Xbox One

The Xbox One is a home video game console made by Microsoft. It was shown in May 2013 and came out in November 2013 in North America, parts of Europe, Australia, and South America. It later came out in Japan, China, and more European countries in September 2014. It was the first Xbox to be sold in China, in the Shanghai Free-Trade Zone. Microsoft called it an "all-in-one entertainment system."

As an eighth-generation console, the Xbox One played against Sony's PlayStation 4 and Nintendo's Wii U, and later the Nintendo Switch. It used the x86 design, unlike older Xboxes, and had an Accelerated Processing Unit from AMD. The console focused on cloud computing, social networking, and let users record and share video clips or livestream to places like Mixer and Twitch.

The Xbox One could play Blu-ray Disc and show live TV from a set-top box or digital tuner. It also had an optional Kinect sensor, called "Kinect 2.0," which got better at motion tracking and voice recognition. Over time, new versions like the Xbox One S and Xbox One X came out, with changes such as a smaller size, support for HDR10 and 4K video, and better game playing. The Xbox One was replaced by the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles in November 2020.

History

The Xbox One is the new version of the Xbox 360, Microsoft's earlier video game console from 2005. The Xbox 360 got updates to make it smaller and more reliable. In 2010, a new device called Kinect was added, which let people play games using motion and voice.

People started working on the Xbox One's successor, sometimes called "Xbox 720," as early as 2011. There were rumors about new features like better Kinect technology, cloud access for games, and linking with phones and tablets.

Before the Xbox One was shown to the public, there were stories saying it would always need to be connected to the internet. This made some people worried. When it was finally shown in May 2013, it was presented as a device for many kinds of entertainment, not just games, which confused some people.

Later at E3 2013, Microsoft focused more on the games the Xbox One could play. It was set to come out in 21 countries on November 22, 2013, but this was later changed to 13 countries. The other countries got the console in September 2014.

First, Microsoft said that all games would be tied to the user's account and would need to connect to the internet every day. This made many people unhappy because they felt it took away their rights to resell or share games. Microsoft listened and changed its mind, allowing people to share and resell games as before. The Xbox One no longer needed to stay connected to the internet all the time.

In 2016, Microsoft showed a smaller version called Xbox One S, which could show better picture quality. They also talked about an even more powerful version called Xbox One X. A version without a disc drive, called Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, came out in 2019. The Xbox One was stopped being made in 2020.

Hardware

Design

The Xbox One has a two-tone black design, with one side matte grey and the other glossier black. It was made to look simpler and more like an entertainment device. The Xbox One could only stand up straight, not on its side.

The Xbox One S is smaller, about 40% smaller, and can stand up or lie flat with a stand. It comes in a smooth white color with holes and a vent on top. It uses button controls instead of touch-sensitive ones, and its USB port and controller button are on the front. The power supply is built into the console.

Internals

The Xbox One uses an AMD processor with eight cores running at 1.75 GHz and 8 GB of RAM. It has a hard drive and a Blu-ray player. About 138 GB of the hard drive is used for the system, leaving the rest for games. Up to two USB drives can be added for more space, but they need to support USB 3.0 and have at least 256 GB.

It was said that 3 GB of RAM was used for the system, leaving 5 GB for games. The graphics processor has 12 units with 768 cores running at 853 MHz, giving about 1.31 TFLOPS of power. It supports 1080p and 720p video but not older interlaced formats. It also supports 7.1 surround sound, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X.

The Xbox One S can show 4K video and high dynamic range (HDR) color. It can play 4K video from streaming services and Ultra HD Blu-ray, but it cannot show the extra details from some advanced HDR formats. Games are made at 1080p and then made larger to fit 4K. The graphics processor in the Xbox One S runs faster, which can help some games run better.

The console can watch its temperature and slow down if it gets too hot to avoid damage.

Controller

Main article: Xbox Wireless Controller

The Xbox Wireless Controller looks like the Xbox 360’s controller but with some changes. It has smoother edges, textured sticks, a four-way pad, and redesigned triggers and shoulders. It has “Menu” and “View” buttons instead of Start and Back. The triggers can vibrate in different ways, like when firing a gun. It can also be tracked by the Kinect sensor and go to sleep when not held.

An updated version from June 2015 added a headphone jack and small changes. A third version with better grips and Bluetooth came with the Xbox One S.

There is also an Elite Wireless Controller with extra parts and features for advanced gamers. In May 2018, Microsoft introduced the Xbox Adaptive Controller for users with disabilities. It has big buttons and connectors for attaching other devices.

Kinect 2.0 sensor

Main article: Kinect

The Kinect 2.0 is an updated sensor for the Xbox One that can track movement and understand voice commands. It has a wide-angle camera and can track up to six people at once, read QR codes, and even track heart rates. It can understand voice commands all the time, even when the console is asleep, and can wake the console with a voice command.

