Xbox

Xbox is a video gaming brand that includes several home video game console lines, online services, and a streaming service. It is owned by the Xbox division of Microsoft and is a big part of the world of gaming.

The brand was first introduced in the United States in November 2001 with the launch of the original Xbox console. This was the first console made by an American company after the Atari Jaguar stopped selling in 1996. Over the years, Xbox has released many popular consoles, including the Xbox 360, Xbox One, and the latest Xbox Series X and Series S.

Today, Xbox offers not just consoles but also online services like the Xbox network and Xbox Game Pass, as well as a streaming service called Xbox Cloud Gaming. These services let players download games, play online with friends, and stream games directly to their devices. The head of Xbox is Asha Sharma, who took over after Phil Spencer retired in February 2026.

History

When Sony Computer Entertainment introduced the PlayStation 2 in 1999, Microsoft decided to make its own game console. Four Microsoft engineers began planning a new console that would use parts found in regular computers. This made it easier for game makers who already used Windows to create games for the new system.

The console was named "Xbox" after tests showed it was the most popular name. Microsoft has since grown the Xbox brand to include services and games. They want to reach players on consoles, computers, and mobile devices. In 2025, Microsoft announced plans to work with AMD on future Xbox devices, keeping the brand evolving.

Consoles

First generation: Xbox

The original Xbox came out in North America on November 15, 2001. It was Microsoft's first try at making a gaming console and was part of the sixth generation of video game consoles. The Xbox played against other popular consoles like Sony's PlayStation 2 and Nintendo's GameCube. It had new technology for the time and started the Xbox Live online gaming service in 2002. This let players connect and play with others over the internet.

Second generation: Xbox 360

The Xbox 360, released in 2005, kept Microsoft going strong in gaming as part of the seventh generation of consoles. It played against the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii. The Xbox 360 made its first version better with improved graphics and more online features through Xbox Live. Over time, it got updates like the slimmer Xbox 360 S model and the Xbox 360 E, which made the design and features better.

Third generation: Xbox One

The Xbox One, launched in 2013, was part of the eighth generation of consoles and played against the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo's Wii U. It focused on online features and working with other devices. Updates like the Xbox One S and Xbox One X made improvements such as better graphics and support for 4K video.

Fourth generation: Xbox Series X and Series S

The latest generation includes the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, released in 2020. These consoles are part of the ninth generation, playing against the PlayStation 5. They have strong hardware, support for high-resolution gaming, and features like real-time ray-tracing. Both consoles can play older Xbox games, giving players a large library of titles.

Fifth generation: Project Helix

Microsoft’s plan for the next generation of Xbox is to grow the Xbox brand beyond just consoles to include services and cloud gaming. While specific details about the next console, codenamed Project Helix, are still being worked on, Microsoft has said that planning is happening for future hardware. The company keeps focusing on gaming services and experiences as a big part of its strategy.

Games

Main articles: List of Xbox games, List of Xbox 360 games, List of Xbox One games, and List of Xbox Series X and Series S games

See also: List of Xbox Live games on Windows 8.x, List of Xbox Live games on Windows 10, and List of Xbox Live games on Windows Phone

Each Xbox console has many fun games to play. Most games from the original Xbox can still be played on newer consoles like the Xbox 360, Xbox One, and the Xbox Series X/S. This means you can enjoy older games on the latest systems. Xbox games are also available on computers, phones, and tablets through services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, making it easy to play your favorite games wherever you are.

Services

Microsoft used a strategy called the razor and blades model to sell Xbox consoles. This means they sold the consoles for a low price and earned money from services and licensing fees.

The Xbox network (formerly Xbox Live) is an online service with many users. It has an online market where players can buy and download games. Online gaming on Xbox started in 2002 and is still popular.

There is also Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service that lets users play many games for one monthly fee. It began in 2017 and works on Xbox and Windows computers.

Xbox network

Microsoft Store

Main article: Microsoft Store

Xbox App

Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming

Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Wire

Xbox Wire is Xbox's news blog, started by Microsoft in May 2013. It was Microsoft's first Xbox-focused blog since closing Gamerscore in early 2009. In March 2022, a Japanese version of the site was launched.

Software

The main interface for all Xbox consoles is called the Xbox Dashboard. It helps users manage their games, play music and videos, and change settings. Since 2002, the Dashboard has been connected to the Xbox network. This lets players connect online and buy games.

Xbox uses a special version of the Windows NT operating system. Older consoles like the original Xbox and Xbox 360 use Windows 2000. Newer ones like the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S use Windows 11. This allows these consoles to run some apps made for Windows computers.

In May 2020, Xbox introduced a preview of the Xbox Family Settings App. This app helps parents set daily play limits, get weekly activity reports, and filter out games not suitable for children. This shows Microsoft's effort to support responsible gaming for families.

Controllers

Released in 2001, the Xbox controller was the first made for the original Xbox. It had two analog sticks, a directional pad, two triggers, and several buttons including A, B, X, and Y.

The Xbox 360 controller, released in 2005, improved on its predecessor. It featured eleven buttons, two analog sticks, and two triggers. The controller also included a digital D-pad and special buttons for starting and accessing menus.

The Xbox One controller, released with the Xbox One, brought many improvements over the 360's controller. It introduced new buttons and impulse triggers. The Xbox Series X/S Controller built on this design, adding a capture button, a hybrid D-pad, and better grip on the bumpers and triggers. It works with PC's and mobile devices.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller is a special design for accessibility. It is larger than typical controllers and has extra ports for connecting other devices. It works not just with Xbox and Windows, but also with PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.

Other accessories

Kinect

Main article: Kinect

Kinect is a special device made by Microsoft for the Xbox 360 and Windows computers. It lets players control games using hand movements and voice commands instead of a regular game controller. This made gaming more fun for many people.

Kinect first came out in North America on November 4, 2010, and later in other parts of the world. It became very popular.

Headsets

When Xbox Live, the online service for Xbox, started in 2002, players could talk to each other using a special wired headset called the Xbox Communicator. Later, Xbox 360 controllers had a built-in spot for headsets, so players didn’t need an extra piece.

In 2005, Microsoft introduced the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset. Special colors came out for popular games.

For the Xbox One, Microsoft made new headsets, including the Xbox One Chat Headset and the Xbox One Stereo Headset. In 2021, the Xbox Wireless Headset was released, working with both Xbox One and newer consoles, and also with Windows computers.

Marketing

In 2016, Microsoft had its own Xbox FanFest instead of a press conference at the Gamescom event in Europe. In November 2021, Microsoft celebrated the 20th anniversary of Xbox with a special stream. During this celebration, they announced a documentary called Power On: The Story of Xbox. The documentary came out in six parts starting December 13, 2021. It even won an award called the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Single Camera Editing.