The Xbox is a video game brand consisting of different video game consoles developed by Microsoft. The original Xbox was created due to concerns that the PlayStation 2 would damage the personal computer market. As early as 1999 the company initiated plans to create its very own gaming console hardware and enter the gaming industry.
The first generation Xbox model was released on November 15, 2001 and competed directly with sixth generation video game consoles such as the Sony PlayStation 2, Sega Dreamcast and the Nintendo GameCube. More than 24 million units of this model were sold as of 2006.
The latest Xbox model is the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S which were both released in November 10, 2020. The Series X is the top of the line model that supports 8K resolutions art 120 FPS while the Series S is a digital only model that’s able to render at 1440p at 60 frames per second.
All Xbox Console Generations & Models Released Starting with the newest
The Xbox is a popular gaming console brand that’s been around since 2001. There are currently four generations of the original Xbox hardware with six models.
Here’s all the information you will ever need on the different Xbox console models starting with the latest.
Fourth Generation Xbox: Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is one of the two latest Xbox console models which was first released in November 10, 2020. It’s the more powerful model that is capable of supporting higher display 8K resolution, along with higher frame rates and real-time ray tracing.
Technical Specs of Xbox Series X
CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.8 GHz (3.66 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU (7nm enhanced)
GPU: 12 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU
Memory: 16GB GDDR6 w/320 bit-wide bus.
Memory Bandwidth: 10GB @ 560 GB/s, 6GB @ 336 GB/s.
I/O Throughput: 2.4 GB/s (Raw), 4.8 GB/s (Compressed, with custom hardware decompression block)
Internal Storage: 1TB Custom NVME SSD
Expandable Storage: Support for 1TB Seagate Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S matches internal storage exactly (sold separately). Support for USB 3.1 external HDD (sold separately).
Gaming Resolution: True 4K
Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS
High Dynamic Range: Up to 8K HDR
Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-Ray
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby TrueHD with Atmos, Up to 7.1 L-PCM
Ports & Connectivity: 1x HDMI 2.1 port, 3x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, 802.3 10/100/1000 Ethernet, 802.11ac dual band, Dedicated dual band Xbox Wireless radio
Xbox Series X Review
The Xbox Series X is currently the most powerful Xbox available in the market. It’s designed to look like a small factor gaming PC than a gaming console.
Aside from its powerful hardware as well as its inclusion of a 4K Blue Ray drive which are its main selling points, this model is capable of accessing the Xbox Game Pass subscription service allowing owners to play games that they haven’t even tried before all for a low monthly subscription rate. There are hundreds of different Xbox games available on Game Pass, some of them new ones such as Forza Horizon, Halo, or even Microsoft Flight Simulator.
You will also access some of the classic original Xbox games as this model is backwards compatible and is able to play some of the older generation games through the Xbox Game Pass service or by using physical games disc.
With its clean design and matte finish, the Xbox Series X will fit in nicely to any home entertainment system setup.
Fourth Generation Xbox: Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series X is the entry level next generation Xbox model that’s released the same time as the Series X. It’s a great option for gamers on a budget and who don’t mind buying digital games or subscribing to the Xbox Game Pass service. It’s not as powerful as the Series X though and maxes its resolution at 1440P.
Technical Specs of the Xbox Series S
CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU
GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU
Memory: 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus
Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s.
I/O Throughput: 2.4 GB/s (Raw), 4.8 GB/s (Compressed, with custom hardware decompression block)
Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
Expandable Storage: Support for 1TB Seagate Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S matches internal storage exactly (sold separately). Support for USB 3.1 external HDD (sold separately).
Gaming Resolution: 1440p
Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS
Sound: L-PCM up to 7.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby TrueHD with Atmos
Ports & Connectivity: x HDMI 2.1 port, 3x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, 802.11ac dual band, 802.3 10/100/1000 Ethernet, Dedicated dual band Xbox Wireless radio
Xbox Series S Review
The all digital edition Xbox Series S is the more affordable next generation console that targets the 1440p resolution gaming instead of 4K gaming. If you have amassed a library of physical discs over the years then this all digital edition is not for you as you will have to buy the digital versions of the games.
The Xbox Game Pass game streaming service really shines in this console as you will be able to download various gaming titles to the device for a low monthly fee. Playing games has never been easier as you won’t have to worry about backward compatible games since the Game Pass service automatically shows what games are compatible with your device. The Series S is backwards compatible almost all Xbox One titles, plus dozens of Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles.
