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Xbox is Microsoft's gaming division. Launched in 2001 with the original Xbox console (presented by Bill Gates and The Rock, no less), the division has gone through multiple permutations on its journey to its current form. Originally envisioned as a device that could bring Windows to the living room, Xbox eventually competed more directly with PlayStation targeting core gamers.
Xbox had solid success in the United States and other English-speaking markets, buoyed by heavy hitters like Halo and Forza, alongside various heavy hitting third-party exclusive titles. Microsoft's Xbox is responsible for various gaming innovations that are now commonplace. Online live infrastructure, "games as a service" titles, subscription services, and cloud-first business models owe at least something to initiatives spearheaded by Microsoft (for better or worse).
Essential Xbox reading
Latest about Xbox
Sword of the Sea may land on Xbox soon
XBOX Giant Squid has confirmed it is beginning to explore port options for Sword of the Sea, raising the possibility of a future Xbox release for the critically acclaimed indie title.
Xbox’s new CEO responds after Insider update reportedly bricks a Series S
XBOX Xbox’s new CEO Asha Sharma directly responded to an Xbox Insider who claimed a recent update bricked their Series S.
South of Midnight scores big as BAFTA crowns a surprise winner
XBOX South of Midnight wins the BAFTA for New Intellectual Property, beating titles like Split Fiction and ARC Raiders, marking Xbox’s only award at this year’s ceremony.
Xbox games head Matt Booty was asked which upcoming game stands out — here's what he said
Xbox Recently, Xbox's games chief Matt Booty was asked which upcoming projects from the brand stand out, and the RPG Clockwork Revolution came to mind for him.
Xbox gives more hints to Game Pass 'TRITON' and 'Duet' codenames
Xbox Xbox may be testing new limits for cloud gaming as 'TRITON' and 'Duet' codenames surface again, hinting at subscription variety.
Xbox adds per game Quick Resume toggle
XBOX Xbox’s April 2026 system update introduces per game Quick Resume controls, expanded Home customization, improved personalization, and new indicators for streaming and save data.
"Darkest ever" Metro 2039 looks absolutely insane — Xbox First Look showcase offers our first glimpse
Xbox Metro remains one of the best and most immersive shooter franchises of its era, and Metro 2039 looks to absolutely continue that tradition. 4A Games offers us our first glimpse in partnership with Xbox.
Starfield gets Switch 2 rating days after its PS5 release, extending hopes for a port
Xbox Is Starfield coming to Nintendo Switch 2? A new rating suggests that it is, though recent reports claim the port in development has been difficult to make.
