The Xbox One has finally been released! Reflect with us as we look at what Microsoft wanted their console to be and compare it to what consumers will be receiving today.

Microsoft unveiled the Xbox One on May 21 on the Microsoft campus.

The Xbox One looked to change the way we play video games. It was set to focus more on being an entertainment box instead of just a gaming console. Even the name “Xbox One” showed what Microsoft wanted from their machine: To be your all-in-one entertainment console.

On announcement day, Microsoft hinted at showing even more at E3 the following month. Sure enough, they pulled out all the stops and announced 17 games for their upcoming console at the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

Also at E3 Microsoft announced that the Xbox One would be released sometime in November and cost $499 in North America.

Gamers were unimpressed and outraged at Microsoft when they announced a couple of the planned features:
• The console had to be connected to the internet once every 24 hours because of Microsoft’s new DRM policy.
• Used games were going to have a fee or restrictions when traded in or used.
• The Kinect had to be on in order for the Xbox One to function.

Microsoft quickly backpedaled on those three rules and changed many policies to calm the complaints of gamers.

Following Microsoft’s poor performance at E3, Xbox Head of the Interactive Entertainment Don Mattrick resigned from his position at Microsoft and moved to the gaming company Zynga.

By the middle of July, preorders sold out quickly for the Xbox One at most major retailers.

In September Microsoft announced the Xbox One official release date: November 22 in the U.K., U.S., Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, and Spain.

Microsoft’s Xbox One has seen many changes since being announced. However, Microsoft has done its best to fix their mistakes before the Xbox One’s launch.

Are you getting an Xbox One on its release date?

Written by: Devin Boyce