Every Xbox Console: A Full History of Release Dates

Xbox, one of the three major console brands, has consistently delivered innovative gaming experiences since its debut in 2001. From its humble beginnings as a newcomer, it's evolved into a household name, expanding into TV, multimedia, and the popular Xbox Game Pass subscription service. As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, let's 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?

There have been a total of nine Xbox consoles across four generations. Since the original Xbox's launch in 2001, Microsoft has consistently released new consoles boasting improved hardware, controllers, and features. This count includes console revisions with enhancements like better cooling and faster processing speeds.

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

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Every Xbox Console in Order of Release

Xbox - November 15, 2001

Launched in November 2001, the original Xbox competed against the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. This marked Microsoft's entry into the console market, and the success of its launch title, Halo: Combat Evolved, cemented its place in gaming history. The legacy of both Halo and Xbox continues to this day, with many of the original Xbox's best games still fondly remembered.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

The Xbox 360, released as an established brand, focused heavily on multiplayer gaming. Microsoft introduced innovations like Kinect, a motion-sensing input device. With over 84 million units sold, it remains the most successful Xbox console, and many of its best games remain popular today.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

The Xbox 360 S offered a slimmer design and addressed the infamous "Red Ring of Death" issue of its predecessor through improved cooling. It also boasted increased hard drive storage options, up to 320GB.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

Released shortly before the Xbox One, the Xbox 360 E featured a design that foreshadowed the aesthetic of the next generation, with slimmer, less rounded edges. It was also the last Xbox to feature a pop-out disc tray.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

The Xbox One ushered in Microsoft's third console generation, offering increased power and expanded application possibilities. Kinect 2.0 and a redesigned controller were key features. The controller design, with minor modifications, continues to be used in later generations.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

The Xbox One S supported 4K output and acted as a 4K Blu-ray player, enhancing its entertainment capabilities. Games were upscaled to 4K, and its compact size, 40% smaller than the original Xbox One, made it more space-efficient.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

The Xbox One X delivered true 4K gaming, boasting a 31% performance increase over the standard Xbox One thanks to a more powerful GPU and improved cooling. It significantly enhanced performance in numerous Xbox One titles.

Xbox Series X - November 10, 2020

Revealed at The Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X supports 120 frames-per-second, Dolby Vision, and frame rate/resolution boosts for older games. The innovative Quick Resume feature allows for seamless transitions between games. It remains Microsoft's flagship console.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launched alongside the Series X, the Xbox Series S provided a more affordable entry point to the Xbox ecosystem. A digital-only console, it offers up to 1440p gaming and features 512GB of storage (a 1TB model was released in 2023).

Future Xbox Consoles

While no specific hardware announcements have been made beyond the Series X|S, Microsoft has confirmed it's developing at least two new consoles: a next-generation home console and a handheld device. Both are likely years from release. Microsoft aims for its next home console to represent "the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation."