Xbox — Mediated Wiki

{{short description|Video gaming brand owned by Microsoft}} {{About|the brand|the original console|Xbox (console)|the division, formerly named Microsoft Gaming|Xbox (division)|other uses}} {{protection padlock|reason=Persistent [[WP:Disruptive editing|disruptive editing]]|small=yes}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2019}} {{infobox brand |name = XBOX |logo = XBOX logo (2026).png |logo_class = logo-nobg |logo_caption = Logo used since 2026 {{small|(previous logos still used transitionally)}} |type = [[Video gaming]] |currentowner = [[Microsoft]] |origin = United States |introduced = {{start date and age|2001|11|15}} |markets = Worldwide |trademarkregistrations = Worldwide |website = {{URL|https://xbox.com}} |tagline = ''Power Your Dreams'' ''When everyone plays, we all win.'' }}

'''Xbox''' (also stylized in [[all caps]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=2026-05-15 |title=Xbox is now XBOX |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/931918/microsoft-xbox-rebrand-caps |access-date=2026-05-16 |website=[[The Verge]] |language=en-US}}</ref>) is a [[video gaming]] [[brand]] that consists of four main [[home video game console]] lines, as well as the [[streaming media|streaming]] service [[Xbox Cloud Gaming]], and online services such as the [[Xbox network]] and [[Xbox Game Pass]]. The brand is owned by the [[Xbox (division)|namesake division]] of [[Microsoft]].

The brand was [[2001 in video gaming#Video game consoles|first introduced]] in the United States in November 2001, with the launch of the [[original Xbox console]]. The Xbox branding was formerly, from 2012 to 2015, used as Microsoft's digital media entertainment brand replacing [[Zune]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-23 |title=Zune branding to be replaced with Xbox branded services |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/zune-branding-to-be-replaced-with-xbox-branded-services/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=Neowin |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |date=2015-07-06 |title=Xbox Music is now Groove, as Microsoft recycles and rebrands |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/07/xbox-music-is-now-groove-as-microsoft-recycles-and-rebrands/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}</ref> In 2022, Microsoft expanded its gaming business and reorganized Xbox to become part of its newly formed Microsoft Gaming division. Under Microsoft Gaming, Xbox's first-party publishers are [[Xbox Game Studios]], [[ZeniMax Media]] ([[Bethesda Softworks]]), and [[Activision Blizzard]] ([[Activision]], [[Blizzard Entertainment]], and [[King (company)|King]]), who own numerous studios and successful franchises.

The original device was the first video game console offered by an American company after the [[Atari Jaguar]] stopped sales in 1996. It reached over 24 million units sold by May 2006.<ref name="gamers_catch">{{cite web|date=May 10, 2006|title=Gamers Catch Their Breath as Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Reinvent Next-Generation Gaming|url=http://www.xbox.com/zh-SG/community/news/2006/20060510.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621155352/http://www.xbox.com/zh-SG/community/news/2006/20060510.htm|archive-date=June 21, 2008|access-date=March 30, 2009|publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> Microsoft's second console, the [[Xbox 360]], was released in 2005 and has sold 86 million units as of October 2015. The third console, the [[Xbox One]], was released in November 2013 and has sold 58 million units.<ref name="Jul 2023 Sales">{{cite web |title=Xbox Series X/S Has Sold 21 Million Units, Xbox One at 58 Million, as Per Microsoft Brazil Presentation |url=https://gamingbolt.com/xbox-series-x-s-has-sold-21-million-units-xbox-one-at-58-million-as-per-microsoft-brazil-presentation |website=GamingBolt |access-date=1 July 2023}}</ref> The fourth line of Xbox consoles, the [[Xbox Series X and Series S]], were released in November 2020. The head of Xbox is [[Asha Sharma]], who succeeded former head [[Phil Spencer (business executive)|Phil Spencer]] following his retirement in February 2026.<ref name="SharmaCNBC">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/20/microsoft-gaming-chief-phil-spencer-retires-asha-sharma-replacing.html |title=Microsoft Xbox chief Phil Spencer retires, replaced by AI executive Asha Sharma |last=Novet |first=Jordan |date=February 20, 2026 |access-date=February 21, 2026 |website=[[CNBC]]}}</ref><ref name="SharmaForbes">{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2026/02/20/phil-spencer-retires-from-xbox-as-microsoft-ai-exec-takes-over/ |title=Phil Spencer Retires From Xbox As Microsoft AI Exec Takes Over |last=Tassi |first=Paul |website=[[Forbes]] |date=February 20, 2026 |access-date=February 21, 2026}}</ref>

== History == When [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] first announced the [[PlayStation 2]] in 1999, the company had positioned the console as a centerpiece for home entertainment, as it not only would play video games, but also could play audio CDs and video DVDs. Microsoft, whose business had been primarily in supporting the personal computer (PC) business with its Windows operating system, software, and games, saw the PlayStation 2 as a threat to the personal computer.<ref name="VentureBeat">{{cite web |url=https://gamesbeat.com/making-of-the-xbox-1/ |title=The making of the Xbox: How Microsoft unleashed a video game revolution (part 1) |date=November 14, 2011 |website=gamesbeat.com |access-date=June 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601215722/https://venturebeat.com/2011/11/14/making-of-the-xbox-1/ |archive-date=June 1, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Four engineers from Microsoft's [[DirectX]] team—Kevin Bachus, [[Seamus Blackley]], Ted Hase and DirectX team leader Otto Berkes, began to envision what a Microsoft console to compete against the PlayStation 2 would be like. They designed a system that would use many hardware components in common with PCs, effectively running a version of Windows and DirectX to power the games on the console.<ref name=seattletimes_20110525>{{cite news |title=Last of Xbox Dream Team, Otto Berkes Is Moving On |first=Brier |last=Dudley |date=May 25, 2011 |newspaper=[[The Seattle Times]] |page=A12 }}</ref><ref name="VentureBeat"/> This approach would make it easy for developers on Windows to build games for their new system, differentiating itself from the custom hardware solutions of most consoles.<ref name="History">{{cite web |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/the-history-of-the-xbox/ |title=The History of the Xbox {{pipe}} Digital Trends |access-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606112355/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/the-history-of-the-xbox/ |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Life&Death">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/23/the-life-and-death-of-the-original-xbox |title=The Life and Death of the Original Xbox - IGN |date=November 23, 2011 |access-date=June 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515071836/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/23/the-life-and-death-of-the-original-xbox |archive-date=May 15, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Numerous names were suggested for this console, including "Direct X Box",<ref name=seattletimes_20110524>{{cite news |title= Exclusive: Microsoft loses last Xbox founder, mobile PC visionary |first=Brier |last=Dudley |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2015137144_its_the_end_of_an.html |newspaper=The Seattle Times |date=May 24, 2011 |access-date=May 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526192623/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2015137144_its_the_end_of_an.html |url-status= live |archive-date=May 26, 2011}}</ref> and the "Windows Entertainment Project".<ref name="The Verge">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/7/5/4495460/original-xbox-names-11-x-wep-directx-box |title=The Xbox could have been named 11-X, original WEP and DirectX Box codenames revealed - the Verge |date=July 5, 2013 |access-date=June 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605132523/https://www.theverge.com/2013/7/5/4495460/original-xbox-names-11-x-wep-directx-box |archive-date=June 5, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft's marketing team conducted consumer surveys of the name, using the name "Xbox" as a control believing this would be least desirable, but found that this had the highest preference from their tests, and was selected as the name of the console.<ref name=gamasutra_2009-08-14>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24831 |title=Interview: Former Microsoft Exec Fries Talks Xbox's Genesis |first=Leigh |last=Alexander |date=August 14, 2009 |work=Gamasutra |publisher=UBM TechWeb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606120130/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24831 |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=May 25, 2011 |quote=Direct X-Box, of course, was truncated to "Xbox," -- and "marketing hated the name", says Fries. "They went off and created this whole, long list of better names for the machine." In focus testing, the marketing team left the name "Xbox" on that long list simply as a control, to demonstrate to everyone why it was a horrible name for a console. "Of course, "Xbox" outscored, in focus testing, everything they came up with. They had to admit it was going to be the Xbox." |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

=== Future === Microsoft has been working to leverage the branding of "Xbox" beyond the console hardware but as a general video game brand, reflected in the renaming of Microsoft Studios to Xbox Game Studios in 2019.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/5/18212551/microsoft-studios-xbox-game-studios-name | title = Microsoft Studios is now Xbox Game Studios | first = Allegra | last = Frank | date = February 5, 2019 | access-date = February 5, 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = February 6, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190206034946/https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/5/18212551/microsoft-studios-xbox-game-studios-name | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/xbox-game-studios-rebranding-signals-big-changes-for-microsofts-focus-on-gaming/ | title = Xbox Game Studios rebranding signals big changes for Microsoft's focus on gaming | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = February 5, 2019 | access-date = February 5, 2019 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015410/https://www.pcgamer.com/xbox-game-studios-rebranding-signals-big-changes-for-microsofts-focus-on-gaming/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Phil Spencer stated in June 2019 that for Microsoft, "The business isn't how many consoles you sell. The business is how many players are playing the games that they buy, how they play." which journalists have taken as a route to de-emphasize console hardware and prioritize games, subscriptions and services for players.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/11/18661247/phil-spencer-interview-xbox-project-scarlett-xcloud-e3-2019 | title = Xbox Boss Phil Spencer On The Future Of Gaming: 'The Business Isn't How Many Consoles You Sell' | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = June 11, 2019 | access-date = February 20, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = March 4, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200304094134/https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/11/18661247/phil-spencer-interview-xbox-project-scarlett-xcloud-e3-2019 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/19/phil-spencer-xbox-focus-is-on-software-and-services-not-console-sales | title = Phil Spencer: Xbox Focus Is on Software and Services, Not Console Sales | first = Ryan | last = McCafferty | date = June 19, 2019 | access-date = February 20, 2020 | work = [[IGN]] | archive-date = October 4, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201004080327/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/19/phil-spencer-xbox-focus-is-on-software-and-services-not-console-sales | url-status = live }}</ref> Later in February 2020, Spencer said that moving forward, the company does not see "traditional gaming companies" like Nintendo and Sony as their competitors but instead those that offer [[cloud computing]] services such as [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] and [[Google]]. Spencer identified that [[Microsoft Azure]] is a major component of their plans going forward, which powers its [[Xbox Cloud Gaming]] game streaming service.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/5/21123956/microsoft-xbox-competitors-phil-spencer-cloud-gaming-amazon-google | title = Microsoft's Xbox boss says Amazon and Google are "the main competitors going forward" | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = February 5, 2020 | access-date = February 20, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = February 13, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200213162331/https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/5/21123956/microsoft-xbox-competitors-phil-spencer-cloud-gaming-amazon-google | url-status = live }}</ref> Spencer also cited mobile gaming as a potential area, and where Microsoft was trying to position itself with its services should this become the more preferred form for gaming. Spencer said "I don't think it's "hardware agnostic" as much as it's 'where you want to play'", in describing how Microsoft was strategizing the Xbox branding for the future.<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://www.wired.com/story/xbox-phil-spencer-consoles-gaming-future/ | title = The Future of Xbox Isn't Just a Console | first = Cecilia | last = D'anastasio | date = June 8, 2020 | access-date = June 11, 2020 | magazine = [[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] | archive-date = June 9, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200609040034/https://www.wired.com/story/xbox-phil-spencer-consoles-gaming-future/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

