Xbox Consoles: Complete Release History

Xbox stands tall among the top three console brands dominating the market today. Since its launch in 2001, Microsoft has consistently pushed the envelope with each new release, introducing innovative consoles packed with unique features. What began as a newcomer in the gaming world has transformed into a household name, expanding its footprint into television, multimedia, and with the revolutionary Xbox Game Pass subscription. As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, it's the perfect moment to explore the rich history of Xbox consoles.

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Original XboxXbox 360Xbox OneXbox Series X|S

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How Many Xbox Consoles Have There Been?

To date, there have been nine Xbox consoles released across four distinct generations. Microsoft first introduced the Xbox in 2001, and since then, each new console has brought enhanced hardware, innovative controllers, and a slew of new features. This count includes console revisions, which are updated versions designed with improvements like better cooling 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

In November 2001, the gaming landscape changed with the debut of the Xbox, entering the fray against the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. As Microsoft's inaugural venture into console gaming, it laid the foundation for the Xbox brand we know today. Halo: Combat Evolved, the launch title, became a cultural phenomenon and helped Xbox carve out its niche in the market. The legacy of both Halo and the Xbox has been evolving over the last two decades, with many of the original Xbox's best games still celebrated alongside Halo.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

Microsoft's second console, the Xbox 360, entered the market with a strong brand identity and a focus on multiplayer gaming. This console brought numerous innovations, including a range of accessories and peripherals, most notably the Kinect, which revolutionized gameplay with motion tracking. The Xbox 360 was a massive success, selling over 84 million units and leaving a lasting impact with its array of iconic games that remain relevant today.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox 360 S addressed the notorious overheating issues of its predecessor with a slimmer design and a completely revamped cooling system. Dubbed the "Red Ring of Death" solution, this model also boasted increased storage, with options up to 320GB, making it a more reliable and capacious choice for gamers.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

Image Credit: iFixitLaunched just before the next-gen Xbox One, the Xbox 360 E was a unique release. Its design was crafted to harmonize with the upcoming Xbox One, featuring a sleeker, less rounded profile. It was the last Xbox console to have a pop-out disc drive, as subsequent models integrated the drive internally.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

Image Credit: iFixitMarking the beginning of Microsoft's third console generation, the Xbox One brought increased power and new applications, opening up fresh avenues for game developers. Accompanied by the Kinect 2.0 and a redesigned controller, which prioritized comfort, the Xbox One's design has remained a staple with minor tweaks in later 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 versatile entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, enhancing visuals on compatible displays. The console itself was 40% smaller than its predecessor, offering a more compact design suitable for various home setups.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

Closing out the Xbox One line, the Xbox One X was the first Xbox to offer true 4K gameplay. Its GPU was 31% more powerful than the original Xbox One, with enhanced cooling to manage the increased heat. The console significantly boosted performance across a wide range of Xbox One games, including titles like 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 brings cutting-edge features like 120 frames-per-second gameplay, Dolby Vision, and the ability to enhance older titles' frame rates and resolutions. A standout software feature is Quick Resume, allowing seamless transitions between multiple games. Currently, it stands as Microsoft's premier console, with a selection of top Xbox Series X games to explore.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launching alongside 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 version was released, providing more space for gamers.

Future Xbox Consoles

While no specific hardware beyond the Series X|S has been announced, Microsoft is actively developing at least two new consoles: a next-generation Xbox and a handheld version. These future releases are likely several years away, with Microsoft promising "the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation" for its next home console.