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
Xbox 360 lead calls the Red Ring of Death a "Tylenol moment" — here's what he means
Xbox In a new interview, former Xbox VP Peter Moore has reflected on the Xbox 360's notorious "Red Ring of Death" and how Microsoft ended up dealing with it.
Former Xbox VP talks building Microsoft's brand, "throwing punches" for Bill Gates
Xbox Peter Moore, former Xbox VP and one of the visionaries responsible for the Xbox 360 and the brand as a whole, has discussed his time at Microsoft.
Missed Cyberpunk 2077? It's now out on Xbox Game Pass Premium
Game Pass CD Projekt Red’s sci-fi RPG Cyberpunk 2077 is now available on Xbox Game Pass Premium and Ultimate, offering players a polished version of the once infamous release.
Why backward compatibility matters to Xbox players
Xbox We heard from you! Revealing Xbox fans are split on which generation deserves more backward compatibility support, though most simply want the program to return entirely.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is one of Capcom's best JRPGs in years
Review This fantastic JRPG has the best story and characters in the whole series, with addictive new twists to the monster-taming genre. It does lack certain core aspects of its identity, but that shouldn't deter you.
Xbox tells fans the future starts now as it teases what’s next at GDC
XBOX Xbox is showcasing new slogans at its GDC booth including “Build for what’s next” and “The future of Xbox starts now,” hinting at the company’s messaging for the next era of Xbox.
Satya Nadella says Microsoft is “long on gaming” in new Xbox meeting
Xbox Satya Nadella spoke to Xbox staff alongside Asha Sharma, describing gaming as a core identity of Microsoft and reaffirming the company’s long term investment in the space.
Nadella calls gaming “core to Microsoft” during visit with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma
Xbox At a big internal Q&A session, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma hosted Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, discussing the "long" vision for Xbox's future.
