When did the Xbox 360 first launch commercially?

The Xbox 360 first launched commercially on November 22, 2005.

Microsoft released the console first in North America, making it the earliest system of the seventh console generation to reach consumers. Its launch preceded the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii, giving Microsoft an important head start in online gaming and high-definition console entertainment.

The Xbox 360 later arrived in Europe on December 2, 2005, and in Japan on December 10, 2005. Those regional dates are common sources of confusion, especially because the Japanese date appears in many launch-history summaries. The original launch package included the console, a wireless controller, and access to Xbox Live services.

The Xbox 360 introduced achievements, a redesigned Xbox Guide interface, and a stronger online ecosystem. It also used DVD-based games rather than the newer Blu-ray format later adopted by Sony’s PlayStation 3.