What was the original Xbox's system software called at launch?

The original Xbox’s launch system software was called the Xbox Dashboard.

The Xbox Dashboard was the console’s built-in user interface. It let players manage saved games, music, memory, settings, and later Xbox Live features. Unlike a game, it was part of the system software and appeared when the console started without a disc or when users opened the dashboard from a game.

Microsoft updated the dashboard over time, adding network features and changing its visual design. The original Xbox also supported music playback and CD ripping through dashboard functions, features that were closely tied to its built-in hard drive.

Xbox Guide is a different term associated especially with the Xbox 360 controller’s central button and interface. Xbox Live is Microsoft’s online gaming service, not the name of the console’s complete system interface.