1994
- January 17
- Microsoft and Sega Enterprises for an agreement for Microsoft to supply portions of operating system software for controlling a new Sega video game system. [222.D4]
1998
- May
- Microsoft and Sega announce that Sega's Dreamcast video game console will use the Windows CE operating system. [77.15] [597]
- November 27
- In Japan, Sega Enterprises releases the Dreamcast video game system. It features a 200 MHz 128-bit Hitachi SH-4 processor, special NEC graphics processing chip, 26 MB RAM (16 MB main memory, 2 MB sound, 8 MB video), built-in 56 kbps modem, serial port, Web browser, Microsoft Windows CE operating system, one controller, and CD-ROM drive for 1 GB capacity disks. Price is 29,800 Yen, about US$220. (101,490 units sell in the first week. About 10 million systems and 400 different games are shipped in the product's lifetime.) [298.40] [365.108] [369.41] [376.22] [378.59] [383.79] [406.67] [546.23] [551.30] [597] [1151.60] [1343.59] [1460.563] [1494.198]
1999
- February
- Microsoft chairman Bill Gates gives final approval for project Xbox to start. [990.110]
- March
- The Microsoft board of directors approves the (X-Box) video game project. [1460.575]
- September 16
- Microsoft announces the Windows CE toolkit 2.0 to help developers write Windows CE-based games for the Sega Dreamcast will be available in October. [597]
2000
- March 10
- At the Game Developers' Conference in San Jose, California, Bill Gates announces plans for Microsoft's X-Box video game console. The system will feature a 600+ MHz custom Intel Pentium III processor, 8 GB hard drive, 64 MB RAM, DVD movie playback, special nVidia graphics processor, 64-channel 3D audio, and high-speed Internet connectivity. [74.32] [597] [706.48] [823.4,48] [1460.574]
- June
- Microsoft acquires Bungie Studios. [651.28]
- October 10
- Western Digital announces that it will supply hard drives for Microsoft's Xbox video game system. [597]
- November 7
- Seagate Technology announces that it will supply hard drives for Microsoft's Xbox video game system. [597]
- December 18
- Wolfson Microelectronics announces that Microsoft has selected the company to provide the WM9709 audio digital-to-analog converter for Microsoft's Xbox video game system. [597]
- December 22
- Ravisent Technologies announces that Microsoft has selected the company to supply DVD playback software for Microsoft's Xbox video game system. [597]
2001
- January 6
- At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Microsoft unveils the Xbox video game system. It features 733 MHz processor, large hard drive, and 250 MHz graphics processor. Target release date is October. [597]
- March 28
- Microsoft upgrades the size of the hard drive for its upcoming Xbox video game system from 8 GB to 10 GB. [597]
- Conexant Systems announces that Microsoft will use its CX25871 video encoder chip to connect the Xbox video game system to digital and analog television sets. [597]
- May 16
- Microsoft announces the launch date of November 8 for the Xbox in the US, with a price of US$299. [597] [739.14]
vvv advertisement vvv
^^^ advertisement ^^^
- May 17
- The Electronic Entertainment Expo is held in Los Angeles, California, over three days. Total attendance is 62,000. Microsoft unveils the Xbox video game system. Nintendo unveils the GameCube video game system. [385.68] [473.28] [597] [630.50] [674.48] [1028.38]
- August 17
- Microsoft Canada announces it will launch the Xbox in Canada on November 8, for CDN$459.99 (about US$298). [597]
- October 10
- Microsoft confirms reports that it will ship the Xbox with an 8 GB hard drive, not 10 GB as it had earlier announced. [597]
- October 12
- In Chiba City, Japan, the 11th annual Tokyo Game Show is held, over three days. Microsoft shows the Xbox video game system, for the first time in Japan. Sega shows Virtua Fighter 4 for the PlayStation 2. [297.50] [304.36] [742.18]
- October 17
- Microsoft announces that the Xbox video game system will go on sale in Europe on March 14, for 479 euros. [597]
- November 6
- The first issue of Official Xbox Magazine is published in the US. [851.X5] [1129.12]
