| 2000s | 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2009 |
|---|---|
| 2010s | 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 • 2017 • 2018 • 2019 |
| 2020s | 2020 • 2021 • 2022 • 2023 • 2024 • 2025 • 2026 • 2027 |
This page summarizes events related to the Xbox franchise that occurred in 2020.
Notable events include the launch of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
Events
January
January 30: Special Edition Xbox One X console created by Nike, and EA Sports that was given away in a sweepstakes.
- January 8: Sea of Thieves passes 10 million players since the game launched.
- January 15: A content update is released for Sea of Thieves.
- January 16: The Xbox Console Streaming preview expands to all Xbox One supported countries.
- January 22: Ninja Theory announces Project Mara.
- January 28: Games with Gold for February are announced.
- January 30: Xbox, Nike, and EA Sports Team Up to make a custom Xbox One inspired by Special Edition Air Max 90s.
- January 30: New Xbox One features begin rolling out to Xbox Insiders ahead of the February Dashboard Update.
February
February 21: New Gears of War action figures are announced at the New York Toy Fair.
- February 4: Xbox Game Pass Quests receives a major update.
- February 11: Pre-registering begins for Forza Street on Android.
- February 12: Project xCloud Testflights begin on iOS.
- February 12: Xbox Game Studios and Unity Technologies Partner with Louisiana State to Host Game Development Camp in New Orleans.
- February 14: State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition is announced for Xbox One.
- February 21: Gears of War unveils New Action Figures at the New York Toy Fair.
- February 24: More details are revealed about the upcoming Xbox Series X.
- February 25: Games with Gold for March are announced.
- February 25: A new Xbox One Dashboard is released as a part of the February 2020 Xbox One Update.
- February 26: Yazuka 0 is released on Xbox One as well as Xbox Game Pass.
March
March 17: The Phantom Magenta Xbox One controller is released.
- March 2: Phantom Magenta and Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox One controllers are announced.
- March 3: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is released on PC as a part of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
- March 4: Fable Fortune is shutdown
- March 5: Minecraft Festival is postponed.
- March 5: Achievements for Ori and the Will of the Wisps are revealed.
- March 10: Call of Duty: Warzone launches on Xbox One.
- March 11: Ori and the Will of the Wisps is released on Xbox One, Windows 10 and Steam.
- March 11: E3 announces that they have cancelled this years expo over growing concerns about COVID-19.
- March 16: Specifications for the Xbox Series X are revealed, as well as other features for the next generation console.
- March 16: More details are given about the all-new Xbox Wireless controller that would be bundled with the Xbox Series X.
- March 17: The Phantom Magenta Special Edition Xbox One controller is released.
- March 17: The 1TB Xbox One S Roblox bundle is released.
- March 17: The new Xbox Insider Hub is launched.
- March 18: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks are revealed.
- March 20: Doom Eternal is released on Xbox One.
- March 20: Doom 64 is released on Xbox One.
- March 20: Sea of Thieves celebrates its second anniversary.
- March 24: Bleeding Edge is released on Xbox One and Windows 10.
- March 31: Release date for Minecraft Dungeons is revealed.
- March 31: Games with Gold for April are revealed.
April
April 20: The Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition Xbox One X console and controller are announced.
- April 2: Rare announces that Sea of Thieves will be released on Steam later in the year.
- April 2: Resident Evil 3 is released on Xbox One.
- April 6: Microsoft details new features coming in the April 2020 Xbox One Update.
- April 7: Microsoft announces that Project xCloud will be rolling out to more countries in Western Europe very soon.
- April 7: It is announced that Forza Street will be released on iOS and Android on May 5.
- April 7: Xbox detail future plans for Xbox Game Bar.
- April 7: Achievements for Gears Tactics are revealed.
- April 16: Minecraft with RTX for Windows 10 is put into beta.
- April 16: Xbox begins teasing what looks like a new limited edition console.
- April 16: Microsoft register a new trademark for a new Xbox Series X logo.
- April 17: A Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox One X themed console and controller are leaked online.
