Windows Central Insider
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
Baldur's Gate 3 director reacts to Xbox Game Pass removing Call of Duty from day one access
Xbox Due to Microsoft's new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price drop, Call of Duty games won't come to it day one anymore — something that may benefit the series.
Former Xbox director Larry Hryb 'Major Nelson' may be teasing interest to rejoin the brand
Xbox Microsoft recently opened up a new Xbox brand senior manager position, and a comment from ex-director Major Nelson has many wondering if he's going for it.
Xbox Game Pass price gets a MASSIVE price cut — Call of Duty 2026 will NOT be included
Xbox After last year's wildly unpopular 50% price hike, Microsoft has reverted a ton of it. Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft Classics will remain, previous Call of Duty games will too, but this year's will be a retail-only affair. What's going on?
Teams meetings are about to get less chaotic thanks to UI fixes
Apps Small UI tweaks aim to cut down on accidental hand raises and premature exits.
You'll finally be able to use Rewards points directly on Xbox soon
XBOX Microsoft is expanding its Rewards program with a new feature that will allow Xbox users to spend points directly on console.
Xbox hires for major new comms role to "protect and elevate" the brand
Xbox Xbox is hiring a senior brand and reputation lead, suggesting a renewed focus on messaging, consistency, and how the platform presents itself across media, partners, and its community.
Xbox pushes back on swirling third-party "Project Helix" rumors
Xbox While OEM devices are not ruled out, the company remains committed to building and selling its own hardware, offering clearer direction amid ongoing speculation.
Xbox's Starfield just topped US game sales for the first time since launch
Xbox Starfield was the best-selling game in the US during the same week that the Xbox RPG came to PS5 and got some sizable content updates from Bethesda.