- November 15
- Microsoft launches the Xbox game system in North America. Price is US$299. The system features four controller ports, one controller, 8 GB hard drive, 733 MHz Intel main processor, 250 MHz NVidia XGP graphics processor, 64 MB RAM, 3D audio support, Ethernet port, broadband Internet connection. Games come on dual-layer DVD-ROM discs that can store 9 GB of data. The system can also play DVD movies, requiring an optional remote control device. (500,000 units are sold in the first seven days; 1.5 million in the first month.) [296.56] [297.24,74a] [298.40,156,216] [345.36] [389.86] [468.25] [597] [751.71] [781.22] [815.60] [1126.4] [1129.12] [1151.68]
- At 12:01 AM in New York's Time Square, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates signs and sells the first Xbox, to Edward Glucksman. [320.30]
- Microsoft releases the DVD Playback Kit for the Xbox in the US. Price is US$30. [298.174]
- Gamester releases the Vortex controller for the Xbox in the US. [298.182]
- Thrustmaster releases the NASCAR Pro Victory Wheel for the Xbox. Price is US$60. [298.184]
- Electronic Arts releases the Cel Damage game for the Xbox in the US. [298.76,162]
- Microsoft releases the Project Gotham Racing video game for the Xbox in the US. [296.60] [297.56,120] [298.76,164] [1151.73]
- Tecmo releases the Dead or Alive 3 video game for the Xbox in the US. [296.104] [297.56,112] [298.76,166] [598.123] [1151.73]
- Microsoft releases the Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee video game for the Xbox in the US. [296.60] [297.56,110] [298.76,170]
- Microsoft releases the Halo video game for the Xbox in the US. [296.60] [297.56,184] [298.76,172] [1151.73]
- Microsoft releases the Amped video game for the Xbox in the US. [296.60] [297.56,112] [298.76,174]
- Z-Axis releases the Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.76,175]
- THQ releases the Dark Summit video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.76,175]
- Konami releases the Airforce Delta Storm video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.175]
- Microsoft releases the Fuzion Frenzy video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.178]
- Microsoft releases the NFL Fever 2002 video game for the Xbox in the US. [297.56,123] [298.76,178] [1151.73]
- Midway releases the NHL Hitz 20-02 video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.180]
- Eidos releases the Mad Dash Racing video game for the Xbox in the US. [297.56] [298.76,182]
- LucasArts releases the Starfighter: Special Edition video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.76,182]
- Crave releases the UFC Tapout video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.76,182]
- Microsoft releases the Nightcaster video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.76,184]
- November
- Midway releases the Arctic Thunder video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.76]
- Electronic Arts releases the NBA Live 2002 video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.76,178]
- Konami releases the Air Force Delta Storm video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.76]
- Electronic Arts releases the NHL 2002 video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.178]
- Electronic Arts releases the NASCAR Thunder 2002 video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.76,180]
- Bethesda Softworks releases The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.175]
- Infogrames releases the NASCAR Heat 2002 video game for the Xbox in the US. [297.123] [298.76]
- Activision releases the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2x video game for the Xbox in the US. [296.104] [298.76]
- Electronic Arts releases the Madden NFL 2002 video game for the Xbox in the US. [297.56] [298.76]
- November 20
- THQ releases the WWF Raw is War video game for the Xbox in the US. [297.56,167] [298.76,180] [1151.73]
- November 27
- THQ releases the New Legends video game for the Xbox in the US. [297.122] [298.76,182] [1151.73]
- November (month)
- Top selling Xbox video game in the USA for the month: Halo. [628.70] [815.16]
