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
Analysts report exclusive games are the "number one reason" players use consoles like Xbox
Xbox New data shows that exclusive games are the "number one reason" people use consoles like Xbox, showing why Microsoft is considering bringing them back.
Xbox Mode launches on Windows 11 as Microsoft barely meets its own deadline
News Microsoft has begun rolling out Xbox Mode on Windows 11, introducing a full screen, controller friendly interface designed to streamline PC gaming while reducing background system load.
Xbox's April Update brings awesome improvements to Xbox and PC, including one I've wanted for years
Xbox Xbox Series X|S consoles and the Xbox on PC app just got big upgrades to customization and gameplay options, refining the user experience on these platforms.
PS5 owners can now play Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 in a way Xbox players cannot
Gaming Microsoft Flight Simulator adds PlayStation VR2 support on PS5 and PS5 Pro, highlighting Xbox’s continued absence from virtual reality and raising questions about missed opportunities.
Sakuna: Of Rice and Rain dev addresses a lack of Japanese Xbox presence
Xbox A Japanese developer behind Sakuna: Of Rice and Rain explains why the game is not on Xbox, citing limited manpower and the platform’s lack of retail presence in Japan.
Xbox CEO addresses growth concerns candidly, fans respond
XBOX Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has acknowledged that player and revenue growth are falling short of expectations following Microsoft’s latest earnings report, offering a candid response as fans react.
Analysts react to Xbox's Game Pass price drop, believe it "should help subscriber numbers grow"
Xbox Following Microsoft's huge Xbox Game Pass price drop last week, industry analysts have reacted to the cut and say they believe it will lead to growth.
OG Xbox dashboard rebuilt using retail code for PC
XBOX The original Xbox dashboard has been reverse engineered and rebuilt using retail code, now running on PC as a launcher with early access limitations and manual setup required.
