History of Xbox in Timeline
Xbox is a video gaming brand created by Microsoft Gaming. It encompasses four generations of home video game consoles, a cloud gaming service (Xbox Cloud Gaming), game applications, and online services like Xbox network and Xbox Game Pass. The brand represents Microsoft's foray into the competitive gaming market, offering both hardware and software solutions for gamers.
1920: Monitor Resolutions Available
Various monitor resolutions available via VGA and HDMI/DVI (640×480, 848×480, 1024×768, 1280×720, 1280×768, 1280×1024, 1360×768, 1440×900, 1680×1050 & 1920×1080).
1996: Atari Jaguar Stopped Sales
In 1996, Atari Jaguar stopped sales, after which Xbox was the first console offered by an American Company.
1999: PlayStation 2 Announcement
In 1999, Sony Computer Entertainment announced the PlayStation 2, positioning it as a centerpiece for home entertainment capable of playing video games, audio CDs, and video DVDs.
2000: Xbox System Software Based on Windows 2000
The original Xbox and the Xbox 360 system software are based on Windows 2000.
November 15, 2001: Original Xbox North America Release
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: Original Xbox console launch
In November 2001, the original Xbox console was launched in the United States, marking the introduction of the Xbox brand.
2001: Xbox Controller Release
In 2001, the Xbox control pad, the first controller for the original Xbox, was released. It featured analog sticks, a pressure-sensitive directional pad, analog triggers, and six analog action buttons. The original Xbox controller, nicknamed the "Fatty" or "Duke", was bundled with Xbox systems in all territories except Japan, which received the more compact Controller S.
February 22, 2002: Original Xbox Japan Release
On February 22, 2002, the original Xbox was released in Japan.
March 14, 2002: Original Xbox Australia and Europe Release
On March 14, 2002, the original Xbox was released in Australia and Europe.
November 15, 2002: Xbox Live Online Gaming Start
Online gaming on the Xbox first started on November 15, 2002, worldwide.
November 2002: Xbox Live Service Launch
In November 2002, the integrated Xbox Live service launched, enabling players to play games online with a broadband connection.
2002: Xbox Live and Communicator Headset Launch
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.
2002: Xbox Dashboard Integration
Since 2002, the Xbox Dashboard has been integrated with the Xbox network, providing online functionality and storefront options.
November 2004: Halo 2 Release
In November 2004, Halo 2 was released, becoming the best-selling Xbox video game and most popular online game for the original Xbox system.
May 12, 2005: Xbox 360 Unveiling on MTV
On May 12, 2005, the Xbox 360 was officially unveiled on MTV.
November 2005: Xbox 360 Wireless Headset Release
In November 2005, Microsoft released the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset, a first-party single-ear headset accessory designed for and released with the Xbox 360 console.
November 2005: Xbox 360 Release
In November 2005, the Xbox 360 was released as the successor to the original Xbox.
2005: Xbox 360 Release
In 2005, Microsoft's second console, the Xbox 360, was released.
May 2006: Original Xbox Sales Milestone
By May 2006, the original Xbox had sold over 24 million units.
September 2007: Halo 3 Themed Wireless Headset Release
In September 2007, a special edition of the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset was released with colors themed for Halo 3 (green/orange).
September 2010: Halo: Reach Themed Wireless Headset Release
In September 2010, a special edition of the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset was released with colors themed for Halo: Reach (silver).
November 4, 2010: Kinect Launch in North America
On November 4, 2010, Kinect was launched in North America. Purchase options for the sensor peripheral 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 for the sensor peripheral 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 for the sensor peripheral 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 for the sensor peripheral 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 with black cosmetics was released, bundled with the Xbox 360 S. For the revised wired headset, the mute/volume controls were moved to a position inline along the cable.
2010: Xbox 360 S Launch
In 2010, the Xbox 360 S (Slim) was launched, featuring a redesigned, slimmer form factor with a smaller-sized 250 GB hard drive and other enhancements.
June 16, 2011: Kinect SDK for Windows 7 Release
On June 16, 2011, Microsoft released the Kinect software development kit (SDK) for Windows 7. This SDK was intended to allow developers to write Kinect applications 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, replacing the previous model. The new headset could be used with the console (using the Xbox wireless protocol) or a phone (using Bluetooth).
January 2012: Kinect Sets Sales Record
In January 2012, the Kinect claimed the Guinness World Record for being the "fastest selling consumer electronics device" after selling 8 million units in its first 60 days. By this time, 24 million Kinect sensor units had been shipped.
February 1, 2012: Kinect for Windows Release
On February 1, 2012, the version of Kinect for Windows was released. Kinect is a motion sensing input device by Microsoft for the Xbox 360 video game console and Windows PCs. It enables users to control and interact with the Xbox 360 without a controller through gestures and spoken commands.
October 26, 2012: Xbox App Release
On October 26, 2012, coinciding with the release of Windows 8, the Xbox app was released, enabling more interactive entertainment by connecting with the console and allowing mobile devices to serve as second screens and remote controllers.