- December
- Rockstar releases the Max Payne video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.76,174] [304.110] [431.125]
- Angel Studios releases the Test Drive Off-Road: Wide Open video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.184]
- Crave releases the Kabuki Warriors video game for the Xbox in the US. [297.120] [298.76,178]
- Ubi Soft releases the Batman Vengeance video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.76,175]
- LucasArts releases the Star Wars: Obi-Wan video game for the Xbox in the US. [297.56] [298.76,180] [304.111]
- Konami releases the ESPN NFL Primetime 2002 video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.76,175] [304.72]
- Microsoft releases the Azurik: Rise of Perathia video game for the Xbox in the US. [296.60] [297.56] [298.76,175]
- December (month)
- Top selling Xbox video game in the USA for the month: Halo. [308] [633.72] [636.74]
- Year
- Unit sales of the Xbox video game system during the year: 1.5 million. [360.20] [597]
2002
- January
- Capcom releases the Genma Onimusha video game for the Xbox in the US. [320.60]
- Microsoft releases the Blood Wake video game for the Xbox in the US. [320.59]
- Sega releases the NFL 2K2 video game for the Xbox in the US. [298.76] [320.100]
- February 12
- Sega releases Jet Set Radio Future video game for the Xbox in the US. [297.26] [304.190] [307.102] [1151.73]
- February 13
- Immersion files a lawsuit against Microsoft and Sony for patent infringement of joystick force-feedback technology in the Xbox and PlayStation 2 controllers. [597]
- February
- Activision releases the Wreckless: The Yakuza Mission video game for the Xbox in the US. [304.112]
- February 22
- In Japan, Microsoft releases the Xbox game system. Price is 34,800 yen (about US$263). A special edition with distinct color, adapter for HDTV video and Dolby 5.1 audio, and key chain signed by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is priced at 38,800 yen. Bill Gates hands the first Xbox sold to Atsushi Ishizaka. (In the first three days, about 125,000 systems are sold.) [297.26] [304.38] [346.38] [597] [752.54] [815.60] [1466.72]
- Microsoft releases a Special-Edition Xbox video game system in Japan. The system features smoke-black translucent case, High Definition A/V Pack, and a keychain embossed with Bill Gates signature. Price is 39,800 yen (about US$300). [308.51]
- Microsoft releases the Nezumix video game for the Xbox in Japan. [346.38]
- Microsoft releases the Project Gotham: World Street Racer video game for the Xbox in Japan. [346.38] [597]
- Microsoft releases the Tenku: Freestyle Snowboarding video game for the Xbox in Japan. [346.38]
- Konami releases the Air Force Delta II video game for the Xbox in Japan. [346.38]
- Konami releases the ESPN Winter X-Games Showboarding 2002 video game for the Xbox in Japan. [346.38]
- Konami releases the Hyper Sports 2002 Winter video game for the Xbox in Japan. [346.38]
- Konami releases the Silent Hill 2: Saigo no Uta video game for the Xbox in Japan. [346.38]
- Tecmo releases the Dead or Alive 3 video game for the Xbox in Japan. [346.38] [597]
- Bunkasha Games releases the Double-S.T.E.A.L video game for the Xbox in Japan. [346.38]
- Capcom releases the Genma Onimusha video game for the Xbox in Japan. [346.38]
- Sega releases the Jet Set Radio Future video game for the Xbox in Japan. [346.38] [597]
- Koei releases the Nobunaga's Ambition: Chronicles of Chaos video game for the Xbox in Japan. [346.38]
- March 14
- Microsoft releases the Xbox video game system in Europe. Prices in England: Xbox system 299 pounds, games 44.99 pounds, controller 24.99 pounds, DVD remote controller 29.99 pounds, memory unit 29.99 pounds. Price for the Xbox in the rest of Europe: 479 euros (about US$430). [469.58] [597] [752.54] [812.8] [815.60]
- Microsoft releases the Halo: Combat Evolved video game for the Xbox in the UK. [1447.13]
- March
- Microsoft releases the Rally Sport Challenge video game for the Xbox in the US. [307.106]
- Activision releases the Tonk Hawk's Pro Skater 3 video game for the Xbox in the US. [307.106]
