Gaming
Microsoft's gaming brand that transformed from an unknown entrant in 2001 to one of the biggest names in gaming. Four generations, nine consoles, and counting.
Microsoft's bold entry into gaming. Powered by an Intel Pentium III processor and an 8GB hard drive, it was a beast for its time. Halo: Combat Evolved launched alongside it and became a cultural phenomenon. Xbox Live brought online multiplayer to the mainstream. Sold over 24 million units worldwide by 2006.
Microsoft's most successful console ever with 84+ million units sold. The 360 era defined online gaming with Xbox Live becoming the gold standard. Kinect motion tracking was revolutionary (even if it never fully delivered on its promise). This generation cemented Xbox as a true competitor to PlayStation.
A rocky launch with an initial focus on TV and entertainment over gaming. The "always online" controversy forced Microsoft to backtrack quickly. Despite the stumbles, Xbox One S and One X revisions improved the lineup significantly. Game Pass launched in 2017 and changed everything.
The current generation. Series X is the flagship powerhouse; Series S is the affordable all-digital option. Features include Quick Resume, lightning-fast SSD load times, and gameplay up to 120 FPS. Microsoft describes it as the "fastest, most powerful Xbox ever."
Microsoft is working on an Xbox-branded gaming handheld codenamed "Kennan", developed in partnership with a PC gaming OEM (likely ASUS). Expected to run Windows and support Steam, GOG, Epic Games, and of course Game Pass. Targeted for late 2025 if plans hold.
Microsoft has teased that the next Xbox will represent the "largest technical leap" ever. Reports suggest a 2027 target, though some indicate it could arrive as early as 2026. Expect powerful, unique hardware designed to compete with PlayStation 6 and whatever Nintendo does next.
Game Pass is arguably more important than the hardware now. Microsoft's "Netflix for games" strategy shifted the focus from console sales to subscription revenue. Day-one releases of first-party titles, hundreds of games in the library, and cloud streaming mean you don't even need an Xbox to play Xbox games anymore.
The Activision Blizzard acquisition brought Call of Duty, Diablo, Overwatch, and more into the Xbox family. Microsoft is playing a different game than Sony now—one focused on ecosystem over hardware exclusivity.