Skip to main content
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ The Games, Movies, TV & Comics You Love
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
flag of UK
UK
flag of US
US
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of Australia
Australia
  • Games
  • TV
  • Movies
  • Hardware
  • Video
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Guides
  • Deals
  • More
    • PS5
    • Xbox Series X
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Nintendo Switch 2
    • PC
    • Platforms
    • Tabletop Gaming
    • Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • SFX
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Newsletters
    • About us
    • Features
Total Film
Gaming Magazines
Gaming Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • Subscribe from just £3
  • Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12
View
Trending
  • Prime Day Deals
  • Superman
  • Donkey Kong Bananza
  • Switch 2 stock
Recommended reading
Xbox 360
Games Xbox 360 dashboard tweak adds insult to injury a year after the shutdown of the classic marketplace: would you like to buy an Xbox Series X instead?
Xbox 360
Hardware For a better Xbox 360, former Xbox exec pretended to be longtime PlayStation boss Ken Kutaragi: "You've got to understand what's going on in the head of the other guys"
Xbox 360
Xbox Former Xbox boss says Microsoft was "disadvantaged" before the Xbox 360 era where it was able to "flex its muscles" in third-party gaming: "Having developers feel good, make money on your platform was key"
Photo of the new Xbox handheld, the ROG Xbox Ally X
Hardware "Pick your lane and stick to it": Former Blizzard president says it's "tough to see Xbox confused" amid "this is an Xbox" branding: "They have to figure out what needs to change... and fast"
Photo of the new Xbox handheld, the ROG Xbox Ally X
Xbox Microsoft insists its Xbox handheld is a "breakthrough moment," but it kind of sounds like an ROG Ally with an Xbox sticker and Game Pass to me: "It looks like an Xbox, it feels like an Xbox, it plays like an Xbox"
Xbox 360
Xbox Former Microsoft exec says if Xbox hadn't shelled out $1.15 billion to fix its infamous red ring of death, "I'm not sure the Xbox brand would be around today"
Xbox Games Showcase 2025 dated for June 8 alongside The Outer Wilds 2 Direct
Games The Xbox Games Showcase returns on June 8, followed by a deep-dive into Obsidian's upcoming sci-fi RPG sequel The Outer Worlds 2
  1. Games
  2. Action

Xbox reveals then and now - Xbox One vs. 360

Features
By Henry Gilbert published 22 May 2013

Let’s compare the Xbox One’s reveal to the 360’s

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Was it really eight years ago?

Was it really eight years ago?

Yesterday, Microsoft introduced the world to the Xbox One, the companys next generation console. Many gamers were impressed, but a vocal group of players were wholly unenthused with the TV-centric message, the lack of games, and confused messaging. However, when you compare it to the Xbox 360 reveal from almost exactly eight years ago, youll appreciate just how much things have changed.

In case you didnt the 360 reveal when it was broadcast on MTV May 12, 2005, you missed quite an event (you can see it all here). And the presentation was night and day compared to the Xbox One reveal, except for rare moments of eerie similarities. For example

Page 1 of 20
Page 1 of 20
In 2005, it began with

In 2005, it began with

The show starts with an international collection of young people, all ready to be connected to one another. If only there was some console that could actually do it. In retrospect, this was just the first step in Microsofts messaging of the interconnectedness of Xbox Live on the soon to be revealed 360. Youre then immediately hit with the MTV logo, a disturbing indicator of things to come.

Page 2 of 20
Page 2 of 20
But in 2013

But in 2013

After a brief introduction from Tina Summerford and Larry Hryb, the introductory video was a strange mix of Microsoft employees, game designers, and Steven Spielberg talking about how awesome the 360 was, and how much more awesomer this next generation system will be. Finally, were going to stop watching and start living our entertainment! Like in the 360 reveal, its meant to feel global, but its also oddly personal thanks to the subjects addressing the camera (and the viewer) directly.

Page 3 of 20
Page 3 of 20
In 2005, your host was

In 2005, your host was

Elijah Wood! After simply walking into Mordor, Frodo was Microsofts go to, geek friendly celebrity, hired to shepherd gamers into a whole new world. Unfortunately, since this is an MTV show, he has to detail everything that will happen in the next half hour before you can even see the system or any games. And then he immediately passes hosting duties to an MTV VJ. If you arent 80 years old, a VJ hosted music videos back when those werent seen exclusively on YouTube.

