On November 10, 2020, Microsoft initiated its campaign in the ninth generation of video game consoles with the global release of the Xbox Series X and Series S. This launch was unique not only for occurring during a global pandemic, which created unprecedented demand and supply chain challenges, but also for its dual-hardware strategy. Instead of a single flagship, Microsoft offered two distinct options: the powerhouse Series X for premium 4K gaming and the compact, all-digital Series S as a more accessible entry point. This date marked the culmination of Project Scarlett and the full realization of Microsoft's vision for an ecosystem centered around the player and its Game Pass subscription service.
What it is
The Xbox Series X is a monolithic, tower-like console designed for maximum performance and cooling, housing a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU to target 4K resolution at 60-120 frames per second. It includes a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive and a custom 1TB NVMe SSD. Its smaller sibling, the Xbox Series S, is a compact, all-digital console designed for 1440p gaming at up to 120fps. Both systems share the Xbox Velocity Architecture for drastically reduced load times and the Quick Resume feature. They launched with a refined Xbox Wireless Controller, featuring a new hybrid D-pad, textured grips, and a dedicated Share button for capturing gameplay instantly.
How it came to be
Developed under the codename 'Project Scarlett,' the Xbox Series X/S was born from lessons learned during the Xbox One generation. Microsoft's strategy was to reclaim the title of 'most powerful console' with the Series X while simultaneously expanding its market share with a lower-cost, digital-only option. This two-pronged approach was designed to make the Xbox ecosystem more accessible and to drive subscriptions for Xbox Game Pass, which had become the central pillar of the company's gaming division. The design focused on power, speed, and compatibility, ensuring a seamless transition for existing Xbox players and an appealing platform for developers to build next-generation experiences.
How many it sold
Launched amidst severe global supply chain constraints, both the Xbox Series X and Series S were notoriously difficult to purchase for over a year. Despite these early hurdles, the console family has achieved significant commercial success, selling over 28.3 million units worldwide by early 2024. The Xbox Series S, in particular, has been a strong performer, often outselling its more powerful counterpart in various markets due to its lower price point and greater availability. This success has validated Microsoft's dual-console strategy, helping to substantially grow the Xbox player base and funnel more subscribers into the lucrative Game Pass service, which remains the core metric of success for the platform.
Why it resonated
The Xbox Series X/S resonated with players by offering unprecedented choice and value. Hardcore gamers were drawn to the Series X for its raw power, delivering on the promise of true 4K gaming, high frame rates, and next-gen features like ray tracing. However, the masterstroke was the combination of the affordable Series S and the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. This pairing provided an incredibly low barrier to entry for next-generation gaming, giving players access to hundreds of titles, including all first-party releases on day one, for a low monthly fee. Consumer-friendly features like Smart Delivery and extensive backward compatibility further cemented its reputation as a player-centric platform.
Impact today
The legacy of the Xbox Series X/S is its successful pivot from a hardware-centric business to an ecosystem-first model. Its dual-console strategy has become a defining feature of the ninth generation, demonstrating the viability of offering consumer choice at different performance and price tiers. The platform's deep integration with Xbox Game Pass, PC, and cloud gaming has blurred the traditional lines of console generations, creating a persistent, unified Xbox network. Furthermore, its unwavering commitment to backward compatibility, enhancing thousands of older titles for modern hardware, has set a new industry standard and preserved a vast library of gaming history for both veteran players and newcomers alike.
Historical content researched and generated by Gemini 2.5 Pro.