The Xbox 360 Is Still the Hero
The Xbox 360 was Microsoft’s second home console and the period in which the company cemented itself as one of the “Big Three” in gaming. For a long time the market was dominated by the likes of Nintendo and Sony, to the point where even SEGA had to leave the console space, becoming a publisher/developer that spread its software across all platforms that would have it. Stepping into that landscape was no small endeavor, especially as the house that Mario built held one of the most celebrated exclusive libraries of all time, and the PlayStation consoles sported tons of third-party studios in their pocket.
Yet, even after the first Xbox got outsold by the PS2 by over 100 million units, Microsoft decided to stay in it for the long haul. The 360 released in 2005 and put the Xbox brand front and center. It was an amazing multimedia machine that could play movies on disc, stream media, play great games, and carry the best online gaming network around (something that is arguably still true). It also featured a strong exclusive lineup throughout its life with the continuation of Halo, the introduction of Forza, Alan Wake, Gears of War, and plenty of other titles. It brute forced its way into the spotlight and never let go.
Yes, the Wii outsold both the 360 and PS3, but everyone remembers last gen for Microsoft’s console, and how great it made being a video gamer. It’s this level of confidence and strength that the Xbox One lacks even to this day.