Microsoft announced in June 2025 that it was partnering with [[AMD]] to produce the next generation of Xbox hardware, which could take on a range of device types including consoles and computers.<ref>{{Cite web | title=Microsoft announces new dream team partnership with AMD on a 'portfolio' of next-gen Xbox devices, all with backwards compatibility with existing games |work=PC Gamer | url=https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/microsoft-announces-new-dream-team-partnership-with-amd-on-a-portfolio-of-next-gen-xbox-devices-all-with-backwards-compatibility-with-existing-games/ | access-date=2025-06-20}}</ref> Amid industry rumors that Microsoft was abandoning hardware in favor of game development that emerged around Google in October 2025, Xbox president Sarah Bond confirmed they had already started development work for the next console.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/xbox-ally-handheld-release-president-sarah-bond-interview-1236555575/ |title=Ally Arrives: Xbox President Sarah Bond Explains New Handhelds Steep Price, Prioritizing ‘Windows Experience’ and Next-Gen Console Plans Heading Into 2026 |work=Variety |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |date=October 17, 2025 |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

On May 13, 2026, Asha Sharma posted a poll on [[X (social network)|X]] (formerly Twitter) to determine whether the Xbox brand moving forward should be displayed with [[capitalization]] ("Xbox") or with [[All caps|all capitals]] ("XBOX"). After thousands of votes were cast, "XBOX" became the clear majority, and two days later, on May 15, Xbox updated their X account's name to display in all capitals. At the time, it was unclear if the rebrand would affect Xbox as a whole, or be limited only to its social networking accounts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=2026-05-15 |title=Xbox is now XBOX |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/931918/microsoft-xbox-rebrand-caps |access-date=2026-05-16 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Xbox Is Rebranding Itself, Sort Of |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-is-rebranding-itself-sort-of/1100-6540005/ |access-date=2026-05-16 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brosofsky |first=Ben |date=May 16, 2026 |title=Xbox Has Officially Changed Its Name In The Weirdest Way |url=https://screenrant.com/xbox-official-name-change-rebrand/ |access-date=2026-05-18 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref>

== Consoles == === First generation: Xbox === {{Main|Xbox (console)}}

[[File:Xbox-console.jpg|thumb|right|Xbox console with "Controller S"]] The original '''Xbox''' was released in North America on November 15, 2001, in Japan on February 22, 2002, and in Australia and Europe on March 14, 2002, marking Microsoft's debut in the gaming console market. As part of the [[sixth generation of video game consoles]], the Xbox competed with Sony's [[PlayStation 2]], Sega's [[Dreamcast]] (which stopped American sales before the Xbox went on sale), and Nintendo's [[GameCube]]. Built around a 733 MHz 32-bit Intel Pentium III CPU and a 233 MHz Nvidia GeForce 3-based NV2A GPU with 64 MB of memory, the Xbox was the first console offered by an American company after the [[Atari Jaguar]] stopped sales in 1996. Its name was derived from a contraction of ''DirectX Box'', a reference to Microsoft's graphics [[API]], [[DirectX]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/edge/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053639/http://www.edge-online.com/features/11-x-cyberplayground-ehq-the-rejected-names-for-microsofts-first-console/|url-status=dead|title=Edge Magazine {{pipe}} GamesRadar+|archive-date=September 21, 2013|website=Edge Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Karmali|first1=Luke|title=Rejected Names for the Original Xbox Revealed|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/08/rejected-names-for-the-original-xbox-revealed|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=July 6, 2013|access-date=February 20, 2020|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111185750/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/08/rejected-names-for-the-original-xbox-revealed|url-status=live}}</ref>

The integrated [[Xbox network|Xbox Live]] service launched in November 2002 allowed players to [[online game|play games online]] with a broadband connection.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://majornelson.com/2010/02/05/xbox-live-being-discontinued-for-original-xbox-consoles-and-games/ |title=Xbox Live's Major Nelson » Xbox LIVE being discontinued for Original Xbox consoles and games |publisher=Majornelson.com |date=April 15, 2010 |access-date=April 22, 2013 |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425023525/https://majornelson.com/2010/02/05/xbox-live-being-discontinued-for-original-xbox-consoles-and-games/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It first competed with [[Dreamcast Online|Dreamcast's online service]] but later primarily competed with [[PlayStation 2 online functionality|PlayStation 2's online service]]. Although the two competing services were free, while Xbox Live required a subscription – as well as broadband-only connection, which was not completely adopted yet – Xbox Live was a success due to it having better [[server (computing)|servers]], features such as a [[Contact list|buddy list]], and milestone titles such as ''[[Halo 2]]'' (released in November 2004), which became the best-selling Xbox video game and was by far the most popular online game for the original Xbox system.

=== Second generation: Xbox 360 === {{Main|Xbox 360}}

[[File:Xbox-360-Consoles-Infobox.png|thumb|Left: Xbox 360 Elite Right: Xbox 360 S and new-style controller]][[File: Microsoft-Xbox-360-E-wController.jpg|thumb|Xbox 360 E Model with controller]] The '''Xbox 360''' was released as the successor of the original Xbox in November 2005, competing with [[Sony]]'s [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Nintendo]]'s [[Wii]] as part of the [[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|seventh generation]] of video game consoles. It featured a custom triple-core 64-bit [[PowerPC]]-based processor design by [[IBM]] with 512 MB of RAM memory. As of June 2014, 84 million Xbox 360 consoles have been sold worldwide.<ref name="360at84mil" /> The Xbox 360 was officially unveiled on [[MTV]] on May 12, 2005, with detailed launch and game information divulged later that month at the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] (E3). The console sold out completely [[Xbox 360 launch|upon release]] in all regions except in Japan.<ref name="Shortages spoil Xbox 360 launch">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4462744.stm |title=Shortages spoil Xbox 360 launch |work=BBC News |date=November 23, 2005 |access-date=December 31, 2009 |archive-date=November 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091117185708/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4462744.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Xbox 360 Launch Takes Europe by Storm">{{cite web|title=Xbox 360 Launch Takes Europe by Storm|url=http://www.xbox365.com/news.cgi?id=GGPPLLiddi12060836|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603220256/http://www.xbox365.com/news.cgi?id=GGPPLLiddi12060836|archive-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Retailers Sell Out of Initial Xbox 360 Shipments">{{cite web |url= http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/21759/ |title= Retailers Sell Out of Initial Xbox 360 Shipments |access-date= October 14, 2008 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080106182754/http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/21759/ |archive-date= January 6, 2008 |df= mdy-all }}</ref> Several retail configurations of the core Xbox 360 model were offered over its lifetime, varying the amount of RAM and internal storage offered.

The Xbox 360 showed an expanded Xbox Live service (which now included a limited "Free" tier called Silver), the ability to stream multimedia content from PCs, while later updates added the ability to purchase and stream music, television programs, and films through the [[Xbox Music]] and [[Xbox Video]] services, along with access to third-party content services through [[Xbox 360 applications|third-party media streaming applications]]. Microsoft also released [[Kinect]], a motion control system for the Xbox 360 which uses an advanced sensor system.

Two major revisions of the Xbox 360 were released following the initial launch. The Xbox 360 S (typically considered as "Slim"), launched in 2010, featured the same core hardware but with a redesigned, slimmer form factor with a smaller-sized 250 GB hard drive. It also added integrated [[IEEE 802.11|802.11 b/g/n]] Wi-Fi, [[TOSLINK]] [[S/PDIF]] optical audio output, five [[USB 2.0]] ports (compared to the three from older versions) and a special port designed for the Kinect peripheral. The Xbox 360 S replaced the base Xbox 360 unit, which was discontinued, and sold at the same price.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/new-xbox-360-shipping-today-costs-299-5563154 |title=New Xbox 360 Shipping Today, Costs $299 |publisher=Kotaku.com |date=June 14, 2010 |access-date=November 11, 2010 |archive-date=July 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722002634/http://kotaku.com/5563154/new-xbox-360-shipping-today-costs-299 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Dean Takahashi, VentureBeat. "[https://venturebeat.com/2010/06/14/microsoft-to-launch-smaller-xbox-360-game-console/ Microsoft to Launch Smaller XBOX 360 Game Console] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816125852/https://venturebeat.com/2010/06/14/microsoft-to-launch-smaller-xbox-360-game-console/ |date=August 16, 2019 }}." June 14, 2010.</ref><ref name="360 Arcade replacement">{{cite web|last=Thorsen|first=Tor|date=June 14, 2010|title=New $200 Xbox 360 planned, Elite & Arcade getting $50 price cut|url=http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6265465/new-200-xbox-360-planned-elite-and-arcade-getting-50-price-cut|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129113121/http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6265465/new-200-xbox-360-planned-elite-and-arcade-getting-50-price-cut|archive-date=November 29, 2011|access-date=June 17, 2010|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|quote=Moore said that Microsoft is currently working on a second new Xbox 360, which will be offered at the arcade's price point of $200. He declined to say what functionalities the cheaper model would or would not have. One likely scenario is the cheaper model will essentially be a slim arcade with no Wi-Fi capabilities or a hard drive. Moore also said that going forward, all future models of the Xbox 360 would not have names and would only be designated by their memory capacity.}}</ref> A cheaper Xbox 360 S unit, removing the 250 GB drive while adding 4 GB of internal storage, was released later in 2010; the unit allowed users to hook up an external storage solution or purchase a 250 GB internal add-on.

The second major revision of the Xbox 360 was the Xbox 360 E, released in 2013. It featured a case style similar to the upcoming [[Xbox One]], and eliminated one USB port and the S/PDIF, YPbPr component and S-video connections, but otherwise shared the same specifications as the Xbox 360 S. {{clear}}

=== Third generation: Xbox One === {{Main|Xbox One}}

[[File:Microsoft-Xbox-One-Console-Set-wKinect.jpg|thumb|The Xbox One with the redesigned Kinect and controller]] The '''Xbox One''' was released on November 22, 2013, in North America, as the successor to the Xbox 360. The Xbox One competed with Sony's [[PlayStation 4]] and Nintendo's [[Wii U]] and [[Nintendo Switch|Switch]] as part of the [[History of video game consoles (eighth generation)|eighth generation]] of video game consoles. It features an [[Advanced Micro Devices|AMD]] [[Accelerated Processing Unit]] (APU) built around the 64-bit [[x86-64]] [[instruction set]] and can come with up to 12 GB of memory.

Announced on May 21, 2013,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22613948 |title= Microsoft unveils Xbox One next-generation console |date= May 21, 2013 |access-date= May 21, 2013 |work= BBC News |archive-date= May 22, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130522014323/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22613948 |url-status= live }}</ref> the Xbox One has an emphasis on internet-based features, including the ability to record and stream gameplay, and the ability to integrate with a [[set-top box]] to watch cable or satellite TV through the console with an enhanced guide interface and Kinect-based [[voice control]].<ref name=verge-xbox1unveiling>{{cite web|title=Xbox One: a next-gen console with a focus on interactive TV and apps|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/21/4350918/xbox-one-microsoft-unveils-its-next-generation-console|work=The Verge|date=May 21, 2013|access-date=May 25, 2013|archive-date=June 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607080949/https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/21/4350918/xbox-one-microsoft-unveils-its-next-generation-console|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=engadget-oneguide>{{cite web|title=Xbox One guide brings HDMI in/out, overlays for live TV|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/05/21/xbox-one-hdmi-passthrough/|work=Engadget|date=May 21, 2013 |access-date=May 25, 2013|archive-date=June 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608074532/http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/21/xbox-one-hdmi-passthrough/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=May 21, 2013|title=Xbox One adds Smart Match, Game DVR|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/xbox-one-adds-smart-match-game-dvr-6408685|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608003114/http://www.gamespot.com/news/xbox-one-adds-smart-match-game-dvr-6408685|archive-date=June 8, 2013|access-date=May 21, 2013|publisher=Gamespot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Why Microsoft's Xbox One Won't Kick the Cable Guy Out of Your House|url=http://allthingsd.com/20130522/why-microsofts-xbox-one-wont-kick-the-cable-guy-out-of-your-house/|publisher=AllThingsD|date=May 22, 2013|access-date=May 22, 2013|archive-date=June 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607113150/http://allthingsd.com/20130522/why-microsofts-xbox-one-wont-kick-the-cable-guy-out-of-your-house/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following its unveiling, the Xbox One proved controversial for its original [[digital rights management]] and privacy practices; while Microsoft touted the ability for users to access their library of games (regardless of whether they were purchased physically or digitally) on any Xbox One console without needing their discs, and the ability to share their entire library with 10 designated "family" members, all games would have to be tied to the user's Xbox Live account and their Xbox One console, and the console would be required to connect to the Internet on a periodic basis (at least once every 24 hours) to synchronize the library, or else the console would be unable to play any games at all.<ref name=XboxOneReceptionInternetMay2013Venturebeat>{{cite news |title=Deal with it: Xbox One requires an Internet connection |author=Jeffrey Grubb |publisher=VentureBeat |url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/05/21/deal-with-it-xbox-one-requires-an-internet-connection/ |date=May 21, 2013 |access-date=June 7, 2013 |archive-date=November 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106203734/http://venturebeat.com/2013/05/21/deal-with-it-xbox-one-requires-an-internet-connection/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="official_licensing">{{cite web | url = http://news.xbox.com/2013/06/license | title = How Games Licensing Works on Xbox One | date = June 6, 2013 | publisher = Microsoft | access-date = June 6, 2013 | archive-date = June 9, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130609084645/http://news.xbox.com/2013/06/license | url-status = live }}</ref> After an overwhelmingly negative response from critics and consumers (who also showed concerns that the system could prevent or hinder the resale of [[Used goods|used games]]), Microsoft announced that these restrictions would be dropped.<ref>{{cite news|title=Xbox One: Microsoft abandons controversial DRM restrictions|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jun/19/xbox-one-drm-second-hand-restrictions-abandoned|date=June 19, 2013|access-date=June 19, 2013|work=The Guardian|first=Keith|last=Stuart|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921084558/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jun/19/xbox-one-drm-second-hand-restrictions-abandoned|url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft was also criticized for requiring the Xbox One to have its updated [[Kinect]] peripheral plugged in to function, which critics and privacy advocates believed could be used as a surveillance device. As a gesture toward showing a commitment to user privacy, Microsoft decided to allow the console to function without Kinect.<ref name=polygon-privacyresponse>{{cite web|title=Kinect on Xbox One will not record or upload your conversations, Microsoft says|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/6/6/4403926/kinect-on-xbox-one-will-not-record-or-upload-your-conversations|work=Polygon|date=June 6, 2013|access-date=June 10, 2013|archive-date=June 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609055453/http://www.polygon.com/2013/6/6/4403926/kinect-on-xbox-one-will-not-record-or-upload-your-conversations|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="kotaku.com">[https://kotaku.com/xbox-one-wont-actually-need-kinect-plugged-in-microso-1113142909] Kinect No Longer Mandatory For Xbox One (But Will Still Come With It). Kotaku.com. Retrieved on August 23, 2013.</ref><ref name=ext-onekinect>{{cite news|title=Xbox One no longer requires Kinect, but it'll still come in the box, and you'll still pay $500|url=http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/163796-xbox-one-no-longer-requires-kinect-but-itll-still-come-in-the-box-and-youll-still-pay-500|work=ExtremeTech|date=August 13, 2013 |access-date=September 5, 2013|archive-date=September 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910080625/http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/163796-xbox-one-no-longer-requires-kinect-but-itll-still-come-in-the-box-and-youll-still-pay-500|url-status=live|last1=Anthony |first1=Sebastian }}</ref>

On June 13, 2016, Microsoft announced the Xbox One S at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2016|E3 2016]], which featured a smaller form factor, as well as support for [[4K resolution|4K]] video (including streaming and [[Ultra HD Blu-ray]]) and [[High-dynamic-range video|HDR]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/6/13/11911184/microsoft-xbox-one-s-announced-price-specs-e3-2016|title=Microsoft announces the Xbox One S, its smallest Xbox yet|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=June 13, 2016|website=The Verge|access-date=June 13, 2016|archive-date=June 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614000533/https://www.theverge.com/2016/6/13/11911184/microsoft-xbox-one-s-announced-price-specs-e3-2016|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2017|E3 2017]], Microsoft unveiled [[Xbox One X]], a high-end model with improved hardware designed to facilitate the playing of games at 4K resolution.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/11/15774918/microsoft-xbox-one-x-release-date-price-new-console-announced-e3-2017|title=Xbox One X is Microsoft's next games console, arriving on November 7th for $499|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=June 11, 2017|website=The Verge|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=June 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611231126/https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/11/15774918/microsoft-xbox-one-x-release-date-price-new-console-announced-e3-2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2014, Microsoft stated it would not release sales numbers for the Xbox One line.<ref name=DataWitheld>{{cite web|url=http://www.geek.com/games/microsoft-decides-not-to-share-xbox-one-sales-figures-anymore-1637833/|title=Microsoft decides not to share Xbox One sales figures anymore|first=Matthew|last=Humphries|work=[[Geek.com]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=October 26, 2015|access-date=December 3, 2016|archive-date=July 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720024200/https://www.geek.com/games/microsoft-decides-not-to-share-xbox-one-sales-figures-anymore-1637833/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Xbox head Phil Spencer said that while they do internally track sales figures, they do not want their developers to be focused on these numbers as to affect their products, and thus have opted not to report further sales of Xbox hardware going forward.<ref name="guardian sales not focus">{{cite web | url = https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/nov/11/xbox-phil-spencer-interview-microsoft-series-x | title = Xbox's Phil Spencer: 'We're not driven by how many consoles we sell' | first = Keza | last = MacDonald | date = November 11, 2020 | access-date = November 11, 2020 | work = [[The Guardian]] | archive-date = November 11, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201111185316/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/nov/11/xbox-phil-spencer-interview-microsoft-series-x | url-status = live }}</ref> In July 2023, Microsoft revealed that the Xbox One line sold over 58 million units.<ref name="Jul 2023 Sales" />

=== Fourth generation: Xbox Series X and Series S === {{Main|Xbox Series X and Series S}}

[[File:Xbox series X (50648118708).jpg|thumb|upright|The Xbox Series X and the controller]] [[File:Xbox Series S with controller.jpg|thumb|upright|The Xbox Series S and the controller]] The fourth generation of Xbox models, simply named Xbox,<ref name="xbox g4 naming">{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/xbox-scarlett/2019/12/16/21025133/xbox-series-x-name-scarlett|title=The next generation of Xbox is just called ... Xbox|last=Gilliam|first=Ryan|date=2019-12-16|website=Polygon|language=en|access-date=2019-12-17|archive-date=December 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217002059/https://www.polygon.com/xbox-scarlett/2019/12/16/21025133/xbox-series-x-name-scarlett|url-status=live}}</ref> includes the '''Xbox Series X''' and '''Xbox Series S''' that launched on November 10, 2020. Both are considered members of the [[ninth generation of video game consoles]] alongside the [[PlayStation 5]], also released that month. Like the Xbox One, the consoles use an AMD 64-bit x86-64 CPU and GPU with up to 16 GB of memory.

The Xbox Series X and Series S are high-end and low-end versions comparable to the Xbox One X and Xbox One S models, respectively, with all games designed for this model family playable on both systems. The Xbox Series X is estimated to be four times as powerful as Xbox One X, with support for [[8K resolution]] and up to 120 frames-per-second rendering, with a nominal target of [[4K resolution]] at 60 frames per second. The Xbox Series S is a digital-only unit with less graphic processing power, but can still render at a nominal [[1440p]] resolution at 60 frames per second with support for 4K upscaling. Both consoles features support for new graphics rendering systems including real-time [[Ray tracing (graphics)|ray-tracing]], and the new Xbox Velocity Architecture that works with the internal SSD drive to maximize the rate of texture streaming to the graphics processor, among other features. Besides games for this new console family, both consoles are fully compatible with all Xbox One games and most hardware, as well as all backward compatible games that were playable on the Xbox One from the Xbox 360 and original Xbox console.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/368875/microsoft-teases-xbox-project-scarlett-tons-of-games-keanu|title=Microsoft Teases Xbox Project Scarlett, Tons of Games, Keanu|last=Greenwald|first=Will|website=PCmag.com|date=June 10, 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-06-10|archive-date=December 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213214714/https://www.pcmag.com/news/368875/microsoft-teases-xbox-project-scarlett-tons-of-games-keanu|url-status=live}}</ref>

To help transition consumers, Microsoft introduced its Smart Delivery system which most of its first-party games and several third-party games would use to offer free updates to Xbox One versions of games to the Xbox Series X/S version over the first few years of the consoles' launch.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/10/21060771/microsoft-xbox-series-x-exclusive-games-launch-backwards-compatibility|title=Microsoft says Xbox Series X won't have exclusive games at launch|last=Statt|first=Nick|date=2020-01-10|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=2020-01-10|archive-date=January 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110232630/https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/10/21060771/microsoft-xbox-series-x-exclusive-games-launch-backwards-compatibility|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/23/21335984/microsoft-xbox-series-x-exclusive-next-gen-promise | title = One week later, it looks like Microsoft is already breaking a big promise with Xbox Series X | first = Sean | last = Hollister | date = July 24, 2020 | access-date = July 24, 2020 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = July 23, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200723202950/https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/23/21335984/microsoft-xbox-series-x-exclusive-next-gen-promise | url-status = live }}</ref> {{Clear}}

===Fifth generation: Project Helix=== Microsoft’s fifth generation of Xbox hardware is tied to a broader strategy of treating “Xbox” as a gaming platform and brand beyond just physical consoles. In 2019, Microsoft Studios was renamed Xbox Game Studios, reflecting a shift in focus toward games, subscriptions and services rather than solely hardware sales.<ref>{{cite news |last=Webster |first=Andrew |title=Microsoft renames Microsoft Studios as Xbox Game Studios |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/5/18212551/microsoft-studios-xbox-game-studios-name |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |title=Xbox Game Studios rebranding signals big changes |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/xbox-game-studios-rebranding-signals-big-changes-for-microsofts-focus-on-gaming/ |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> Phil Spencer said in June 2019 that Xbox’s success was measured by how many players played its games and used its services, not by unit sales.<ref>{{cite interview |last=Webster |first=Andrew |title=Xbox Boss Phil Spencer On The Future Of Gaming |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/11/18661247/phil-spencer-interview-xbox-project-scarlett-xcloud-e3-2019 |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite interview |last=McCafferty |first=Ryan |title=Phil Spencer: Focus on Software and Services |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/19/phil-spencer-xbox-focus-is-on-software-and-services-not-console-sales |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Warren |first=Tom |title=Microsoft's Xbox boss says Amazon and Google are the main competitors |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/5/21123956/microsoft-xbox-competitors-phil-spencer-cloud-gaming-amazon-google |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=D'anastasio |first=Cecilia |title=The Future of Xbox Isn't Just a Console |url=https://www.wired.com/story/xbox-phil-spencer-consoles-gaming-future/ |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Xbox claims its next console will be 'the largest technical leap you will have ever seen' |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-claims-its-next-console-will-be-the-largest-technical-leap-you-will-ever-seen/ |access-date=2026-02-10 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Phil Spencer shuts down multiplatform concerns, says next-gen Xbox console will respect investments |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/phil-spencer-shuts-down-multiplatform-rumors-says-next-gen-xbox-console-will-respect-the-investments-that-people-have-made-in-the-platform/ |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Xbox and AMD: Advancing the Next Generation of Gaming |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/06/19/xbox-amd-next-generation-xbox/ |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> Amid industry speculation about Microsoft’s long-term hardware plans, Xbox president Sarah Bond confirmed that development had begun on the next Xbox console.<ref>{{cite news |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |title=Ally Arrives: Xbox President on Handhelds and Next-Gen Plans |url=https://variety.com/2025/gaming/news/xbox-ally-handheld-release-president-sarah-bond-interview-1236555575/ |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

As of 2026, Microsoft has not announced a release date for its next-generation Xbox hardware; Phil Spencer has stated that the timing remains undecided,<ref>{{Cite web |author=Adam Hales |date=2025-10-24 |title=Phil Spencer says next-gen Xbox is first-party — the Xbox Ally hints at what's next |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/phil-spencer-says-next-gen-xbox-is-first-party |access-date=2026-05-13 |website=Windows Central |language=en}}</ref> and earlier leaked FTC documents had indicated a 2028 timeframe, which Microsoft later described as based on outdated plans,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-19 |title=Xbox leak: new Xbox Series X design, next-gen in 2028, and more |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/19/23880165/xbox-leak-ftc-documents-new-xbox-series-x-controller-next-gen |access-date=2026-05-13 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref> although reporting citing AMD CEO Lisa Su has suggested that a 2027 launch is possible.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=2026-02-03 |title=AMD hints Microsoft could launch its next-gen Xbox in 2027 |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/873490/microsoft-next-gen-xbox-console-2027-date-amd |access-date=2026-05-13 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref>

The codename for the next Xbox, Project Helix, was announced in March 2026. The console is expected to support both Xbox and Windows games, with more information planned at the Game Developers Conference.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-05 |title=Xbox's next console "Project Helix" codename revealed — CEO Asha Sharma re-affirms new Xbox-PC hybrid is on the way |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xboxs-next-console-project-helix-codename-revealed-ceo-asha-sharma-re-affirms-new-xbox-is-on-the-way |access-date=2026-03-05 |website=Windows Central |language=en|last=Corden|first=Jez}}</ref>

