Exploring the History of Microsoft Xbox Consoles

Microsoft’s Xbox series has become a dominant force in gaming, particularly with the recent launch of the Xbox Series S and X. While it may seem like Microsoft has been a staple in the console market for decades, the truth is that the Xbox brand is quite young. Let’s take a closer look at the evolution of Xbox and the consoles that have shaped its legacy.

Generation One — The Original Xbox

Release Date: November 15, 2001
Launch Price: $299
Total Sales: Over 24 million units

Entering the gaming scene in the early 2000s, Microsoft introduced the original Xbox at a time when Nintendo and Sony were leading the charge in 3D gaming. The Xbox launched just a year after Sony’s PlayStation 2 and alongside Nintendo’s GameCube. Featuring a robust 733 MHz Intel Pentium III processor, the Xbox outperformed both competitors. It also incorporated a built-in hard drive for storage and an Ethernet port, allowing gamers to connect online via Xbox Live, one of the first subscription-based gaming services.

Exclusive titles like Halo and Halo 2 became classics, contributing to the console’s appeal. Although the PlayStation 2 dominated sales due to its established brand and an additional year on the market, the original Xbox set a solid foundation for Microsoft’s gaming ambitions. Production of the first Xbox ceased in 2009.

Generation Two — Xbox 360

Release Date: November 22, 2005
Launch Price: $299
Total Sales: 84 million units

Microsoft quickly followed up with the Xbox 360, launching it a full year ahead of Sony’s PlayStation 3. This console featured a sleek design, improved graphics, and a wireless controller that became a favorite among gamers. It was equipped with a Xenon processor and offered storage options ranging from 20 to 500 gigabytes.

The Xbox 360 was notable for its backward compatibility, allowing users to play original Xbox games and DVDs. The introduction of the Kinect in 2010 added motion-tracking capabilities, competing directly with the Wii. The online gaming experience flourished with the Xbox 360, thanks to titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Halo 3, which drove both console sales and Xbox Live memberships. Microsoft discontinued the Xbox 360 in 2016, having nearly closed the sales gap with the PlayStation 3.

Generation Three — Xbox One, One S, and One X

Release Date: November 22, 2013
Launch Price: $499 with Kinect 2.0, $399 without
Total Sales: Approximately 51 million units

The Xbox One generation introduced several models, including the Xbox One S and the Xbox One X. Although initial sales lagged behind the PlayStation 4 due to less powerful hardware, the Xbox One’s updated controller and multimedia features received positive reviews. The Xbox One X later addressed processing concerns, featuring a powerful 2.3 GHz CPU.

Despite these advancements, the PlayStation 4’s sales figures more than doubled those of the Xbox One, leading to the generation’s discontinuation in 2020. However, the launch of Xbox Game Pass in 2017 attracted users with its extensive game library for a modest monthly fee.

Generation Four — Xbox Series X and Series S

Release Date: November 10, 2020
Launch Price: $499 for Series X, $299 for Series S
Total Sales: 8 million units and counting

The most recent additions to the Xbox family, the Series X and Series S, showcase a custom AMD eight-core Zen 2 CPU and support for resolutions up to 8K. The Series X boasts a superior 3.8 GHz CPU, while the Series S is designed for portability with its compact form factor. Both consoles are compatible with a large library of Xbox One games, although the Series S lacks a disc drive.

While sales for these models may not yet match those of the PlayStation 5, the Xbox network, now rebranded from Xbox Live, continues to thrive. Xbox Game Pass remains a popular service, offering access to new releases and classic titles alike. Key exclusives for the current generation include Halo: Infinite, Forza Motorsport, and Gears 5.

Explore Xbox at Record Head

If you’re interested in delving deeper into Microsoft’s gaming history or looking to purchase retro Xbox consoles, Record Head in West Allis, Wisconsin, is your go-to destination. This buy-sell-trade store features a dynamic inventory of Xbox consoles and games across all generations. Our knowledgeable staff, passionate about gaming, are eager to discuss everything Xbox-related. Plus, we offer cash or store credit for your old consoles.

Visit us in-store to see our latest offerings or check our online shop to discover the Xbox treasures we currently have available.