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's most creative game in years just got a totally cool black-and-white Noir Mode
Gaming Keeper is one of my favorite video games of the year, and Double Fine just updated it with a brand-new, super unique black-and-white Noir Mode (and more).
Stranger Things is crossing over with the Xbox game you'd least expect
Gaming One of the biggest TV shows right now is Netflix's Stranger Things, and it's about to crossover with, of all games, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on Xbox and PC.
New Xbox Game Pass games (Dec. 2025): What's coming and leaving soon
Xbox Game Pass As Xbox Game Pass grows ever bigger, I'm keeping careful track of the best new additions, upcoming arrivals, which games are leaving soon, and much more.
The God Slayer is a new steampunk RPG for Xbox
Xbox The God Slayer brings Eastern inspired steampunk, elemental combat, and a gritty open world as Pathea Games shifts into a darker action RPG style.
Xbox app adds store and wishlist on mobile
Xbox The Xbox app is finally becoming more complete, with a proper store, synced wishlisting, and a faster overall experience for users testing the latest update.
Grounded 2 gets a December update bringing holiday decor, and PC owners get DLSS
Xbox Grounded 2's latest update brings some holiday decorations, as well as DLSS and FSR options for players on Windows PC.
Xbox, Foxconn seek huge hardware production boost in Vietnam
Xbox Geopolitical issues between China and the U.S. Trump administration have caused Xbox and other types of gaming hardware to explode in price. Vietnam is part of the solution.
Season 11 of Diablo 4 sparks timing speculation
Gaming Diablo 4’s Season 11 arrives December 11 with major updates, endgame changes, and a launch time fans find suspicious.
