The Xbox is a video gaming brand created and owned by Microsoft. It consists of five video game consoles, applications (games), streaming service Xbox Cloud Gaming, and online services such as the Xbox network and Xbox Game Pass. The brand was first introduced in the United States in November 2001 with the launch of the original Xbox console. The latest generation of Xbox models includes the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, which are considered members of the ninth generation of video game consoles. The Xbox network, formerly known as Xbox Live, is an online service with over 65 million users worldwide. It comprises an online virtual market, the Xbox Games Store, which allows the purchase and download of games and various forms of multimedia. The Xbox app is a companion application available for various platforms, including Windows, iOS, and Android. The Xbox brand has evolved beyond just a console, with a focus on bringing all gamers together regardless of the platform theyre on, through features like cross-play and cross-progression.
The Xbox has been a significant player in the video game console market, offering superior technological features and an online gaming network, Xbox Live, which debuted in 2002. Despite facing strong competition from other gaming consoles, the Xbox has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the gaming industry.