The Xbox is a home video game console system created by Microsoft, marking their entry into the gaming console market in 2001. It directly competed with Sony's PlayStation 2 and Nintendo's GameCube. Since its original release, the Xbox has evolved into a brand encompassing multiple console lines, applications, the Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming service, and online services like the Xbox network and Xbox Game Pass. Phil Spencer currently heads the Xbox division within Microsoft Gaming.
Key features of the Xbox include a built-in hard drive (starting with the original Xbox), high-definition graphics, and online connectivity through Xbox Live. The latest consoles, Xbox Series X and Series S, boast solid-state drives for faster loading times, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and support for high dynamic range. The Xbox Series X is designed to render games in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, while the Series S targets 1440p at 60 FPS, with both supporting up to 120 FPS. Both consoles offer backward compatibility with older Xbox games.
As of February 2026, the Xbox Series S is typically priced around $449.99, while the Xbox Series X has a price of approximately $599.99. However, prices may vary depending on retailer and specific editions. Both the Xbox Series X and S are available in many countries.