The Xbox One is a home video game console made by Microsoft. It was introduced in May 2013 and is the next version of the Xbox 360, making it the third console in the Xbox series. It was first sold in North America, parts of Europe, Australia, and South America in November 2013. Later, it was released in Japan, China, and other European countries in September 2014. This was the first Xbox console available in China, specifically in the Shanghai Free-Trade Zone. Microsoft promoted the console as an "all-in-one entertainment system," which is why it was named "Xbox One." As an eighth-generation console, it mainly competed with Sony’s PlayStation 4, Nintendo’s Wii U, and later the Nintendo Switch.

The Xbox One uses a different design than its predecessor, the Xbox 360. Instead of the PowerPC-based system used before, it returns to the x86 architecture, which was first used in the original Xbox. It includes an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) from AMD that works with the x86-64 instruction set. The controller for the Xbox One was redesigned compared to the Xbox 360, with a new shape, D-pad, and triggers that provide vibration feedback. The console focuses more on cloud computing, social networking, and the ability to record and share gameplay videos or screenshots directly to services like Mixer and Twitch. Games can also be played on supported Windows 10 devices over a local network. The console can play Blu-ray discs and display live television from a set-top box or digital tuner, along with an improved program guide. It optionally included a redesigned Kinect sensor called "Kinect 2.0," which improved motion tracking and voice recognition.

The Xbox One received praise for its controller design, multimedia features, and quieter internal components. However, its user interface faced some early criticism. A revised version, called the Xbox One S, was released in 2016. It is smaller, supports HDR10 high-dynamic-range video, and can play 4K videos and upscale games from 1080p to 4K. It was well-received for its size, visual improvements, and lack of an external power supply, though it did not include a port for the Kinect sensor. In 2017, a high-end version named the Xbox One X was introduced. It has better hardware and can render games in 4K resolution. The Xbox One was later replaced by the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, which launched on November 10, 2020. Production of all Xbox One models ended by the end of 2020.

History

The Xbox One was introduced as the replacement for the Xbox 360, a video game console made by Microsoft. The Xbox 360 was first released in November 2005 as part of the seventh generation of gaming devices. Over time, the Xbox 360 received small updates to make it smaller and more reliable. In 2010, Microsoft’s Chris Lewis said the Xbox 360 was about halfway through its lifetime. This was helped by the release of the Kinect motion sensor that year, which Lewis said could extend the console’s lifetime by five years.

Plans for the Xbox 360’s replacement, known in the industry as the “Xbox 720,” reportedly began in May 2011. The official version for developers was called Durango and became available to them by mid-2012. Leaked information suggested the new console might include an improved Kinect sensor, cloud access for games and media, and technology for glasses that show information to the player, called “Fortaleza.” Microsoft did not comment on these details. Some reports also said the new console might stop allowing users to play used games, but Microsoft later said it was still considering the idea and had not confirmed the reports.

Before the Xbox One was officially announced, rumors said the next console would require a constant internet connection. Microsoft did not confirm this, but it caused concern among some customers. In April 2013, a Microsoft employee named Adam Orth wrote on Twitter that he did not understand the criticism about the “always on” feature, saying, “Every device now is ‘always on.’ That’s the world we live in. #dealwithit.” His message upset many people, who worried about how the console might affect their ability to use or sell used games. Orth left Microsoft a few days later because of the backlash. Despite Microsoft denying the rumors, the situation created tension for several months.

On May 21, 2013, Microsoft officially introduced the Xbox One at a press conference. The event focused heavily on the console’s ability to work with television and other media, showing these features for over 30 minutes before showing any games. Later, Phil Spencer, who led Xbox at Microsoft, said this approach confused both customers and employees, as it did not clearly show the console’s focus on gaming.

