Microsoft Xbox

The Xbox video game console was released in North America on 15 November 2001 by Microsoft Corporation, with a release in Japan following on 22 February and on 14 March 2002 in Europe. Although they had collaborated with Sega in porting Windows CE to the Sega Dreamcast console, it was Microsoft's first independent venture into the video game console arena. This enabled Microsoft to diversify their product line, which up to that time had been heavily concentrated into software.Originally, the console was going to be called DirectXbox, to reflect the extensive use of DirectX within the console's technology.

The console was launched in the UK at a price of £299.99, which was equal to its US price in US dollars. However, many consumers were reluctant to pay this high price, particularly when they could choose the relatively inexpensive GameCube and the recently price-dropped PlayStation 2. As a result, just six weeks after launch, Microsoft dropped the price of the Xbox to £199.99, offering those who had purchased the system at its full initial price any two current games and an extra controller in compensation.

Since its launch, the console has sold over 24 million units; however, the company has reported a four billion dollar loss in selling the Xbox gaming system, and the unit is set to cease production some time in 2007.

In this section, you can find out more about the hardware, software, network and media accessories, connections and detailed specifications for the Xbox, along with ways that the console can be modded.