The date is May 21st, 2013, and Microsoft announced the Xbox One, their third-generation gaming console, at a highly publicized event in Redmond, Washington.
The reveal, dubbed “A New Generation Revealed,” showcased the console’s sleek design and its focus on being an all-in-one entertainment system, integrating gaming, TV and multimedia features.
Key highlights included the upgraded Kinect sensor for motion and voice control, a new controller and an emphasis on cloud-based services via Xbox Live. The announcement also teased exclusive titles like Forza Motorsport 5 and Quantum Break.
However, the initial reveal sparked controversy due to Microsoft’s proposed always-online requirement, used game restrictions, and mandatory Kinect integration, which led to significant backlash from gamers.
These policies were later revised before the console’s launch on November 22nd, 2013.