Xbox has cemented its place as one of the three leading console brands available today. Since its launch in 2001, Microsoft has consistently pushed the envelope with innovative consoles and unique features with each new release. From an unknown brand, Xbox has evolved into a household name, expanding into TV, multimedia, and its renowned Xbox Game Pass subscription. As we reach the midpoint of this console generation, it's the perfect time to explore the rich history of Xbox consoles.
AnswerSee ResultsLooking to save on an Xbox or new titles for your system? Be sure to check out the best Xbox deals available today.In total, there have been nine Xbox consoles released across four generations. The journey began with the first Xbox in 2001, and since then, Microsoft has introduced new consoles with enhanced hardware, innovative controllers, and more. This count includes console revisions, which are updated models with improved cooling, faster speeds, and other enhancements.
Latest Budget Option### Xbox Series S (512GB - Robot White)
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 world, setting the stage for the Xbox brand. Halo: Combat Evolved was the flagship launch title, becoming a pivotal hit that helped 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 of the original Xbox's best games still fondly remembered.
As Microsoft's second console, the Xbox 360 hit the market with a well-established brand identity, particularly known for its multiplayer focus. This console introduced numerous innovations, including new accessories and peripherals like the Kinect, which revolutionized gameplay through motion tracking. The Xbox 360 became the most successful Xbox console to date, selling over 84 million units. Many of its best games continue to be celebrated today.
Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox 360 S offered a sleeker design and significant internal upgrades over the original model. It addressed the notorious "Red Ring of Death" issue with a completely redesigned cooling system. Additionally, the 360 S came with increased hard drive space, up to 320GB, across its various models.
Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox 360 E stands out as a unique release, launching just months before the next-generation Xbox One. Its design was crafted to complement the upcoming Xbox One, featuring slimmer and less rounded edges. It was also the last Xbox to include a pop-out disc drive, as future models integrated the drive internally.
Image Credit: iFixitMarking the beginning of Microsoft's third console generation, the Xbox One brought increased power and new applications, opening up fresh possibilities for developers. It launched with the Kinect 2.0, offering new ways to interact with games and the system. The Xbox One Controller also saw a significant redesign, focusing on comfort and playability, a design that continues to be used with minor tweaks in subsequent generations.
With the Xbox One S, Microsoft introduced the first Xbox console to support 4K output and serve as a 4K Blu-ray player, transforming it into a versatile entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, enhancing visuals on compatible displays. The console itself was 40% smaller than the original Xbox One, making it easier to fit into various spaces.
As the final model in the Xbox One line, the Xbox One X delivered true 4K gameplay. Its GPU boasted a 31% performance increase over the standard Xbox One, with new cooling methods to manage the additional heat. A key feature was its ability to enhance performance on numerous Xbox One titles, including Halo 5: Guardians, Cyberpunk 2077, and Forza Horizon 4.
Unveiled at The Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X offers capabilities like 120 frames-per-second, Dolby Vision, and the ability to boost frame rates and resolutions of older games. A standout feature is Quick Resume, allowing seamless transitions between multiple games. Currently, the Series X remains Microsoft's flagship console, and you can explore some of the best games available for it.
Launched alongside the Xbox Series X, the Xbox Series S provides an affordable entry into the Xbox ecosystem. Priced at $299, this digital-only console lacks a disc drive but offers 512GB of storage and supports up to 1440p resolution. In 2023, a 1TB model was released, providing more storage for gamers.
With its next home console, Microsoft aims to deliver "the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation."
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