Xbox Consoles: Complete Release Timeline

Xbox has evolved from a newcomer in the gaming industry to a household name since its launch in 2001. Microsoft's commitment to innovation and expansion into multimedia and services like Xbox Game Pass has solidified its position in the market. As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, it's an ideal time to reflect on the journey 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?

Microsoft has released a total of nine Xbox consoles across four generations since the original Xbox debuted in 2001. Each new console brought enhanced hardware, innovative controllers, and other improvements, including console revisions that offered better cooling and enhanced performance.

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 likes of the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. It marked Microsoft's first venture into gaming hardware, and with the iconic launch title Halo: Combat Evolved, Xbox quickly gained a foothold in the industry. The legacy of both Halo and Xbox has grown significantly over the past two decades, with many of the original Xbox's games still fondly remembered.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

Following the success of the original, the Xbox 360 hit the market in 2005, building on the brand's reputation for multiplayer gaming. This console introduced groundbreaking accessories like Kinect, allowing for motion-based gameplay. With over 84 million units sold, the Xbox 360 remains the most successful Xbox console to date, and its games continue to be celebrated.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

The Xbox 360 S was a refined version of its predecessor, featuring a slimmer design and crucial internal improvements. It addressed the notorious "Red Ring of Death" issue with a redesigned cooling system and offered more storage space, with up to 320GB available.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

Released just before the Xbox One, the Xbox 360 E featured a design that aligned aesthetically with the upcoming console. It was the last Xbox to include a pop-out disc drive, marking a shift in design philosophy for future models.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

The Xbox One ushered in Microsoft's third console generation, offering increased power and a wider array of applications. It launched with the advanced Kinect 2.0 and introduced a redesigned controller, which has since become a staple with minor tweaks in subsequent models.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

Smaller and sleeker, the Xbox One S was the first Xbox to support 4K output and play 4K Blu-rays, making it a versatile entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, enhancing visual quality on compatible displays.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

As the final iteration of the Xbox One line, the Xbox One X delivered true 4K gaming. With a 31% boost in GPU performance and new cooling methods, it significantly enhanced gameplay on numerous titles.

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 features like Quick Resume for seamless game switching. It remains Microsoft's flagship console, pushing the boundaries of gaming technology.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launched simultaneously with the Series X, the Xbox Series S offered a more affordable entry into the latest generation. As a digital-only console priced at $299, it provides 512GB of storage and up to 1440p resolution, with a 1TB model released in 2023 for those needing more space.

Future Xbox Consoles

While no specific new Xbox hardware has been announced beyond the Series X|S, Microsoft has confirmed it is developing at least two new consoles: a next-generation home console and a handheld Xbox. Both are expected to be several years away, with Microsoft promising a significant technological leap for its next home console.