=== Comparison === The following table is a comparison of the four generations of Xbox hardware.  {|class="wikitable" |- ! Xbox generation ! First ! Second ! colspan="3" | Third ! colspan="2" | Fourth |- !style="width: 12.5%"| !style="width: 12.5%;" | [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] !style="width: 12.5%;" | [[Xbox 360]] !style="width: 12.5%;" | [[Xbox One]] !style="width: 12.5%;" | [[Xbox One S]] !style="width: 12.5%;" | [[Xbox One X]] !style="width: 12.5%;" | [[Xbox Series S]] !style="width: 12.5%;" | [[Xbox Series X]] |- style="text-align:center;" !Console | [[File:Xbox-Console-Set.png|Original Xbox|100x100px]] | [[File:Xbox-360-Consoles-Infobox.png|Xbox 360|100x100px]] | [[File:Microsoft-Xbox-One-Console-wKinect.png|100x100px]] | [[File:Microsoft-Xbox-One-S-Console-wController-L.jpg|100x100px]] | [[File:Microsoft-Xbox-One-X-Console-Set.jpg|100x100px]] | [[File:Xbox Series S with controller (transparent background).png|100x100px]] | [[File:Xbox Series X mit Controller (transparent background).png|100x100px]] |- style="text-align:center;" !Console launch price | colspan="2" | US$299.99 | {{plain list| * US$499.99 (with Kinect) * US$399.99 (without Kinect) }} | {{plain list| * US$299.99 ([[Xbox One#Xbox One S|Xbox One S]]) * US$249.99 (Xbox One S All-Digital Edition) }} | US$499.99 | US$299.99 | US$499.99 |- style="text-align:center;" !Release date |{{vgrelease|NA|November 15, 2001}}{{vgrelease|JP|February 22, 2002}} {{vgrelease|EU|March 14, 2002}} |{{vgrelease|NA|November 22, 2005}}{{vgrelease|EU|December 2, 2005}}{{vgrelease|JP|December 10, 2005}}{{vgrelease|AUS|March 23, 2006}} Further information: [[Xbox 360 launch#Release dates and pricing]] |November 22, 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=https://majornelson.com/2013/09/04/xbox-one-to-launch-on-november-22-2013-in-13-markets/|title=Xbox One to Launch on November 22, 2013 in 13 Markets|date=September 4, 2013|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=October 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010031521/https://majornelson.com/2013/09/04/xbox-one-to-launch-on-november-22-2013-in-13-markets/|url-status=live}}</ref> | {{plain list| *Xbox One S: August 2, 2016 *Xbox One S All-Digital Edition: May 7, 2019 }} |November 7, 2017 | colspan="2" | November 10, 2020 |- style="text-align:center;" !Discontinued |{{vgrelease|JP|June 4, 2006|NA|March 2, 2009|EU|March 11, 2007}} |{{vgrelease|WW|April 20, 2016}} |{{vgrelease|WW|August 2, 2016}} |{{vgrelease|WW|July 16, 2020 (Xbox One S All-Digital Edition)|WW|Q4 2020 (Xbox One S)}} |{{vgrelease|WW|July 16, 2020}} |{{N/A}} |{{N/A}} |- ![[List of best-selling game consoles|Units sold]]{{efn|Starting with the Xbox One, Microsoft does not release detailed sales figures of its Xbox hardware sales, so all figures provided are based on industry analysis estimates. Xbox's head Phil Spenser said that they do not want their teams to be focused on sales numbers so have opted not to report them and do not plan to for the foreseeable future.<ref name=DataWitheld /><ref name="guardian sales not focus" />}} |24+ million (as of May 10, 2006)<ref name="gamers_catch" /> |84+ million ({{as of|2014|06|09|lc=on|df=US}})<ref name="360at84mil">{{cite web|title=E3 2014: $399 Xbox One Out Now, Xbox 360 Sales Rise to 84 million|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-399-xbox-one-out-now-xbox-360-sales-rise-to-84-million/1100-6420231/|website=GameSpot|access-date=March 24, 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325025705/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-399-xbox-one-out-now-xbox-360-sales-rise-to-84-million/1100-6420231/|archive-date=March 25, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>([[Xbox 360#Sales|details]]) | colspan="3" |58 million ({{as of|2023|06|30|lc=on|df=US}})<ref name="Jul 2023 Sales" /> | colspan="2" |21 million ({{as of|2023|06|30|lc=on|df=US}})<ref name="Jul 2023 Sales" /> |- ![[List of best-selling video games|Best-selling game]] |''[[Halo 2]]'', 8 million (as of May 9, 2006)<ref name="Asher Moses">{{cite web|author=Asher Moses|date=August 30, 2007|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/biztech/prepare-for-allout-war/2007/08/30/1188067256196.html|title=Prepare for all-out war|publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=November 24, 2007|archive-date=November 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106053430/http://www.smh.com.au/news/biztech/prepare-for-allout-war/2007/08/30/1188067256196.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2006/05/09/technology/e3_microsoft/index.htm|publisher=CNN|access-date=November 24, 2007|first=Chris|last=Morris|title=Grand Theft Auto, Halo 3 headed to Xbox 360|date=May 9, 2006|archive-date=January 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111072740/https://money.cnn.com/2006/05/09/technology/e3_microsoft/index.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ''[[Kinect Adventures!]]'' ([[Pack-in game|pack-in]] with [[Kinect]] peripheral), {{nowrap|24 million}}<ref name="24-million">{{cite web |url=http://bgr.com/2013/02/12/microsoft-xbox-360-sales-2013-325481/ |title=MICROSOFT SAYS XBOX 360 SALES HAVE SURPASSED 76 MILLION UNITS, KINECT SALES TOP 24 MILLION |first=Zach |last=Epstein |publisher=BGR.com |date=February 12, 2013 |access-date=February 15, 2013 |archive-date=February 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215054157/http://bgr.com/2013/02/12/microsoft-xbox-360-sales-2013-325481/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Best-selling non-bundled game: [[Grand Theft Auto V]], 22.95 million<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cherney |first=Max A. |title=This violent videogame has made more money than any movie ever |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-violent-videogame-has-made-more-money-than-any-movie-ever-2018-04-06 |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=MarketWatch |language=EN-US |archive-date=April 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407133735/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-violent-videogame-has-made-more-money-than-any-movie-ever-2018-04-06 |url-status=live }}</ref> | colspan="3" |''[[Grand Theft Auto V]]'' (as of November 5, 2018)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/best-selling-xbox-one-games-all-time#slide11|title=Best-selling Xbox One games of all time|work=Windows Central|access-date=January 11, 2022|archive-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011133304/https://www.windowscentral.com/best-selling-xbox-one-games-all-time#slide11|url-status=live}}</ref> |{{N/A}} |{{N/A}} |- !Media |CD, DVD |CD, DVD, [[HD DVD]] (movies only) with [[Xbox 360 HD DVD Player|add-on drive]], [[USB flash drive|USB Drive]] with supported media, DLNA Servers<ref name="cnet">{{cite web|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/microsoft-xbox-one/|title=Xbox One review: Much improved, has hit its stride (updated for holiday 2015)|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=March 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323091553/http://reviews.cnet.com/microsoft-xbox-one/|url-status=live}}</ref> |CD, DVD, [[Blu-ray Disc]], [[USB flash drive|USB Drive]] with supported media, DLNA Servers<ref name="cnet" /> | colspan="2" |CD, DVD, [[Blu-ray Disc]], [[Ultra HD Blu-ray|UHD Blu-ray Disc]], [[USB flash drive|USB Drive]] with supported media, DLNA Servers<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/xbox-one-x|title=Xbox One X {{!}} Xbox|website=Xbox.com|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=January 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113215719/https://www.xbox.com/en-US/consoles/xbox-one-x|url-status=live}}</ref> |[[USB flash drive|USB Drive]] with supported media, DLNA Servers |CD, DVD, [[Blu-ray Disc]], [[Ultra HD Blu-ray|UHD Blu-ray Disc]], [[USB flash drive|USB Drive]] with supported media, DLNA Servers |- style="text-align:center;" !Accessories (retail) |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[Xbox Live]] Starter Kit *Xbox Media Center Extender *DVD Playback Kit *Xbox Music Mixer *Memory Unit (8 MB) *Logitech Wireless Controller (2.4 GHz) *[[Xbox (console)#Hardware|More...]] | * [[Kinect]] * Wireless Gaming Receiver * Play & Charge Kit See [[Xbox 360 accessories]] | colspan="3" | * [[Xbox Wireless Controller]] * [[Kinect]] * Media Remote * Stereo Headset Adapter * Official Stereo Headset * Digital TV Tuner (EU Only) * Play and Charge Kit See [[Xbox One accessories]] | colspan="2" | * [[Xbox Wireless Controller]] * Rechargeable Battery + USB-C Cable See [[Xbox One accessories]] |- !CPU |733 MHz [[x86]] Intel Celeron/Pentium III Custom Hybrid [[Central processing unit|CPU]] |3.2 GHz IBM [[PowerPC]] [[Multi-core processor|tri-core]] [[Central processing unit|CPU]] codenamed "[[Xenon (processor)|Xenon]]" | colspan="2" |1.75 GHz AMD [[x86-64]] [[Multi-core processor|eight-core]] [[Central processing unit|CPU]] codenamed "[[Jaguar (microarchitecture)|Jaguar]]"<ref>{{cite web|last=Cunningham|first=Andrew|title=Xbox One gets a CPU speed boost to go with its faster GPU|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/09/xbox-one-gets-a-cpu-speed-boost-to-go-with-its-faster-gpu/|date=September 3, 2013|publisher=ArsTechnica|access-date=November 26, 2013|archive-date=September 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130905090728/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/09/xbox-one-gets-a-cpu-speed-boost-to-go-with-its-faster-gpu/|url-status=live}}</ref> |2.3 GHz semi-custom [[Advanced Micro Devices|AMD]] [[x86-64]] [[Multi-core processor|eight-core]] CPU code named "[[Jaguar (microarchitecture)#Successor|Jaguar Enhanced]]"<ref name=":0" /> | 3.6 GHz custom [[Advanced Micro Devices|AMD]] [[Zen 2]] [[Multi-core processor|eight-core]] CPU | 3.8 GHz custom [[Advanced Micro Devices|AMD]] [[Zen 2]] [[Multi-core processor|eight-core]] CPU<ref name="df xsx fullspecs">{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2020-inside-xbox-series-x-full-specs | title = Inside Xbox Series X: the full specs | first = Richard | last = Leadbetter | date = March 16, 2020 | access-date = March 16, 2020 | work = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-date = August 19, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200819083150/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2020-inside-xbox-series-x-full-specs | url-status = live }}</ref> |- !GPU |233 MHz [[Nvidia]] custom [[GeForce 3 series|GeForce 3 NV2A]] [[Direct3D#Direct3D 8.0|DirectX 8.0]] based GPU |500 MHz [[ATI Technologies|ATi]] custom [[Radeon X1000 series|Radeon X1800]] [[Direct3D#Direct3D 9|DirectX 9.0c]] based GPU codenamed "[[Xenos (graphics chip)|Xenos]]" |853 MHz [[AMD]] [[Radeon HD 7000]] series [[Direct3D#Direct3D 11|DirectX 11.1]], [[Direct3D#Direct3D 12|DirectX 12]] based GPU codenamed "Durango" with 12 compute units |914 MHz [[AMD]] [[Radeon HD 7000]] series [[Direct3D#Direct3D 11|DirectX 11.1]], [[Direct3D#Direct3D 12|DirectX 12]] based GPU codenamed "Edmonton" with 12 compute units |1172 MHz [[AMD]] [[Graphics Core Next|GCN]] [[Direct3D#Direct3D 11|DirectX 11.1]], [[Direct3D#Direct3D 12|DirectX 12]] based GPU codenamed "Scorpio" with 40 compute units |1550 MHz [[AMD]] Custom [[RDNA 2]] [[Direct3D#Direct3D 12|DirectX 12]] based GPU with 20 compute units<ref name="df xsx fullspecs" /> |1825 MHz [[AMD]] Custom [[RDNA 2]] [[Direct3D#Direct3D 12|DirectX 12]] based GPU with 52 compute units<ref name="df xsx fullspecs" /> |- !Memory |64 MB DDR SDRAM @ 200 MHz 6.4 GB/s |512 MB of GDDR3 RAM @ 700 MHz 22.4 GB/s, 10 MB [[EDRAM]] GPU frame buffer memory | colspan="2" |8 GB of [[DDR3]] RAM @ 2133 MHz 68.3 GB/s,<ref name="cnet" /> 32 MB [[ESRAM]] GPU frame buffer memory |12 GB of [[GDDR5 SDRAM|GDDR5]] RAM @ 6.8 GHz 326 GB/s<ref name=":0" /> |10 GB of [[GDDR6 SDRAM|GDDR6]] RAM: 8 GB @ 244 GB/s, 2 GB @ 56 GB/s |16 GB of [[GDDR6 SDRAM|GDDR6]] RAM; 10 GB @ 560 GB/s, 6 GB @ 336 GB/s<ref name="df xsx fullspecs" /> |- !Video I/O ports |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[VGA]] *[[Component video|Component]] ([[YPbPr]]) *[[SCART]] *[[S-Video]] *[[Composite video|Composite]] |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[HDMI 1.1]] (on models manufactured after August 2007) *[[VGA connector|VGA]] *[[Component video|Component]]/[[D-Terminal]] ([[YPbPr]]) *[[SCART]] RGB *[[S-Video]] *[[Composite video|Composite]] |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[HDMI 1.4b]] Input, Output | style="vertical-align: top"| *[[HDMI 1.4b]] Input, [[HDMI 2.0a]] Output | style="vertical-align: top"| *[[HDMI 1.4b]] Input, [[HDMI 2.0b]] Output |style="vertical-align: top" colspan="2" | *[[HDMI 2.1]] Output |- !Video resolution and features |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[1080i]], [[720p]], [[576p]], [[576i]], [[480p]], [[480i]] |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[1080p]], [[1080i]], [[720p]], [[576p]], [[576i]], [[480p]], [[480i]] 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) |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[1080p]]@60fps, [[720p]]@60fps (does not support any [[interlaced]] resolutions) | colspan="2" style="vertical-align: top"| *[[4K resolution|4K]]@60fps, [[1440p]]@60fps (up to 120fps), [[1080p]]@60fps (up to 120fps), [[720p]]@60fps (does not support any [[interlaced]] resolutions) *[[HDR10]] for games and media *[[Dolby Vision]] for media *[[AMD FreeSync]] |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[1440p]]@60fps (up to 120fps), [[1080p]]@120fps, [[720p]]@120fps *[[HDR10]]/[[HDR10+]]/[[Dolby Vision]] for games and media *[[AMD FreeSync]] |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[8k resolution|8K]]@60fps, [[4K resolution|4K]]@60fps (up to 120fps), [[1440p]]@120fps, [[1080p]]@120fps, [[720p]]@120fps<ref name="df xsx fullspecs" /> *[[HDR10]]/[[HDR10+]]/[[Dolby Vision]] for games and media *[[AMD FreeSync]] |- ![[Video codec]]s supported |style="vertical-align: top"| |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[Windows Media Video|WMV]] (unprotected) *[[MPEG-4]] *[[H.264]] *[[Audio Video Interleave|AVI]] |colspan="3" style="vertical-align: top"| *[[3GP]] video, 3GP2 *AVI DivX, DV AVI, AVI uncompressed, asf, AVI Xvid *H.264 AVCHD, [[H.264 AVC]], [[H.264 ASP]] *[[M-JPEG]] *[[.mkv]], [[.mov]] *[[MPEG-PS]], [[MPEG-2]], MPEG-2 HD, MPEG-2 TS *[[Windows Media Video|WMV]], [[WMV HD]] |{{N/A}} |{{N/A}} |- !Audio I/O |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[TOSLINK|Optical TOSLINK]] *[[RCA connector|Stereo RCA]] |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[HDMI#Version 1.1|HDMI 1.1]] (on models manufactured after August 2007) *[[Toslink|Optical Toslink]] *[[RCA connector|Stereo RCA]] |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[HDMI 1.4b]] Input, Output *[[Toslink|Optical Toslink]] | style="vertical-align: top"| *[[HDMI 1.4b]] Input, [[HDMI 2.0a]] Output *[[Toslink|Optical Toslink]] | style="vertical-align: top"| *[[HDMI 1.4b]] Input, [[HDMI 2.0b]] Output *[[Toslink|Optical Toslink]] |style="vertical-align: top" colspan="2" | *[[HDMI 2.1]] Output<ref name="df xsx fullspecs" /> |- !Audio formats and features |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[DTS (sound system)|dts]] *[[Dolby Digital Live]], [[Dolby Digital]], [[Dolby Surround]] *[[Stereophonic sound|Stereo]] |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[DTS (sound system)|dts]] *[[Dolby Digital]], [[Dolby Surround]] *[[Stereophonic sound|Stereo]] |colspan="3" style="vertical-align: top"| *[[DTS-HD Master Audio|dts-HD Master Audio]], [[DTS (sound system)#DTS-HD High Resolution Audio|dts-HD High Resolution Audio]], [[DTS:X|dts:X]], [[DTS (sound system)|dts]] *[[Dolby Atmos]], [[Dolby TrueHD]], [[Dolby Digital Plus]], [[Dolby Digital]] *[[Auro-3D]] *[[Stereophonic sound|Stereo]] |{{N/A}} |{{N/A}} |- ![[Audio codec]]s supported |style="vertical-align: top"| |style="vertical-align: top"| *[[Advanced Audio Coding|AAC]] *[[MP3]] *[[Windows Media Audio|WMA]], [[WMA Lossless]], [[WMA Pro]] |colspan="3" style="vertical-align: top"| *[[3GP]] audio *[[Advanced Audio Coding|AAC]] *[[ADTS]] *[[MP3]] *[[WAV]] *[[Windows Media Audio|WMA]], [[WMA Lossless]], [[WMA Pro]], [[WMA Voice]] |{{N/A}} |{{N/A}} |- !Online service |[[Xbox Live]] (2002–10) [[XLink Kai]] (2003–present) |[[Xbox Live]] [[Xbox Live Arcade]] [[Xbox Live Marketplace]] [[Xbox Live Vision]] (webcam), headset Xbox Live Video Marketplace [[Windows Live Messenger]] [[Internet Explorer]] VideoKinect ([[Kinect]] sensor is no longer needed) |[[Xbox Live]] [[Xbox Store]] [[Microsoft Store (digital)|Microsoft Store]] [[Internet Explorer]] [[Microsoft Edge]] [[Skype]] | colspan="4" |[[Xbox Live]] [[Xbox Store]] [[Microsoft Store (digital)|Microsoft Store]] [[Microsoft Edge]] [[Skype]] |- style="text-align:center;" !Backward compatibility |{{N/A}} |[[List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360|50% of Xbox Library]] | colspan="3" |Select [[List of backward-compatible games for Xbox One|Xbox 360 and Xbox titles]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.xbox.com/2017/06/11/xbox-e3-2017-briefing-recap/|title=The Xbox E3 2017 Briefing: Everything You Need to Know|last=Tuttle|first=Will|date=June 11, 2017|work=Xbox Wire|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=June 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626073548/https://news.xbox.com/2017/06/11/xbox-e3-2017-briefing-recap/|url-status=live}}</ref> | colspan="2" | * All Xbox One Games * Select [[List of backward-compatible games for Xbox One|Xbox 360 and Xbox titles]] |- style="text-align:center;" !System software |[[Xbox Music Mixer]] DVD Playback Kit, [[Xbox Linux]] |See [[Xbox 360 system software]] | colspan="5" |See [[Xbox One system software]] |- !System software features | * [[Audio CD]] playback * [[DVD]] playback (with the playback kit) | * [[Audio CD]] playback * [[DVD]] playback * [[HD-DVD]] playback (with optional add-on) * Audio file playback (non-[[Digital rights management|DRM]] [[Advanced Audio Coding|AAC]], MP3, [[Windows Media Audio|WMA]]) * Video file playback ([[MPEG-4|MPEG4]], [[Windows Media Video|WMV]], [[DivX]], [[XviD]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/gadgets/xbox-360-divx%5Cxvid-test/xbox-360-divxxvid-tested-it-plays-almost-everything-329769.php|title=Xbox 360 DivX/XviD Playback Tested (Verdict: It's Almost Perfect)|date=December 4, 2007|access-date=June 24, 2008|archive-date=May 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529072847/http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/xbox-360-divx%5Cxvid-test/xbox-360-divxxvid-tested-it-plays-almost-everything-329769.php|url-status=live}}</ref>) * Image slideshows * Connectivity with Windows PCs for more codec support and external playback (compatible natively with [[Windows XP Media Center Edition]] and [[Windows Vista]], with [[Windows XP]] with downloadable utility)<ref>{{cite web|title=Xbox 360 Media Download Center|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/pcsetup/alldownloads.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029003930/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/pcsetup/alldownloads.htm |archive-date=October 29, 2007|access-date=October 30, 2007|publisher=Xbox (Microsoft)}}</ref> | * [[Audio CD]] playback * [[DVD]] playback * [[Blu-ray]] playback * [[3D Blu-ray]] playback * [[DLNA]] server support * External hard drive support | colspan="2" | * [[Audio CD]] playback * [[DVD]] playback * [[Blu-ray]] playback * [[3D Blu-ray]] playback * [[UHD Blu-ray]] playback * [[DLNA]] server support * External hard drive (HD) support | * [[DLNA]] server support * External hard drive (HD) support | * [[Audio CD]] playback * [[DVD]] playback * [[Blu-ray]] playback * [[3D Blu-ray]] playback * [[UHD Blu-ray]] playback * [[DLNA]] server support * External hard drive (HD) support |- !Consumer programmability | Via [[Softmod]]s and/or [[modchip]]s; Modified [[Microsoft Windows CE|Windows CE]] 2.x, [[Linux]]. | Development on PC with [[Microsoft XNA|XNA Game Studio]] ($99/year subscription, binary distribution with XNA 1.0 Refresh).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/ms123402.aspx?missingurl=%2fdirectx%2fxna%2fgse%2f|title=XNA Game Studio Express|publisher=MSDN (Microsoft)|access-date=October 30, 2007|archive-date=September 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925210135/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/ms123402.aspx?missingurl=%2fdirectx%2fxna%2fgse%2f|url-status=live}}</ref> | colspan="5" |[[ID@Xbox]] and approved [[Microsoft Store (digital)|Microsoft Store]]; [[Universal Windows Platform|UWP]] apps. |}

