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).
In 2013, Microsoft's push to turn Xbox into a digital-first entertainment center saw widespread pushback from the gaming community. Despite predicting trends that are now commonplace, the way Microsoft positioned Xbox back then has seen it struggle to regain the relevance it once enjoyed as a brand in a universe of increased competition from other platforms, in addition to always-on forms of entertainment and smartphone-delivered social media algorithms.
As Xbox enters its 25th year, Microsoft is once again reinventing what Xbox is with its new approach, doubling down on Windows' openness, and returning to the original vision of Windows gaming in the living room. It'll be fun to see how it pans out.
Essential Xbox reading
Latest about Xbox
XBOX The Xbox PC app has had a huge overhaul with performance and usability in mind. Here's what it looks like, and here's how you can join the public test.
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XBOX Microsoft has launched two Xbox Cloud Gaming previews: direct Wi-Fi "Cloud Connect" for the Nano controller, and a virtual smartphone controller for Smart TVs.
Gaming Microsoft is hosting a free giveaway for the Xbox Series X-Bite, a custom Xbox Series X trapped inside a fake alligator — here's how to win this bizarre prize
XBOX The XBOX Nano Controller is now available at certain retailers for $49.99, offering a compact design with support for consoles, PC, mobile, and cloud gaming.
GAMING The Dishonored and Deathloop studio has multiple potential buyers, offering fresh hope for its future and Marvel’s Blade.
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XBOX Microsoft revealed all 25 games in its X25 bundle, and the promotion feels tailor-made for anyone considering a gaming handheld.
