Xbox Consoles: Complete Release Date History

Xbox has evolved significantly since its introduction in 2001, growing from a newcomer in the gaming industry to a powerhouse known for its innovative features and extensive multimedia offerings. Now a well-established name in households worldwide, Xbox has expanded its reach into television, multimedia, and with the introduction of Xbox Game Pass, revolutionizing how gamers access their favorite titles. As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, it's an opportune moment to explore the rich history of Xbox consoles.

How Many Xbox Consoles Have There Been?

To date, there have been a total of nine Xbox consoles spanning across four distinct generations. Microsoft launched its first Xbox in 2001, and since then, they've introduced new consoles with enhanced hardware, innovative controllers, and more. This count includes console revisions, which brought improved cooling, faster performance, 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

Launched in November 2001, the original Xbox entered the market to compete against the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. As Microsoft's maiden venture into gaming hardware, it marked the beginning of the Xbox legacy. The launch title, Halo: Combat Evolved, was a pivotal success that helped establish Xbox in the console market. Both Halo and Xbox have since built a legacy that spans over two decades, with many of the original Xbox games still cherished today.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

With the launch of the Xbox 360, Microsoft returned to the gaming scene with a console that was already well-known. The focus was heavily on multiplayer gaming, and the Xbox 360 introduced numerous innovations, including the Kinect motion tracking system. This console became the best-selling Xbox to date, with over 84 million units sold, and many of its games remain popular.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox 360 S introduced a sleeker design and addressed the infamous overheating issues of the original model, dubbed the "Red Ring of Death." This iteration featured a revamped cooling system and offered more storage, with models available up to 320GB.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox 360 E was a unique release, coming just before the launch of the Xbox One. Its design was tailored to match the aesthetic of the upcoming Xbox One, with a slimmer profile and less rounded edges. It was the last Xbox console to feature a pop-out disc drive.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox One marked the beginning of Microsoft's third console generation, bringing more power and a wider range of applications. Alongside the console, the Kinect 2.0 was released, enhancing gameplay and camera functionality. The Xbox One Controller also saw a significant redesign for improved comfort, a design that has been maintained with minor tweaks in subsequent consoles.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

With the Xbox One S, Microsoft introduced support for 4K output and a 4K Blu-ray player, turning the console into a versatile entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, and the console was 40% smaller than the original Xbox One, making it more compact and easier to place in home setups.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

As the final console in the Xbox One lineup, the Xbox One X delivered true 4K gameplay. With a 31% increase in GPU performance and advanced cooling, it significantly enhanced the performance of numerous Xbox One titles.

Xbox Series X - November 10, 2020

Announced at The Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X offers up to 120 frames-per-second, Dolby Vision, and features like Quick Resume, allowing seamless transitions between games. As Microsoft's current flagship, it continues to impress with its capabilities and game library.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launched simultaneously with the Series X, the Xbox Series S provided a more affordable entry into the latest Xbox generation. As a digital-only console, it comes without a disc drive and offers up to 1440p gameplay at a lower price point. In 2023, a 1TB model was introduced to cater to gamers needing more storage.

Future Xbox Consoles