Xbox at 25: My Memories From Across Xbox’s Entire (and Quite Incredible) History

An Xbox journalist reflects on 25 years of the console, from its launch on 15 November 2001 to the games and decisions that shaped its identity. He argues that Halo: Combat Evolved was crucial to the Xbox’s early appeal, while the launch of Xbox Live and later major games helped Microsoft establish a lasting place in console gaming.

His memories begin with daily staff matches of Halo at Official Xbox Magazine, where he started work in 2002. The first year also brought titles such as Steel Battalion and Morrowind, though Microsoft’s first-party games were still finding their footing. Xbox Live launched on the console’s first anniversary, 15 November 2002, with broadband Ethernet built into every Xbox; MechAssault and Ghost Recon showcased online play, and Splinter Cell followed two days later as an Xbox exclusive.