Every Xbox Console: A Full History of Release Dates

Xbox, one of the leading gaming console brands, has been a major player in the gaming market since its debut in 2001. Microsoft's continuous innovation has transformed Xbox from a newcomer into a household name, expanding its reach beyond gaming to encompass TV, multimedia, and the popular Xbox Game Pass subscription service. As we approach the midpoint of the current console generation, let's explore the rich history of Xbox consoles.

Looking for great deals on Xbox consoles or games? Check out the best Xbox deals available today!

How Many Xbox Consoles Have There Been?

There have been a total of nine Xbox consoles across four generations. Since the original Xbox launched in 2001, Microsoft has consistently released new consoles with enhanced hardware, controllers, and features. This count includes console revisions, which offered improvements like better cooling and increased speed.

Latest Budget Option

Xbox Series S (512GB - Robot White)

1See it at Amazon

Every Xbox Console in Order of Release

Xbox - November 15, 2001

The original Xbox, released in November 2001, competed against the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. This marked Microsoft's entry into the console market, and the launch title, *Halo: Combat Evolved*, became a massive success, establishing a legacy that continues to this day. Many classic original Xbox games remain fondly remembered.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

The Xbox 360, launched as an established brand, focused on multiplayer gaming. Microsoft introduced innovations like Kinect, a motion-sensing input device. With over 84 million units sold, it remains the most successful Xbox console, and its game library is still highly regarded.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

The Xbox 360 S offered a slimmer design and addressed the overheating issues of its predecessor, the infamous "Red Ring of Death," with a redesigned cooling system. It also boasted increased hard drive storage options, up to 320GB.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

The Xbox 360 E, released shortly before the Xbox One, featured a design that foreshadowed the next generation's aesthetics. It was notable for being the last Xbox console with a pop-out disc tray.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

The Xbox One ushered in Microsoft's third console generation, offering increased power and expanded application possibilities. Kinect 2.0 and a redesigned controller accompanied its launch.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

The Xbox One S supported 4K output and acted as a 4K Blu-ray player, expanding its role as a home entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, and the console featured a 40% smaller design.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

The Xbox One X delivered true 4K gaming with a significantly improved GPU and enhanced cooling. It offered substantial performance boosts for many Xbox One titles.

Xbox Series X - November 10, 2020

The Xbox Series X, announced at The Game Awards 2019, boasts 120fps capabilities, Dolby Vision support, and frame rate/resolution boosting for older games. The Quick Resume feature allows seamless transitions between games.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

The Xbox Series S, launched alongside the Series X, provided a more affordable entry point to the Xbox ecosystem as a digital-only console. A 1TB model was released in 2023.

Future Xbox Consoles

While no specific hardware announcements have been made beyond the Series X|S, Microsoft has confirmed work on at least two new consoles: a next-gen Xbox and a handheld Xbox. Microsoft aims for its next home console to represent "the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation."