History of Xbox in Timeline
Xbox is a video gaming brand owned by Microsoft Gaming. It encompasses home video game consoles, applications, a cloud gaming service (Xbox Cloud Gaming), and online services like the Xbox network and Xbox Game Pass. Since its launch, Xbox has become a major player in the gaming industry, competing with other console manufacturers like Sony and Nintendo. Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that offers access to a large library of games for a monthly fee.
3 hours ago : Xbox's Future Uncertain Amidst Game Pass Concerns and Console Doubts, Says Analyst
The future of Xbox is debated, with concerns over Game Pass affordability and console strategy. Analyst Michael Pachter suggests Microsoft 'blew it' by focusing on Game Pass, while others question Microsoft's ability to solve Xbox's issues and whether the console is dead.
1996: Atari Jaguar Stops Sales
In 1996, the Atari Jaguar stopped sales, making the Xbox the first console offered by an American company since then.
1999: Sony Announces PlayStation 2
In 1999, Sony Computer Entertainment announced the PlayStation 2, positioning it as a centerpiece for home entertainment with the ability to play video games, audio CDs, and video DVDs, which Microsoft saw as a threat to the personal computer.
2000: Xbox OS Based on Windows 2000
Since the year 2000, the operating systems for all Xbox platforms have been heavily modified versions of the Windows NT operating system. The original Xbox and Xbox 360 system software are based on Windows 2000.
November 15, 2001: Xbox Release in North America
On November 15, 2001, the original Xbox was released in North America, marking Microsoft's debut in the gaming console market and competing with Sony's PlayStation 2, Sega's Dreamcast, and Nintendo's GameCube.
November 2001: Xbox Console Launch in the United States
In November 2001, the original Xbox console was launched in the United States, marking the introduction of the Xbox brand.
2001: Original Xbox Controller Release
In 2001, the original Xbox controller, initially nicknamed the "Fatty" and later the "Duke", was released along with the original Xbox. It featured two analog sticks, a pressure-sensitive directional pad, two analog triggers, a Back button, a Start button, two accessory slots, and six 8-bit analog action buttons.
February 22, 2002: Xbox Release in Japan
On February 22, 2002, the original Xbox was released in Japan.
March 14, 2002: Xbox Release in Australia and Europe
On March 14, 2002, the original Xbox was released in Australia and Europe.
November 15, 2002: Online Gaming Starts on Xbox Live
On November 15, 2002, online gaming on the Xbox first started worldwide with the launch of Xbox Live. The service is still active and played by gamers.
November 2002: Launch of Xbox Live Service
In November 2002, the integrated Xbox Live service was launched, allowing players to play games online with a broadband connection.
2002: Xbox Communicator Headset Launch
In 2002, with the launch of the Xbox Live online service, the Xbox Communicator headset was included with the Live Starter Kit, enabling in-game voice chat. The Communicator consisted of a wired headset and an interface module.
2002: Xbox Dashboard Integration with Xbox Network
Since 2002, the Xbox Dashboard has been integrated with the Xbox network, providing online functionality and storefront options for users to manage games, play media, and access system settings.
November 2004: Halo 2 Release
In November 2004, Halo 2 was released and became the best-selling Xbox video game and the most popular online game for the original Xbox system.
May 12, 2005: Xbox 360 Unveiled on MTV
On May 12, 2005, the Xbox 360 was officially unveiled on MTV, with detailed launch and game information divulged later that month at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).
November 2005: Xbox 360 Wireless Headset Release
In November 2005, Microsoft announced the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset. This first-party single-ear headset accessory was designed for and released with the Xbox 360 console.
November 2005: Release of the Xbox 360
In November 2005, the Xbox 360 was released as the successor of the original Xbox, competing with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles.
2005: Release of the Xbox 360
In 2005, Microsoft released its second console, the Xbox 360.
2005: Xbox 360 Controller Release
In 2005, the Xbox 360 controller was released. The Xbox 360 controller features eleven digital buttons, two analog triggers, two analog sticks, a digital D-pad, four digital action buttons, and digital "Start", "Back" and "Guide" buttons.
May 2006: Original Xbox Sales Reach Over 24 Million Units
By May 2006, the original Xbox had reached over 24 million units sold.
September 2007: Halo 3 Xbox 360 Wireless Headset Special Edition
In September 2007, a special edition of the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset was released, featuring green and orange colors themed for Halo 3.
September 2010: Halo: Reach Xbox 360 Wireless Headset Special Edition
In September 2010, a special edition of the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset was released, featuring silver colors themed for Halo: Reach.
November 4, 2010: Kinect Launch in North America
On November 4, 2010, Kinect was launched in North America. Purchase options included a bundle with the game Kinect Adventures and console bundles with either a 4 GB or 250 GB Xbox 360 console and Kinect Adventures.