At first, every Xbox One came with Kinect, but in June 2014, Microsoft started selling bundles without it. This let people buy an Xbox One first and add Kinect later if they wanted. It also let games use some of the processing power that was previously used for Kinect.

A version of Kinect 2.0 for Windows computers came out on July 15, 2014. Kinect 2.0 could be bought alone starting in October 2014 and came with a digital copy of Dance Central Spotlight.

The Xbox One S does not have a Kinect port, so a USB adapter is needed to use Kinect. Microsoft gave a free adapter to Kinect owners who registered their Xbox One S by March 2017. After that, the adapter was sold separately but is no longer made. Kinect for Xbox One was stopped on October 25, 2017.

Software and services

See also: Xbox One system software and List of Xbox One applications

The Xbox One uses two operating systems. One is for games and the other is for apps and the menu. This helps the console keep things running well. It supports apps that work on Xbox One, Windows 10, and Windows phones.

The menu has a modern look with sections like Home, Mixer, Community, Entertainment, and Store. The Home page shows games and apps you pick. Pressing the Xbox button opens a sidebar with friends, apps, and settings. You can use the controller or voice commands to go back to the menu while playing. Voice control helps manage the console. A voice helper was added in 2016 to understand more commands.

At first, the menu looked like Windows 8, with tiles that scroll sideways. In 2015, it changed to a new design. In 2017, it got updated again with new colors and features. In 2024, older Xbox Ones had trouble updating, but Microsoft fixed it.

Multimedia features

The Xbox One can play videos and music from DLNA servers or USB devices using the Media Player app. It can also play movies from Blu-ray, DVD, and CD discs.

The console can work with a TV box or a special TV tuner to show live TV. It had a guide for TV shows that gave suggestions and let users control TV with voice. This guide stopped working in 2021.

The Xbox One can pause and rewind live TV for up to 30 minutes, but it cannot record shows like a full DVR.

Xbox Live

Main article: Xbox Live

Xbox Live uses many servers to help players. It offers cloud storage for saves and games. Players can have up to 1,000 friends. In 2016, it added Clubs for groups with shared interests and a way to find players for games.

Players can edit and share clips of their gameplay. They can also stream games directly to Twitch. Voice commands can start streaming. Premium online features like multiplayer and voice chat need an Xbox Live Gold subscription, but it works for everyone on the main console. Some apps no longer need a subscription. The Games with Gold program gives free games each month to subscribers.

Companion apps

The console can be controlled with the Xbox app, available for Android, iOS, and Windows 10. This app lets users see messages, browse the store, use the console as a remote, and stream games to a PC. A controller is needed, but regular headsets can be used for chat. Streaming to mobile apps is also possible.

Games

See also: List of Xbox One games (A–L) and list of Xbox One games (M–Z)

Xbox One games come in two ways: physical Blu-ray discs and digital downloads from the Microsoft Store, once called the Xbox Games Store. All games need to be installed on the console. You can start playing once part of the game is installed, while the rest loads in the background. For older games, such as those from the Xbox 360 (see “Xbox 360 compatibility” below), you must wait for the full installation before playing.

Game and system updates download automatically, even when the console is on standby. If a game is from a physical disc, you still need the disc for the console to recognize it. If a game is installed on another console and that person no longer has the disc, they can buy the game through Xbox Live to keep playing it. Some games need an internet connection to work, especially those that use online services.

Microsoft started an Early access program named Xbox Game Preview in 2015. This lets developers release unfinished games for players to buy and test before the official release. Since June 2017, games can show special icons if they work with newer Xbox One features, like better colors (HDR) on the Xbox One S and X, 4K resolution on the Xbox One X, and special optimizations for the Xbox One X.

In 2016, Microsoft began releasing future Xbox One-exclusive games on Windows 10 PCs too, using a system called Xbox Play Anywhere. This means these games are available on both Xbox and PC, not just the console. Microsoft sometimes calls certain games “console launch exclusives,” meaning they are available first or only on Xbox, but may later come to PC.

In February 2017, Microsoft launched Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service separate from Xbox Live Gold. With Game Pass, users can download and play games from its library as long as they pay for the subscription. In April 2019, Microsoft added Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes both Game Pass and an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Backward compatibility

See also: Xbox One system software § Backward compatibility, and list of backward-compatible games for Xbox One and Series X/S

Xbox 360 compatibility

At first, the Xbox One could not play original Xbox or Xbox 360 games. Microsoft did not plan to add this feature because they thought only a few players used older games on new consoles. However, work on making the Xbox One play Xbox 360 games had started earlier, under a program called “Trioxide.” After facing criticism for requiring the console to always be connected to the internet, Microsoft paused this work but later restarted it secretly in 2014.

