Evolution of the Xbox

  • Posted on March 6, 2025
  • /Under Gaming
Evolution of the Xbox

Microsoft’s Xbox is one of the most iconic gaming consoles in history, with some even claiming it revolutionised the gaming industry. Over the years, it has undergone significant transformations, from enhanced capabilities to major improvements in performance and graphics.

In this blog, we’ll explore the evolution of the Xbox, the key changes it has seen over time, and its legendary rivalry with Sony’s PlayStation. If you’re considering selling your old Xbox, check out our hassle-free ‘sell my Xbox’ service.

The Beginnings of the Xbox

The original Xbox launched in November 2001 – making it almost a quarter of a century old! It was initially powered by an Intel processor and NVIDIA graphics and introduced the concept of Xbox Live, the online multiplayer service. Games like Halo: Combat Evolved and Fable were associated with this console, and for many members of the gaming community, this was an innovative device at the time.

Next, the Xbox 360 launched in November 2005 with a significant improvement in hardware, with a customer PowerPC tri-core processor. This console introduced HD graphics (720p/1080p) and the Kinect motion-sensing peripheral in 2010. The Xbox 360 came in variations including the ‘Elite’ and ‘Slim’ models, showing Microsoft’s commitment to offering consoles that adhered to different preferences. Games like Halo 3 and Gears of War were fan favourites during this console’s prime, and Xbox Live also grew in popularity.

Jumping to 2013, we saw the launch of the Xbox One. Powered by a custom AMD processor, the Xbox One focused on creating an all-in-one entertainment system with games, TV, and apps integrated. If you loved this console when it came out but are considering trading it in for a newer version, use our ‘sell Xbox One’ service to get fast payment in exchange for your device.

The next instalment of the Xbox One collection came in the form of the Xbox One X in 2017, which brought 4k gaming support and HDR technology to take the gaming experience up a notch. Games like Minecraft and Sea of Thieves were notable games to be played on these consoles.

The most recent consoles in this range are the Xbox Series X and Series S, both launched in November 2020. The Series X is powered by a custom AMD Zen 2 processor and RDNA 2 GPU architecture, as well as a 1TB SSD for faster load times and a quick resume feature. The Xbox Game Pass was also released alongside these two consoles, providing a convenient library of games on demand. The Series S is a more affordable, less powerful version of the Series X, sharing many of the same features such as the storage architecture, but at only 512GB and it lacks a disc drive also.

We offer competitive prices for those looking to sell their Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X if you’re  interested in switching to a different console altogether.

Xbox vs PlayStation: A Rivalry Through the Generations

There is often a divide between those who prefer the Xbox, and those who prefer the PlayStation. There are some popular games that are compatible with both devices, but a major separating factor is the exclusivity of certain games on specific consoles. Since their original launch, both Xbox and PlayStation have competed for dominance in the gaming market, with this rivalry growing only stronger with the release of the latest models.

To gain a clear understanding of how these truly differ, let’s break down how they compare in various areas:

  • Hardware and Performance: The Xbox Series X has a higher GPU power with 12 teraflops compared to the PS5’s 10.28 teraflops, giving some advantage in terms of resolution and performance. The PS5 has a faster SSD, but the Xbox Series X has a larger storage capacity, and they both support 4K gaming at 60 FPS.
  • Games: Many see the Xbox Series X as the clear winner in terms of game offerings through its Game Pass function, offering a library of games plus its compatibility with older Xbox titles. The PS5 focuses more on exclusive offerings of some of the best games in the industry, like The Last of Us being a historically popular PlayStation game.
  • Backward Compatibility: Backward compatibility refers to whether a console can host an older game that was designed for a previous console. For instance, the Xbox Series X is fully backwards compatible with every Xbox One game, and a significant number of Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles. PlayStation, however, only offers backward computability for PlayStation 4 titles on the PS5, meaning that if you’re a fan of older games, you won’t find the same level of support.

The Xbox versus PlayStation debate is a tale as old as time, and for some people, they’ll have a preference that they don’t wish to ever stray from. In some ways, it’s similar to the Apple versus Android phone debacle. The Xbox console has also undergone a significant transformation since its original release, with improvements to performance, graphics, and game compatibility. If you’re looking to trade in your console for a newer model, or even make the switch from one brand to another, then consider using Mazuma for fast, efficient, and reliable processes. Please contact us to learn more.