Home News Every Xbox Console: A Full History of Release Dates

Every Xbox Console: A Full History of Release Dates

Author : Christopher Update : Feb 19,2025

The Xbox: A Retrospective Look at Nine Generations of Consoles

Xbox, one of the three major console brands, has come a long way since its 2001 debut. From its humble beginnings as a relative newcomer, it has evolved into a powerhouse in gaming, entertainment, and subscription services (Xbox Game Pass). As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, let's explore the history of this iconic brand.

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The Xbox Family: A Complete Timeline

Nine distinct Xbox consoles have been released across four generations. Each iteration has brought advancements in hardware, controllers, and overall gaming experience. This count includes revised models with improved features like enhanced cooling and processing speeds.

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Xbox Console Release Order: A Detailed Look

  • Xbox (November 15, 2001): Microsoft's entry into the console market, competing against the GameCube and PlayStation 2. The launch title, Halo: Combat Evolved, propelled the Xbox to success, establishing a legacy that continues today.

  • Xbox 360 (November 22, 2005): Building on the original's success, the Xbox 360 focused on multiplayer gaming and introduced innovative accessories like the Kinect motion sensor. With over 84 million units sold, it remains the best-selling Xbox console.

  • Xbox 360 S (June 18, 2010): A slimmer, redesigned version addressing the overheating issues of the original 360 ("Red Ring of Death") with improved cooling and increased hard drive capacity.

Image Credit: iFixit

  • Xbox 360 E (June 10, 2013): Released shortly before the Xbox One, this model featured a design that foreshadowed the One's aesthetic and was the last to use a pop-out disc tray.

Image Credit: iFixit

  • Xbox One (November 22, 2013): The beginning of Microsoft's third generation, boasting increased power, expanded applications, and Kinect 2.0. It also introduced a redesigned controller, which continues to influence subsequent designs.

Image Credit: iFixit

  • Xbox One S (August 2, 2016): The first Xbox to support 4K output and 4K Blu-ray playback, establishing itself as a comprehensive entertainment hub. Its slimmer design was a welcome improvement.

  • Xbox One X (November 7, 2017): The pinnacle of the Xbox One line, delivering true 4K gaming with significant performance improvements over the standard Xbox One.

  • Xbox Series X (November 10, 2020): Microsoft's current flagship console, capable of 120fps, Dolby Vision, and featuring Quick Resume technology.

  • Xbox Series S (November 10, 2020): A more affordable, digital-only entry point to the Xbox Series generation, offering 1440p capabilities.

The Future of Xbox

While specifics remain undisclosed, Microsoft has confirmed work on at least two new consoles: a next-generation home console and a handheld device. Microsoft aims for a "largest technical leap" ever seen in a hardware generation for its next home console.

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