The team tested backward compatibility using a game called Castle Crashers. They fixed many issues and announced the feature at E3 2015, planning to support 100 games by the end of 2015. They used a software tool called “Fission” to emulate Xbox 360 games. At launch, 104 Xbox 360 games worked, and more were added over time. Games from a collection called Rare Replay were also made compatible. Microsoft worked with game publishers to add more games.

By June 10, 2019, Microsoft said they would stop adding new games to this list to focus on the next console, the Xbox Series X/S, released in November 2020. On November 15, 2021, they added 76 more games to celebrate Xbox’s 20th anniversary, but said this would likely be the final addition due to legal and technical limits. All Xbox 360 and original Xbox games that work on the Xbox One also work on the Xbox Series X/S, often with improved graphics and smoother gameplay.

Original Xbox compatibility

After finishing the work for Xbox 360 games, the team began working on making original Xbox games work too, under the code name “Fusion.” They used a tool called “Dolphin” to emulate these older games. The team tested many games and improved the success rate from about 10% to about 90%. Microsoft announced this feature in June 2017, with 13 games released on October 24, 2017, and 19 more added in April 2018.

Microsoft does not expect to add many more original Xbox games due to legal issues, such as rights and contracts, and because some companies from that time no longer exist.

Reception

Pre-release

When the Xbox One was first shown in May 2013, it caused some discussion. Some writers liked its quick switching between TV channels, thinking it was good for home entertainment. But Microsoft’s big showcase in June 2013 was thought to focus too much on games that looked like older games. Some also felt the price was too high compared to other consoles.

Critical reception

After it came out, the Xbox One got mostly good reviews. Critics liked its quiet operation and its controller, which lasted longer on batteries. However, some found the console’s menu hard to use, especially with a controller, and voice commands were not always easy. Over time, Microsoft made improvements, and critics said the Xbox One had grown up. It offered more services and apps, and while some games didn’t look as sharp as on competing consoles, others looked great. The updated Xbox One S model was also well-received for its smaller size and support for better picture quality.

Game library

The Xbox One had fewer special games only for it compared to rivals like the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. Some big games from Microsoft’s own series, like Halo and Gears of War, didn’t do as well as hoped. Microsoft later focused more on creating exclusive games by changing its studio structure and buying new game companies. This helped bring more unique titles to the Xbox family.

Sales

Microsoft shared sales numbers for the first year, saying they sold 3 million by the end of 2013 and about 10 million by late 2014. After that, they stopped sharing exact numbers but said that sales were steady. In different countries, the Xbox One sold well in places like the United Kingdom and the United States but didn’t do as well in Japan. Overall, the Xbox One sold around 58 million units worldwide.

Retail configurations

When the Xbox One first came out, it had a 500 GB hard drive, one controller, and a special device called Kinect. In the United States, this version cost US$499. Later, Microsoft sold a version without the Kinect for US$399. They also made models with bigger 1 terabyte hard drives and special games like Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

There were also special edition consoles for fans. People who bought the Xbox One early got a unique "Day One Edition" controller. Microsoft staff received special consoles too. Over time, there were many bundles with popular games such as Titanfall, Forza Motorsport 5, and Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. These bundles often had special designs on the console and controller, and sometimes included coupons for extra game content.

In 2018, Microsoft introduced Xbox All Access, a way to buy an Xbox One S or X with subscriptions to special gaming services over two years through Microsoft Store. Customers would own the console after two years, but had to pay extra if they stopped the plan early. This option was cheaper than buying everything separately.

Hardware revisions

Xbox One S

The Xbox One S came in different sizes: 500 GB, 1 TB, and a special 2 TB model. The 2 TB version came out on August 2, 2016, followed by the 1 TB and 500 GB models on August 23, 2016. Special versions tied to games like Gears of War 4 and Battlefield 1 were also available. Over time, more special bundles appeared, such as editions for Minecraft, Fortnite Battle Royale, and Roblox, each with unique items or game codes. The Xbox One S was stopped being made by the end of 2020.

Xbox One S All-Digital Edition

In 2019, Microsoft introduced the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition. This version did not have a disc player and came with a 1 TB storage space. It included digital copies of games like Forza Horizon 3, Minecraft, and Sea of Thieves. It was released on May 7, 2019, but production stopped in July 2020.

Xbox One X

Microsoft showed the Xbox One X in 2016 and released it on November 7, 2017. It was a powerful version of the Xbox One, priced at US$499 for the 1 TB model. The Xbox One X could show games in 4K resolution, making pictures very clear on special screens. It had a strong processor and lots of memory to help games run better. The Xbox One X could play all Xbox One games and supported many accessories. Some games were made especially for this version to look even better. The Xbox One X stopped being made in July 2020 when Microsoft got ready for its new console.