One, the Xbox 360 E featured a design that echoed the upcoming Xbox One, with slimmer and less rounded edges. It was the last Xbox console to have a pop-out disc drive, a feature that was internalized in future models.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox One marked the beginning of Microsoft's third console generation, boasting increased power and new applications that opened up new possibilities for developers. The Kinect 2.0 and a redesigned controller with enhanced comfort were among its highlights. The controller design remains largely unchanged in subsequent models.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

With the Xbox One S, Microsoft introduced 4K support and a 4K Blu-ray player, transforming the console into a comprehensive entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, and the console's design was 40% smaller than the original Xbox One, making it more compact and user-friendly.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

As the final model in the Xbox One series, the Xbox One X offered true 4K gameplay. With a 31% increase in GPU performance and improved cooling methods, it significantly enhanced the performance of numerous 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 delivers up to 120 frames-per-second gameplay, supports Dolby Vision, and includes features like Quick Resume, allowing seamless switching between games. It remains Microsoft's flagship console, with a robust lineup of games.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

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

Future Xbox Consoles