November 10, 2010: Kinect Launch in Europe
On November 10, 2010, Kinect was launched in Europe. Purchase options included a bundle with the game Kinect Adventures and console bundles with either a 4 GB or 250 GB Xbox 360 console and Kinect Adventures.
November 18, 2010: Kinect Launch in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore
On November 18, 2010, Kinect was launched in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Purchase options included a bundle with the game Kinect Adventures and console bundles with either a 4 GB or 250 GB Xbox 360 console and Kinect Adventures.
November 20, 2010: Kinect Launch in Japan
On November 20, 2010, Kinect was launched in Japan. Purchase options included a bundle with the game Kinect Adventures and console bundles with either a 4 GB or 250 GB Xbox 360 console and Kinect Adventures.
2010: Updated Xbox 360 Headset Release
In 2010, an updated Xbox 360 Headset was released with black cosmetics, bundled with the Xbox 360 S. The updated wired headset had its mute/volume controls moved to a position inline along the cable.
2010: Release of Xbox 360 S (Slim)
In 2010, the Xbox 360 S (Slim) was launched, featuring a redesigned, slimmer form factor, integrated Wi-Fi, and other improvements, replacing the base Xbox 360 unit.
June 16, 2011: Kinect Software Development Kit Release
On June 16, 2011, Microsoft released the Kinect software development kit for Windows 7. This SDK allowed developers to write Kinecting apps in C++/CLI, C#, or Visual Basic .NET.
2011: Xbox 360 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth Release
In 2011, the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth was released. It could be used with the console (using the Xbox wireless protocol) or a phone (using Bluetooth).
January 2012: Kinect Sets Guinness World Record
In January 2012, Kinect claimed the Guinness World Record of being the "fastest selling consumer electronics device" after selling 8 million units in its first 60 days. A total of 24 million units had been shipped as of this date.
February 1, 2012: Kinect for Windows Release
On February 1, 2012, Microsoft released a version of Kinect for Windows PCs. Kinect is a motion sensing input device that allows users to control and interact with the Xbox 360 and Windows PCs through gestures and spoken commands without a game controller.
October 26, 2012: Xbox App Release
On October 26, 2012, Microsoft released the Xbox app for Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11, iOS, Android, and Windows Server 2012. This release coincided with the launch of Windows 8 and allowed mobile devices to connect with the Xbox console, enabling use as second screens and remote controllers.
2012: Xbox Replaces Zune as Microsoft's Digital Media Entertainment Brand
In 2012, the Xbox branding was used as Microsoft's digital media entertainment brand, replacing Zune.
May 2013: Xbox Wire Launch
In May 2013, Microsoft launched Xbox Wire, a news blog, in preparation for the Xbox One announcement. This marked Microsoft's return to Xbox-focused blogging since the shutdown of Gamerscore in early 2009.
May 21, 2013: Xbox One Announcement
On May 21, 2013, the Xbox One was announced, emphasizing internet-based features and integration with set-top boxes for watching TV.
June 6, 2013: Xbox One Kinect Information Release
On June 6, 2013, additional information on the Xbox One Kinect was released, including details on how to turn off the "always on" feature.
November 2013: Release of the Xbox One
In November 2013, the Xbox One, Microsoft's third console, was released.
November 22, 2013: Xbox One Released in North America
On November 22, 2013, the Xbox One was released in North America as the successor to the Xbox 360, competing with Sony's PlayStation 4 and Nintendo's Wii U and Switch.
2013: Release of Xbox 360 E
In 2013, the Xbox 360 E was released, featuring a case style similar to the upcoming Xbox One and shared the same specifications as the Xbox 360 S.
2013: Xbox One Chat Headset Launch
Starting from launch in 2013, Microsoft bundled the Xbox One Chat Headset with each console. The headset was permanently wired to an interface module that plugged into the controller's expansion port and provided microphone mute and volume controls.
March 2014: Xbox One Stereo Headset Release
In early March 2014, Microsoft released the Xbox One Stereo Headset, bundled with a Stereo Headset Adapter, which allowed players to listen to in-game audio blended with chat simultaneously. Prior headsets released with the Xbox and Xbox 360 were limited to voice chat only.
June 2014: Xbox 360 Sales Reach 84 Million Units
As of June 2014, 84 million Xbox 360 consoles had been sold worldwide.
November 2014: Microsoft Discontinues Xbox One Sales Figures Release
Since November 2014, Microsoft has stated it will not release sales numbers for the Xbox One line to avoid affecting developer focus.
June 2015: Xbox One Adds Backward Compatibility
In June 2015, backward compatibility with Xbox 360 titles was added to Xbox One, a year-and-a-half after its launch.
October 2015: Xbox 360 Sales Reach 86 Million Units
As of October 2015, the Xbox 360 had sold 86 million units.
2015: End of Xbox as a replacement for Zune
In 2015, Microsoft stops using the Xbox brand to replace Zune as its digital media entertainment brand.
