Xbox

Xbox is a video gaming brand that includes several home video game console lines, online services, and a streaming service. Owned by the Xbox division of Microsoft, it has become 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 saw it as a challenge to its personal computer business. In response, four Microsoft engineers started planning a new console that would use parts common with PCs. This made it easier for game creators who already worked with Windows to develop games for the new system.

The console was eventually named "Xbox" after consumer tests showed it was the most popular choice. Microsoft has since expanded the Xbox brand to include services and games, aiming to reach players wherever they choose to play, whether on consoles, computers, or mobile devices. In 2025, Microsoft announced plans to work with AMD on future Xbox devices, ensuring the brand continues to evolve.

Consoles

First generation: Xbox

The original Xbox was released in North America on November 15, 2001. It marked Microsoft's first entry into the gaming console market and was part of the sixth generation of video game consoles. The Xbox competed with other popular consoles like Sony's PlayStation 2 and Nintendo's GameCube. It featured advanced technology for its time and introduced the Xbox Live online gaming service in 2002, allowing players to connect and play with others over the internet.

Second generation: Xbox 360

The Xbox 360, released in 2005, continued Microsoft's success in the gaming world as part of the seventh generation of consoles. It competed with the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii. The Xbox 360 improved on its predecessor with better graphics and more online features through Xbox Live. Over the years, it saw updates like the slimmer Xbox 360 S model and the Xbox 360 E, which refined the design and features.

Third generation: Xbox One

The Xbox One, launched in 2013, was part of the eighth generation of consoles and faced competition from the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo's Wii U. It focused on online features and integration with other devices. Updates like the Xbox One S and Xbox One X brought 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, competing with the PlayStation 5. They offer powerful hardware, support for high-resolution gaming, and features like real-time ray-tracing. Both consoles are backward compatible with older Xbox games, ensuring a wide library of titles for players.

Fifth generation: Project Helix

Microsoft’s approach to the next generation of Xbox focuses on expanding the Xbox brand beyond just consoles to include services and cloud gaming. While specific details about the next console, codenamed Project Helix, are still under development, Microsoft has confirmed that planning is underway for future hardware. The company continues to emphasize gaming services and experiences as key to 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 even 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 at a low price and made money from services and licensing fees.

The Xbox network (formerly Xbox Live) is an online service with millions of users. It includes an online market where players can buy and download games. Online gaming on Xbox began in 2002 and is still popular today.

There is also Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service that lets users access many games for one monthly fee. It started 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, launched by Microsoft in May 2013 in preparation for the announcement of the Xbox One. It was Microsoft's first Xbox-focused blog since it shut down Gamerscore in early 2009. In March 2022, a Japanese-language version of the site was published as part of Microsoft's focus on the Japanese gaming market.

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, which 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, while newer ones like the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S use Windows 11. This allows these consoles to run certain 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, filter out games not suitable for children, and control online communication. This feature 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 forty 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 helped make gaming more fun for lots of different people.

Kinect first came out in North America on November 4, 2010, and later in other parts of the world. It became very popular, selling 8 million units in its first two months on the market.

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, which could work without wires. Special colors came out for popular games like Halo 3.

For the Xbox One, Microsoft made new headsets, including the Xbox One Chat Headset and the Xbox One Stereo Headset, which let players hear game sounds and chat at the same time. 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 decided to hold its own Xbox FanFest instead of a press conference at the Gamescom event in Europe. Later, 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, which came out in six parts starting December 13, 2021. The documentary even won an award called the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Single Camera Editing.