Xbox Consoles: Complete Release Date History

Xbox, one of the three major console brands available in the market today, has carved a significant niche since its launch in 2001. Microsoft has consistently introduced innovative consoles with distinctive features, transforming Xbox from an unknown entity to a household name. Its expansion into TV, multimedia, and the Xbox Game Pass subscription service has further solidified its position. As we reach the midpoint of this console generation, it's an opportune time to explore the rich history of Xbox consoles.

Which Xbox had the best games? ------------------------------

Original XboxXbox 360Xbox OneXbox Series X|S

AnswerSee ResultsLooking to save on an Xbox or new titles for your system? Be sure to check out the best Xbox deals available today.

How Many Xbox Consoles Have There Been?

In total, there have been nine Xbox consoles released across four generations. Since the inaugural Xbox launch in 2001, Microsoft has continued to innovate, introducing new hardware capabilities, enhanced controllers, and more. This count includes console revisions, which feature improved cooling systems, faster processing speeds, and other enhancements.

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

1See it at AmazonEvery Xbox Console in Order of Release

Xbox - November 15, 2001

Debuting in November 2001, the original Xbox entered the market to compete with the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. As Microsoft's first foray into gaming consoles, the Xbox set the stage for its brand's future. Halo: Combat Evolved, a major launch title, became a critical hit that helped Xbox capture a share of the console market. Over two decades later, both Halo and Xbox have built an enduring legacy. Many of the best games from the original Xbox are still celebrated today.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

Microsoft's second console, the Xbox 360, launched with a well-established brand identity, known for its focus on multiplayer titles. This console introduced numerous innovations, including new accessories and peripherals like Kinect, which brought motion tracking to gaming. The Xbox 360 became Microsoft's most successful console, selling over 84 million units. Many of its top games remain relevant and beloved to this day.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox 360 S offered a sleeker design and significant internal upgrades. The original Xbox 360 was infamous for overheating issues, often resulting in the "Red Ring of Death." The 360 S addressed these problems with a completely redesigned cooling system and increased hard drive space, up to 320GB, across its models.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

Image Credit: iFixitLaunched just months before the next-generation Xbox One, the Xbox 360 E featured a design that complemented the upcoming console, with slimmer and less rounded edges. Notably, it was the last Xbox to feature an external disc drive, as subsequent models integrated the drive internally.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox One marked the beginning of Microsoft's third console generation, offering increased power and new applications. It launched with Kinect 2.0, enhancing gameplay and interaction through advanced motion and voice recognition. The redesigned Xbox One Controller also improved comfort and functionality, a design that persists with minor adjustments in later models.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

Introducing 4K output and 4K Blu-ray playback, the Xbox One S transformed into a comprehensive entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, providing a true high-definition experience on compatible displays. The console was also 40% smaller than its predecessor, offering a more compact design for easier placement.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

Concluding the Xbox One lineup, the Xbox One X was the first to deliver native 4K gameplay. It boasted a 31% increase in GPU performance over the standard Xbox One, along with enhanced cooling methods. It significantly improved the performance of numerous Xbox One titles, including Halo 5: Guardians, Cyberpunk 2077, and Forza Horizon 4.

Xbox Series X - November 10, 2020

Revealed at The Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X supports up to 120 frames-per-second, Dolby Vision, and can enhance frame rates and resolutions of older games. A key feature is Quick Resume, which allows seamless transitions between multiple games. Currently, the Series X is Microsoft's flagship console, with many standout titles available.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launched alongside the Series X, the Xbox Series S provided an affordable entry into the Xbox ecosystem. As a digital-only console without a disc drive, it offers 512GB of storage with capabilities up to 1440p resolution. In 2023, a 1TB model was released, offering 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 from release. Microsoft aims to deliver "the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation" with its next home console.