Page 4 of 20
Page 4 of 20
But in 2013

But in 2013

Instead of hiring Aziz Ansari or Zach Galifianakis to tell us all about the Xbox One, Microsoft kept it simple with Don Mattrick, MSs President of Interactive Entertainment that normally hosts the E3 press conference. In general, MS seemed less interested than ever on using celebs to spice up their presentation. No professional wrestlers, B-list comedians, or C-list singers necessary when you have Mattricks winning smile.

Page 5 of 20
Page 5 of 20
In 2005, the system was revealed via

In 2005, the system was revealed via

A model surrounded by excited people that surely werent hired to act excited. The young girl carries a handbag onto a circular stage. She then pulls a 360 out said bag, implying a portability that the 360 was never going to embrace. After she turns it on the crowd explodes in applause that must be genuine, followed by a 25 second video featuring the logo and little else.

Page 6 of 20
Page 6 of 20
But in 2013

But in 2013

Mattrick playfully takes his time to introduce the machine, and the lack of rushed MTV editing means he can take a second to breathe before he names the console. Once he finally does, you get much longer sizzle reel showing off the console before getting a good look at it in real life. Plus, they bothered to show the controller immediately, something the 360 held back on.

Page 7 of 20
Page 7 of 20
In 2005, immediately following the system reveal

In 2005, immediately following the system reveal

The show cuts to a live performance by The Killers. Yes, you may have a million questions about the 360, but sit on those as you listen to a chart-topping hit. Look, eight years ago we liked The Killers as much as the next poser, but we didnt favor their music over learning literally anything about the 360 beyond its name. And once the four minute song is over, its time for commercials! Well, were sure well learn more about the 360 after the break.

Page 8 of 20
Page 8 of 20
But in 2013

But in 2013

Mattrick quickly passes the mic (not literally) to Yusef Mehdi. Mehdi talks for a long time about the new dashboard and its ability to watch The Price Is Right live (Xbox, Plinko). Yusef then showed off how to have a stilted Skype conversation while watching ESPN. Yusefs 10 minutes of talk was painfully game-free, but it also wasnt, say, a Maroon 5 performance, which really puts things into perspective.

Page 9 of 20
Page 9 of 20
In 2005, when its time to finally show games

In 2005, when its time to finally show games

Sandwiched between talks with Little Jon and MTV footnote Sway, its finally time for gameplay footage, all 40 seconds of it. First Tony Hawk presents the briefest of looks at his next game, then EA trots out footage of Need For Speed and Madden that eventually cause the creation of the term bullshot. Thankfully, this quasi-gameplay ends so we can check in with the cast of Pimp My Ride.

Page 10 of 20
Page 10 of 20
But in 2013

But in 2013

After another ten minutes of talk--this time an interesting, but ultimately uninformative conversation about Xbox Live and Kinect--its time for gameplay at the 28 minute mark. And funnily enough, EA gets to show the first games for Xbox One as well, and once again the footage isnt all that convincing as actual gameplay. At least this time EA was open that it was pre-rendered using in-game assets.

Page 11 of 20
Page 11 of 20
In 2005, Microsoft talks about hardware

In 2005, Microsoft talks about hardware

After a loooooooong segment with the cast of Pimp My Ride, a show thats mainly famous for an Xzibit meme , and hes not even on this special. Following that, VJ Sway meets with J. Allard to learn about the 360s design, including its wireless controllers and interchangeable faceplates. Allard closes with the Xbox Live Marketplace, which is just a shadow of what it would become. Then its time for another commercial break.

Page 12 of 20
Page 12 of 20
But in 2013

But in 2013

Again, MS had the luxury of time, meaning that the presenters could give at least a few more details about about the hardware and the evolution of Xbox Live when on stage. And they were able to get way more specific about Ones controller, while the 360s still hadnt been seen more than halfway into the MTV special. Plus, there had yet to be a commercial break.