- Sega releases the Sega GT 2002 video game for the Xbox in the US. [304.194]
- Electronic Arts releases the Knockout Kings 2002 video game for the Xbox in the US. [307.108]
- Infogrames releases the Test Drive video game for the Xbox in the US. [307.106]
- March 26
- Eidos releases the Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen 2 video game for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 in the US. [298.175] [308.114]
- March (month)
- Top selling Xbox video game in the USA for the month: James Bond 007 in Agent Under Fire. [980.56]
- April
- Microsoft drops the price of the Xbox in Europe to 299 euros, in Great Britain to 199 pounds (US$285), and in Australia to AU$399 (US$215). [330.24] [1287.18]
- April 18
- Microsoft announces a price drop on the Xbox in the United Kingdom from 299 pounds to 199.99 pounds as of April 26. [815.8]
- April 25
- Microsoft releases the Halo video game for the Xbox in Japan. [346.38]
- April 26
- Microsoft reduces the price of the Xbox in Europe. [597]
- May 3
- Activision releases the Spider-Man: The Movie video game for the Xbox in the US. [309.88] [320.62] [321.72] [556.34] [566.93]
- May 15
- Microsoft reduces the price of the Xbox video game system to US$199 in the US, CDN$299 in Canada, and 24,800 yen in Japan (about US$195). [310.30] [441.24] [597]
- May
- Microsoft begins selling a smaller controller for the Xbox in the US, for US$29. [597]
- May 17
- Midway releases the Spy Hunter video game for the Xbox in the UK. [815.17]
- May (month)
- Top selling Xbox video game in the USA for the month: Spider-Man: The Movie. [954.16]
- June
- Interplay releases the Hunter: The Reckoning video game for the Xbox in the US. [309.86] [320.60] [322.67]
- THQ and Microsoft announce an exclusive deal for THQ to port Microsoft Xbox titles to the Game Boy Advance. [331.30]
- Majesco releases the Gun Metal video game for the Xbox in the US. [321.78]
- Majesco releases the Crash video game for the Xbox in the US. [321.80]
- June 30
- Microsoft reports worldwide sales of the Xbox to date as 4 million. Unit sales of video games worldwide for the Xbox are about 20 million. [597]
- June (month)
- Top selling Xbox video game in the USA for the month: The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind. [1004.28]
- July
- Universal Interactive releases the Bruce Lee: Quest of the Dragon video game for the Xbox in the US. [322.67]
- Namco releases the Dead to Rights video game for the Xbox in the US. [309.84] [310.88]
- An anonymous person (who later turns out to be Lindows founder Michael Robertson) offers a US$100,000 prize for the first person to port Linux to a modified Xbox, and a second US$100,000 for the first person to port Linux to an unmodified Xbox. [646.6]
- Sega Sports releases the World Series Baseball video game for the Xbox in the US. [309.88] [322.92]
- July (month)
- Top selling Xbox video game in the USA for the month: Halo. [955.26] [1403.84]
- August 8
- Microsoft announces it is working on a sequel to the Halo video game for the Xbox. [597]
- August 26
- In the US, Microsoft begins offering a full-cost US$30 rebate on a DVD playback kit when purchased with a new Xbox. The offer ends November 2. [597]
- August 28
- Activision releases the Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer video game for the Xbox in the US. [347.44]
- August (month)
- Top selling Xbox video game in the USA for the month: Madden NFL 2003. [745.24]
- (month unknown)
- Microsoft makes an internal change to the Xbox configuration, to lower manufacturing costs and increase security against hackers. [597]
- September 1
- Acclaim releases the Turok: Evolution video game for the Xbox in the US. [347.44]
- September 3
- Eidos releases the Hitman 2: Silent Assassin video game for the Xbox in the US. [347.124] [359.55]
- Universal Interactive releases The Thing video game for the Xbox in the US. [309.86] [347.44]
- September 15
- Ubi Soft releases the Ghost Recon video game for the Xbox in the US. [347.44] [439.143]
- September
- Microsoft releases the NFL Fever 2003 video game for the Xbox in the US. [309.88]
