When was the original Microsoft Xbox released and at what price?

The original Microsoft Xbox launched in North America on November 15, 2001, at a retail price of $299. It was Microsoft's first home video game console and entered the market alongside the Sony PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube in the sixth console generation.

What was the flagship launch game for the original Xbox?

Halo: Combat Evolved, developed by Bungie, was the Xbox's flagship launch title and became the system's best-selling game. The first-person shooter became synonymous with the Xbox brand and is widely credited with driving the console's early success against established competitors.

What hardware features set the original Xbox apart from the PS2 and GameCube?

The Xbox was the first home console to include a built-in hard drive, eliminating the need for memory cards, and featured a built-in Ethernet port for broadband internet connectivity. Its custom NVIDIA graphics processor was also more powerful than the GPUs in either the PlayStation 2 or GameCube.

When did Xbox Live launch for the original Xbox?

Microsoft launched the Xbox Live online gaming service in November 2002, one year after the console's release. The subscription service unified online multiplayer, voice chat via the included headset, and a friends list, giving Microsoft a significant early advantage in console online gaming over Sony's more fragmented PS2 online infrastructure.

How does Microsoft Xbox compare to competitors?

Lunoo provides objective, AI-powered comparisons. Use the comparison tool to see Microsoft Xbox side-by-side with any alternative.

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Microsoft Xbox

9.02

Excellent

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description Microsoft Xbox Overview

The Microsoft Xbox is a sixth-generation home video game console released in 2001 as the company's first venture into gaming hardware. It competed primarily with the Sony PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube, distinguishing itself with a built-in hard drive and Ethernet port. The console was the platform for the original Halo: Combat Evolved, a title that significantly boosted the system's popularity. It also introduced the Xbox Live online gaming service, establishing a standard for future console networking.

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How good is Microsoft Xbox?

Microsoft Xbox scores 9.02/10 (Excellent) on Lunoo, making it one of the highest-rated options in the Relic category. Powerful debut console with landmark online foundations and an influential game library.

What are the best alternatives to Microsoft Xbox?

See our alternatives page for Microsoft Xbox for a ranked list with scores. Top alternatives include: Nebra Sky Disc, Phaistos Disc, Dead Sea Scrolls.

How does Microsoft Xbox compare to Nebra Sky Disc?

See our detailed comparison of Microsoft Xbox vs Nebra Sky Disc with scores, features, and an AI-powered verdict.

Is Microsoft Xbox worth it in 2026?

With a score of 9.02/10, Microsoft Xbox is highly rated in Relic. See all Relic ranked.

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