Xbox has been around for almost 22 years. This gaming console from Microsoft has forever changed the gaming world since the launch of its first iteration in the early 2000s.
Let’s hop on a ride to memory lane and look back at every Xbox generation in order. Read on, relax, and relive those gaming memories again.
Xbox Generations in Order
Here is a summary of every Xbox generation in chronological order:
| Xbox Model | Generation | Release Date |
| Xbox | 1st Generation | November 15, 2001 |
| Xbox 360 | 2nd Generation | November 22, 2005 |
| Xbox 360 S | 2nd Generation | June 14, 2010 |
| Xbox 360 E | 2nd Generation | June 10, 2013 |
| Xbox One | 3rd Generation | November 22, 2013 |
| Xbox One S | 3rd Generation | August 2, 2016 |
| Xbox One X | 3rd Generation | November 7, 2017 |
| Xbox Series X | 4th Generation | November 10, 2020 |
| Xbox Series S | 4th Generation | November 10, 2020 |
Curious where Xboxes are made today? Find the answer here!
1. Xbox
Microsoft released the Xbox as a new competitor in the video games market. They aimed to get a share of the market that Nintendo and Son dominated back then. With the launch of the Xbox on November 15, 2001, Microsoft has officially launched itself to a new market.
The launch succeeded despite the hardware plague known as the “red ring of death.” Microsoft could not stop this bug in the first iteration of Xbox. But despite this bug, Xbox witnessed tremendous success and introduced its next generation, the Xbox 360.
2. Xbox 360
The second Xbox model Microsoft launched is the Xbox 360, which came out on November 22, 2005. Microsoft upgraded the specs of the first-gen Xbox and turned it into one of the best-selling gaming consoles of all time.
Some upgrades included wireless controllers, integrated Xbox Live, and Ethernet connection.
What made the Xbox 360 stand out against its competition was an added hardware called the “Kinect”. It is a peripheral that can detect physical motion. It started the rise of the “Just Dance” series, where you need to dance in front of a Kinect to gain a score.
Learn more about the Xbox 360 on Xbox Support.
3. Xbox 360 S
Following the success of the Xbox 360, Xbox released a slimmer, sleeker version of the console. On June 14, 2010, Microsoft released the Xbox 360 S (“S” for “Slim”). This console boasts a much faster processor and a more powerful GPU while making the console smaller.
Though it has a smaller appearance, many reviews point out that this iteration is not an improvement on the base Xbox 360. It rather focuses on aesthetics and gives no significant difference from the Xbox 360.
Xbox Support has more information about the Xbox 360 S.
4. Xbox 360 E
Microsoft made some improvements to the Xbox 360. Launched on June 10, 2013, the Xbox 360 E (Elite) removed the old A/V ports and one USB port for this console version.
These removed parts may not be bothersome, but it does not much of a difference between the Xbox 360 and the “Slim” version.
The main upgrade in the Xbox 360 E is the storage space. It has 120 GB of base storage, while the Xbox 360 only has 20 or 60 GB, depending on the model you’ve purchased. You can also expand the storage by buying a 500 GB Xbox hard drive for $33.99.
Find out more about the Xbox 360 E on Xbox Support.
5. Xbox One
With Microsoft and Sony fiercely competing in the video games market, Microsoft launched the Xbox One to compete with the PlayStation 4. The Xbox One was released on November 22, 2013, and Microsoft placed more emphasis on its cost, with a $499 price tag.
This price was worth paying, though, as the console provided backward compatibility for older games. This is a feature that the Xbox One cannot provide.
However, the push for full Kinect integration faced some criticisms. Some fear of privacy concerns with the Kinect, thus preventing Microsoft from getting as large a profit as the other Xbox iterations.
Want to play Xbox games on a big yet portable screen? Here’s how you can connect your Xbox to a laptop using an HDMI cable.
6. Xbox One S
As with the Xbox 360 series, Microsoft launched a slimmer version of the Xbox One on August 2, 2016. But unlike the Xbox 360 S, the Xbox One S is a drastic upgrade from the base Xbox One.
For starters, the Xbox One S provides a 4K gaming and media experience. It is truly an upgrade in terms of specs and not just aesthetics.
This console is still not perfect, though. Some users reported that its 4K capabilities are only compatible with newer TVs. It also only upscales 1080p games to 4K. This results in a crisper display but dull details on the graphics.
Learn more about the Xbox One S from Xbox’s official website.
7. Xbox One X
Microsoft released the then-most powerful Xbox yet on November 7, 2017. The Xbox One X still sports the same aesthetic as the One S, but it has more power to process 4K graphics. It has also backward compatibility, which was missing in the previous generation of the Xbox.
While the Xbox One X is a powerful console, the number of games and exclusive content is still small compared to its competition. It also has limited storage, as most 4K content will not fit on a 1 TB hard drive.
Check the Xbox offical website for more information abuot the Xbox One X.
8. Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is the newest addition to the generations of Xbox made by Microsoft. Launched on November 10, 2020, this console sets a standard for the next generation of gaming. It has 4K, 120 Hz capabilities giving a smooth, buttery gaming experience.
The bulky nature of this console may make or break your choices. If you want a sturdy-looking gaming machine, the Xbox Series X is the one for you. If you want a slimmer one, the next Xbox version, the Xbox Series S, will definitely suit your style.
9. Xbox Series S
Launched together with the Xbox Series X, the Xbox Series S is the latest slim console offered by Microsoft. The company made sure that the Xbox Series S is as powerful as the Xbox Series X, promising not just 1080p but 1440p gaming experience with the console.
The Xbox Series S’s slim structure may be attributed to the absence of a disc drive. Though it has a small profile, its noise is not obvious, even with intense gameplay. So, no more worries about cooling down on this console.
What Version of Xbox Do You Have?
You can check what version of Xbox you have by looking at the model number at the back or the bottom of your console. Alternatively, you can check your console’s physical appearance or its console ID.
Your Xbox’s model number and console ID are not the same as any other console. For this reason, they can help you identify the Xbox version you have. You can also compare your console’s appearance with the photos on the web to see which one looks the same.
Read more about how to check what Xbox you have.
Can Xbox Series S Run Every Game?
No, the Xbox Series S cannot run every game accessible from the 1st generation Xbox to the Xbox One generation. There may be a backward compatibility feature for this newest Xbox console, but it’s an all-digital console. So, you cannot play disc game titles and Kinect-dependent games.
You can check out this list from Xbox to see what games from the first generation of Xbox to the Xbox One series are compatible with the Xbox Series S. Time to relive the memories!
Looking Back at the Generations of Xbox
From the first generation of Xbox released in 2001, this gaming console has endured the test of time and is still standing strong after more than 20 years.
As we have presented every Xbox generation in order here, you would probably reflect on how gaming has evolved from simple graphics to human-like designs.
The gaming industry has truly flourished, and it is great to see how it continually evolves. The Xbox’s rollercoaster ride made it a great console today that will be etched as one of the most-known gaming machines ever.
