Xbox Consoles: Complete Release Timeline

Xbox, one of the leading console brands today, has come a long way since its debut in 2001. Microsoft has consistently pushed the boundaries with each new release, evolving Xbox from a newcomer to a household name synonymous with gaming innovation. Now, 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?

In total, Microsoft has released nine Xbox consoles across four generations since the original Xbox launched in 2001. Each new console brought enhanced hardware, innovative controllers, and other features. This count includes console revisions, which offered improvements like better cooling and increased speeds.

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

1See it at AmazonEvery Xbox Console in Order of Release

Xbox - November 15, 2001

Microsoft debuted the Xbox in November 2001, entering the market to compete against the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. This was Microsoft's inaugural foray into the console market, setting the stage for the Xbox brand's future. The launch title, Halo: Combat Evolved, became a pivotal success, helping Xbox carve out a significant share of the market. Both Halo and the Xbox have since become iconic, with a legacy spanning over two decades. Many of the best original Xbox games remain cherished classics.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

As Microsoft's second console, the Xbox 360 hit the market with a familiar brand identity, emphasizing multiplayer gaming. This console introduced significant innovations, including the Kinect motion-sensing accessory. With over 84 million units sold, the Xbox 360 stands as the best-selling Xbox to date. Its library of games continues to influence the gaming community.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

The Xbox 360 S brought a sleeker design to the table, along with crucial internal enhancements. It addressed the infamous "Red Ring of Death" issue through an entirely redesigned cooling system. Additionally, the 360 S offered up to 320GB of storage, catering to the growing demand for space.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

The Xbox 360 E was a unique release, launching just before the Xbox One hit the market. Its design aligned with the upcoming Xbox One, featuring a slimmer profile and less rounded edges. It was also the last Xbox to feature a pop-out disc drive, a feature discontinued in subsequent models.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

Marking the start of Microsoft's third console generation, the Xbox One offered enhanced power and new applications, opening up fresh avenues for developers. It launched with Kinect 2.0 and introduced a redesigned controller that prioritized comfort, a design that persists with minor tweaks in newer generations.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

With the Xbox One S, Microsoft introduced support for 4K output and a 4K Blu-ray player, transforming it into a versatile entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, and the console itself was 40% smaller than the original Xbox One, making it more space-efficient.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

Concluding the Xbox One line, the Xbox One X delivered true 4K gameplay. Its GPU performance increased by 31% over the standard model, and new cooling methods were implemented to manage heat. It significantly boosted 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 enhanced performance for older titles. The Quick Resume feature allows seamless transitions between games, making it Microsoft's current flagship console. Explore some of the top Xbox Series X games available on this powerful system.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launched alongside the Series X, the Xbox Series S serves as a more affordable entry into the Xbox ecosystem. As a digital-only console without a disc drive, it offers 512GB of storage and supports up to 1440p resolution. In 2023, a 1TB model was released, providing more storage for gamers.

Future Xbox Consoles

Although no specific new Xbox hardware has been announced beyond the Series X|S, Microsoft is reportedly developing at least two new consoles: a next-generation home console and a handheld device. Both are likely years away from release. Microsoft aims to deliver "the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation" with its next home console.