May 2013: Xbox Wire Launch
In May 2013, Microsoft launched Xbox Wire, Xbox's news blog, in preparation for the announcement of the Xbox One.
May 21, 2013: Xbox One Announcement
On May 21, 2013, the Xbox One was announced, emphasizing internet-based features such as gameplay recording and streaming, integration with set-top boxes for cable/satellite TV, and Kinect-based voice control.
June 6, 2013: Xbox One Kinect "Always On" Feature Details Released
On June 6, 2013, additional information was released regarding the Xbox One Kinect, including information about how to turn off the "always on" feature.
November 2013: Xbox One Release
In November 2013, the Xbox One was released.
November 22, 2013: Xbox One North America Release
On November 22, 2013, the Xbox One was released in North America as the successor to the Xbox 360.
2013: Xbox 360 E Release
In 2013, the Xbox 360 E was released, featuring a case style similar to the upcoming Xbox One.
2013: Xbox One Chat Headset Bundled with Consoles
Starting from launch in 2013, Microsoft bundled the Xbox One Chat Headset with each console. The headset was wired to an interface module that plugged into the controller's expansion port and provided 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. This allowed players to listen to in-game audio blended with chat simultaneously, a feature not available in prior Xbox and Xbox 360 headsets. The Adapter connected to the controller's expansion port and headset jack, and the Headset connected to the Adapter through a 3.5mm plug.
March 2014: Phil Spencer becomes head of Xbox
In late March 2014, Phil Spencer succeeded Marc Whitten as the head of Xbox.
June 2014: Xbox 360 Sales Milestone
As of June 2014, 84 million Xbox 360 consoles have been sold worldwide.
November 2014: Microsoft Stops Reporting Xbox One Sales Numbers
Since November 2014, Microsoft has stated it will not release sales numbers for the Xbox One line, opting not to report further sales of Xbox hardware going forward.
June 2015: Xbox One Backward Compatibility
In June 2015, backward compatibility with Xbox 360 titles was added to Xbox One.
October 2015: Xbox 360 Sales Milestone
As of October 2015, the Xbox 360 had sold 86 million units.
2016: White Xbox One Stereo Headset Special Edition 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, the Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service from Microsoft for use with the Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows 10 and Windows 11, was launched.
2017: Xbox One X Unveiled
In 2017, Microsoft unveiled Xbox One X, a high-end model with improved hardware designed to facilitate the playing of games at 4K resolution.
June 2019: Xbox Game Studios Renaming and Business Strategy
In June 2019, Microsoft shifted focus towards prioritizing games, subscriptions, and services for players. The company renamed Microsoft Studios to Xbox Game Studios, and Phil Spencer emphasized that the business's success is measured by player engagement rather than console sales.
July 2019: Xbox network Users
As of July 2019, Xbox network (formerly known as Xbox Live) is an online service with over 65 million users worldwide.
2019: Content Filtering Release
In 2019, Microsoft released a content filtering to stop toxicity in online gaming. The service enables players to report messages, Gamertags, photos, and any other toxic content on its platform.
February 2020: Microsoft's Evolving Competitive Landscape
In February 2020, Phil Spencer stated that Microsoft views cloud computing services like Amazon and Google, rather than traditional gaming companies like Nintendo and Sony, as their primary competitors. He highlighted Microsoft Azure's role in powering Xbox Cloud Gaming and the potential of mobile gaming.
May 2020: 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.
November 10, 2020: Xbox Series X and Series S Launch
On November 10, 2020, the fourth generation of Xbox models, including the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, launched.
November 2020: Xbox Series X and Series S Release
In November 2020, the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles were released.
February 2021: 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. It is equipped with both proprietary Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth radios, and could be connected to both simultaneously.
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 about the history of the Xbox, titled Power On: The Story of Xbox.
December 13, 2021: Power On: The Story of Xbox Documentary Release
On December 13, 2021, the documentary Power On: The Story of Xbox was released in six parts. The documentary would later win the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Single Camera Editing.
March 2022: Japanese-Language Xbox Wire Publication
In March 2022, a Japanese-language version of the Xbox Wire site was published as part of Microsoft's focus on the Japanese gaming market.
2022: Xbox Reorganization
In 2022, Microsoft reorganized Xbox into the Microsoft Gaming division, expanding its gaming business to include Xbox Game Studios, ZeniMax Media (Bethesda Softworks), and Activision Blizzard (Activision, Blizzard Entertainment, and King).
July 2023: Xbox One Line Sales Revealed
In July 2023, Microsoft revealed that the Xbox One line has sold over 58 million units.
February 2024: Microsoft's Commitment to Xbox Consoles
In February 2024, Phil Spencer stated that Microsoft remains committed to the Xbox console, with its first party studios through Microsoft Gaming supporting day-one releases on the Xbox first and foremost. He further said that Microsoft plans to publicly discuss its next generation of hardware in late 2024.
Mentioned in this timeline
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