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Every Xbox Console: A Full History of Release Dates

by Hannah Apr 05,2025

Xbox has become a household name since its debut in 2001, evolving from a newcomer to a major player in the gaming industry. Microsoft's commitment to innovation has led to a series of consoles that have not only pushed the boundaries of gaming but also expanded into multimedia and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass. As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, it's an ideal time to explore the rich history of Xbox consoles.

Which Xbox had the best games? ------------------------------

AnswerSee ResultsLooking to save on an Xbox or new titles for your system? Be sure to check out the best Xbox deals available today.

How Many Xbox Consoles Have There Been?

In total, there have been nine Xbox consoles released across four generations. Since the first Xbox launched in 2001, Microsoft has consistently introduced new models, each with enhanced hardware, new controllers, and other improvements. This count includes console revisions, which are updated versions with better cooling systems and faster 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 as a competitor to the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. This was Microsoft's first foray into the console market, setting the stage for the Xbox brand. The launch title, Halo: Combat Evolved, became a pivotal success, helping Xbox carve out a significant share of the console market. Both Halo and Xbox have since built a legacy spanning over two decades, with many original Xbox games still fondly remembered.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

As Microsoft's second console, the Xbox 360 hit the market with a well-established brand identity, particularly known for its multiplayer focus. The Xbox 360 introduced numerous innovations, including the Kinect motion-sensing accessory. It remains the best-selling Xbox console to date, with over 84 million units sold, and many of its games continue to be celebrated.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

Image Credit: iFixit
The Xbox 360 S featured a slimmer design and addressed the notorious overheating issues of the original model, often referred to as the "Red Ring of Death." With a revamped cooling system and increased hard drive space up to 320GB, the 360 S was a significant improvement.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

Image Credit: iFixit
Released just before the Xbox One, the Xbox 360 E had a design that complemented the upcoming Xbox One, featuring slimmer and less rounded edges. It was the last Xbox model with a pop-out disc drive, as subsequent models integrated the drive internally.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

Image Credit: iFixit
Marking the start of Microsoft's third console generation, the Xbox One offered increased power and new applications, opening up new possibilities for developers. The Kinect 2.0 and a redesigned controller with enhanced comfort were introduced, and this controller design has been largely retained with minor modifications in subsequent generations.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

As the first Xbox to support 4K output and 4K Blu-ray playback, the Xbox One S became a versatile entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, and the console was 40% smaller than the original Xbox One, making it easier to fit into home setups.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

Concluding the Xbox One line, the Xbox One X was the first Xbox to offer true 4K gameplay. With a 31% increase in GPU performance and new cooling methods, it significantly enhanced the performance of many Xbox One titles.

Xbox Series X - November 10, 2020

Unveiled at The Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X boasts capabilities like 120 frames-per-second, Dolby Vision, and the ability to boost older titles' frame rates and resolutions. The Quick Resume feature allows seamless transitions between games, making it Microsoft's current flagship console.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launched alongside the Series X, the Xbox Series S offers a more affordable entry into the Xbox ecosystem at $299. As a digital-only console, it features 512GB of storage and supports up to 1440p gameplay. In 2023, a 1TB model was released, providing more storage for gamers.

Future Xbox Consoles

PlayWhile no specific Xbox hardware has been announced beyond the Series X|S, Microsoft has revealed plans for at least two new consoles: a next-generation Xbox and a handheld Xbox. Both are expected to be years away, with Microsoft promising a significant technical leap for its next home console.
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