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What is Xbox?
Xbox is a gaming console brand developed and owned by Microsoft. The brand specializes in the development of Xbox consoles, controllers, accessories, video games, and online services such as cloud gaming.
Players who often wonder what Xbox is will likely have seen its products, including the latest Xbox Series X/S and iconic gaming franchises such as Halo, Forza, and Gears of War. PC users will have encountered the Xbox app when using Windows 10 or 11.
Xbox is but one of many brands available in the gaming market, constantly competing against other brands such as PlayStation and Nintendo.
Techopedia presents everything to know about Xbox.
Key Takeaways
- Xbox is Microsoft’s gaming brand that releases consoles and games.
- The original Xbox was released on November 15, 2001.
- Xbox Series X/S are the latest consoles, which launched on November 10, 2020.
- Iconic franchises include Halo, Gears of War, and Forza.
- Xbox has a great subscription service but lacks enough exclusives.
History of Xbox
The Xbox brand we know today has gone through a long journey since its introduction back in 2001. From console releases, new features, and ambitious strategies to remain relevant in the gaming marketplace.
Here is a list of the history of Xbox.
How Xbox Works
Xbox Hardware
Xbox requires players to purchase an Xbox console or Windows PC to run its games. Development studios create games to provide digital entertainment experiences. Players need to buy either an Xbox-registered disc or directly download it through the Xbox client to play.
Buying a console from official sources usually includes an Xbox controller, which is the primary gadget used to navigate the console’s systems and interact with the video games played through it. The controllers have undergone many revisions over the past twenty years, but their core identity has remained: asymmetric stick placement and A,B,X, and Y face buttons.
Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that charges a monthly fee to access a library of games to play. Players need to purchase a Game Pass plan in order to play online multiplayer.
Xbox’s library client is one of the most cost-effective ways to play a variety of games regularly. Read more about how it compares to PlayStation Plus here.
Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud Gaming is a feature of Game Pass that allows you to stream the games you play from the console directly to your mobile device.
Not all games and devices work with Cloud Gaming. We recommend checking through the game description or through the Xbox website to see the full compatibility range.
All Xbox Consoles Explained
There are nine Xbox consoles spanning across four generations, with each generation becoming more advanced and introducing more features. For how these systems compare with the competition, check out our feature on Xbox Series X vs PS5 in 2025.
Find out more about every Xbox console and its features here.
Popular Xbox Franchises
There is a plethora of Xbox games to choose from, but these games are amongst the most well-known franchises that have spanned multiple Xbox generations
Halo
Halo is a first person shooter set in a futuristic Sci-Fi setting and is an Xbox exclusive series.
It first launched alongside the original Xbox back in 2001 with Halo: Combat Evolved and became incredibly popular because of its thrilling campaign and fast-paced arena multiplayer.
The series was originally developed by Bungie before the studio parted ways with Microsoft, and the franchise was inherited by 343 Studios.
Gears of War
Gears of War is a tactical third person shooter set in an apocalyptic sci-fi setting, featuring fast-paced action and horror aesthetics. It is a series exclusive to Xbox.
The franchise first launched on November 7, 2006, just a year after the Xbox 360 debut, and was an instant hit because of its suspenseful storyline and cast of memorable characters.
Gears of War: E-Day is an upcoming prequel title to the original trilogy. It will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass some time in 2025, but a release date has yet to be confirmed.
Forza
Forza is a racing simulator game that puts players in the driver’s seat of both custom and real-life car models.
The series first launched in 2005 as Forza Motorsport on the original Xbox and has continued to be Xbox’s exclusive racing series across 13 different titles.
As well as the popular open world Forza Horizon series, of which there are currently five, the mainline sim race was rebooted last year with Forza Motorsport (2023) for Xbox Series X/S and PC.
What is the Best Xbox Game?
What determines the best Xbox games comes down to personal preferences.
Halo 3 is considered one of the best first person shooters of all time because of its revolutionary multiplayer features, including being able to share clips and game codes through Bungie’s official website.
Our list of the best Xbox Series X games goes over 15 titles available on current-generation hardware, but there are hundreds of experiences to choose from in 2025.
4 Ways to Improve Xbox Game Performance
- Use one of the best VPNs to ensure safe and secure online play.
- Play in Performance Mode in Xbox Series X games where possible.
- Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for the most consistent online performance.
- Keep your game controllers charged up so you don’t have to rely on USB-C.
Xbox Pros and Cons
Xbox Game Studios has come a long way since its debut in 2001, with a track record of culture defining consoles and games. There’s no better time than now to jump in
Buying an Xbox is not cheap, particularly for current generation consoles. Players looking to get their hands on an Xbox in 2025 need to consider the benefits and drawbacks before making a purchase.
- Xbox Game Pass is a great subscription service that offers access to a library of games.
- Xbox is a versatile entertainment hub for media, streaming, and more.
- Xbox supports older titles, allowing players to enjoy classic games.
- The newest Xbox consoles, Series X/S, are powerful additions to the Xbox lineup.
- Xbox has fewer exclusive games when compared to competitors.
- Players do not own games played through Game Pass, rather they are paying for a license.
- Buying the latest consoles, accessories, and games can be expensive.
The Bottom Line
The Xbox marketplace can be an exciting option for those that wish to experience gaming at its best. Featuring the latest consoles, exclusive franchises, and a plethora of features to enhance the way we play video games.
The only factor that holds Xbox back is the lack of exclusives, making the decision to purchase its expensive lineup of consoles that much more difficult.
Joining Xbox comes at a pricey cost, and players should research how it compares to other brands in the industry before deciding whether it is the gaming service for them.