Because of the criticism, Microsoft changed its strategy for the next major event, E3 2013, where it emphasized the Xbox One’s gaming features. At this event, Microsoft announced the console would be released in 21 countries on November 22, 2013. However, this was later reduced to 13 countries due to challenges in adapting the console’s voice recognition system for different languages. In September 2014, the Xbox One was released in 26 countries, including parts of Europe, Japan, and the Middle East.

At first, Microsoft planned a new way to license games for the Xbox One. All games, even those bought in stores, would be tied to the user’s Xbox Live account. Users could play games on any Xbox One console after installing them, and they could share games with up to ten family members. If a game publisher allowed it, users could trade or resell physical copies at stores or send them to friends who had been on their list for at least 30 days. However, the console would need to connect to the internet every 24 hours to keep games active. If it could not connect, all games would stop working until it reconnected.

This plan caused strong criticism, especially because of earlier concerns about the “always on” requirement. Critics said the changes would harm consumer rights, as games would be licensed rather than sold, and physical discs would not give ownership of the game. Microsoft said publishers would decide if used games could be sold, and they might charge fees for second-hand copies. Renting or borrowing games was not possible at launch, and Microsoft said it was still exploring options with partners. Some critics, like GameSpot editor Tom McShea, said Microsoft was acting against customers’ interests, while others believed Sony’s PlayStation 4 had an advantage because it avoided similar restrictions.

In response to the backlash, Microsoft changed its plan on June 19, 2013. It allowed users to share and resell physical games without limits, and the console no longer needed a constant internet connection. However, features like family sharing and playing games without the disc were removed. Microsoft said these features might return later. Don Mattrick, who led Xbox’s development, said the changes were made because of public criticism. Some analysts thought the change was also a reaction to Sony’s strong position during its E3 event. On July 1, 2013, Mattrick left Microsoft to join Zynga, a game company. Analysts believed his departure was linked to the negative reaction and the changes to the Xbox One’s plans.

Microsoft also removed a requirement that the Kinect sensor had to be connected to the console.

Hardware

The original Xbox One has an exterior made of two different colors: one side is a matte grey, and the other is a shiny black. The matte side on top has a large air vent. This design was meant to look more like a simple entertainment device compared to earlier versions. The Xbox 360 used LED rings to show system status, but the Xbox One uses a glowing white Xbox logo instead. Because of the ventilation design, the original Xbox One can only be placed horizontally.

The Xbox One S has a smaller version of this design, with a case that is 40% smaller and can stand upright with a stand. The main model is entirely matte "Robot White," with half of the console having small holes and a circular vent on the right side. It uses push-button controls instead of touch-sensitive keys. The USB port and controller sync button are on the front, and the power supply is built into the console, connecting directly to an outlet instead of using an external power brick.

The Xbox One uses an AMD "Jaguar" processor with eight x86-64 cores running at 1.75 GHz and 8 GB of DDR3 RAM. The processor is built using TSMC’s 28nm technology. It also has 32 MB of ESRAM, a special type of memory, with a faster data transfer rate. The system has a non-removable hard drive and a Blu-ray Disc player. The operating system uses 138 GB of storage, leaving the rest for games. After a June 2014 update, users can connect up to two USB drives to expand storage, but these drives must support USB 3.0 and have at least 256 GB of space.

The system reserves 3 GB of RAM for the operating system, leaving 5 GB for games. It uses DirectX 11.2 as its graphics API. The GPU is based on AMD’s GCN architecture with 12 compute units and 768 cores running at 853 MHz, providing a peak performance of 1.31 T FLOPS. It supports Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11n wireless, and Wi-Fi Direct.

The original Xbox One supports 1080p and 720p video output but does not support interlaced resolutions like 1080i. It uses HDMI 1.4 for input and output and does not support composite or component video. It supports 7.1 surround sound, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X.

The Xbox One S supports 2160p (4K) video and HDR10 color, with a future update to support Dolby Vision HDR for streaming. It can play 4K video from streaming services and Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, but it cannot output dynamic HDR10+ or Dolby Vision metadata from discs encoded with those formats. Games are upscaled from 1080p and not rendered at 4K. The Xbox One S has a faster GPU and ESRAM bandwidth than the original model, which can improve performance in games with dynamic resolution scaling or uncapped frame rates.

The console monitors its temperature and adjusts to prevent overheating. It can increase fan speed or reduce hardware power to avoid damage, a feature not available on the Xbox 360.

The Xbox Wireless Controller keeps the layout of the Xbox 360 controller but includes smoother design, textured analog sticks, a four-way directional pad, and curved triggers for better comfort. The "Menu" and "View" buttons replace the "Start" and "Back" buttons. Each trigger has a separate rumble motor called "Impulse Triggers," allowing developers to create directional vibrations. The controller has light emitters for tracking with the Kinect sensor and can enter a low-power state when not held. An updated version added a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, and a third version included textured grips and Bluetooth support.

The controller has a micro USB port, allowing it to operate without batteries and charge remotely on Windows 7 or later computers. The Xbox One Wireless Adapter lets Xbox One controllers work wirelessly on Windows computers.

The Elite Wireless Controller, released in 2015, had interchangeable parts, "hair trigger locks" for more precise control, and software to remap buttons.

In 2018, Microsoft released the Xbox Adaptive Controller for users with disabilities. It has large dome-like buttons and connectors for attaching custom buttons or peripherals. It can work with Copilot, a feature allowing multiple controllers to be used together.

As of 2018, some games can now support computer mice and keyboards. Microsoft partnered with Razer to create Xbox-optimized keyboards and mice with special features.

The Kinect 2.0 sensor, used with the Xbox One, has a wide-angle time-of-flight camera and a 1080p camera. It processes 2 GB of data per second and can track up to six people, measure heart rate, track controller gestures, and read QR codes for Xbox Live gift cards. Voice recognition is always active, allowing users to control the console even when it is in sleep mode.

Software and services

The Xbox One uses two operating systems inside a special type of software called a hypervisor. Games run on one operating system, while apps and the user interface run on a simplified version of Microsoft Windows. The original system software was based on Windows 8, but it was later updated to Windows 10. This design helps the console manage tasks like multitasking and Kinect processing, ensuring games run smoothly without delays. The Xbox One supports Universal Windows Platform apps, which can work on the Xbox One, Windows 10, and Windows 10 Mobile in sync with the Windows platform.

The Xbox One’s user interface uses Microsoft’s Fluent Design System. Earlier versions of the console used the Metro design language. The dashboard has sections called "Home," "Mixer," "Community," "Entertainment," and "Store." The "Home" page includes blocks that can show pinned games, apps, or other content. Pressing the Xbox Guide button opens a sidebar with options like the friends list, apps, party settings, and other functions. Users can return to the dashboard while playing games or apps using the Xbox button on their controller or a voice command. Up to four apps can run at once, but only one game can run at a time. Kinect allows users to control the console with voice commands. The Xbox One’s voice control features are more advanced than those on the Xbox 360. In 2016, the voice assistant Cortana was added to improve voice command capabilities with natural language recognition.

The dashboard originally used a layout similar to Windows 8’s "Start screen," with tiles that could be scrolled horizontally. This design was replaced in September 2015 for Xbox Preview Program members with a new interface called "the New Xbox One Experience," which was released publicly in November 2015. This update also removed support for Kinect motion controls on the dashboard.

The user interface was updated again in April 2017, adding a new Guide sidebar and other features. At this time, the ability to "snap" apps as a sidebar for multitasking was removed. In October 2017, the interface was redesigned to use Windows 10’s "Fluent" design language, and a light color option for the user interface was added.

In 2024, it was reported that older Xbox One models running firmware versions before 2019 had problems updating, which caused most console functions to stop working due to mandatory online requirements. Microsoft fixed the issue quickly. This raised concerns about preserving the console and its game library.

The Xbox One can play content from DLNA servers and USB storage devices using the "Media Player" app. It also supports video playback from Blu-ray Disc, DVD, and CD media.

The console can act as an HDMI pass-through for a television provider’s set-top box or use a Digital TV Tuner accessory to access digital terrestrial television. It includes OneGuide, an electronic program guide that helps recommend shows based on viewing history, provides access to online video services, and allows voice control via Kinect. OneGuide also controls the set-top box and television using an IR blaster.

The Xbox One does not support full DVR functionality for recording television programs. Microsoft plans to work with television services to add features like DVR integration, but the digital TV tuner accessory allows limited DVR functionality, such as pausing and rewinding live TV for up to 30 minutes. In June 2016, Microsoft announced that full DVR functionality for the Xbox One was on hold.

Xbox Live now uses 300,000 servers for Xbox One users. Cloud storage is available for saving music, films, games, and saved content. Developers can use Live servers and Microsoft Azure to add dynamic in-game features. Users can have up to 1,000 friends. A December 2016 update added "Clubs," a social networking feature for joining groups based on interests or games, and "Looking for Group" (LFG), a system to find players for multiplayer games.

The Upload Studio app allows users to edit and share gameplay clips from the last five minutes of recorded footage. Games can also be developed to automatically record footage when achievements are reached. The Xbox One supports streaming to Twitch. Users can use voice commands to start streaming their current game directly to Twitch, and use Kinect’s camera and microphone to record video and audio narration. Recorded clips can be displayed on an Xbox Live profile in a "Showcase" section. The console previously supported Mixer before it shut down in July 2020.

Like the Xbox 360, premium online features such as multiplayer, voice communication, broadcasting, and Upload Studio require an Xbox Live Gold subscription. Unlike the Xbox 360, an Xbox Live Gold subscription benefits all users on a designated "home" console, not each user individually. Since June 2014, apps no longer require an Xbox Live Gold membership to use, though subscriptions for services like Netflix may still be needed. Microsoft also expanded its Games with Gold program to Xbox One, offering Xbox 360 and Xbox One games to Xbox Live Gold subscribers monthly.

The Xbox SmartGlass app allows devices running Windows Phone, Windows 8, iOS, or Android to act as a companion for Xbox One features, such as turning on the console, using a remote control, accessing messages, purchasing content, and integrating with certain games. SmartGlass can also stream live television to Android and Windows devices if the console uses a USB digital television tuner.

On Windows 10, SmartGlass is replaced by the Xbox App, which lets users stream Xbox One games to personal computers and tablets running Windows 10. An Xbox One controller is required, but Windows-compatible headsets and microphones can be used for voice chat. Games requiring Kinect are not supported, and Game DVR and online streaming are unavailable during this process.

Through a partnership with Oculus VR, users can stream Xbox One games to the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset using the Xbox app on Windows 10. As of 2015, there were no plans for direct integration between the Xbox One and Oculus Rift.

Microsoft’s last update for the Xbox app that enabled remote play on iPhones or iPads was released. The updated app is available in the App Store and includes a remote play feature. It supports Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S games, but older Xbox 360 and original Xbox games cannot be streamed remotely to Android or iOS/iPadOS devices.

Games

Xbox One games are sold on Blu-ray discs and can also be downloaded from the Microsoft Store (previously called the Xbox Games Store). All Xbox One games must be installed on the console’s storage. Players can start playing parts of a game, such as opening levels, once the installation or download reaches a certain point, while the rest of the game continues to download or install in the background. However, older games, like those from the Xbox 360 (see "Xbox 360 compatibility" below), require the full installation to be complete before they can be played.

Updates for games and system software are downloaded in the background and while the console is in standby mode. If a game is installed from a physical disc, the disc is still needed for validation. If a game is installed on another console and the owner no longer has the disc, they can unlock the game on their hard drive by purchasing it through Xbox Live. An active internet connection may be required for some games, especially those that depend on server-side processing.

In 2015, Microsoft launched a program called Xbox Game Preview, which lets developers release unfinished games for consumers to buy and test before the official launch. Starting in June 2017, games can be marked with icons showing compatibility with newer Xbox One features, such as support for high-dynamic-range (HDR) colors on the Xbox One S and Xbox One X, native 4K resolution on the Xbox One X, and optimizations for the Xbox One X.

In 2016, Microsoft began making future Xbox One-exclusive first-party games available on Windows 10 PCs, with digital cross-buy support through the Microsoft Store under the "Xbox Play Anywhere" brand. This makes the games Microsoft platform exclusives rather than Xbox One exclusives. Microsoft uses the term "console launch exclusive" for games that are timed or permanent exclusives to Xbox consoles but are already available or planned for PC.

In February 2017, Microsoft introduced a separate subscription service called Xbox Game Pass, which allows users to download and play games from its library for the duration of their subscription. In April 2019, Microsoft launched Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which combines Game Pass with an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

At its launch, the Xbox One did not support playing games from the original Xbox or Xbox 360. Microsoft initially said it had no plans for backward compatibility. Don Mattrick, who led the company’s Interactive Entertainment Business at the time, stated that backward compatibility was not a priority, claiming that only 5% of customers played older games on new consoles.

However, backward compatibility had been planned since 2007 under the "Trioxide" program to run Xbox 360 games on 64-bit hardware. Unlike the PlayStation 3, which used a chip to emulate PlayStation 2 features, the Xbox One was designed with hardware support for Xbox 360 features like XMA and texture processing. After facing criticism for the "always on" console plan, Microsoft paused backward compatibility development. Some solutions were considered, such as a cloud gaming platform, but this was deemed unreliable due to internet connection issues. The HDMI-in port on the Xbox One could be used to connect an Xbox 360 or other HDMI devices, though this caused a slight display lag.

After Phil Spencer became head of the Xbox division in 2014, he and software engineering vice president Kareem Choudhry revived the backward compatibility program. They used the game Castle Crashers to test compatibility, which helped identify and fix issues. By E3 2015, the team aimed to support 100 titles by the end of the year. Challenges like low frame rates in some games were addressed, and tools were developed to improve compatibility. The program was officially announced at E3 2015, with 104 Xbox 360 titles supported at launch, increasing over time.

Microsoft and 14 third-party publishers offer supported games, including all Xbox 360 Games with Gold titles since November 2015. On June 10, 2019, Microsoft stopped adding new titles to the backward compatibility program to focus on the Xbox Series X/S, released in November 2020. In November 2021, Microsoft added 76 new titles as part of the Xbox 20th anniversary celebration, stating this would be the last major update due to licensing, legal, and technical limits.

All Xbox 360 and original Xbox games supported by backward compatibility on the Xbox One are also supported on the Xbox S/Xbox One X.

Reception

When the Xbox One was first introduced in May 2013, some people criticized it, which led Microsoft to change how it managed digital content. However, other features of the console were praised by journalists. Game Informer’s editorial team gave both positive and negative feedback about the console. Matt Helgeson said Microsoft aimed to "control the living room" with the Xbox One. He called the console’s ability to switch between functions quickly "impressive" and noted that it was a "step in the right direction" for TV entertainment, especially because it avoided complicated user interfaces often found on cable boxes. Jeff Cork said Microsoft had "some great ideas" for the console but failed to explain them clearly.

Microsoft’s E3 2013 press conference was criticized for focusing too much on games that were similar to older consoles, except for better graphics, which did not strongly encourage people to buy the new console. Rafi Mohammed, a writer about pricing, said Microsoft priced the Xbox One too high, and the $100 cost over its competitor could hurt its sales during the 2013 holiday season.

When the Xbox One was released, critics gave it mostly positive reviews. Polygon gave it a score of 8/10. The console’s design was described as "inoffensive," though it was larger than previous models. It was praised for being quieter and cooler, which suggested it might be more reliable than the Xbox 360 was when it first launched. The controller was praised for its long battery life and "premium" look, but some reviewers said its shoulder buttons felt stiffer than older designs. The console’s interface had mixed reviews: it used a design similar to Windows 8, but some found it confusing because important functions were hidden under the controller’s menu button. While the voice navigation system was more advanced than the Xbox 360’s, users said it still had a learning curve. Xbox Live was criticized for not allowing users to add real names to their profiles when the console launched. Despite some drawbacks, Polygon said the Xbox One’s multimedia features were a major improvement over previous consoles and made it a natural center for living rooms with set-top boxes.

Ben Gilbert of Engadget gave the Xbox One a score of 81/100 and described its design as "1993 artist’s rendering of 2013’s technology." He said the controller was a slight upgrade from the Xbox 360’s design, with better D-pad and quieter triggers, but still had stiff shoulder buttons. Kinect was praised for its face recognition and improved motion tracking, though users sometimes had to use the controller when voice commands failed. The interface was considered more intuitive than PlayStation 4’s, but the game library view was criticized for being disorganized and listing games that required discs alongside those that did not. The console was also criticized for missing some promised features, like Upload Studio and game streaming, at launch.

Later, critics noted that the Xbox One improved over time. Jeff Bakalar of CNET gave it a score of 8/10, saying the software had improved since its release but that the interface was still harder to use than the Xbox 360’s or PlayStation 4’s. Some games ran slower on the Xbox One compared to PlayStation 4, but others performed better. CNET praised the Xbox One’s wider selection of multimedia services and apps, its support for high-speed USB 3.0 storage, and its lineup of upcoming exclusive games. It concluded that while PlayStation 4 had an advantage at launch, Microsoft had made progress to close the gap.

Nick Pino of TechRadar gave the Xbox One four stars out of five, saying it had become more of a media-focused device than it was a year earlier. He cited improvements like OneGuide, Upload Studio, and the removal of the Xbox Live Gold requirement for multimedia apps. He noted that the console still had potential but warned that its reliance on subscriptions, Kinect’s voice recognition issues, and some games not running at native 1080p resolution were drawbacks. In 2016, TechRadar praised the Xbox One S model for improvements like a sleeker design, HDR and 4K video support, and visual upgrades in some games. However, it also noted the lack of a Kinect port and concerns that new hardware and HDR support might create inconsistencies in the Xbox One ecosystem.

Alaina Yee of IGN said the Xbox One had improved since its launch, giving Kinect a score of 8.1/10. She noted that Microsoft had addressed many of its early problems through updates. While the Xbox One’s graphics were slightly less detailed than PlayStation 4’s, most people would not notice the difference unless they compared the two side by side. Examples of visually impressive Xbox One games, like Sunset Overdrive and Forza Motorsport 5, were highlighted. The console’s interface was criticized for hiding options, but voice commands and the Xbox SmartGlass app were praised for simplifying the user experience.

The Xbox One S model received positive reviews for its improved design, HDR and 4K support, and visual upgrades in games like Fallout 4 and Rise of the Tomb Raider. However, the lack of a Kinect port was seen as a drawback, and some worried that new hardware and HDR support might cause differences in how users experienced the console.

Retail configurations

When the Xbox One was first released, it came in one version that included the console with a 500 GB hard drive, one controller, and a Kinect sensor. In the United States, it cost $499. On June 9, 2014, Microsoft released a new version without the Kinect sensor, priced at $399. A separate Kinect sensor for use with these models was sold in October 2014 for $150. On June 16, 2015, the standard model was reduced to $349, and a new model with a 1 terabyte hard drive was released for $399. In some regions, this model also included the game Halo: The Master Chief Collection. In May 2016, prices for 500 GB bundles dropped to $299 and 1 TB bundles to $319 as a limited-time offer. On June 14, 2016, 500 GB models were reduced again to $279 until October 2016, ahead of the Xbox One S launch.

On August 31, 2015, Microsoft introduced the Xbox One Elite, a special version with a 1 TB solid-state hybrid drive and an Elite controller. It was released in November 2015 and sold for $499.99. In the United States, this bundle was available only through GameStop and the Microsoft Store for a limited time.

The original Xbox One hardware was no longer produced by mid-2016. A Microsoft spokesperson told Rolling Stone, "we stopped making the original Xbox One when we introduced the Xbox One S."

The Xbox One’s initial price in the United Kingdom was £429, $599 in Australia, and ¥49,980 in Japan. It also launched in China in July 2014 for ¥3,699.

Customers who pre-ordered the Xbox One received a special "Day One Edition" with "DAY ONE 2013" on the controller and a unique achievement. A white "Launch Team" edition was given to Microsoft employees, featuring "I made this, LAUNCH TEAM 2013" on the console and controller, along with games such as Dead Rising 3, Forza Motorsport 5, Ryse: Son of Rome, and Zoo Tycoon. A similar limited edition was given to employees of Respawn Entertainment after the release of Titanfall, with a black, white, and orange color scheme and a controller inspired by the game.

Xbox One consoles bundled with digital copies of specific games were also released, including Titanfall and Forza Motorsport 5.

• In October 2014, a bundle without the Kinect sensor featured a white Xbox One and a coupon for a digital copy of Sunset Overdrive. A similar white bundle was released for Quantum Break.
• In November 2014, a limited edition 1 TB bundle for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare had a military-style color scheme, customized sound effects, and a matching controller. It included a coupon for a "Day Zero" edition of the game.
• In November 2014, 500 GB bundles of Assassin’s Creed included coupons for Assassin’s Creed Unity and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. These bundles were available with and without Kinect, with the Kinect version also including a coupon for Dance Central Spotlight.
• In March 2015, a non-Kinect bundle included a coupon for a digital copy of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
• In September 2015, a 1 TB bundle for Forza Motorsport 6 featured blue hardware with racing stripes and customized sound effects.
• In October 2015, a limited edition 1 TB bundle for Halo 5: Guardians had a gunmetal gray finish with military details and customized sound effects.
• In October 2016, a limited edition 2 TB bundle for Gears of War 4 on the Xbox One S had a crimson red color, laser-etched scratches, and customized sound effects.
• In Holiday 2017, a 1 TB Minecraft-themed Xbox One S bundle was released with a design based on the game’s grass blocks and a Creeper-themed controller.
• In November 2017, a limited edition Xbox One X bundle called "Project Scorpio" featured the words "Project Scorpio" in green on the console and controller.
• In June 2019, a limited edition Xbox One S bundle for Fortnite had a royal purple color and a purple controller.
• In September 2019, two limited edition Xbox One X bundles were released for NBA 2K20 and Gears 5.
• In June 2020, the final limited edition Xbox One bundle was released for Cyberpunk 2077, featuring a cybernetic design with glowing elements and color shifts.

In August 2018, Microsoft introduced a special payment plan called Xbox All Access in the United States. This plan allowed customers to buy an Xbox One S or X console, along with subscriptions to Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass, over a two-year period. After two years, the customer would own the console. If the contract was broken early, the customer would have to pay the remaining cost. The plan was designed to be more affordable than buying the console and subscriptions separately.

Hardware revisions

The Xbox One S is available in 500 GB, 1 TB, and a "special edition" 2 TB model, which originally cost $299, $349, and $399, respectively. The 2 TB model was released on August 2, 2016. The 1 TB and 500 GB models were released on August 23, 2016. A special edition of Gears of War 4 was also released. On June 11, 2017, Microsoft reduced the prices of the 500 GB Battlefield 1 and 1 TB Forza Horizon 3 Xbox One S bundles by $50. At Gamescom 2017, Microsoft introduced a 1 TB Minecraft limited edition with grass block-themed hardware and a Creeper-themed controller. During an Inside Xbox livestream in September 2018, Microsoft announced a 1 TB Fortnite Battle Royale bundle that included online codes for unique in-game Eon-themed items and currency. On October 9, 2018, Microsoft announced a 1 TB Minecraft Creators bundle that included a download code for Minecraft, in-game currency, DLC packs, and a free trial for Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold. On June 7, 2019, Microsoft released a second Fortnite bundle with purple hardware and in-game currency and items. On March 17, 2020, a similar Roblox bundle was released, including in-game items, currency, and a one-month trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The Xbox One S was discontinued by the end of 2020.

On April 16, 2019, Microsoft introduced a version of the Xbox One S called the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition. This model does not include a Blu-ray Disc drive. It is a 1 TB model sold for $249 and includes digital download cards for Forza Horizon 3, Minecraft, and Sea of Thieves. The console was released on May 7, 2019, and was discontinued in July 2020.

Microsoft first announced the Xbox One X, a high-end upgrade to the Xbox One, at E3 2016 under the name "Project Scorpio." It was released on November 7, 2017, with a 1 TB model priced at $499. A limited "Project Scorpio Edition" was also available, featuring a dark-gradient finish, a vertical stand-brace, and green "Project Scorpio" markings on the console and controller.

The Xbox One X has improved hardware designed to render games at 4K resolution and enhance performance for existing games. It can display games at full resolution on 4K screens or adjust resolution for lower-resolution screens. The console uses a system-on-chip (SoC) called the Scorpio Engine, which includes a 2.3 GHz octa-core CPU and a Radeon GPU with 40 compute units clocked at 1172 MHz, producing 6 teraflops of graphical performance. It also has 12 GB of GDDR5 RAM, with 9 GB allocated to games. The Scorpio Engine’s CPU is compatible with the original Xbox One’s Jaguar CPU but offers a 31% performance increase. The console uses a vapor-chamber cooling system and motherboards tailored to the exact voltage needs of each Scorpio SoC to optimize performance and energy use. It supports AMD’s FreeSync technology, 1440p resolution, and 120 Hz refresh rates on compatible displays.

The Xbox One X is compatible with all existing Xbox One software and accessories, including backward-compatible Xbox and Xbox 360 games. To help optimize games for 4K resolution, Microsoft developers used internal debugging tools to collect GPU data from major titles that did not run at full 1080p resolution on the original Xbox One. Halo 5: Guardians, which uses a dynamic scaling system, ran at its native resolution without scaling on the Xbox One X. Microsoft stated the console’s hardware could support virtual reality due to its power, price, and convenience. At the 2017 Game Developers Conference, Microsoft announced plans to support Windows Mixed Reality VR headsets on Xbox One in 2018 but later focused on PC platforms and wireless VR solutions for consoles.

Games labeled as "Xbox One X Enhanced" have specific optimizations for graphical quality on the console’s hardware. Separate icons indicate games that natively run at 4K resolution or support HDR. Existing games can be updated to include these features. Although Microsoft stated the Xbox One X would not have exclusive titles, a follow-up interview suggested that exclusivity decisions would depend on game developers.

The Xbox One X is often compared to the PlayStation 4 Pro, a similar hardware update for the PlayStation 4 released in late 2016. In October 2016, Microsoft claimed the Xbox One X’s performance advantage over the PS4 Pro would be "obvious," noting the PS4 Pro’s GPU had 4.2 teraflops compared to the Xbox One X’s 6 teraflops. Some journalists found Microsoft’s marketing of the Xbox One S and Xbox One X confusing.

Production of the Xbox One X ended in July 2020 as Microsoft prepared for the release of the upcoming Xbox Series X console.