Every Xbox Console: A Full History of Release Dates

Xbox, one of the three major players in the home console market, has consistently delivered innovative gaming experiences since its debut in 2001. From its humble beginnings as a relative newcomer, Microsoft's Xbox brand has become a household name, expanding into television, multimedia, and the popular Xbox Game Pass subscription service. As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, let's 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?

There have been a total of nine Xbox consoles across four generations. Since the original Xbox launched in 2001, Microsoft has consistently released new consoles boasting enhanced hardware, improved controllers, and innovative features. This count includes console revisions, which often featured upgrades like better cooling and faster processing speeds.

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Every Xbox Console in Order of Release

Xbox - November 15, 2001

Launched in November 2001, the original Xbox competed against the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. This console marked Microsoft's entry into the gaming market and established the Xbox brand. The launch title, Halo: Combat Evolved, became a massive success, solidifying Xbox's place in the industry. Even today, both Halo and the Xbox maintain a strong legacy built over two decades. Many classic original Xbox games remain fondly remembered alongside Halo.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

The Xbox 360, Microsoft's second console, launched to an already established audience. Known for its focus on multiplayer gaming, the 360 introduced numerous innovations, particularly in accessories and peripherals. The launch of Kinect, a motion-sensing input device, was a notable achievement. With over 84 million units sold, the Xbox 360 remains the most successful Xbox console to date. Many of its best games remain popular today.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

The Xbox 360 S offered a slimmer design and significant internal improvements over its predecessor. The original Xbox 360 was notorious for overheating issues, often resulting in the infamous "Red Ring of Death." The Xbox 360 S addressed this problem with a redesigned cooling system. It also boasted increased hard drive storage options, up to 320GB.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

The Xbox 360 E stands out as a unique release, launching just months before the Xbox One. Its design mirrored the upcoming Xbox One, featuring slimmer, less rounded edges. This was also the last Xbox console to feature a pop-out disc tray; subsequent models integrated the drive internally.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

The Xbox One marked the beginning of Microsoft's third console generation. Increased processing power and expanded application capabilities opened new avenues for developers. Kinect 2.0 launched alongside the console, offering enhanced motion-sensing capabilities. The Xbox One controller received a significant redesign, improving ergonomics and comfort for players. This design, with minor modifications, remains largely unchanged in later generations.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

The Xbox One S was the first Xbox console to support 4K output and act as a 4K Blu-ray player, establishing it as a versatile entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K for compatible displays. Furthermore, the console's footprint was 40% smaller than the original Xbox One, offering a more compact design.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

The Xbox One X marked the culmination of the Xbox One line, delivering true 4K gaming. Its GPU offered a 31% performance increase over the standard Xbox One, with improved cooling to manage the increased heat output. A key selling point was the enhanced performance it offered for numerous Xbox One titles.

Xbox Series X - November 10, 2020

Revealed at The Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X supports 120 frames-per-second, Dolby Vision, and frame rate/resolution boosts for older games. A significant software feature is Quick Resume, allowing players to seamlessly switch between multiple games. The Series X currently serves as Microsoft's flagship console.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

The Xbox Series S launched alongside the Series X, providing a more affordable entry point into the Xbox ecosystem. As a digital-only console, it lacks a disc drive for Xbox One or Xbox Series X titles. At a price point of $299, the Series S offers 512GB of storage and supports up to 1440p output. A 1TB model was released in 2023.

Future Xbox Consoles

While no specific hardware announcements have been made beyond the Series X|S, Microsoft has confirmed work on at least two new consoles: a next-generation home console and a handheld Xbox. Both are likely years from release. Microsoft aims to deliver "the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation" with its next home console.