Microsoft's Xbox Console Launch
November 15th, 2001
November 15th, 2001

How Long Ago?
23 years, 4 months ago
Location
Redmond, Washington, USA
Category
Technology & Innovation
People
- Bill Gates
- Ed Fries
- Seamus Blackley
Links & References
Tags
Microsoft's Xbox Console Launch
Microsoft launched its first gaming console, the Xbox, in North America, aiming to compete with established brands like Sony's PlayStation 2 and Sega's Dreamcast. The launch was marked by anticipation and excitement among gaming enthusiasts. The console featured notable titles like Halo: Combat Evolved, which showcased advanced graphics and gameplay. This leap into console gaming allowed Microsoft to significantly influence the gaming industry and establish a unique brand identity.
Launched Xbox to compete with PlayStation 2.
Halo: Combat Evolved was a flagship title.
Xbox Live introduced online gaming services.
Set a precedent for future gaming consoles.
What Happened?
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.
Why Does it Matter?
The introduction of the Xbox was significant for various reasons. It marked Microsoft's ambitious expansion into the gaming sector, establishing it as a formidable competitor against long-standing gaming giants. The success of the Xbox and its online features had a lasting impact on gaming culture, influencing how games were developed and marketed in the years that followed.
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