- April 20: The final limited edition Xbox One X variant, the Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition Bundle is announced.
- April 20: The Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox One controller is announced and released.
- April 21: The Xbox One April System Update is released, new features include the Surprise me button in My Games & Apps.
- April 22: Sea of Thieves receives a content update.
- April 23: Red Dead Redemption 2 will be made available on Xbox Game Pass soon.
- April 27: The Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox One controller is released.
- April 28: Games with Gold for May are revealed.
- April 28: Gears Tactics is released on Xbox One and Windows.
May
May 16: The Xbox Series X starts production.
- May 5: Forza Street is released on iOS and Android.
- May 5: Xbox announces the Xbox 20/20 event that will be held each month, starting May 7. Each month will showcase new details on the Xbox Series X, building up to the consoles launch later this year.
- May 6: Xbox reveal the official icon for titles that will be Optimized for Series X.
- May 7: Inside Xbox showcases the first month of Xbox 20/20. A number of new third-party games are announced and revealed to be coming to the Xbox Series X.
- May 7: Red Dead Redemption 2 is released on Xbox Game Pass.
- May 12: Halo 2: Anniversary is released on PC as apart of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
- May 13: An Xbox One System Update is released, including only a few minor changes.
- May 15: Doom Eternal receives its first major update.
- May 16: The Xbox Series X begins production.
- May 22: Pac-Man DLC is announced and released for Minecraft.
- May 26: Games with Gold for June are announced.
- May 26: Minecraft Dungeons is released on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox One, Windows PC, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.
- May 27: The Xbox Family Settings App enters begins public testing on Android and iOS.
- May 27: Sea of Thieves receives a content update.
- May 28: More details on backwards compatibility on the Xbox Series X are revealed in a blog post on Xbox Wire.
- May 29: The May Xbox One System Update is released. New features include a customizable Guide.
June
June 11: Phil Spencer celebrates 30 years working at Microsoft, originally starting work at the company in 1990.
- June 9: Microsoft announce that there will be no Xbox 20/20 event for June.
- June 11: Phil Spencer celebrates 30 years working at Microsoft. Originally starting work at the company in 1990.
- June 12: Microsoft registers a trademark for "Xbox Series".
- June 15: Electronic Arts announces Star Wars: Squadrons.
- June 15: More details are revealed about how Smart Delivery will work with games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X in a blogpost on Xbox Wire.
- June 16: The June 2020 Xbox One Dashboard Update is released, it included simplified digital library management.
- June 17: Hitman 3 is announced for Xbox One and Xbox Series X and will release in January 2021.
- June 18: Cyberpunk 2077 is delayed for the second time in 2020.
- June 22: Microsoft announces that Mixer will be shut down on July 22.
- June 22: Xbox announces a partnership with Facebook Gaming.
- June 22: Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is announced.
- June 24: Dirt 5 is given a release date of October 9.
- June 25: Games with Gold for July are revealed.
July
July 24: A screenshot of some of the first gameplay that was shown of Halo Infinite during the Xbox Games Showcase.
- July 6: The date for the July Xbox 20/20 event is announced. The showcase will include various first-party games and will be held on July 23.
- July 12: Far Cry 6 is announced and will release on February 18, 2021.
- July 14: Xbox gives more details about Xbox Velocity Architecture.
- July 14: Halo 3 is released on PC as a part of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
- July 14: More details are given on Xbox Velocity Architecture in an Xbox Wire blogpost.
- July 16: The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition and Xbox One X are discontinued.
- July 17: The Xbox Insider Subreddit Reaches 100,000 members.
- July 16: Phil Spencer announces that xCloud will launch in September and be included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for no additional cost.
- July 18: Purchasing 12 Months of Xbox Live Gold is made no longer possible.
- July 20: Sea of Thieves passes 15 million players since launch.
- July 21: Rocket League will go free to play during Summer 2020.
- July 22: Mixer is closed down.
- July 24: The Xbox Games Showcase is held. Key announcements can be seen below.
- The first gameplay for Halo Infinite is shown.
- State of Decay 3 is announced.
