Every Xbox Console Released From All Generations
Evolving from a latecomer to a formidable competitor, meet all the Xbox consoles over the years
When Microsoft announced its entry into the console market with the Xbox in 2001, it was met with excitement and doubt. Gamers were intrigued by the tech giant's potential to shake up the industry, especially with the promise of online gaming through Xbox Live.
However, some were cautious, doubting whether Microsoft can compete with established players like Sony and Nintendo. Despite these initial doubts, the Xbox quickly gained popularity, thanks to its powerful hardware, clever features, and a growing library of quality games.
This article will show all nine consoles across four generations listed in order.
Xbox Console Generations
The Original Xbox (November 15, 2001)
The original Xbox, released in 2001, sold over 24 million units. Its groundbreaking feature, Xbox Live, changed online gaming. Coupled with the iconic Halo: Combat Evolved, it marked Xbox's position in the gaming industry and laid the foundation for future online gaming ecosystems.
Xbox 360 Series (2005–2013)
- Xbox 360: November 22, 2005
- 360 Elite: April 29, 2007
- 360 Arcade: October 22, 2007
- 360 S: June 18, 2010
- 360 E: June 10, 2013
After its 2005 debut, the Xbox 360 sold over 84 million copies, making it the company's best-selling console. It brought in cutting-edge features including backward compatibility, achievements, and a strong online marketplace. The 360's outstanding gaming catalog, which included titles like Gears of War and Mass Effect, cemented its supremacy throughout its time, despite the "Red Ring of Death" hardware problem.
Xbox One Series (2013–2017)
- Xbox One: November 22, 2013
- One S: August 2, 2016
- One X: November 7, 2017
Xbox One series launched in 2013 and sold almost 60 million units. However, it was initially criticized because of its restricted regulations and seeming lack of emphasis on core gaming. But, it was given a new chance when Xbox Game Pass and Backward compatibility were added.
On the other hand, Xbox One S features a thinner design and 4K visuals while the Xbox One X highlights superior 4K gaming performance.
Xbox Series X & Series S (November 10, 2020)
Xbox Series X and Series S launched in 2020 and sold over 28.3 million units. The Series X offers powerful 4K/120fps gaming and seamless backward compatibility, while the Series S provides a budget-friendly option for 1440p gaming. Despite dragging behind PlayStation 5 sales, the Series X/S duo has gained a loyal following due to Game Pass and competitive hardware.
Major Xbox Innovations that Changed Gaming
Xbox Live transformed online gaming by setting new benchmarks for digital content delivery and multiplayer experiences. Kinect invented motion-based gaming, but its influence was momentary. Backward compatibility increased Xbox's appeal to seasoned players, while Game Pass reinvented the market by providing inexpensive access to a huge library of titles.
What is the Best-selling Xbox Console?
Many people consider the Xbox 360 to be the best-selling console, lauded for its cutting-edge features and expansive game selection that solidified its imprint in the gaming industry.
On the other hand, the first Xbox One launch is seen as the company's biggest flop. It turned off gamers because of its contradictory marketing and controversial DRM regulations.
The Xbox Series X and S, which offer a combination of capability and price to satisfy both casual and die-hard gamers, demonstrate Microsoft's dedication to ecosystem-driven gaming today.
Microsoft is still reinventing the gaming industry despite strong competition. Xbox has a promising future. Rumors suggest that a new console could be released around 2028, likely concentrating on cloud technology, AI, and machine learning. Nevertheless, gaming will never be the same without Xbox and it will remain a major force in the industry.