Xbox Console Release Dates: A Complete History

Xbox, one of the leading console brands available today, has come a long way since its debut in 2001. Microsoft has continuously pushed the envelope with each new console release, integrating innovative features and expanding its reach into TV, multimedia, and through the popular Xbox Game Pass subscription service. As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, it's an opportune moment 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. From the first Xbox in 2001, Microsoft has consistently introduced new consoles with enhanced hardware, innovative controllers, and other advanced features. This count includes console revisions, which offered improved cooling, faster processing speeds, and more.

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 original Xbox entered the market as a competitor to the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. This was Microsoft's inaugural venture into gaming hardware, marking the beginning of the Xbox brand. The launch title, Halo: Combat Evolved, became a monumental success, helping Xbox secure a significant market share. Both Halo and the Xbox have since built legacies spanning over two decades, with many of the best original Xbox games still cherished today.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

With the Xbox 360, Microsoft launched its second console to a market already familiar with the Xbox brand. This console focused heavily on multiplayer gaming and introduced innovations through accessories like the Kinect, which enabled motion tracking in games. The Xbox 360 became the most successful Xbox console to date, selling over 84 million units, and many of its best games remain relevant.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

The Xbox 360 S was a slimmer version of the original model, featuring significant internal upgrades. It addressed the notorious "Red Ring of Death" issue with a revamped cooling system and offered increased storage capacity, up to 320GB across its models.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

The Xbox 360 E, released just before the Xbox One, featured a design that complemented the upcoming console's aesthetics, with slimmer and less rounded edges. It was also the last Xbox to feature a pop-out disc drive, as future models integrated the drive internally.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

The Xbox One marked the start of Microsoft's third console generation, boasting enhanced power and a broader range of applications. It launched with the Kinect 2.0 and introduced a redesigned controller, which has remained largely unchanged with minor tweaks in subsequent generations.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

Introduced as the first Xbox console to support 4K output and 4K Blu-ray playback, the Xbox One S transformed into an entertainment hub for many users. It upscaled games to 4K and offered a 40% smaller form factor than the original Xbox One, making it easier to fit into various spaces.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

Concluding the Xbox One line, the Xbox One X delivered true 4K gameplay. With a 31% increase in GPU performance and new cooling methods, it enhanced the performance of many 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 120 frames-per-second, Dolby Vision, and can enhance older titles with improved frame rates and resolutions. Its Quick Resume feature allows seamless transitions between games, making it Microsoft's current flagship console. Explore our favorite Xbox Series X games to experience the power of this modern console.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launched alongside the Series X, the Xbox Series S provided a more affordable entry into the Xbox ecosystem at $299. As a digital-only console without a disc drive, it offers 512GB of storage and supports up to 1440p resolution. 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-gen Xbox and a handheld Xbox. Both are expected to be several years away. Microsoft aims to deliver "the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation" with its next home console.