2001
MICROSOFT

XBOX ORIGINAL

MESA
XBOX ORIGINAL

📜 History & Legacy

The Xbox, Microsoft's first foray into the console gaming market, launched in November 2001, marking a significant shift in the industry landscape. Challenging the dominance of Sony and Nintendo, the Xbox distinguished itself with its powerful hardware, online capabilities, and focus on immersive gaming experiences. Its architecture, heavily influenced by PC technology, allowed for more complex and visually impressive games than its competitors at the time.

The console's most significant contribution was arguably Xbox Live, a pioneering online service that revolutionized multiplayer gaming. Featuring robust matchmaking, voice communication, and downloadable content, Xbox Live set a new standard for online console experiences. While the Xbox faced an uphill battle against the established PlayStation 2, it successfully carved out a dedicated fanbase and established Microsoft as a major player in the gaming world. The original Xbox laid the foundation for the Xbox brand's continued success, influencing console design and online gaming features for years to come. Its legacy is one of innovation, ambition, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment.

Despite not outselling the PlayStation 2, the original Xbox is remembered fondly for its groundbreaking features and iconic games. It demonstrated Microsoft's commitment to the gaming industry and paved the way for future Xbox consoles. The console's emphasis on graphical power and online connectivity helped to shape the modern gaming landscape, and its influence can still be seen in today's consoles and services.

⚙️ Specifications

  • CPU: 733 MHz Intel Pentium III Coppermine-based processor
  • GPU: 233 MHz NVIDIA NV2A
  • RAM: 64 MB DDR SDRAM
  • Storage: 8 GB internal hard drive
  • Media: DVD-ROM

🎮 Top 10 Games

  • Halo: Combat Evolved
  • Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
  • Fable
  • Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell
  • Project Gotham Racing
  • Ninja Gaiden
  • Forza Motorsport
  • Dead or Alive 3
  • Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
  • Psychonauts

💡 Curiosities

  • ? Did you know that the original Xbox was initially going to be called "DirectX Box?"
  • ? The Xbox's internal hard drive was a unique feature for consoles at the time, allowing for game saves and downloadable content.
  • ? Bill Gates personally unveiled the Xbox at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in 2000.
  • ? The console's design was partially inspired by the look of a modified PC.
  • ? Xbox Live was initially a paid service, setting it apart from free online services on other consoles.
  • ? The original Xbox controller, often referred to as the "Duke," was criticized for its large size.
  • ? The Xbox was the first console to feature a built-in Ethernet port for online gaming.
  • ? Microsoft partnered with Sega to bring several Sega titles to the Xbox.
  • ? The Xbox's operating system was a modified version of Windows 2000.
  • ? The green "X" logo became an iconic symbol of the Xbox brand.