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
GAMING Undead Labs boss Philip Holt explains why Game Pass remains important to State of Decay 3 despite the studio’s split from Xbox.
XBOX Xbox is simplifying its publishing processes as it looks to make bringing games to the platform easier for developers.
Gaming Microsoft has announced the latest batch of new games coming in the second half of October 2026, which includes new IP like Valor Mortis and AAA games like Battlefield 6.
Xbox Microsoft has long identified Battle.net as a key part of its Activision-Blizzard acquisition, and at yesterday's Town Hall with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, we got more hints about the future.
XBOX In a recent town hall with Microsoft gaming staffers, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma described how Xbox was in "free fall" declines before this year's big restructure.
Pre-order Pre-orders are now live for the Xbox Wireless Controller X25 Special Edition. The translucent OG Green gamepad celebrates 25 years of Xbox with classic button colors and accents.
Xbox Although I was unable to verify the sources (as they've been removed), users suggest that this leak is most likely legit. The Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 is likely imminent.
Xbox I've noticed that more games than ever are hitting Xbox Play Anywhere, both new and old. Has something changed recently?
