Xbox
Microsoft enters gaming
The original Xbox brought PC gaming power to consoles, introduced Xbox Live, and launched the Halo franchise that defined console shooters.
Overview
Microsoft’s Xbox entered a market Sony dominated with hardware power and online infrastructure. The console featured PC-derived architecture, a built-in hard drive, and an ethernet port standard. Halo: Combat Evolved justified the platform. Xbox Live created console online gaming as a mainstream service. Though outsold by PlayStation 2, Xbox established Microsoft as a permanent gaming industry player.
Fast facts
- Manufacturer: Microsoft.
- Release: November 2001 (NA), March 2002 (EU/JP).
- Units sold: 24+ million.
- Key launch title: Halo: Combat Evolved.
- Discontinued: 2009.
Hardware specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Custom Intel Pentium III, 733 MHz |
| GPU | Custom NVIDIA NV2A, 233 MHz |
| RAM | 64 MB unified DDR |
| Storage | 8-10 GB hard drive |
| Media | DVD, CD |
| Network | Ethernet built-in |
PC architecture decision
Why x86 mattered:
- Familiar development environment.
- Easier PC game ports.
- DirectX API expertise.
- Attracted Western developers.
- Simplified development kits.
The hard drive advantage
Built-in storage benefits:
- Game saves without memory cards.
- Custom soundtracks.
- Downloadable content.
- Game caching for faster loads.
- Enabled Xbox Live features.
Halo: Combat Evolved
System seller:
- Launch title demonstrated platform.
- Defined console FPS.
- Two-weapon limit, regenerating shields.
- Four-player split-screen.
- Moved systems at launch.
Xbox Live
November 2002 launch:
- 50 dollars annual subscription.
- Centralised friends list.
- Voice chat standard.
- Matchmaking system.
- Downloadable content.
- Template for all console online services.
The Controller
Evolution:
- Duke: Original, massive controller.
- Controller S: Smaller, became standard.
- Breakaway cable (safety feature).
- Influential button layout.
Game library strengths
| Genre | Notable titles |
|---|---|
| FPS | Halo 1/2, Half-Life 2 |
| Western RPG | KOTOR, Fable, Morrowind |
| Racing | Project Gotham, Forza |
| Action | Ninja Gaiden |
| Sports | NFL 2K, ESPN games |
Western focus
Market positioning:
- American game design emphasis.
- Shooters and sports.
- Limited Japanese success.
- Strong in North America, Europe.
- Clear PlayStation alternative.
Third-party relationships
Developer support:
- Bioware (KOTOR, Jade Empire).
- Bethesda (Morrowind).
- Team Ninja (Ninja Gaiden).
- Sega partnership games.
- Better PC port platform.
Japan struggles
Unsuccessful market:
- Large console physically.
- American brand perception.
- Wrong game genres.
- Never recovered market share.
- Focus shifted to West.
Competition position
Console war dynamics:
- Behind PlayStation 2 in sales.
- Ahead of GameCube in North America.
- Established viability.
- Built foundation for Xbox 360.
Modding community
Homebrew scene:
- Hard drive enabled modifications.
- XBMC media centre (now Kodi).
- Emulation capabilities.
- Active modding community.
Legacy
The Xbox proved Microsoft belonged in gaming. Xbox Live became the template for console online services. Halo created a flagship franchise. The Western-focused strategy established a market position continued through subsequent generations.