===Other 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft's Xbox-branded ASUS handheld finally gets an official reveal |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/microsofts-xbox-branded-asus-handheld-finally-gets-an-official-reveal |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> The Verge reported that Microsoft previously explored an internally developed handheld before focusing on the ROG Ally partnership.<ref>{{cite news |last=Warren |first=Tom |title=Microsoft just teased its next-gen Xbox console, and nobody noticed |url=https://www.theverge.com/notepad-microsoft-newsletter/686101/microsoft-xbox-next-gen-console-handheld-hints-notepad |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

== Games == {{Main|List of Xbox games|List of Xbox 360 games|List of Xbox One games|List of Xbox Series X and Series S games}}

{{See also|List of Xbox Live games on Windows 8.x|List of Xbox Live games on Windows 10|List of Xbox Live games on Windows Phone}} [[File:Xbox Game Studios.svg|thumb|[[Xbox Game Studios]] logo, one of three publishing arms of parent company Xbox (formerly Microsoft Gaming)]] Each console has a variety of games. Most games released on the original Xbox are backwards compatible and can be played directly on its successor, [[Xbox 360]]. Backward compatibility with Xbox 360 titles was added to [[Xbox One]] a year-and-a-half after its launch in June 2015, with specific titles requiring Kinect or USB peripherals not being supported. The Xbox Series X/S supports backward compatibility with all Xbox One titles (except for Kinect-required games), as well as all the Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles that were made available for Xbox One.

Games using the Xbox and Xbox Live brands have also been released for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Windows Phone]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], and [[iOS]] devices. Xbox games can also be played using the [[Xbox Cloud Gaming]] streaming service.

== Services == Microsoft has used the [[razor and blades model]] to sell the family of Xbox consoles, selling the console at or below the price of its manufacturing costs, while earning revenue from licensing fees it collects from publishers, developers and from its services offered to players.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vice.com/en/article/microsoft-says-its-never-made-money-selling-an-xbox-console/ | title = Microsoft Says It's Never Made Money Selling an Xbox Console | first = Patrick | last = Klepek | date = May 5, 2021 | access-date = May 5, 2021 | work = [[Vice (website)|Vice]] | archive-date = May 5, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210505195633/https://www.vice.com/en/article/akgg7a/microsoft-says-its-never-made-money-selling-an-xbox-console | url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Xbox network === {{Main|Xbox network}}

[[Xbox network]] (formerly known as Xbox Live) is an online service with over 65 million users worldwide (as of July 2019).<ref name="Membership">{{cite news |last1=Madan |first1=Asher |title=Xbox Live monthly active users grew to 65 million over the past 3 months |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-live-monthly-active-users-grew-65-million-over-past-3-months |access-date=September 18, 2019 |agency=Windows Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=July 18, 2019 |archive-date=October 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030183903/https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-live-monthly-active-users-grew-65-million-over-past-3-months |url-status=live }}</ref> It comprises an online virtual market, the [[Xbox Games Store]], which allows the purchase and download of games and various forms of multimedia. Online gaming on the Xbox first started on November 15, 2002, worldwide. The service is still active and continues to be played by gamers.

=== Microsoft Store === {{Main|Microsoft Store}}

'''Microsoft Store''' is an online marketplace made for Microsoft's [[Xbox One]] and [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X|S]] consoles. The Xbox 360 console uses the previous [[Xbox Games Store]] client.

=== Xbox App=== {{Main|Xbox (app)}}

The '''Xbox app''' is a companion application available for [[Windows 8]], [[Windows 10]], [[Windows 11]], [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (version 4.0 and above),<ref name="Smart glass installation">{{cite web |url=http://support.xbox.com/en-US/apps/my-xbox-live/my-xbox-live-android-install |title=SmartGlass installation {{pipe}} Companion Application |publisher=Xbox.com |access-date=November 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817234232/http://support.xbox.com/en-US/apps/my-xbox-live/my-xbox-live-android-install |archive-date=August 17, 2012}}</ref> and [[Windows Server 2012]]. It was announced by [[Microsoft]] during [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2012|E3 2012]] and released on October 26, 2012, coinciding with the release of Windows 8.<ref name="xblproductpage">{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/smartglass |title=Xbox SmartGlass {{pipe}} Companion Application |publisher=Xbox.com |access-date=October 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020004513/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/smartglass |archive-date=October 20, 2012}}</ref> It can connect with the console and allows more interactive entertainment, allowing mobile devices to potentially serve as second screens and remote controller.

=== Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming === {{Main|Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming}}

Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming<ref>{{cite web|title=Cloud gaming (Beta) with Xbox Game Pass {{!}} Xbox|url=https://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-game-pass/cloud-gaming/home|access-date=2020-09-18|website=Xbox.com|language=en}}</ref> (codenamed xCloud during development) is the [[Microsoft]]'s Xbox [[cloud gaming]] streaming service.

=== Content filter === 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/14/20913323/microsoft-xbox-live-content-filters-messages-party-chat-moderation|title=Microsoft unveils Xbox content filters to stop the swears and toxicity|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=2019-10-14|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=2019-10-16|archive-date=January 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113215717/https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/14/20913323/microsoft-xbox-live-content-filters-messages-party-chat-moderation|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Xbox Game Pass === {{Main|Xbox Game Pass}}

'''Xbox Game Pass''' is a [[subscription service]] from [[Microsoft]] for use with the [[Xbox One]], [[Xbox Series X/S]], [[Windows 10]] and [[Windows 11]]. The Xbox Game Pass grants users access to a catalog of games from a range of publishers for a single monthly subscription price. The service was launched on June 1, 2017.

=== ''Xbox Wire'' === ''Xbox Wire'' is Xbox's [[news blog]], launched by Microsoft in May 2013 in preparation for the announcement of the Xbox One.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgameshardware.de/Xbox-One-Konsolen-232351/News/Xbox-720-Neuer-News-Blog-Xbox-Wire-fuer-Next-Gen-Konsole-1070249/ |title=Xbox 720: Neuer News-Blog "Xbox Wire" für die Next-Gen-Konsole gestartet |language=de |trans-title=Xbox 720: New news blog "Xbox Wire" launched for the next-gen console |first=Norman |last=Wittkopf |date=May 18, 2013 |website=[[PC Games Hardware]] |access-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031163645/https://www.pcgameshardware.de/Xbox-One-Konsolen-232351/News/Xbox-720-Neuer-News-Blog-Xbox-Wire-fuer-Next-Gen-Konsole-1070249/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was Microsoft's first Xbox-focused blog since it shut down Gamerscore in early 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-launches-xbox-wire-as-official-xbox-news-blog/ |title=Microsoft launches Xbox Wire as official Xbox news blog |first=John |last=Callaham |date=May 17, 2013 |website=[[Neowin]] |access-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031163646/https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-launches-xbox-wire-as-official-xbox-news-blog/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2022, a Japanese-language version of the site was published as part of Microsoft's focus on the Japanese gaming market.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-wire-japan-launch |title=Xbox Wire has officially launched in Japan with full localization |first=Zachary |last=Boddy |date=March 1, 2020 |website=[[Windows Central]] |access-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031163649/https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-wire-japan-launch |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Software == {{main|Xbox system software}}

The main interface for all four generations of Xbox has been the Xbox Dashboard, which allows users to manage games stored on the console, play media, and access system settings. Since 2002, the Dashboard has been integrated with the [[Xbox network]] which provides online functionality and storefront options. 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]], and the latest system software for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S is based on [[Windows 11]], with support for [[Universal Windows Platform]] (UWP) applications.

=== Xbox Family Settings App === 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. This is the attempt of Microsoft to promote a message of responsible gaming.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Powell|first=Steffan|date=2020-05-27|title=Xbox releasing a new family safety app|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-52809652|access-date=2020-05-27|archive-date=May 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527135931/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-52809652|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Controllers ==

=== Xbox controller === {{Main|Xbox controller}}

{{Multiple image | align = right | direction = horizontal | width = | image1 = Xbox-Duke-Controller.jpg | width1 = 216 | alt1 = | caption1 = Original Xbox controller, first showcased in 2000 | image2 = Xbox-s-controller.jpg | width2 = 205 | alt2 = | caption2 = Xbox Controller S, which first shipped in 2002 }} Released in 2001, the Xbox control pad was the first controller made for the original [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]. The Xbox controller features two [[analog stick]]s, a pressure-sensitive directional pad, two analog triggers, a Back button, a Start button, two accessory slots and six 8-bit analog action buttons (A/Green, B/Red, X/Blue, Y/Yellow, and Black and White buttons).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://euc.jp/periphs/xbox-controller.en.html | title = Inside Xbox 360 Controller | access-date = May 1, 2013 | archive-date = July 25, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110725152107/http://euc.jp/periphs/xbox-controller.en.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> The original Xbox controller (nicknamed the "Fatty"<ref name=nickname>{{cite web |title=Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Tour |url=http://gear.ign.com/articles/613/613588p1.html |publisher=IGN |access-date=July 2, 2011 |date=May 13, 2005 |quote=the original "Fatty" Xbox controller didn't have a specific public name |archive-date=August 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811222955/http://gear.ign.com/articles/613/613588p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and later the "Duke"<ref name=nickname2>{{cite web |title=Xbox's original beast of a controller making a comeback? |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20071383-1/xboxs-original-beast-of-a-controller-making-a-comeback/ |publisher=CNET |access-date=October 16, 2011 |date=June 15, 2005 |quote=Anyone who purchased the original Xbox during its launch window quickly came to know its behemoth of a controller, now nicknamed "Duke." |archive-date=February 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206183137/http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20071383-1/xboxs-original-beast-of-a-controller-making-a-comeback/ |url-status=live }}</ref>) was the controller initially bundled with Xbox systems for all territories except Japan, which received a more compact controller called the Controller S. The Controller S was later made the standard included controller in all territories. {{clear}}

=== Xbox 360 controller === {{Main|Xbox 360 controller}}

[[File:Xbox-360-S-Controller.png|thumb|Xbox 360 S Controller]] 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 stick]]s and a digital [[D-pad]]. The right face of the controller features four digital action buttons; a green "A" button, red "B" button, blue "X" button and yellow "Y" button. The lower right houses the right analog stick, in the lower left is a digital D-pad and on the left face is the left analog stick. Both analog sticks can also be "clicked in" to activate a digital button beneath. In the center of the controller face are digital "Start", "Back" and "Guide" buttons. The "Guide" button is labelled with the Xbox logo, and is used to turn on the console/controller and to access the guide menu. It is also surrounded by the "ring of light", which indicates the controller number, as well as flashing when connecting and to provide notifications. The left and right "shoulders" each feature a digital shoulder button, or "bumper", and an analog trigger.

