Xbox 360 Took The Gaming World By Storm 18 Years Ago Today

November always brings around some famous anniversaries in the Xbox world, and perhaps none are quite as famous as this one. 18 years ago today, Microsoft launched the Xbox 360 in North America, and there really hasn't been a more appropriate time to wheel out the old 'rest is history' trope, has there?

This is Microsoft's most iconic gaming console, and somehow, it's now legally an adult. We can still remember the launch hype from all those years ago - the press conferences, the TV ads, the gaming store standees and everything in-between. Xbox 360 is a legendary console at this stage and arguably, we wouldn't be here chatting all-things Xbox without it.

So, of course we're going to grant it a big old Happy Birthday today! However, a console on its own only goes so far - we've got to talk about that fantastic launch lineup. Call of Duty 2, Condemned, Perfect Dark Zero, Project Gotham Racing 3 - the 360 launched with some bloody good games didn't it? You could jump into any of these and they'd still be a great time today.

The next couple of years too, my word, what a lineup! Gears of War kickstarting a whole franchise back in 2006, Halo 3 and Forza Motorsport 2 solidifying Xbox as a powerhouse brand in '07 - just a fantastic time for Xbox gamers around the world. Putting out great games seemed so effortless for Microsoft back then, at least from the outside looking in. We're still grateful for that generation to this day!

We have to give one final shoutout to the Xbox 360 controller while we're here as well. All of Xbox's controllers since have taken huge inspiration from the 360 pad, and after all - the controller connects you to the system itself and the amazing games it's capable of playing. Hats off to Microsoft with this one, they absolutely nailed it.

Happy 18th Birthday, Xbox 360, and all the amazing games you delivered. You really were the one!