Page 13 of 20
Page 13 of 20
In 2005, Call of Duty appeared

In 2005, Call of Duty appeared

For three seconds in the middle of a game montage. After almost 20 minutes, MTV is ready to show the following games for half a minute: Kameo, Gears, Ghost Recon 3, PGR3, NBA 2K6. Quake 4, The Darkness, Saints Row. Call of Duty 2 was sandwiched in there, but there wasnt much time for it, because Microsoft had to move on to the real system seller--Perfect Dark Zero.

Page 14 of 20
Page 14 of 20
But in 2013

But in 2013

Call of Duty: Ghosts isnt forced to share the spotlight with any other games, instead taking up the last 10 minutes of the event. Outside of the EA montage and CoD, Microsoft shows two Xbox One exclusive, only one of which is a launch game, and then its back to talking about TV shows. Looking at the pure numbers, the 360 reveal showed way more games, so maybe not everything has improved over the last eight years.

Page 15 of 20
Page 15 of 20
In 2005, the big system seller seemed to be

In 2005, the big system seller seemed to be

Perfect Dark Zero. Its easy now to mock PDZ for being a disappointment that basically killed the franchise, but at the time it was a pretty major exclusive. Where the presentation screwed up was making the PDZ reveal way more about three pro gamers playing the game. The three kids go to the UK to meet Rare, then they play the game live in L.A., but viewers see under a minute of actual footage all told. Fortunately, we do get to see Wilmer Valderrama play the game.

Page 16 of 20
Page 16 of 20
But in 2013

But in 2013

Perfect Dark is dead and developer Rare is pretty much a totally different studio. Instead, CoD took the spotlight, and were doubting Ghosts will be the franchise killer that PDZ was. Also, the CoD presentation had a derpy looking dog, which is statistically 70 times better than Wilmer Valderrama.

Page 17 of 20
Page 17 of 20
In 2005, the show ends with

In 2005, the show ends with

Another Killers song? Come the hell on...

Page 18 of 20
Page 18 of 20
But in 2013

But in 2013

It ends with a sharp cut to black. The Killers are currently recording a new album, so they apparently werent available to perform for Microsoft this time.

Page 19 of 20
Page 19 of 20
Open up our eager eyes...

Open up our eager eyes...

After looking back on the last Microsoft console reveal, are you feeling happier about yesterdays news? Or do you wish the Xbox One stream had more of that MTV sizzle? Let us know in the comments!

And if you're looking for more on what's next, check out Xbox One news and rumors and all the info on the PS4.

Page 20 of 20
Page 20 of 20
TOPICS
Microsoft
CATEGORIES
Xbox Xbox One Platforms
PRODUCTS
Call of Duty: Ghosts Forza Motorsport 5 Perfect Dark Zero Xbox
Henry Gilbert
Henry Gilbert
Social Links Navigation

Henry Gilbert is a former GamesRadar+ Editor, having spent seven years at the site helping to navigate our readers through the PS3 and Xbox 360 generation. Henry is now following another passion of his besides video games, working as the producer and podcast cohost of the popular Talking Simpsons and What a Cartoon podcasts. 