=== Xbox Wireless Controller (2013–present) === {{Main|Xbox Wireless Controller}}

{{Multiple image | align = right | direction = horizontal | width = | image1 = Microsoft-Xbox-One-controller.jpg | width1 = 210 | alt1 = | caption1 = Xbox One Controller | image2 = XBOX One Controller (51286903548).jpg | width2 = 285 | alt2 = | caption2 = Xbox Series X/S Controller }}

==== Xbox One controller ==== The [[Xbox One]] console has a revised controller with forty improvements over the 360's controller. This new controller is built to work with Kinect. The Start and Back buttons are replaced with Menu and View buttons. It has impulse triggers that replace the regular triggers. The Xbox button still brings up the mini-guide as of recent dashboard versions, though in earlier iterations it brought up the main dashboard menu while leaving the game uninterrupted.

==== Xbox Series X/S Controller ==== The fourth generation Xbox Controller doesn't change much from the Xbox One controller, but the new wireless Xbox Controller does add a capture and share button, a [[D-pad|hybrid d-pad]], and better gripping on the bumpers and triggers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.techspot.com/news/84407-microsoft-showcases-new-low-latency-cross-compatible-xbox.html|title=Microsoft showcases new low-latency, cross-compatible Xbox Series X controller|website=TechSpot|date=March 16, 2020 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-16|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331101115/https://www.techspot.com/news/84407-microsoft-showcases-new-low-latency-cross-compatible-xbox.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The controller is also promised to be cross compatible with certain [[Personal computer|PC's]] and [[mobile device]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.xbox.com/en-US/consoles/xbox-series-x|title=Xbox Series X {{!}} Xbox|website=Xbox.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-16|archive-date=September 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913193828/https://www.xbox.com/en-US/consoles/xbox-series-x|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Xbox Adaptive Controller=== {{Main|Xbox Adaptive Controller}}

[[File:Xbox_Adaptive_Controller_V&A.JPG|thumb|right|Xbox Adaptive Controller]] The Xbox Adaptive Controller is a special controller designed for [[accessibility]] features for players. Besides being physically larger than typical controllers, it includes additional ports to allow other devices to be connected and mapped to other controller functions. The controller is not limited to just Xbox and Windows platforms but also is compatible with the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.

== Other accessories ==

=== Kinect === {{Main|Kinect}}

[[File:Xbox-360-Kinect-Standalone.png|thumb|left|The Xbox 360 Kinect sensor]] '''Kinect''' (stylized as '''KINECT''') is a [[motion sensing]] [[input device]] by [[Microsoft]] for the [[Xbox 360]] [[video game console]] and [[Windows]] [[personal computer|PCs]]. Based around a [[webcam]]-style add-on [[peripheral]] for the Xbox 360 console, it enables users to control and interact with the Xbox 360 without the need to touch a [[game controller]], through a [[natural user interface]] using gestures and [[speech recognition|spoken commands]].<ref name="Natal 101">{{cite web |title="Project Natal" 101 |url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/A/4/A/A4A457B3-DF5D-4BF2-AD4E-963454BA0BCC/ProjectNatalFactSheetMay09.zip |publisher=Microsoft |date=June 1, 2009 |access-date=June 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121223600/http://download.microsoft.com/download/A/4/A/A4A457B3-DF5D-4BF2-AD4E-963454BA0BCC/ProjectNatalFactSheetMay09.zip |archive-date=January 21, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The project is aimed at broadening the Xbox 360's audience beyond its typical gamer base.<ref name="LA Times">{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/06/microsofte3.html|title=E3: Microsoft shows off gesture control technology for Xbox 360|last=Pham|first=Alex|date=June 1, 2009|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=June 1, 2009|quote=The effort aims to attract a broader audience to Microsoft's console. Most of the 30 million Xbox 360s sold since November 2005 have been snapped up by avid young males drawn to complex shooter or adventure games such as Halo and Modern Warfare or R.P.Gs|archive-date=June 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611165812/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/06/microsofte3.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Kinect competes with the [[Wii Remote Plus]] and [[PlayStation Move]] with [[PlayStation Eye]] [[motion controller]]s for the [[Wii]] and [[PlayStation 3]] home consoles, respectively. A version for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] was released on February 1, 2012.<ref name="windowsreleasedate">{{cite web|date=January 9, 2012|title=Starting February 1, 2012: Use the Power of Kinect for Windows to Change the World – Kinect for Windows Blog – Site Home – MSDN Blogs|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/kinectforwindows/archive/2012/01/09/kinect-for-windows-commercial-program-announced.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110150540/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/kinectforwindows/archive/2012/01/09/kinect-for-windows-commercial-program-announced.aspx|archive-date=January 10, 2012|access-date=March 12, 2012|publisher=Blogs.msdn.com}}</ref>

Kinect was launched in North America on November 4, 2010,<ref name="releasedate">{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/5563148/microsoft-xbox-360-kinect-launches-november-4|title=Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect Launches November 4|date=June 14, 2010|publisher=Gizmodo|access-date=September 18, 2017|archive-date=September 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909043532/http://gizmodo.com/5563148/microsoft-xbox-360-kinect-launches-november-4|url-status=live}}</ref> in Europe on November 10, 2010,<ref name="EU launch date">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-10996389|title=Kinect gets UK release date|work=BBC News|date=August 17, 2010|access-date=August 17, 2010|quote=''It will hit the shelves on 10 November, five days after the US.''|archive-date=August 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819202010/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/10996389|url-status=live}}</ref> in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore on November 18, 2010,<ref name="Xbox Kinect Australian launch date">{{cite web|date=September 1, 2010|title=Xbox 360s Kinect given release date for Australia|url=http://123kinect.com/xboxkinect-release-date-australia/|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903142139/http://123kinect.com/xboxkinect-release-date-australia/|archive-date=September 3, 2010|access-date=September 3, 2010}}</ref><ref name="Xbox Kinect Singapore launch date">{{cite web|last=Lian|first=Jotham|title=Kinect launches Nov 18 with StarHub tie-up|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/technologynews/view/1085935/1/.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101010234853/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/technologynews/view/1085935/1/.html|archive-date=October 10, 2010|publisher=ChannelNewsAsia.com}}</ref><ref name="Xbox Kinect New Zealand launch date">{{cite web|date=September 17, 2010|title=New Zealand Kinect Launch Date confirmed!|url=http://123kinect.com/new-zealand-kinect-launch-date/|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210023349/http://123kinect.com/new-zealand-kinect-launch-date/|archive-date=December 10, 2010|access-date=September 17, 2010}}</ref> and in Japan on November 20, 2010.<ref name="Xbox Kinect Japanese launch date">{{cite web|date=September 14, 2010|title=Xbox Kinect Japanese launch date|url=http://123kinect.com/kinect-launch-japan/|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919022153/http://123kinect.com/kinect-launch-japan/|archive-date=September 19, 2010|access-date=September 17, 2010}}</ref> Purchase options for the sensor peripheral include a bundle with the game ''[[Kinect Adventures]]'' and console bundles with either a 4 GB<ref name="US pricing" /><ref name="UK pricing" /><ref name="Euro pricing" /> or 250 GB<ref name="250GB bundle">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-09-08-GBP300-kinect-250gb-bundle-confirmed|title=£300 Kinect 250 GB bundle confirmed|date=September 8, 2010|access-date=September 8, 2010|publisher=Eurogamer|first=Robert|last=Purchese|archive-date=September 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100911072539/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-09-08-GBP300-kinect-250gb-bundle-confirmed|url-status=live}}</ref> Xbox 360 console and ''Kinect Adventures''.<ref name="US pricing">{{cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2010/jul10/07-20KinectPackagePR.mspx |title=New Xbox 360, Kinect Sensor and "Kinect Adventures" – Get All Your Controller-Free Entertainment in One Complete Package |date=July 20, 2010 |publisher=Microsoft |location=Redmond, Washington |access-date=July 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722110130/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2010/jul10/07-20KinectPackagePR.mspx |archive-date=July 22, 2010 }}</ref><ref name="UK pricing">{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/Xbox360/Consoles/Home?xbox_360_console_bundles |title=Say Hello to the New Xbox 360 |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=March 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224041334/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/Xbox360/Consoles/Home?xbox_360_console_bundles |archive-date=February 24, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Euro pricing">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AceyBongos/status/19004621612|title=Kinect bundled with slim 4 GB Xbox 360 Arcade for $300, new console for $200 in August|author=Boyd, Graeme (AceyBongos)|date=July 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925184229/https://twitter.com/AceyBongos/status/19004621612|archive-date=September 25, 2013|access-date=July 20, 2010|publisher=Twitter|quote=Euro prices are 149.99 Euro for the camera + Kinect Adventures, 299.99 Euro for the 4 GB console bundle.}} [http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/kinect-bundled-with-slim-4gb-xbox-360-arcade-for-300-new-conso/ Alt URL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620080813/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/kinect-bundled-with-slim-4gb-xbox-360-arcade-for-300-new-conso/ |date=June 20, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="250GB bundle" />

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.<ref name="Gamasutra-record">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/microsoft-kinect-hits-10-million-units-10-million-games |title=Microsoft: Kinect Hits 10 Million Units, 10 Million Games |first=Leigh |last=Alexander |publisher=Gamasutra |date=March 9, 2011 |access-date=March 10, 2011 |archive-date=March 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311083825/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/33430/Microsoft_Kinect_Hits_10_Million_Units_10_Million_Games.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CVG-record">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/292825/news/kinect-cruises-past-10m-sales-barrier/ |title=Kinect cruises past 10 m sales barrier |first=Tim |last=Ingham |publisher=CVG |date=March 9, 2011 |access-date=March 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311085030/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/292825/news/kinect-cruises-past-10m-sales-barrier/ |archive-date=March 11, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Guinness-record">{{cite web|url=http://community.guinnessworldrecords.com/_Kinect-Confirmed-As-Fastest-Selling-Consumer-Electronics-Device/blog/3376939/7691.html |title=Kinect Confirmed As Fastest-Selling Consumer Electronics Device |publisher=Guinnessworldrecords.com |access-date=March 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311213211/http://community.guinnessworldrecords.com/_Kinect-Confirmed-As-Fastest-Selling-Consumer-Electronics-Device/blog/3376939/7691.html |archive-date=March 11, 2011 }}</ref> 24 million units of the Kinect sensor had been shipped as of January 2012.<ref name="24-million" />

