Xbox
The Xbox is a home video game console developed and marketed by Microsoft, released in 2001 as the company’s entry into the sixth generation of consoles. It was launched to compete with Sony’s PlayStation 2, Nintendo’s GameCube, and Sega’s Dreamcast, marking Microsoft’s first major venture into the console market.
The system was based on PC hardware architecture, featuring an Intel Pentium III processor, NVIDIA NV2A graphics, and a built-in hard drive — the first of its kind in a mainstream console. This design choice gave the Xbox strong technical capabilities, including support for high-quality textures and Dolby Digital surround sound, while also making development more accessible for PC game studios.
A defining feature of the Xbox was the introduction of the Xbox Live online service in 2002, which offered integrated online multiplayer and digital content distribution, setting a standard for future consoles. Despite entering the market later than its rivals, the Xbox established Microsoft as a major player in the gaming industry and laid the foundation for the long-running Xbox brand.
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Buying Guide
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Console5 technical and service information