The Xbox One era often gets unfairly labeled as a "failure" due to its rocky start, but that’s far from the truth. While it may have stumbled out of the gate, it more than redeemed itself with a lineup of fantastic games—both first-party and third-party releases. Plus, the introduction of updated models like the Xbox One S and Xbox One X took the gaming experience to an impressive new level.
Let’s not forget about the pivotal innovations that defined the Xbox One generation. Microsoft really shook things up with features like Game Pass and backwards compatibility. Initially, none of our old Xbox purchases carried over to the new console. Fast forward to today, and there are over 700 classic Xbox titles ready to play on the Xbox One. Add in the magic of Cloud Gaming, and it opens up a whole new world—not to mention access to Series X/S titles too.
Now, this isn’t meant to be a trip down memory lane—we already took care of that when we talked about the "biggest turnaround in Xbox history" last year. Instead, we want to shine a spotlight on the bright spots of an era that’s often overshadowed by its early challenges. Here at Pure Xbox, the Xbox One generation holds a special place in our hearts, filled with unforgettable moments that we’ll treasure.
In a recent poll, we asked if folks are still using their Xbox One in 2024. The results were interesting: about 10% of respondents still play on it regularly, while nearly 15% use it alongside a Series X|S. Some have put it aside for just a few occasions, while close to 46% stopped using it after upgrading to Series X|S or another console like the PS5. A small slice of users never owned an Xbox One, and a few have simply lost interest altogether.
So, what are your favorite memories from the Xbox One era? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
Fraser is the News Editor at Pure Xbox, where he delves into the latest stories in the world of Xbox and beyond.