The Xbox 360 launched in North America in 2005. Microsoft released its second home console there on November 22, 2005, making it the first major seventh-generation console to reach the market.
The Xbox 360 followed the original Xbox and introduced a slimmer, more media-focused design, wireless controllers, achievements, and a substantially expanded Xbox Live service. It competed primarily with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii, both of which arrived later in 2006.
The 2005 North American date is distinct from the console's launches in Europe, Japan, and Australia, which occurred later that year. It is also different from the 2010 launch of the redesigned Xbox 360 S. The Xbox 360 eventually became Microsoft's best-selling console generation, supported by games such as Gears of War, Halo 3, and Kinect Adventures.