- A new Forza Motorsport title for Xbox Series X is announced
- A new trailer for Everwild is shown.
- An expansion for The Outer Worlds is announced.
- Avowed is announced.
- As Dusk Falls is announced.
- Destiny 2 and its expansions will be released on Xbox Game Pass later in the year.
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is announced.
- Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is announced.
- Tetris Effect: Connected is announced.
- The Gunk is announced.
- A new trailer for The Medium is shown.
- Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is announced for Xbox Series X.
- A Fable reboot being developed by Playground Games is announced,
- July 28: Games with Gold for August are announced.
- July 30: Microsoft Flight Simulator is given a release date of August 18.
August
August 18: Microsoft Flight Simulator was released on Windows PCs.
- August 4: xCloud will be made available as a part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on Samsung devices on September 15.
- August 6: Xbox Wire launches in Brazil
- August 7: Microsoft drops the Xbox 20/20 branding to be more flexible with with releasing new info.
- August 11: Halo Infinite is delayed until 2021.
- August 11: The Xbox Series X is given a release month of November.
- August 18: Microsoft Flight Simulator is released on PC.
- August 19: The New Xbox Experience is announced.
- August 25: Xbox Unveils three consoles inspired by Wonder Woman 1984 that can be won in a sweepstakes on the companies Twitter page.
- August 26: Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is announced.
- August 27: Games with Gold for September are revealed.
- August 28: Wasteland 3 is released.
- August 28: Project Cars 3 is released on Xbox One.
- August 31: 343 Industries announce a partnership with Monster Energy.
September
September 7: The Xbox Series S was announced to release along side the Xbox Series X as a more affordable, all digital option.
- September 3: Marvel’s Avengers is released on Xbox One.
- September 4: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is released on Xbox One
- September 4: NBA 2K21 is released on Xbox One.
- September 7: The Xbox Series S is officially unveiled and will be released along side the Xbox Series X for $299.
- September 7: Release date for Xbox Series X and S is revealed to be November 10.
- September 8: CD Projekt Red and Rockstar Energy Partner for Exclusive Cyberpunk 2077 Rewards.
- September 9: Box art for the Xbox Series X is revealed.
- September 9: The Xbox Series X is given an official price of $499 US.
- September 9: It is announced that EA Play will be included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at no additional cost.
- September 9: Xbox Series X and S preorders will start on September 22.
- September 10: Taco Bell begin a contest giving fans the chance to win one of many Xbox Series X consoles.
- September 15: Xbox Game Streaming launches as a part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, allowing users to stream games to play on Android devices.
- September 17: It is announced that pre-orders will start on September 22 for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
- September 21: Microsoft announce that they will acquire ZeniMax Media and its game publisher Bethesda Softworks.
- September 21: The new Xbox app made a part of the New Xbox Experience begins beta testing on Android devices.
- September 21: Xbox unveils a range of new accessories for the Xbox Series X|S including a new Play & Charge kit and a Shock Blue Wireless controller.
- September 22: Preorders begin worldwide for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
- September 22: Halo 3: ODST releases on PC as a part of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
- September 22: Microsoft announces that Xbox Design Lab production will be paused on October 14.
- September 23: Rocket League goes free to play.
- September 24: A new Microsoft Store app is made available to all Xbox One owners.
- September 25: Mafia: Definitive Edition is released on Xbox One.
- September 28: Xbox announce the Xbox Hall of Fame competition.
- September 29: Games with Gold for October are revealed.
- September 29: Xbox Wire in Russian officially launches.
- September 29: It is announced that EA Play will be available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on November 10.
October
October 28: The Xbox Series X Fridge was revealed, only three were ever made with one being given away in a sweepstakes on the Xbox Twitter page.
- October 2: Star Wars: Squadrons launches on Xbox One.
- October 2: Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time launches on Xbox One.
- October 3: Minecraft Live is held.
- October 7: Gears Tactics goes gold, new achievements are added.
- October 8: Forza Motorsport 7 is released on Xbox Game Pass.
- October 9: Details are revealed for Xbox Fanfest.