- Microsoft releases the Crimson Skies video game for the Xbox in the US. [309.84]
- September 20
- Midway Games releases the NHL Hitz 20-03 video game for the Xbox in the US. [347.44]
- Microsoft buys the British game developer Rare for US$375 million. [439.38] [597]
- September 24
- Quote by J. Allard, Microsoft general manager for Xbox: "... narrowband gaming [is] like sucking pizza through a straw.". [597]
- September 26
- Universal Interactive releases Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring video game for the Xbox in the US. [308.110] [347.44]
- October 3
- Take 2 Interactive releases the Conflict: Desert Storm video game for the Xbox in the US. [359.55]
- October 13
- Unit sales of Xbox to date: 3.9 million. [597]
- October 15
- In the US, Microsoft begins bundling two video games with the Xbox, until the end of the year. The games are Sega GT 2002 and Jet Set Radio Future. The Xbox also now comes standard with a smaller controller, the same one used in the Japanese market. [597]
- October 16
- Microsoft releases the Blinx: The Time Sweeper video game for the Xbox in the US. [359.55] [557.95] [597] [620.147]
- October 23
- Sega releases the Toejam & Earl III: Mission to Earth video game for the Xbox in the US. [322.63] [359.55]
- October 25
- Sega releases the NBA 2K3 video game for the Xbox in the US. [359.55]
- Activision releases the X-Men: Next Dimension video game for the Xbox in the US. [359.55]
- October 31
- Electronic Arts releases the Medal of Honor Frontline video game for the Xbox in the US. [359.55]
- November 1
- Microsoft and Sega release a limited edition (999 produced) Panzer Dragoon Orta Xbox system in Japan. It includes a white case, white controller, Panzer Dragoon Orta video game, and a special necklace. Price is about US$325. All units sell on the opening day. [432.64]
- Majesco releases the Bloodrayne video game for the Xbox in the US. [439.143]
- November
- Acclaim announces that Sony forced it to censor nudity planned for the BMX XXX video game for the PlayStation 2. The GameCube and Xbox versions are not affected. [629.60]
- November 8
- Konami releases the Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance video game for the Xbox in the US. [310.86] [439.143]
- November 10
- Microsoft releases the Shenmue 2 video game for the Xbox in the USA. [439.143]
- November 14
- Microsoft officially launches the Xbox Live online gaming service in the US, and releases the Xbox Live Starter Kit in the US. Price is US$49.99, including a one-year subscription to Xbox Live. The service requires a broadband Internet connection. [359.34] [583.E1] [597]
- November 15
- Microsoft releases the Mech Assault video game for the Xbox in the US. [309.80] [330.60] [348.138] [359.35]
- Atari releases the Unreal Championship video game for the Xbox in the US. [359.35,55] [439.138.143] [443.50]
- November
- Ubi Soft releases the Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell video game for the Xbox in the US. [310.30] [434.35]
- Microsoft drops the price of the Xbox in Europe to 249 euros on the continent, and 160 pounds in Britain. [427.25]
- November 22
- Midway releases the Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance video game for the Xbox in the US. Midway declares the day "Fatality Friday". [322.66] [808] [1006.22]
- November (month)
- Top selling Xbox video game in the USA for the month: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell. [1005.27]
- December
- Microsoft releases the Quantum Redshift video game for the Xbox in the US. [309.84]
- Michael Robertson, CEO of Lindows, reveals that he is the formerly anonymous sponsor of two US$100,000 prize offers for the first persons to run the Linux operating system on a modified and an unmodified Xbox video game system. [597]
- December 31
- Unit sales to date of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell video game for the Xbox: 850,000. [434.35]
- December (month)
- Top selling Xbox video game in the USA for the month: Splinter Cell. [1006.20]
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