Xbox
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Victor Marquez
Two decades ago, when the Xbox first arrived, it used the internet for small-scale multiplayer. Every game came with a disc, and the controllers had to be connected to the console through wires.
Since, the original Xbox, Microsoft has built a massive business that has grown to play games beyond those discs.
It is now bringing more power, exclusiveness, and value to the customers.
Here is everything you need to know about the Xbox.
Quick Summary
In this post, we will go over:
- What is Xbox?
- Early history
- Xbox consoles
- What is Xbox Cloud gaming?
- What do you need to get started with Xbox Cloud Gaming?
…and more
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
What is Xbox?
If you’re not already familiar with Xbox, it is a gaming console developed and owned by Microsoft.
You can connect it to a TV or any other display media to play games. The reason why it was so popular among gamers is that it provides realistic graphics for games.
Moreover, the online gaming service in Xbox sets Microsoft apart from the other competitors and gives it a strong foothold in the gaming market.
Some consoles in the Xbox line include:
- Xbox
- Xbox Live
- Xbox 360
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series S
- Xbox Series X
We will talk about the different consoles in detail later in this article.
But, before that let’s look at the early history of Xbox and how it evolved.
Early History
The notion that Microsoft should come out with its own gaming console started way back in 1998.
It was originally called the Direct X box and was intended to be the first console to be built like a PC.
They wanted to bring the flexibility and power of a gaming rig to the console market. Their goal was to create something with twice the processing power of the industry-leading PlayStation 2.
Two years later, Microsoft was ready to go public with its new creation. They claimed it to be a perfect system for online play as well as internal storage of downloaded content.
This managed to get the world’s attention.
Microsoft also continued to push the marketing for the original Xbox through demonstrations at different gaming expos.
It was there when Microsoft and Bungie Studios, the creator of third-person shooter Halo: Combat Evolved, decided to join forces.
The $30 million purchase of Halo: Combat Evolved made headlines in the gaming industry. This is also when Bungie Studios turned the game into a first-person shooter in order to make the best use of the console’s abilities.
This move made history.
On November 14, the company officially launched the original Xbox to the public.
Xbox Consoles
Now that you understand the history of Xbox and its release let’s look at the different consoles.
You would be surprised to see how the design has completely changed, almost beyond recognition from the first console.
Xbox
This was the first Xbox that was released. The whole console was designed around the letter X.
It was also created to be very functional, with four controller ports in the front, an internal power supply, and a built-in ethernet port for the all-important Xbox Live online gaming service.
Xbox 360
If you’ve been gaming for a while, we’re sure you’ve heard about Xbox 360 once in your life.
This console was a huge success for Microsoft and came in close competition with Sony’s Playstation.
Some of our favorite features of the Xbox 360 were:
- Memory unit slots on the front
- Easily removable hard drive
- Swappable faceplates
Xbox One
With this, Microsoft wanted to create something that acted as a central hub for all your entertainment needs.
It included different video streaming services. You could also connect your cable box to the console and watch live TV as you played games.
However, due to the buggy functionality and design, it never delivered the entertainment Microsoft want it to.
Xbox Series S
The most recently released Xbox consoles are Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
They’re both designed to let you play any game on Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming. The main difference is the price point and some specifications.
If you have less space or if you want a portable console, we recommend the Xbox Series S. It is one of the smallest consoles Microsoft has put out to date.
It is also cheaper.
Moreover, it enjoys the same library as Xbox Series X. But, it targets 1440p instead of 4K resolution, so you can only play digital versions of the game due to a lack of disk drive.
Xbox Series X
This is the best Xbox you can buy right now.
It has powerful specs and features that successfully puts it right next to its competition the Playstation 5.
But, what makes it so incredible?
For starters, it is a 1TB SSD. This means you’ll have more than enough space to download as many games as you want. You won’t need an external SSD for a while.
In addition, it comes with an HDMI 2.1 cable in the box. This will help you access features like VVR (variable refresh rate) and a 120 Hz refresh rate in supported titles.
Let us tell you it doesn’t get better than this.
The only downside is that all these extra features do not come cheap. But, for what it is, we think it’s with the money.
What is Xbox Cloud Gaming?
This is a gaming service created by Microsoft that lives on the internet.
Our favorite part is that you do not need an Xbox console to access it. This is also the main advantage of Xbox Cloud Gaming.
It lets you play Xbox games without the console being nearby. So, you don’t have to worry about purchasing it or being away from it.
It also has all the latest games at their best graphic fidelity on devices that could not run them otherwise. For example, you can play games on your mobile, Windows PC or even a TV without the Xbox attached.
What Do You Need To Get Started With Xbox Cloud Gaming?
The first thing you need to do is get yourself a subscription to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier.
This will allow you to access the games and will work on any compatible devices you own.
The best part is that you don’t need a new pass for every device. One will cover all the devices.
To use Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS and Android, you can download the official app and launch any game you want.
However, for the best experience on your phone, we also recommend you attach a controller to your phone.
For PC or Laptop, you can head over to xbox.com/play. You can choose your favorite game from the Xbox Game Pass Library and start streaming it immediately.
Conclusion
Xbox has come a long way from its first launch.
Today, it has launched over four generations of Xbox. All of them have immense significance in the gaming industry.
The Xbox enterprise has also boosted Microsoft’s business over the years. One important creation is the Xbox Cloud gaming. It lets you game no matter where you are. All you need is a stable internet connection.