Third Generation: Xbox One X
The Xbox One X is a third generation Xbox model that was first released in November 7, 2017. This model has already been discontinued last July 16, 2020, almost three years after its initial release. Among the three models released for the third generation Xbox this is the most powerful model that offers native 4K HDR gaming and comes with a built-in Blu-Ray player.
Tech Specs of Xbox One X
Processor: Custom AMD Jaguar CPU @ 2.3GHz with 8 cores
Graphics: Custom AMD integrated GPU @ 1172GHz, 40 CUs, Polaris features, 6.0 TFLOPs
Memory: 12GB GDDR5 @ 326GB/s
Flash: 8 GB
Storage: 1TB HDD
Disc Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray
Power Supply: 245W, internal
HDMI resolution and framerate: 2160p @ 60Hz AMD FreeSync HDMI Variable Refresh Rate
HDR10 Support: Yes
Video Codecs: HEVC/H.265, VP9, AVC/H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 Part 2, VC1/WMv9
HDMI audio, encoded: Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, PCM 2.0, 5.1 & 7.1, Dolby TrueHD w/Atmos (from games)
Wireless: IEEE 802.11ac dual-band (5GHz & 2.4GHz), 2×2 wireless Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi Direct for home networks
Ethernet: IEEE 802.3 10/100/100
Ports & Connectivity:3x USB 3.0, HDMI Out 2.0b, HDMI In 1.4b,S/PDIF Yes, IR Receiver/IR Blaster Yes, Kinect Port External USB Adapter
Review of Xbox One X
The Xbox One X is the best third generation Xbox model that’s designed to compete directly with Sony’s PlayStation 4 Pro . It offers a higher gaming framerate of up to 120 FPS and comes with the Quick Resume feature which eliminates game loading times.
The Xbox One X is capable of playing all Xbox One games, some 360 and original Xbox games. Due to its 4K support, games look better when played on this model when compared to the other third generation Xbox models.
It’s one of the first gaming consoles to offer native 4K HDR gaming. Games look stunning with details accentuated by the HDR support of the console.
Third Generation: Xbox One S
The Xbox One S is a third generation Xbox model that was first released in August 2, 2016. An all digital edition of this model was also released last May 7, 2019. Both version of the Xbox One S have already been discontinued last 2020. This model which was released three years after the original Xbox One console is smaller, faster, and better than its predecessor.
Technical Specs of the Xbox One S
Processor: Eight core custom AMD APU at 1.75GHz
Storage: 500GB, 1TB or 2TB launch edition (expandable with external USB hard drive)
Memory: 8GB DDR3 RAM
Graphics: Custom Radeon GPU with 1.23 teraflops
Ports: HDMI-in; HDMI-out; one front-facing USB 3.0; two rear-facing USB 3.0; IR receiver/blaster; SPDIF digital audio; Ethernet
Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu Ray
Review of Xbox One S
The Xbox One S is an upgrade to the original Xbox One console. Microsoft released this to compete against Sony’s PlayStation 4. This console has a smaller and cleaner design when compared to its predecessor and it now features an internal power supply. It’s capable of playing 4K resolution videos ( not games) and has HDR support which enhances contrast and colors.
This is the first Xbox model first Xbox since the Xbox 360 not to include a port for the Kinect. This is also the first Xbox model to support 4K UHD videos.
An all digital version of the Xbox One S was released by Microsoft on May 7, 2019. It’s basically the same as the One S but does not include a disc drive.
Third generation: Xbox One
The Xbox One is a third generation model which Microsoft released last November 22, 2013. This model has already been discontinued last August 2, 2016. It’s one of the powerful consoles of its time that’s capable of playing exclusive games, flagship games, and some Xbox 360 games. It has a Kinect system that that allows users to play certain games and control their cable boxes or TV services.
