Xbox Consoles: Complete Release Date History

Xbox, one of the three major console brands, has consistently delivered innovative gaming experiences since its 2001 debut. From its humble beginnings as a relative newcomer, it has evolved into a household name, expanding its reach into TV, 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 upgraded hardware, refined controllers, and enhanced features. This count includes console revisions, which often featured improved cooling, faster speeds, and other enhancements.

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

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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 marked Microsoft's entry into the console market, and the success of its launch title, Halo: Combat Evolved, solidified the Xbox brand. The legacy of both Halo and the Xbox continues to this day, with many fondly remembering classic original Xbox games.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

The Xbox 360, released as an established brand, focused heavily on multiplayer gaming. It introduced innovations in accessories and peripherals, most notably the Kinect motion sensor. With over 84 million units sold, it remains the most successful Xbox console to date, and its game library is still celebrated today.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

The Xbox 360 S offered a slimmer design and significant internal improvements. Addressing the infamous "Red Ring of Death" issue that plagued the original model, it featured a redesigned cooling system and increased hard drive capacity (up to 320GB).

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

Released shortly before the Xbox One, the Xbox 360 E boasted a design that foreshadowed the aesthetics of its successor, featuring slimmer, less rounded edges. It was also the last Xbox to use a pop-out disc tray.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

The Xbox One ushered in Microsoft's third console generation, offering increased power and expanded applications for developers. Kinect 2.0 and a redesigned controller, which remains largely unchanged in its core design, were also introduced.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

The Xbox One S supported 4K output and acted as a 4K Blu-ray player, enhancing its appeal as an all-in-one entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, and the console itself was 40% smaller than the original Xbox One.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

The Xbox One X delivered true 4K gaming with a 31% increase in GPU performance compared to the standard Xbox One. Improved cooling managed the increased heat output, resulting in enhanced performance across numerous 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. The Quick Resume feature allows for seamless transitions between multiple games. It remains Microsoft's flagship console.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launched alongside the Series X, the Xbox Series S provided a more affordable entry point into the Xbox ecosystem. A digital-only console (no disc drive), it offers 512GB of storage and 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-gen Xbox and a handheld Xbox. Both are likely years away. Microsoft aims for its next home console to represent "the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation."