The Microsoft Xbox Original, released in 2001, marked Microsoft’s bold entry into the home console market. Designed to compete with the PlayStation 2, Sega Dreamcast, and Nintendo GameCube, the Xbox introduced PC-level power, advanced 3D graphics, and a strong online infrastructure that transformed modern gaming. With iconic titles, a revolutionary controller, and the birth of Xbox Live, the original Xbox remains one of the most influential consoles of the 2000s.
📘 Introduction
Before 2001, Microsoft was known almost exclusively for Windows and PC gaming technologies. The Xbox changed everything. Built with hardware inspired by desktop computers — including a hard drive, Ethernet port, and powerful Nvidia GPU — the Xbox delivered unmatched performance for its generation.
Its focus on online play, multimedia capabilities, and cinematic gaming experiences set a new standard for home entertainment and paved the way for the Xbox brand’s global success.
🖥️ PC-Class Hardware in a Console
What set the original Xbox apart from competitors was its internal architecture:
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Intel Pentium III-based CPU @ 733 MHz
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Nvidia NV2A GPU providing advanced shaders and lighting
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64 MB unified RAM
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Built-in 8 or 10 GB hard drive (a first for home consoles)
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Integrated Ethernet port
This hardware gave the Xbox unprecedented strength for:
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High-quality 3D graphics
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Fast loading times
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Large, seamless game worlds
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High-resolution textures (rare at the time)
It was the most powerful console of the sixth generation.
🎮 The Duke and the Controller S
The Xbox launched with its famous oversized controller, known as “The Duke”:
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Massive, ergonomic design
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Two analog sticks
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Analog triggers
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Six face buttons
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Memory card slots
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Central “jewel” logo
While iconic, it was quickly replaced with the Controller S — smaller, lighter, and more comfortable. Today, both remain favourites among collectors.
🔥 A Library of Iconic Games
The Xbox produced one of the strongest game libraries of its era, including some all-time classics.
Key Exclusives
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Halo: Combat Evolved
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Halo 2
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Fable
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Forza Motorsport
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Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
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Project Gotham Racing
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Jet Set Radio Future
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Dead or Alive 3
Notable Third-Party Titles
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Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
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The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
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Splinter Cell series
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Burnout 3: Takedown
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GTA: San Andreas
The system became the birthplace of modern console FPS and online gaming culture.
🌐 Xbox Live: A Revolution
In 2002, Microsoft introduced Xbox Live, one of the biggest innovations in console history.
Features included:
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Unified online gaming
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Friends lists and voice chat
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Matchmaking
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Global leaderboards
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Downloadable content
Halo 2 became the most-played console game online for years.
Xbox Live laid the foundation for everything consoles do today — from multiplayer to DLC and digital ecosystems.
💾 Hard Drive & Multimedia Features
The original Xbox was the first console to include a built-in hard drive. This allowed:
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Faster loading times
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Large save files
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Custom soundtracks using ripped CDs
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Game updates and DLC through Xbox Live
For the early 2000s, this was revolutionary.
🛠️ Build Quality & Longevity
The Xbox is known for being a durable and reliable console. Its PC-like design makes it surprisingly serviceable:
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Easy to open and clean
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Standard IDE hard drive
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Replaceable DVD drives
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Strong cooling system
One common issue is the “clock capacitor,” which can leak over time — removing it is recommended for long-term preservation.
🌍 Cultural Impact
The original Xbox changed gaming forever by:
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Introducing the Halo franchise
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Revolutionising online console play
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Popularising powerful, PC-like hardware in living rooms
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Creating a large modding and homebrew community
As a result, it remains highly collectible and widely appreciated today.
🎮 Modding and Homebrew Scene
The Xbox became legendary in the modding community, supporting:
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Softmods and modchips
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Emulators for retro consoles
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Custom dashboards
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Upgraded hard drives
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Media center software
It was one of the first consoles used widely as a home theatre and retro gaming device.
📦 Items Included in This Collection Entry
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Microsoft Xbox Original (PAL)
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Original power cable
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AV/SCART/Component cables
📜 Conclusion
The Microsoft Xbox Original is a landmark console that changed the video game industry permanently. It combined powerful hardware, groundbreaking online features, and an unforgettable game library — all wrapped in a bold new brand that still dominates today.
Two decades later, the Xbox still feels modern, playable, and exciting.
A true classic of the sixth generation, and a must-have centrepiece for any serious retro gaming collection.