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Technology & Internet • Gaming Console

Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 is a home video game console developed and produced by Microsoft as the successor to the original Xbox and the second console in the Xbox line.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Xbox 360 is a home video game console developed and produced by Microsoft as the successor to the original Xbox and the second console in the Xbox line. It was released in 2005 and competed in the seventh generation of consoles against Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii. The platform is also known for its Xbox Live online service and multimedia capabilities.

History

The Xbox 360 was introduced as the successor to the original Xbox and marked Microsoft's second console in the Xbox family. It launched in late 2005 and remained on the market until hardware production ended in 2016. Microsoft officially unveiled the Xbox 360 on May 12, 2005, and the console first launched in North America on November 22, 2005.

Competition and generation

The console belonged to the seventh generation of game systems and competed with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii. Its market position was shaped by a strong online service and a broad game library. The Xbox 360's main competitors were the PlayStation 3 and Wii.

Features and services

The Xbox 360 supported online play, downloadable content, and multimedia functions through Xbox Live and related services. It also became associated with the transition to high-definition console gaming. The platform supported online multiplayer and digital content through Xbox Live.

Legacy

The Xbox 360 is widely remembered as one of Microsoft's most commercially and culturally significant consoles. Its lifecycle helped establish expectations for online console ecosystems and digital distribution. Microsoft ended Xbox 360 hardware production on April 20, 2016.

Key facts

  • Microsoft unveiled the Xbox 360 on May 12, 2005.
  • The console launched in North America on November 22, 2005, including in Canada.
  • It was part of the seventh generation and competed with PlayStation 3 and Wii.
  • Xbox Live provided online multiplayer and digital content services.
  • Microsoft ended Xbox 360 hardware production in 2016.
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Canadian context

The Xbox 360 launched in Canada on November 22, 2005, alongside the United States release, making it a familiar console for Canadian gamers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Xbox 360?
The Xbox 360 is a home video game console developed by Microsoft and the second console in the Xbox family.
When was the Xbox 360 released?
It was first released on November 22, 2005, in North America.
Who made the Xbox 360?
Microsoft developed and released the Xbox 360.
What consoles competed with the Xbox 360?
Its main competitors were the Sony PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii.
When was the Xbox 360 discontinued?
Microsoft ended Xbox 360 hardware production on April 20, 2016.
Did the Xbox 360 use online services?
Yes. Xbox Live provided online multiplayer and access to downloadable content and media features.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360
    Supports: Developer, identity as successor to Xbox, announcement date, competition context
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360
    Supports: Release date, discontinuation date, competition, hardware production end
  3. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360
    Supports: Initial release dates in North America, Europe, and Japan; Xbox Live features