September 2016: Xbox FanFest in Sydney
In September 2016, Microsoft held an Xbox FanFest in Sydney.
2016: White Xbox One Stereo Headset Release
In fall 2016, a white-colored special edition of the Xbox One Stereo Headset was released.
June 1, 2017: Xbox Game Pass Launch
On June 1, 2017, Microsoft launched the Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows 10, and Windows 11. It provides users with access to a catalog of games for a monthly fee.
June 2019: Microsoft Shifts Focus to Games and Services
In June 2019, Microsoft Studios was renamed Xbox Game Studios, reflecting a shift in focus toward games, subscriptions, and services rather than solely hardware sales, with Phil Spencer measuring Xbox's success by player engagement.
June 2019: Phil Spencer on Xbox Business Strategy
In June 2019, Phil Spencer stated that Microsoft's Xbox business success is measured by the number of players engaging with its games, subscriptions, and services, rather than console sales.
July 2019: Xbox Network Reaches 65 Million Users
As of July 2019, Xbox network (formerly known as Xbox Live) has over 65 million users worldwide.
February 2020: Xbox Focuses on Cloud Computing
In February 2020, Spencer said Microsoft did not view traditional console manufacturers as its main competitors, but instead saw cloud computing providers as critical competitors, with Microsoft Azure powering Xbox Cloud Gaming and related services.
May 2020: Xbox Parental Control App Preview
In May 2020, Xbox presented a preview version of an app that allows parents and guardians to set daily playtime limits for their children, provides weekly activity reports, filters age-restricted games, and limits online communication. This effort promoted responsible gaming by Microsoft.
November 10, 2020: Launch of Xbox Series X and Series S
On November 10, 2020, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S were launched, marking the fourth generation of Xbox models and competing with the PlayStation 5.
November 2020: Release of the Xbox Series X and Series S
In November 2020, the fourth line of Xbox consoles, the Xbox Series X and Series S, were released.
February 2021: New Xbox Wireless Headset Introduction
In February 2021, a new Xbox Wireless Headset was introduced, targeted for use on the Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows computers. The outer surface of each earcup is a rotary control; the right earcup controls overall volume, and the left earcup controls game/chat mix level.
August 2021: Xbox Stereo Headset Introduction
In August 2021, a corresponding Xbox Stereo Headset, which omits the wireless connections in favor of a standard 3.5mm plug and also omits the game/chat mix control dial, was introduced with a reduced price.
November 15, 2021: Xbox 20th Anniversary Celebration
On November 15, 2021, Microsoft held a 20th anniversary celebration stream for the Xbox. During the celebration, they announced a documentary titled "Power On: The Story of Xbox".
December 13, 2021: Power On: The Story of Xbox Release
On December 13, 2021, the documentary "Power On: The Story of Xbox" was released in six parts.
March 2022: Xbox Wire Japanese Version
In March 2022, Microsoft published a Japanese-language version of the Xbox Wire site as part of their increased focus on the Japanese gaming market.
2022: Xbox Reorganization Under Microsoft Gaming Division
In 2022, Microsoft reorganized Xbox to become part of its newly formed Microsoft Gaming division, expanding its gaming business.
July 2023: Xbox One Sales Figures Revealed
In July 2023, Microsoft revealed that the Xbox One line has sold over 58 million units.
February 2024: Microsoft Reaffirms Commitment to Xbox Consoles
In February 2024, Phil Spencer reiterated Microsoft’s commitment to Xbox console hardware, stating that first-party games would continue to launch “first and foremost” on Xbox platforms and that Microsoft planned to publicly discuss its next generation of hardware later in 2024.
June 2025: Microsoft Reveals Asus ROG Xbox Ally Handheld Devices
At the June 2025 Xbox Showcase, Microsoft revealed the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld devices, which run Windows and support Xbox games alongside other PC storefronts, planned for release by the end of 2025.
June 2025: Microsoft Partners with AMD for Next-Gen Xbox Hardware
In June 2025, Microsoft announced a partnership with AMD to produce the next generation of Xbox hardware.
October 2025: Development Confirmed for Next Xbox Console
In October 2025, amid industry rumors about Microsoft abandoning hardware, Xbox president Sarah Bond confirmed that development work had already started for the next Xbox console.
February 2026: Asha Sharma Succeeds Phil Spencer as Head of Xbox
In February 2026, Asha Sharma succeeded Phil Spencer as the head of Xbox following his retirement.
2026: No Release Date Announced for Next-Gen Xbox
As of 2026, Microsoft has not announced a release date for its next-generation Xbox hardware.
2027: Potential Launch of Next-Gen Xbox
In 2027, Lisa Su, AMD CEO, suggested that the next generation Xbox hardware might be launched.
2028: Possible timeframe for next-gen Xbox
In 2028, leaked FTC documents indicated a possible timeframe for the next-generation Xbox, although Microsoft described the timeframe as based on outdated plans.
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