- October 13: Cloud saves on the Xbox 360 no longer require Xbox Live Gold.
- October 14: The October Dashboard update is released for Xbox One. New additions include the new Dashboard and profiles a part of the New Xbox Experience.
- October 14: Xbox Design Lab production is paused and will resume some time in 2021.
- October 19: The New Xbox Experience mobile app is released to the public.
- October 28: The Xbox Series X Fridge is officially unveiled by Xbox.
- October 29: Mediatonic announce that Gears Pop! will be closed down on April 26, 2021.
- October 29: Games with Gold for November are revealed.
- October 30: Xbox announce a number of launch events that will be held around the world for the next generation of Xbox.
November
November 10: The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are launched around the world.
- November 2: Apple TV is announced for Xbox Series X|S.
- November 9: Disney+ is announced to be coming as a new perk for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members.
- November 9: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Xbox Surprise Children’s Hospitals Across the Country with Custom Xbox Series X Consoles.
- November 10: The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are released in all available regions.
- November 10: The new Xbox Wireless Controller is released.
- November 10: The Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X and S is released.
- November 10: The new Xbox Play & Charge Kit is released for use with the new Xbox Wireless controllers.
- November 10: Yakuza: Like a Dragon releases on Xbox.
- November 10: Planet Coaster: Console Edition releases on Xbox.
- November 10: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla releases on Xbox.
- November 10: Grounded surpasses 5 million players.
- November 10: Destiny 2: Beyond Light is released on Xbox consoles.
- November 11: It is announced that Xbox Cloud Gaming will release in Australia, Brazil, Japan, and Mexico on November 18.
- November 11: Major Nelson shows off his Xbox Series X launch controller.
- November 11: Xbox posts a tweet reminding users to not blow vape smoke into their Xbox Series X consoles.
- November 13: The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are revealed to have been the biggest launch in Xbox history.
- November 16: Xbox Community Game Club is started.
- November 17: Halo 4 is released on PC as a part of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
- November 24: Games with Gold for December are announced.
- November 30: The November 2020 System update is released for Xbox consoles, it included a number of new dynamic backgrounds for Xbox Series X and S consoles.
December
December 10: The Master Chief is added as a character in Fortnite.
- December 8: 343 Industries gives an update on the development of Halo Infinite, as well as a release window of Fall 2021.
- December 8: Forza Horizon 4 receives a content update adding the Horizon Super 7, a feature that allows users to build their own events for other users to play.
- December 10: Cyberpunk 2077 is released for Xbox One and Windows.
- December 10: Master Chief is added as a playable character in Fortnite.
- December 10: Microsoft Flight Simulator is announced to be coming to Xbox Series X|S in Summer 2021.
- December 10: A cinematic trailer for a new Perfect Dark game being developed by the The Initiative is shown.
- December 11: Forza Horizon 4 receives a car from Cyberpunk 2077
- December 14: Ark II is announced as a Xbox Series X|S as a Console Launch Exclusive.
- December 15: The Gears 5: Hivebusters expansion is released.
- December 17: Xbox Unveils two custom controllers inspired by the Disney+ series, The Mandalorian.
- December 18: Among Us is announced to be coming to Xbox consoles and Xbox Game Pass in 2021.
- December 18: 343 Industries announce that all Xbox 360 Halo titles will have parts of their online services shut off in December 2021.
- December 22: Microsoft Flight Simulator Virtual Reality Update is released.
- December 22: Games with Gold for January 2021 are revealed.
- December 31: Xbox uploads a year in review video for 2020 on their YouTube channel.
Unknown
- All Xbox One models are discontinued.[1]
- All ads are removed from the Xbox 360 Dashboard.
References
- ↑ Warren, Tom (January 13, 2022). "Microsoft has discontinued all Xbox One consoles". The Verge.
| Years | |
| 2000s | 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2009 |
|---|---|
| 2010s | 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 • 2017 • 2018 • 2019 |
| 2020s | 2020 • 2021 • 2022 • 2023 • 2024 • 2025 • 2026 • 2027 |