Microsoft released Kinect [[software development kit]] for Windows 7 on June 16, 2011.<ref name="SDK1">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/programming/microsoft-announces-windows-kinect-sdk-for-spring-release |title=News – Microsoft Announces Windows Kinect SDK For Spring Release |publisher=Gamasutra |first=Kyle |last=Orland |date=February 21, 2011 |access-date=March 16, 2011 |archive-date=March 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304163945/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/33136/Microsoft_Announces_Windows_Kinect_SDK_For_Spring_Release.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SDK2">{{cite web |url=http://gadgetsteria.com/2011/02/21/microsoft-kinect-sdk-coming-in-march/ |title=Microsoft: "Kinect SDK Coming In March." |publisher=Gadgetsteria.com |date=February 21, 2011 |access-date=March 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319081404/http://gadgetsteria.com/2011/02/21/microsoft-kinect-sdk-coming-in-march/ |archive-date=March 19, 2011}}</ref><ref name="SDK3">{{cite web|last=Knies|first=Rob|date=February 21, 2011|title=Academics, Enthusiasts to Get Kinect SDK|url=http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/news/features/kinectforwindowssdk-022111.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222165913/http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/news/features/kinectforwindowssdk-022111.aspx|archive-date=February 22, 2011|access-date=March 18, 2011}}</ref> This SDK was meant to allow developers to write Kinecting apps in [[C++/CLI]], [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]], or [[Visual Basic .NET]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/microsoft-launches-kinect-for-windows-sdk-beta-wants-pc-users-t/ |title=Kinect for Windows SDK beta launches, wants PC users to get a move on |publisher=Engadget |date=June 16, 2011 |access-date=October 19, 2011 |archive-date=October 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020003114/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/microsoft-launches-kinect-for-windows-sdk-beta-wants-pc-users-t/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/06/microsoft-releases-kinect-for-windows-sdk.html |title=Microsoft releases Kinect for Windows SDK – latimes.com |publisher=Latimesblogs.latimes.com |date=June 16, 2011 |access-date=October 19, 2011 |archive-date=November 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125074649/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/06/microsoft-releases-kinect-for-windows-sdk.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Additional information on the Xbox One Kinect was released on June 6, 2013, including information on how to turn off the "always on" feature.<ref>{{cite news|date=June 6, 2013|title=Xbox One Kinect: Only Peeping If You Want It To|publisher=All That Gaming Stuff|url=http://www.allthatgamingstuff.com/xbox-one-kinect-only-peeping-if-you-want-it-to/|url-status=dead|access-date=June 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055912/http://www.allthatgamingstuff.com/xbox-one-kinect-only-peeping-if-you-want-it-to/|archive-date=September 21, 2013}}</ref>

[[File:Xbox-One-Kinect.jpg|thumb|The Xbox One Kinect sensor]] Although featuring improved performance over the original Xbox 360 Kinect, its successor the Xbox One Kinect was subject to mixed responses. It was praised for its wide-angle, its fast response time and high-quality camera. However, the Kinect's inability to understand some accents in English was criticized. Furthermore, controversies surround Microsoft's intentional tying of the sensor with the Xbox One console despite the initial requirements for the sensor being plugged in at all times having been revised since its initial announcement. There have also been a number of concerns regarding privacy.

===Headsets=== When the Xbox Live online service was launched in 2002, the ''Xbox Communicator'' [[Headset (audio)|headset]] was included with the Live Starter Kit.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2002/11/22/xbox-live-starter-kits-virtually-sell-out-in-first-week-of-sales/ |title=Xbox Live Starter Kits Virtually Sell Out in First Week of Sales |date=November 22, 2002 |publisher=Microsoft Corporation |access-date=12 August 2021 |archive-date=August 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819080326/https://news.microsoft.com/2002/11/22/xbox-live-starter-kits-virtually-sell-out-in-first-week-of-sales/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Communicator, which enabled in-game voice chat, consisted of a wired headset and an interface module. The module plugged into the controller's top expansion slot, and the headset plugged into the module; the interface module was equipped with a dial to control volume and a button to mute the microphone.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/06/28/ign-xbox-goes-live |title=IGN Xbox goes Live |author=Goldstein, Hilary |date=June 28, 2002 |work=IGN |access-date=12 August 2021 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812155435/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/06/28/ign-xbox-goes-live |url-status=live }}</ref> The headset socket on the module was a standard 2.5mm [[Phone connector (audio)#PDAs and mobile phones|TRS audio jack]] with monaural input and output, compatible with cellular phone headsets.

Xbox 360 controllers featured a built-in monaural 2.5mm TRS jack also compatible with standard cellular phone headsets, allowing players to reuse the Xbox Communicator headset and chat on Xbox Live without a separate interface module.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-announces-the-xbox-360-confirms-worldwide-2005-launch/1100-6124231/ |title=Microsoft announces the Xbox 360, confirms worldwide 2005 launch |author=Thorsen, Tor |date=November 16, 2005 |work=Gamespot |access-date=11 August 2021 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811222843/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-announces-the-xbox-360-confirms-worldwide-2005-launch/1100-6124231/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The premium console bundle included a wired ''Xbox 360 Live Communicator'' headset with grey and white cosmetics matching the console, which also was available separately;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/2005/08/17/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm |title=Price of Xbox 360? It depends. |author=Morris, Chris |date=August 17, 2005 |work=CNN Money |access-date=11 August 2021 |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425204850/http://money.cnn.com/2005/08/17/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> the wired headset connected to the audio jack on the bottom of the controller through a wide plug that included mute and volume controls. An updated ''Xbox 360 Headset'' was released in 2010 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.

[[File:360 Wireless Headset.png|thumb|right|alt=Xbox 360 Wireless Headset, a single-ear headset that combines an earphone and microphone for voice chat over the Xbox Live online service. The headset connects wirelessly with the Xbox console, and features a dark grey ear loop to hold it in place; the microphone boom extends forward a short distance towards the wearer's mouth. On the outside of the headset are three buttons to control volume and power, arranged in a circle.|Xbox 360 Wireless Headset]] Microsoft also announced the [[Xbox 360 Wireless Headset]], a first-party single-ear headset accessory designed for and released with the Xbox 360 console in November 2005. Special editions of the wireless headset were released with colors themed for ''[[Halo 3]]'' (green/orange, September 2007),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2007-09-14-halo-3-xbox-360-available-september-16th.html |title=Halo 3 Xbox 360 available September 16th |author=Burg, Dustin |date=September 14, 2007 |work=yahoo! finance |access-date=11 August 2021 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811222844/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2007-09-14-halo-3-xbox-360-available-september-16th.html |url-status=live }}</ref> the Xbox 360 S (black, 2010), and ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' (silver, September 2010).<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/press/2010/0722-halo-reach-bundle.htm |title=New Limited Edition ''Halo: Reach'' Xbox 360 Console |date=July 22, 2010 |publisher=Xbox |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012190213/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/press/2010/0722-halo-reach-bundle.htm |archive-date=October 12, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It was replaced by the ''Xbox 360 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth'' in 2011, which could be used with the console (using the Xbox wireless protocol) or a phone (using Bluetooth).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.slashgear.com/xbox-360-media-remote-and-bluetooth-wireless-headset-announced-26167547/ |title=Xbox 360 Media Remote and Bluetooth Wireless Headset Announced |author=Burns, Chris |date=July 26, 2011 |work=Slash Gear |access-date=11 August 2021 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811222850/https://www.slashgear.com/xbox-360-media-remote-and-bluetooth-wireless-headset-announced-26167547/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The initial revision of the Xbox One Wireless Controller (Model 1537) also included a 2.5mm monaural jack compatible with standard cellular phone headsets. Microsoft bundled the ''Xbox One Chat Headset'' with each console starting from launch in 2013; the headset was permanently wired to an interface module that plugged into the controller's expansion port and provided microphone mute and volume controls.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-one-unboxing-headset-accessory-videos |title=Microsoft hears gamer requests, reveals free Xbox One Chat Headset in official unboxing video |author=Acevedo, Paul |date=August 8, 2013 |work=Windows Central |access-date=12 August 2021 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812155435/https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-one-unboxing-headset-accessory-videos |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, Microsoft released the ''Xbox One Stereo Headset'' in early March 2014, bundled with a Stereo Headset Adapter, which allowed players to listen to in-game audio blended with chat simultaneously. The Adapter connected to the controller's expansion port and headset jack, and the Headset connected to the Adapter through a 3.5mm plug. Prior headsets released with the Xbox and Xbox 360 were limited to voice chat only.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2014/02/11/xbox-one-headset/ |title=Xbox One Stereo Headset and Adapter Coming in Early March |date=February 11, 2014 |website=Xbox News |access-date=11 August 2021 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811222845/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2014/02/11/xbox-one-headset/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A white-colored special edition was released in fall 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2016/09/12/elevate-your-game-with-new-accessories-from-xbox/ |title=Elevate Your Game with New Accessories from Xbox |author=White, Bree |date=September 12, 2016 |website=Xbox News |access-date=11 August 2021 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811222852/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2016/09/12/elevate-your-game-with-new-accessories-from-xbox/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The next revision of the controller (Model 1697) replaced with 2.5mm jack with a 3.5mm jack.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/5/28/8676533/microsoft-xbox-one-controller-headphone-jack |title=New Xbox One controller will have a standard headphone jack |author=Warren, Tom |date=28 May 2015 |work=The Verge |access-date=20 July 2018 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812155435/https://www.theverge.com/2015/5/28/8676533/microsoft-xbox-one-controller-headphone-jack |url-status=live }}</ref>

A new ''Xbox Wireless Headset'' was introduced in February 2021, 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.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/16/22285247/microsoft-xbox-wireless-headset-release-date-price-features | title = Microsoft announces new Xbox Wireless Headset, available March 16th for $99 | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = February 16, 2021 | access-date = February 16, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = February 16, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210216150047/https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/16/22285247/microsoft-xbox-wireless-headset-release-date-price-features | url-status = live }}</ref> It is equipped with both proprietary Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth radios, and could be connected to both simultaneously.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/22325883/microsoft-xbox-wireless-headset-gaming-series-x-s-pc-windows-10-review |title=Microsoft's Xbox Wireless headset is a mic-drop moment |author=Faulkner, Cameron |date=March 15, 2021 |work=The Verge |access-date=11 August 2021 |archive-date=August 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804143537/https://www.theverge.com/22325883/microsoft-xbox-wireless-headset-gaming-series-x-s-pc-windows-10-review |url-status=live }}</ref> 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 in August 2021 with a reduced price.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/19/22632185/microsoft-new-xbox-wired-stereo-headset-series-x-s-pc-headphones-features-price |title=Microsoft announces new wired Xbox stereo headset |author=Faulkner, Cameron |date=August 19, 2021 |work=The Verge |access-date=20 August 2021 |archive-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820140856/https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/19/22632185/microsoft-new-xbox-wired-stereo-headset-series-x-s-pc-headphones-features-price |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Marketing == {{Expand section|date=October 2016}} In 2016, Microsoft announced that it would hold its own Xbox FanFest instead of a press conference at the [[Gamescom]] annual European video game convention.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/13/12172254/xbox-gamescom-2016-press-conference|title=Microsoft ditches Gamescom 2016 press conference for fan event|first=Allegra|last=Frank|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=July 13, 2016|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=October 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021090221/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/13/12172254/xbox-gamescom-2016-press-conference|url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft held an Xbox FanFest in Sydney in September 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/09/07/xbox-fanfest-launching-in-sydney|title=Xbox Fanfest Launching in Sydney|first=Lucy|last=O'Brien|date=September 6, 2016|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=October 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026201340/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/09/07/xbox-fanfest-launching-in-sydney|url-status=live}}</ref>

Microsoft held a 20th anniversary celebration stream for the Xbox on November 15, 2021. During it, they announced that a documentary behind the history of the Xbox, titled ''Power On: The Story of Xbox''. The documentary was released in six parts starting on December 13, 2021.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/power-on-history-of-xbox-documentary | title = Xbox Documentary, Power On, Announced For Six Part Mini-Series | first = Taylor | last = Lyles | date = November 15, 2021 | access-date = November 15, 2021 | work = [[IGN]] | archive-date = November 15, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211115190939/https://www.ign.com/articles/power-on-history-of-xbox-documentary | url-status = live }}</ref> The documentary won the [[Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Single Camera Editing]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/xboxs-power-on-documentary-is-awarded-a-daytime-emmy | title = Xbox's Power On documentary is awarded a Daytime Emmy | first = Vikki | last = Blake | date = June 19, 2022 | accessdate = June 19, 2022 | work = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-date = January 13, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230113215722/https://www.eurogamer.net/xboxs-power-on-documentary-is-awarded-a-daytime-emmy | url-status = live }}</ref>

==Notes== {{notelist}}

== References == {{reflist}}

== External links == {{Commons category}} * {{official website}}

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