Xbox Consoles: Complete Release 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 with 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 to compete with 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 celebrated today.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

As Microsoft's second console, the Xbox 360 was released into a market already familiar with the Xbox brand, particularly known for its multiplayer focus. The Xbox 360 introduced numerous innovations, including new accessories and peripherals like the Kinect, which revolutionized gameplay through motion tracking. 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 relevant.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

The Xbox 360 S introduced a sleeker design and addressed the notorious overheating issues of the original model, often referred to as the "Red Ring of Death." With a revamped cooling system and increased hard drive space up to 320GB, the 360 S was a significant improvement over its predecessor.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

Released just before the Xbox One, the Xbox 360 E featured a design that aligned with the upcoming Xbox One, with slimmer and less rounded edges. It was the last Xbox to include a pop-out disc drive, as future models integrated the drive internally.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

Marking the start 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 focus on comfort, has remained largely unchanged in subsequent models.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

As the first Xbox to support 4K output and serve as a 4K Blu-ray player, the Xbox One S transformed into a comprehensive entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, and the console itself was 40% smaller than the original Xbox One, making it easier to fit into home setups.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

Concluding the Xbox One line, the Xbox One X introduced true 4K gameplay. With a 31% increase in GPU performance and new 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 boasts capabilities like 120 frames-per-second, Dolby Vision, and the ability to enhance older titles' frame rates and resolutions. A standout feature is Quick Resume, allowing seamless transitions between games. Currently, the Series X stands as Microsoft's flagship console, with a selection of top games available.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launched 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 features 512GB of storage with up to 1440p capabilities. In 2023, a 1TB model was released, providing more storage for gamers.

Future Xbox Consoles

While no specific Xbox hardware has been announced beyond the Series X|S, Microsoft has revealed plans for at least two new consoles: a next-generation Xbox and a handheld Xbox. Both are expected to be years away, with Microsoft promising "the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation" for its next home console.