See more Xbox Features
Read more
Xbox 360
Xbox 360 dashboard tweak adds insult to injury a year after the shutdown of the classic marketplace: would you like to buy an Xbox Series X instead?
Xbox 360
For a better Xbox 360, former Xbox exec pretended to be longtime PlayStation boss Ken Kutaragi: "You've got to understand what's going on in the head of the other guys"
Xbox 360
Former Xbox boss says Microsoft was "disadvantaged" before the Xbox 360 era where it was able to "flex its muscles" in third-party gaming: "Having developers feel good, make money on your platform was key"
Photo of the new Xbox handheld, the ROG Xbox Ally X
"Pick your lane and stick to it": Former Blizzard president says it's "tough to see Xbox confused" amid "this is an Xbox" branding: "They have to figure out what needs to change... and fast"
Photo of the new Xbox handheld, the ROG Xbox Ally X
Microsoft insists its Xbox handheld is a "breakthrough moment," but it kind of sounds like an ROG Ally with an Xbox sticker and Game Pass to me: "It looks like an Xbox, it feels like an Xbox, it plays like an Xbox"
Xbox 360
Former Microsoft exec says if Xbox hadn't shelled out $1.15 billion to fix its infamous red ring of death, "I'm not sure the Xbox brand would be around today"
Latest in Action
James Bond in 007 First Light
"Don't make him a killing machine!": Hitman developer IO Interactive got the James Bond gig because its games are more about creativity and stealth than shooting
Dead Island 2 screenshot
"Boy, that game sucked": Notorious Dead Island 2 delay lasted nearly a decade partly because its original developer ignored "horrific" player feedback, says former Deep Silver lead
Kassandra holding a falcon on her arm during Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Ubisoft foresaw the grindy fate of Assassin's Creed Valhalla back in the Odyssey days, wanting a literal "odyssey" but not "a world that was just fatiguing to travel through"
Zelda
Final Fantasy 14's Yoshi-P says his latest game dev crush is The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, one of the most efficient games he's played all year
Kassandra holding a falcon on her arm during Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Ubisoft had a very on-brand problem with Assassin's Creed Odyssey: there weren't many tall buildings in Ancient Greece even though it's a "climbing-frame game"
Link points a finger at the stand, channelling Ace Attorney's stance, in a screenshot from the Hero of Law mod.
27 years later, this uncanny "Hero of Law" mod makes The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time the game it was always meant to be: Ace Attorney
Latest in Features
David Corenswet as Superman fighting back flames
I’m tired of MCU post-credits scenes that go nowhere, which is why Superman’s organic world-building is such a breath of fresh air
The first scenario in Frosthaven, showing a four player party facing down a group of monsters
I've played board games like Frosthaven for years, but I think the digital version might be a far better introduction
Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk 2077
It took me 326 hours to clock a less-obvious reason why Cyberpunk 2077 is the best open world RPG I've ever played: it's a secret comedy game
Lego Pokemon characters sit around a table, divided from a Fallout Vault 111 scene by a white line
I don't know about you, but I'd throw money at these gaming Lego sets
Superman flies up above Metropolis in the Superman Returns game
I've been searching for the best Superman games after watching the new James Gunn movie – here are my 7 favorites
An Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered screenshot showing Dark Brotherhood leader Lucien Lachance talking to the player in a dimly-lit inn
I'm playing Oblivion Remastered as a vampire, and I wouldn't trade my new life for better sleep or a clean conscience
  1. Zion Wright grinds along a wooden balustrade in in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4's San Francisco level
    1
    Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 review: "A nostalgic, must-play hit for fans"
  2. 2
    College Football 26 review: “Thanks to rivalries and dynasty, this is the greatest show on turf”
  3. 3
    Mecha Break review: "This mech battler makes up for lacking customization with a varied roster that lets me live out my Evangelion fantasy"
  4. 4
    Death Stranding 2: On the Beach review: "This tarpunk delivery epic is more Metal Gear Solid than ever, for better and worse"
  5. 5
    Rematch review: "As with Rocket League, the just-one-more-game pull is magnetic"
  1. David Corenswet as Superman inside the Fortress of Solitude in James Gunn's Superman.
    1
    Superman review: "A triumphant reinvention and a promising start for the DCU"
  2. 2
    Jurassic World Rebirth Review: "An unscary sequel that needed a little more time in amber"
  3. 3
    M3GAN 2.0 review: "A bold sequel with a slightly underwhelming conclusion"
  4. 4
    28 Years Later Review: "Enough terror, splatter and suspense to satisfy”
  5. 5
    Predator: Killer of Killers review: "Great characters, thrilling action, and gorgeous Arcane-esque animation"
  1. Lee Jung-jae as Gi-hun in Squid Game season 3
    1
    Squid Game season 3 review: "A staggeringly excellent final season wraps up one of the greatest Netflix shows ever"
  2. 2
    Ironheart review: "A relic of Marvel's content-at-all-costs era"
  3. 3
    Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 review: "The show's most assured run of episodes to date"
  4. 4
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 8 spoiler review: 'The Reality War' is "a mix of the good, the bad, and the truly baffling"
  5. 5
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 7 spoiler review: 'Wish World' is "an exciting and ambitious" start to the season finale, with hints of WandaVision

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...