History of Xbox in Timeline

Xbox is a video gaming brand owned by Microsoft Gaming. It encompasses a series of home video game consoles (including Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S), online services like Xbox network and Xbox Game Pass, the Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming service, and related applications. The brand represents Microsoft's entry and continuing presence in the competitive video game console market.

2000: Xbox Platforms Based on Windows 2000

The operating systems for all Xbox platforms are heavily modified versions of the Windows NT operating system; the original Xbox and the Xbox 360 system software are based on Windows 2000.

2001: Original Xbox Controller Released

Released in 2001, the Xbox control pad was the first controller made for the original Xbox. The original Xbox controller was initially bundled with Xbox systems for all territories except Japan, which received a more compact controller called the Controller S.

2002: Xbox Communicator Headset Launched

In 2002, when the Xbox Live online service was launched, the Xbox Communicator headset was included with the Live Starter Kit. The Communicator enabled in-game voice chat and consisted of a wired headset and an interface module.

2002: Xbox Dashboard Integrated with Xbox Network

Since 2002, the Xbox Dashboard has been integrated with the Xbox network, providing online functionality and storefront options.

May 12, 2005: Xbox 360 Unveiled on MTV

On May 12, 2005, the Xbox 360 was officially unveiled on MTV, with more details on the launch and games revealed later that month at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).

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November 2005: Xbox 360 Wireless Headset Released

In November 2005, Microsoft announced the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset, a first-party single-ear headset accessory designed for and released with the Xbox 360 console.

2005: Xbox 360 Controller Released

Released in 2005, the Xbox 360 controller for the Xbox 360 succeeded its predecessor. A standard Xbox 360 controller features eleven digital buttons, two analog triggers, two analog sticks and a digital D-pad.

September 2007: Halo 3 Themed Xbox 360 Wireless Headset Released

In September 2007, a special edition of the Xbox 360 wireless headset with colors themed for Halo 3 (green/orange) was released.

2009: Gamerscore Shut Down

In early 2009, Microsoft shut down Gamerscore, before Xbox Wire launched in May 2013.

September 2010: Halo: Reach Themed Xbox 360 Wireless Headset Released

In September 2010, a special edition of the Xbox 360 wireless headset was released with silver colors themed for Halo: Reach.

November 4, 2010: Kinect Launched in North America

On November 4, 2010, Kinect was launched in North America.

November 10, 2010: Kinect Launched in Europe

On November 10, 2010, Kinect was launched in Europe.

November 18, 2010: Kinect Launched in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore

On November 18, 2010, Kinect was launched in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

November 20, 2010: Kinect Launched in Japan

On November 20, 2010, Kinect was launched in Japan.

2010: Updated Xbox 360 Headset Released

In 2010, an updated Xbox 360 Headset was released with black cosmetics, bundled with the Xbox 360 S; for the revised wired headset, the mute/volume controls were moved to a position inline along the cable.

June 16, 2011: Kinect Software Development Kit for Windows 7 Released

On June 16, 2011, Microsoft released Kinect software development kit for Windows 7, allowing developers to write Kinecting apps in C++/CLI, C#, or Visual Basic .NET.

2011: Xbox 360 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth Released

In 2011, the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth was released, which could be used with the console (using the Xbox wireless protocol) or a phone (using Bluetooth).

January 2012: Kinect Claims Guinness World Record

In January 2012, the Kinect claimed the Guinness World Record of being the "fastest selling consumer electronics device" after selling a total of 8 million units in its first 60 days.

February 1, 2012: Kinect for Windows released

On February 1, 2012, a version of the Kinect for Windows was released.

October 26, 2012: Xbox app released

On October 26, 2012, Microsoft released the Xbox app, a companion application available for Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11, iOS, Android, and Windows Server 2012. The release of the app on October 26, 2012, coincided with the release of Windows 8. It connects with the console and allows more interactive entertainment, potentially serving as second screens and remote controllers for mobile devices.

May 2013: Xbox Wire launched

In May 2013, Microsoft launched Xbox Wire, Xbox's news blog, 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.

June 6, 2013: Xbox One Kinect "Always On" Feature Details Released

On June 6, 2013, additional information on the Xbox One Kinect was released, including details on how to turn off the "always on" feature.

2013: Xbox One Chat Headset Bundled with Console

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 Released

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.

September 2016: Xbox FanFest Held in Sydney

In September 2016, Microsoft held an Xbox FanFest in Sydney.

2016: White Xbox One Stereo Headset Released

In fall 2016, a white-colored special edition of the Xbox One Stereo Headset was released.

June 1, 2017: Xbox Game Pass launched

On June 1, 2017, Microsoft launched Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows 10 and Windows 11, granting users access to a catalog of games from various publishers for a single monthly subscription price.

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 limits for their children's playing time, provides weekly activity reports, filters out age-restricted games, and places limits on online communication, promoting responsible gaming.

February 2021: New Xbox Wireless Headset Introduced

In February 2021, a new Xbox Wireless Headset was introduced, targeted for use on the Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows computers. It is equipped with both proprietary Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth radios, and could be connected to both simultaneously.

August 2021: Xbox Stereo Headset Introduced

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 Stream

On November 15, 2021, Microsoft held a 20th anniversary celebration stream for the Xbox. During the event, they announced the documentary "Power On: The Story of Xbox."

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December 13, 2021: Power On: The Story of Xbox Documentary Released

On December 13, 2021, the documentary "Power On: The Story of Xbox" was released in six parts.

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March 2022: Xbox Wire Japanese Version Published

In March 2022, a Japanese-language version of Xbox Wire was published as part of Microsoft's focus on the Japanese gaming market.

2022: Xbox Reorganization Under Microsoft Gaming

In 2022, Microsoft expanded its gaming business and reorganized Xbox to become part of the newly formed Microsoft Gaming division.

February 2024: Microsoft Reaffirms Commitment to Xbox Hardware

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 and ROG Xbox Ally X Handhelds

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 Announces AMD Partnership for Next-Gen Xbox Hardware

In June 2025, Microsoft announced a strategic partnership with AMD to co-engineer silicon for the next generation of Xbox hardware across a range of devices, including future consoles and cloud infrastructure. Xbox president Sarah Bond also confirmed that development had begun on 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 Spencer's retirement.

March 2026: Project Helix Codenamed for Next Xbox

In March 2026, the codename for the next Xbox, Project Helix, was announced. The console is expected to support both Xbox and Windows games, with more information planned at the Game Developers Conference.