Oscillator
Moblin
https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-consumer-electronics-hall-of-fame-microsoft-xbox
Launched November 15th, 2001 in North America, the Xbox (named after the DirectX API) was Microsoft's first home video game console, and the most powerful console of the 6th generation, going against the GameCube (launched 3 days after the Xbox in North America, on November 18th), and the PlayStation 2 (launched a year earlier). The first 6th generation console, the Dreamcast, launch in North America 9/9/99, and was discontinued March 31st, 2001.
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-07-01-the-original-xbox-prototype-is-alive-and-kicking
In comparison to the typical fully custom hardware on game consoles, the Xbox was effectively a PC internally, with an Intel Pentium III CPU, Nvidia GPU (roughly equivalent to a GeForce 3), 8 or 10 GB hard drive, and a built-in ethernet port for LAN and broadband internet connectivity.
The hard drive allowed for caching of large sections of game content, then quick-loading small parts as needed, enabling more seamless gameplay. It also made possible custom in-game soundtracks from ripped CD tracks.
The game discs were 8.5 GB dual-layer DVDs. The system also supported 64 channel Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. The controller had 8 face buttons (the 6 coloured buttons being pressure sensitive), twin clickable analog sticks, twin analog triggers, a D-pad, twin memory card slots, and a quick-disconnect cable for trip protection.
Other accessories included a component cable for HD-compatible games, and a remote that enabled DVD movie playback.
In Japan, the Xbox launched with a smaller "S" controller, that later replaced the larger "Duke" in the rest of the world.
On November 15th, 2002, one year after the launch of the console, the subscription service for online play, Xbox Live, launched. The original starter kit included a 12-month subscription card, a voice chat headset, and a service install disc with demos of Whacked! and Moto GP. A later version of the kit contained a 3-month subcription card, a voice chat headset, and the full version of MechAssault (by this point, the service was pre-installed on new consoles, so the install disc was omitted).
There were 20 games available on launch day in North America, including 4 first-party titles; Halo, Fuzion Frenzy, Project Gotham Racing, and NFL Fever 2002.
Here are a selection of Xbox-exclusive/Xbox-enhanced games:
The Xbox's killer app. Often appearing on best games of all time lists, Halo redefined first person shooters on consoles the way GoldenEye did 4 years earlier. The stunning bump-mapped graphics, superb AI, deep physics engine, and epic soundtrack combined to create a package that was the epitome of "wow factor".
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A more arcadey take on the MechWarrior series, MechAssault was one of the killer apps of the Xbox Live online service, featuring 8 player deathmatches in destructible environments.
System Link gameplay
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Another Xbox Live killer app, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow featured the legendary 2v2 Spies vs. Mercs gametype, which involved the Spies stealthing through shadowy attics and vents, trying to get the drop on the gun-toting Mercs.
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Prior to Forza Motorsport, Project Gotham Racing was the go-to racing series on the Xbox. Project Gotham Racing 2 featured a massive selection of exotic cars (complete with walkable showroom), and beautifully realized locations including downtown Chicago, Moscow's Red Square, and Germany's Nurburgring. That latter track became host to the online community gametype Cat & Mouse, wherein speedy supercars had to push little slow cars across the finish line, with the monstrous speed difference creating total chaos.
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(^ click to enlarge)
A tour-de-force mech simulator, Steel Batallion came bundled with it's own mech control panel, complete with twin joysticks, pedals, a gearshift, manual ignition sequence, windshield wipers, and emergency eject button.
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Fuzion Frenzy is the Xbox's answer to Mario Party, with faster action, flashier effects, and more attitude.
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A semi-obscure but graphically intensive exclusive from Japan, Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions is a lighthearted vehicular action game that has you playing as either police or spies trying to clamp down on the Yakuza in Hong Kong.
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A super popular Xbox Live title, Crimson Skies: High Road To Revenge is aerial combat that anyone can get into.
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Taking full advantage of the Xbox's power, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind was a massive upgrade for the RPG series, with fully realized 3D environments, a crystal clear soundtrack, and a huge quantity of NPCs, questlines, and lore.
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The sequel to the Dreamcast's Jet Grind Radio, Jet Set Radio Future cranks everything up to 11, with better graphics, bigger levels, streamlined graffiti controls, and a more exotic soundtrack.
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