Technical specs of the Xbox One
GPU: Custom GPU @ 853 MHz, 12 CUs, 1.3 TFLOPS
Memory: 8 GB DDR3 @ 68 GB/s, 32 MB ESRAM @ 204 GB/s
Flash: 8GB
Internal StoragE: 500GB, 1TB
Optical Disk Drive: Blu-Ray
PSU: 220W, external
HDMI Resolution and framerate: 1080p @ 60Hz
HDR10 Support: No
Video CODECs: AVC/H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 Part 2, VC1/WMV9
HDMI audio,encoded: Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, PCM 2.0, 5.1, & 7.1; Dolby TrueHD w/Atmos (from games)
HDMI audio, passthru: Dolby TrueHD (opt. Atmos), DD+ (opt. Atmos), DTS-HR/MA (opt. DTS:X)
Wireless: Dual band 2.4GHz and 5GHz spectrums, compatible with IEEE 802.11/a/b/g/n networks
Ethernet: IEEE 802.3 10/100/1000
Radio: Dedicated dual band Xbox Wireless radio
Ports & connectivity: 3x USB 3.0, HDMI Out 1.4b, HDMI In 1.4b, S/PDIF, IR Receiver/IR Blaster Port, Kinect Port
Review of Xbox One
The original Xbox One may look big and bulky when compared to the One S or One X but it is being sold at a tempting low price. If you don’t mind missing out on 4K functionality then this is a great console to own. It has a great selection of classic games and runs relatively cool. Some of the best exclusive titles available for this console are Titanfall, Dead Rising 3 and Forza Motorsport 5.
Second generation: Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is a second generation Xbox model that was first released in November 2005. Microsoft decided to discontinue this model in August 2016. It’s smaller than the first generation Xbox and designed to provide high performance gaming. It is able to play games in high definition with a 16-to-9 aspect ratio, at either 480p, 720p or 1080i, with anti-aliasing as well as standard definition.
Technical Specs of the Xbox 360
CPU Type: Custom IBM PowerPC-based CPU with 3 symmetrical cores running at 3.2 GHz each, 2 hardware threads per core; 6 hardware threads total, VMX-128 vector unit per core; 3 total, 128 VMX-128 registers per hardware thread, 1 MB L2 cache
CPU Game Math Performance: 9 billion dot product operations per second
Graphics Processor: Custom ATI Graphics Processor with 10 MB of embedded DRAM, 48-way parallel floating-point dynamically scheduled shader pipelines, Unified shader architecture
Polygon Performance: 500 million triangles per second
Pixel Fill Rate: 16 gigasamples per second fill rate using 4x MSAA
Shader Performance: 48 billion shader operations per second
Audio: Multi-channel surround sound output, Supports 48KHz 16-bit audio, 320 independent decompression channels, 32-bit audio processing, Over 256 audio channels
Memory : 512 MB of 700 MHz GDDR3 RAM, Unified memory architecture
Memory Bandwidth: 22.4 GB/s memory interface bus bandwidth, 256 GB/s memory bandwidth to EDRAM, 21.6 GB/s front-side bus
Overall System Floating-Point Performance: 1 teraflop
Data Storage: Detachable and upgradeable 20GB hard drive, 12x dual-layer DVD-ROM, Memory Unit support starting at 64 MB
Ports: Support for up to four wireless game controllers, 3 USB 2.0 ports, 2 memory unit slots
Instant, out-of-the-box access to Xbox Live features with broadband service, including Xbox Live Marketplace for downloadable content, gamer profile for digital identity, and voice chat to talk to friends while playing games, watching movies, or listening to music
Built-in Ethernet port
Wi-Fi ready: 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g
Review of Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 was one of the best gaming consoles during its time of release. It’s a major upgrade from its predecessor that offers several new features such as hard drive space, online options, connectivity, DRM, file types, wireless and wired connectivity options. This console offers a minimum gaming resolution of 720p optimized for 16:9 widescreen viewing with options to switch to 1080i resolution.
The early releases of the Xbox 360 had many hardware issues caused by overheating. There is also the infamous three flashing red lights and the well known Red Ring of Death issue experienced by owners. These early models forced Microsoft to repair and replace every system and even extend the warranties for all of the issues.
Some of the best gaming titles available for the Xbox 360 included Crackdown, Gears of War, Dead Rising and Mass Effect.
First Generation: Xbox
The first generation Xbox model was first released in November 15, 2001. This model was discontinued in March 2, 2009. As the first gaming console released by Microsoft it sold more than a million units in the first three weeks of its release. One of the reasons behind its success was the exclusive Halo game.
