Initially launched in 2013, the Xbox One, playfully nicknamed the “Xbone” by some, succeeded the Xbox 360 as Microsoft’s gaming console. Although it faced some challenges with a higher price and a modest game lineup at launch compared to the PlayStation 4, the Xbox One managed to carve out its place in the market. It provided Microsoft valuable insights into player behavior, which influenced the development of subsequent consoles like the Xbox Series X and the innovative Game Pass service.
As time progresses, Microsoft recognizes the need to move on from supporting older models indefinitely. Therefore, the company announced the discontinuation of all Xbox One production to concentrate solely on manufacturing Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles.
“To focus on production of Xbox Series X/S, we stopped production for all Xbox One consoles by the end of 2020,” stated Cindy Walker, the senior director of Xbox console product marketing, to The Verge.
Microsoft has officially halted production of all Xbox One models to “focus on production of Xbox Series X / S”. https://t.co/T1eYT3yDPr pic.twitter.com/zrPYuZnJ0P
— IGN (@IGN) January 13, 2022
The production of both Xbox One X and Xbox One S ceased by the end of 2020, with any remaining units on shelves marking the end of an era. By discontinuing older models, Microsoft aims to streamline its focus on producing the Series X and Series S consoles to meet consumer demands.
Interestingly, a Bloomberg report revealed that Sony had contemplated following a similar route by discontinuing PlayStation 4 production to prioritize PlayStation 5. However, Sony eventually decided to continue manufacturing PS4 consoles through at least the remainder of 2022. Handling production for both PS4s and PS5s simultaneously may pose challenges for their already strained supply chain.
