Xbox Consoles: Complete Release Date History

Xbox, a brand that has become synonymous with gaming, has grown significantly since its debut in 2001. From being a newcomer to standing tall alongside giants like Sony and Nintendo, Microsoft's Xbox has expanded its footprint beyond gaming into TV, multimedia, and the groundbreaking Xbox Game Pass subscription service. As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, it's an ideal time to explore the rich history of Xbox consoles.

How Many Xbox Consoles Have There Been?

In total, Microsoft has released nine Xbox consoles across four generations. Starting with the original Xbox in 2001, each new release has brought enhanced hardware, innovative controllers, and other exciting features. This count includes various console revisions, which have improved aspects like cooling and 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 on November 15, 2001, the original Xbox entered the market as a competitor to the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. This groundbreaking console introduced the world to Microsoft's gaming vision, with Halo: Combat Evolved as its flagship title. The success of Halo helped Xbox carve out a significant market share, laying the foundation for a legacy that spans over two decades. Many of the original Xbox's games, including Halo, remain iconic.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

Released on November 22, 2005, the Xbox 360 solidified Microsoft's presence in the gaming industry. With a focus on multiplayer gaming, this console introduced numerous innovations, including the revolutionary Kinect motion-sensing accessory. The Xbox 360 became the best-selling Xbox console to date, with over 84 million units sold. Its library of games continues to be celebrated and played today.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox 360 S, released on June 18, 2010, featured a slimmer design and addressed the notorious overheating issues of the original model, famously known as the "Red Ring of Death." This model included a redesigned cooling system and offered up to 320GB of storage, significantly enhancing the user experience.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox 360 E, launched on June 10, 2013, was a unique release just before the debut of the Xbox One. Its design was updated to match the aesthetic of the upcoming console, with slimmer and less rounded edges. It was the last Xbox model to feature a pop-out disc drive, as subsequent models would have internal drives.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox One, released on November 22, 2013, marked the start of Microsoft's third console generation. It offered increased power and new applications, including the Kinect 2.0. The redesigned controller brought comfort and efficiency to gamers, a design still in use with minor modifications today.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

Launched on August 2, 2016, the Xbox One S was the first Xbox to support 4K output and function as a 4K Blu-ray player, transforming it into a comprehensive entertainment system. It was 40% smaller than the original Xbox One, offering a sleeker design perfect for various home setups.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

Released on November 7, 2017, the Xbox One X concluded the Xbox One lineup with true 4K gaming capabilities. Its GPU performance increased by 31% over the original Xbox One, and new cooling methods were implemented. The console improved performance for numerous titles, including Halo 5: Guardians, Cyberpunk 2077, and Forza Horizon 4.

Xbox Series X - November 10, 2020

Unveiled at The Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X was released on November 10, 2020. It boasts capabilities like 120 frames-per-second gameplay, Dolby Vision, and the ability to enhance older games' frame rates and resolutions. The Quick Resume feature allows seamless transitions between games, making it Microsoft's current flagship console. Discover some of the best games available on the Xbox Series X.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launched alongside the Series X on November 10, 2020, the Xbox Series S offers a more affordable entry into the Xbox ecosystem at $299. As a digital-only console, it lacks a disc drive but provides 512GB of storage and supports gameplay up to 1440p. In 2023, a 1TB model was introduced, offering increased storage for gamers.

Future Xbox Consoles