Technical Specs of the Xbox
CPU: Intel Pentium 3 running at 733 MHz
Memory: 64 MB DDR SDRAM clocked at 200 MHz
Storage: 8 GB internal HDD(8 GB or 10 GB formatted), 8MB Memory Card
Sound: nVidia MCPX, up to 256 stereo voices, 64 3D channels, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Surround, Stereo, Monaural and DTS Surround(only for DVD movies)
Video/GPU: nVidia NV2A clocked at 233 MHz
Resolutions: 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i
Media: DVD, CD, Digital Content
Ports: 4 x Controller, memory card(on controllers), A/V(capable of composite video and Stereo analog audio with included A/V cables, additional adapters allow for Component Video, S-Video, SCART, HDMI, TOSLINK), Power, 100 Mbit Ethernet, 4 x USB 1.1(Controller slots converted)
Online Capable?: Yes, Xbox Live
Review of the Xbox
The original Xbox was a massive hit for Microsoft as it immediately sold out in several stores in North America. The console then launched in Europe and Japan, and excitement grew over the upcoming gaming titles such as Splinter Cell, MechAssault, and The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind.
After the first year of release of the Xbox the Xbox Live service was introduced with 150,000 subscribers joining in the first week alone. This service allowed Xbox owners to play online multiplayer games providing a new gaming experience to everyone.
General troubleshooting guide to the Xbox
Are you experiencing problems with your Xbox? Is your game freezing or is your console unable to connect to the internet?
Here are some general troubleshooting steps you can do to fix the problem.
Restart the console
- Use the D-pad and A button on your controller to select Restart this Xbox
- If this works, you should be returned to the Home screen after the console restarts.
- Your console should function correctly now.
Reset the console
- Turn off your console, and then unplug the power cord to ensure that the console is completely powered off.
- Wait 30 seconds, and then plug the power cord back in.
- Press and hold the Pair button and the Eject button on the console, and then press the Xbox button on the console. The Xbox Series S and the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition do not have Eject buttons. You can bring up the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter on this console by holding only the Pair button and then pressing the Xbox button
- Continue holding the Pair and Eject buttons for 10-15 seconds.
- Listen for two “power-up” tones a couple of seconds apart. You can release the Pair and Eject buttons after the second power-up tone.
- The console should power up and take you directly to the Xbox Start-up Troubleshooter.
- To reset your console from the Xbox Start-up Troubleshooter, select Reset this Xbox. When prompted, select Keep games and apps. This option will reset the OS and delete all potentially corrupted data without deleting your games or apps.
Restore the console to factory defaults
- Turn off your console, and then unplug the power cord to ensure that the console is completely powered off.
- Wait 30 seconds, and then plug the power cord back in.
- Press and hold the Pair button and the Eject button on the console, and then press the Xbox button on the console. The Xbox Series S and the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition do not have Eject buttons. You can bring up the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter on this console by holding only the Pair button and then pressing the Xbox button
- Continue holding the Pair and Eject buttons for 10-15 seconds.
- Listen for two “power-up” tones a couple of seconds apart. You can release the Pair and Eject buttons after the second power-up tone.
- The console should power up and take you directly to the Xbox Start-up Troubleshooter.
- To restore your console from the Xbox Start-up Trouble-shooter, select Reset this Xbox. When prompted, select Remove everything. This will delete all user data, and all games and apps.
Xbox won’t update
- Check your internet connection.
- Try again later. If you are having an issue with downloading the update, it may simply be a problem on Microsoft’s end, including too many users trying to update at once or server maintenance.
- Check your hardware. If you are using the wireless connection on the Xbox and receiving an error, try a wired connection via Ethernet.
- Cycle your Xbox One. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds until it shuts down, then unplug the system and wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in and turn it on. This clears the cache and resets the network card.
- If you are receiving a specific error message regarding updates or an online connection in general, refer to Microsoft’s network connection error list.
- If the update still won’t download, it’s time to contact Microsoft.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Xbox
- How many Xbox models are there?
There are four generations of Xbox models.
First Generation: Xbox
Second Generation: Xbox 360, Xbox 360s, Xbox 360E
Third Generation: Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X
Fourth Generation: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Overall, there have been 9 main models released by Microsoft. - When did the first Xbox come out?
The very first Xbox was released in March 2, 2009.
- Which came first, the Xbox One or the Xbox 360?
The Xbox 360 came out first and was released in 2005 while the Xbox One was released in 2013.
- What is the newest Xbox model?
The newest Xbox models are the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S, both released in 2o20.
- How many Xbox One models are there?
There are three models that comprise the third generation Xbox One gaming console. These are the Xbox One, Xbox One S, and the Xbox One X.
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