History of Xbox in Timeline
Xbox is a video gaming brand by Microsoft Gaming, encompassing five generations of home video game consoles. It extends beyond hardware to include applications (games), Xbox Cloud Gaming for streaming, and online services like the Xbox network and Xbox Game Pass. These offerings collectively form Microsoft's gaming ecosystem, delivering diverse entertainment and gaming experiences.
November 15, 2001: 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.
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.
February 22, 2002: Xbox Japan Release
On February 22, 2002, the original Xbox was released in Japan.
March 14, 2002: Xbox Australia and Europe Release
On March 14, 2002, the original Xbox was released in Australia and Europe.
November 15, 2002: Online Gaming on Xbox Started
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 was launched, allowing players to play games online with a broadband connection.
2002: Launch of Xbox Live and the Xbox Communicator Headset
In 2002, the Xbox Live online service was launched, and the Xbox Communicator headset, enabling in-game voice chat, was included with the Live Starter Kit.
2002: Xbox Dashboard Integration with Xbox Network
Since 2002, the Xbox Dashboard has been integrated with the Xbox network, which provides 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 Unveiled
On May 12, 2005, the Xbox 360 was officially unveiled on MTV.
November 2005: Release of the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset
In November 2005, Microsoft released the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset alongside 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: Release of the Xbox 360 Controller
In 2005, the Xbox 360 controller was released, featuring eleven digital buttons, two analog triggers, two analog sticks, and a digital D-pad.
May 2006: Original Xbox Sales Milestone
By May 2006, the original Xbox had reached over 24 million units sold.
September 2007: Halo 3 Themed Xbox 360 Wireless Headset Released
In September 2007, a special edition of the Xbox 360 wireless headset was released with colors themed for Halo 3.
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 colors themed for Halo: Reach.
November 4, 2010: Kinect Launch in North America
On November 4, 2010, Kinect was launched in North America, bundled with the game Kinect Adventures.
November 10, 2010: Kinect Launch in Europe
On November 10, 2010, Kinect was launched in Europe, expanding its availability beyond North America.
November 18, 2010: Kinect Launch in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore
On November 18, 2010, Kinect was launched in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, further extending its global reach.
November 20, 2010: Kinect Launch in Japan
On November 20, 2010, Kinect was launched in Japan, completing its initial global rollout.
2010: Release of Updated Xbox 360 Live Communicator Headset
In 2010, an updated Xbox 360 Live Communicator headset with black cosmetics was released, bundled with the Xbox 360 S console.
2010: Xbox 360 S Launch
In 2010, the Xbox 360 S (Slim) was launched, featuring a redesigned form factor and hardware improvements.
June 16, 2011: Release of Kinect Software Development Kit for Windows 7
On June 16, 2011, Microsoft released the Kinect software development kit for Windows 7, allowing developers to write Kinect applications in C++/CLI, C#, or Visual Basic .NET.
2011: Replacement of Xbox 360 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth
In 2011, the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset was replaced by the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth, which could be used with the console or a phone.
January 2012: Kinect Claims Guinness World 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.
February 1, 2012: Kinect for Windows Release
On February 1, 2012, the version of Kinect for Windows was released, allowing users to interact with Windows PCs using gestures and spoken commands.
October 26, 2012: Xbox App Release
On October 26, 2012, the Xbox app was released, coinciding with the release of Windows 8, allowing more interactive entertainment with console connectivity.
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 and integration with set-top boxes.
June 6, 2013: Xbox One Kinect "Always On" Feature Information Released
On June 6, 2013, additional information was released regarding the Xbox One Kinect, including how to turn off the "always on" feature, addressing user privacy concerns.
November 2013: Xbox One Release
In November 2013, the Xbox One was released.
November 22, 2013: Xbox One 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 Xbox One.
2013: Xbox One Chat Headset Bundled with Console Launch
Starting from the launch in 2013, Microsoft bundled the Xbox One Chat Headset with each console.
March 2014: Release of Xbox One Stereo Headset
In early March 2014, Microsoft released the Xbox One Stereo Headset, bundled with a Stereo Headset Adapter.
March 2014: Phil Spencer Appointed Head of Xbox
In late March 2014, Phil Spencer succeeded Marc Whitten as the head of Xbox.
June 2014: Xbox 360 Sales Update
As of June 2014, 84 million Xbox 360 consoles had 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 to prevent developers from focusing on sales numbers.
June 2015: Xbox One Backward Compatibility Added
In June 2015, backward compatibility with Xbox 360 titles was added to the Xbox One, a year-and-a-half after its launch.
October 2015: Xbox 360 Sales Update
As of October 2015, the Xbox 360 had sold 86 million units.
2016: Release of White-Colored Special Edition Xbox One Stereo Headset
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, Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service for use with Xbox and Windows, was launched.
2017: Xbox One X Unveiling
In 2017, Microsoft unveiled the Xbox One X, a high-end model with improved hardware for playing games at 4K resolution.
June 2019: Xbox Game Studios Renaming
In June 2019, Phil Spencer stated that Microsoft's business model shifted from console sales to player engagement, emphasizing games, subscriptions, and services.
July 2019: Xbox Network Userbase Milestone
As of July 2019, Xbox network (formerly known as Xbox Live) had over 65 million users worldwide.
2019: Content Filtering Release
In 2019, Microsoft released content filtering to stop toxicity in online gaming.
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.
November 10, 2020: Xbox Series X and Series S Launch
On November 10, 2020, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S were launched, marking the fourth generation of Xbox models.
November 2020: Xbox Series X and Series S Release
In November 2020, the Xbox Series X and Series S were released, marking the fourth line of Xbox consoles.
February 2021: Introduction of New Xbox Wireless Headset
In February 2021, a new Xbox Wireless Headset was introduced for use on the Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows computers, featuring rotary controls on the earcups.
August 2021: Introduction of Xbox Stereo Headset
In August 2021, a corresponding Xbox Stereo Headset was introduced with a standard 3.5mm plug at a reduced price.
November 15, 2021: Microsoft's 20th Anniversary Celebration Stream for Xbox
On November 15, 2021, Microsoft held a 20th anniversary celebration stream for the Xbox, announcing a documentary titled "Power On: The Story of Xbox".
December 13, 2021: Release of "Power On: The Story of Xbox" Documentary
On December 13, 2021, the documentary "Power On: The Story of Xbox" was released in six parts, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the history of the Xbox.
March 2022: Japanese-Language Version of Xbox Wire Published
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 Under Microsoft Gaming
In 2022, Microsoft expanded its gaming business and reorganized Xbox to become part of its newly formed Microsoft Gaming division.
July 2023: Xbox One Sales Figures Revealed
In July 2023, Microsoft revealed that the Xbox One line had sold over 58 million units.
February 2024: Commitment to Xbox Console
In February 2024, Phil Spencer stated Microsoft remains committed to the Xbox console, with its first party studios supporting day-one releases on the Xbox first and foremost.
