Monday 15 November 2021

20 years of Xbox



20 years ago, the original Xbox was released in North America, marking Microsoft's holiday debut into a console space dominated by Nintendo and Sony's PlayStation.

As I've written previously, my Xbox journey began with Halo: Combat Evolved in 2002. Dead or Alive 3, TimeSplitters 2 and The Sims took up my time, too. I was impressed with the monster-sized box until an infamous fire hazard issue in 2005. Microsoft posted a cable with a trip switch to affected customers (myself included).

However, I binned the now worthless machine and never envisaged owning another Xbox...

Then, I won an Xbox 360 S after entering a LOVEFiLM competition in 2012. This introduced me to the Mass Effect trilogy, and my unexpected Xbox homecoming culminated in Halo 4. All the while, my PlayStation 3 (PS3) gathered dust.

Subsequently, I've owned an Xbox One with Kinect, Xbox One X and Xbox Series S. Having gone digital during the Xbox One generation, the Series S was a no-brainer.

Xbox backwards compatibility has enabled gamers (myself included) to discover or continue to play video games from previous console generations. As a lifelong Star Wars fan, I've been able to experience classic BioWare titles Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) I & II and Jade Empire.

Game Pass Ultimate (combined with Microsoft Rewards) has saved me money, and Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite will be festive favourites during the holiday season. The former is a quintessential arcade racer set in an open world social hub and contender for Game of the Year (GotY)!

Microsoft has released an Xbox 20th Anniversary Wireless Controller (affiliate link) in classic black with green touches that hark back to the beginning.

The Redmond-based company is streaming a celebration of all things Xbox today.



What are your Xbox memories? Do you have a favourite Xbox console generation? Let me know in the comments below.

6 comments:

  1. I first saw the Xbox 20 years ago in FAO Schwarz in New York, where I played Abe's Odyssey. As a die-hard PlayStation fan, my loyalties were severely tested!
    I've since had the first generation, 360, and currently have an Xbox One, where games including Red Dead Redemption 2 and Assassin's Creed (Origins, Odyssey and Valhalla) have given me many (perhaps too many) hours of gaming pleasure.

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    1. That's such a cool memory and thanks for sharing!

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  2. I think I've still got my original XBOX 360 in the garage (not sure it's still playable though). Even though my gaming time has decreased over the years, I still have my XBOX Series S tucked beside my TV ready and waiting for that sudden urge to fly through the clouds or race down country lanes :)

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    1. I'll look out for your Drivatar in Forza Horizon 5!

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  3. I've owned the Xbox 360, One S, One X and now Series X. Despite the fact that I'm a die hard PlayStation fan, I've always respected what MS brought to the table. I remember staying up til 4am searching for Gold Skulls in Halo 3 or pulling all nighters in Gears 2's Horde mode!

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    1. I'll never forget walking into a defunct Virgin Megastore (near to where an Apple Store now resides) and seeing Gears playing on an Xbox 360!

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