The Xbox console, developed by Microsoft, marked the company's entry into the gaming industry, a sector previously dominated by established companies such as Sony and Nintendo. Officially launched in North America, the Xbox was positioned to rival the PlayStation 2, Sega's Dreamcast, and Nintendo's GameCube. One of the most anticipated features of the Xbox was its powerful hardware, which allowed it to deliver a gaming experience that was significantly enhanced from previous generations. It was equipped with an Intel Pentium III processor, a GeForce 3 GPU, and 64MB of RAM, setting a high standard for console performance at the time.

A defining moment for the Xbox was the release of the game Halo: Combat Evolved, which became a flagship title for the console. The game was praised for its stunning graphics, engaging storyline, and innovative gameplay mechanics, such as vehicular combat and sophisticated AI systems. This title not only fueled Xbox sales but also established a new standard for first-person shooters and multiplayer experiences on consoles. Marketing efforts included a massive advertising campaign that showcased the console's capabilities and its potential to change how people viewed console gaming.

The launch event in North America drew attention with midnight launch parties at various retailers, attracting enthusiastic gamers eager to be among the first to own the console. The Xbox's launch set a foundation for Microsoft in the gaming industry, leading to future innovations and the eventual evolution of its gaming platform with the introduction of Xbox Live, an online gaming service, and subsequent Xbox iterations. With its debut, Microsoft carved out a significant niche within the video game market and began a rivalry with Sony that continues to this day.