Unlocked Ranking Every Xbox’s Day-One Launch Lineups – Unlocked 721
10 snips
Dec 22, 2025 The hosts dive into a lively debate ranking the day-one launch lineups of four Xbox consoles. They tackle the strengths and weaknesses of each, with the Xbox One stirring the most controversy. Backward compatibility and standout titles from the Series X spark discussion, but fears of underwhelming launches loom large. Nostalgia for the original Xbox, bolstered by Halo's impact, reigns supreme, while the Xbox 360’s strong debut gets its due praise. The panel shares fond memories and reflections on gaming's evolution during holiday cheer.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Yakuza: Like A Dragon Memory
- Michael Higham recalled reviewing and loving Yakuza: Like a Dragon at Series X launch.
- He credits the game with showcasing Xbox's push to partner with Japanese developers.
Series X Felt Like An Iterative Upgrade
- The Series X/S launch mostly offered upgrades of existing Xbox One games rather than true next-gen exclusives.
- That made the Series X feel underwhelming for buyers without a powerful display or need for faster load times.
Modern Launches Favor Continuity Over Exclusives
- Console launches now often prioritize backwards compatibility and enhancements over exclusive new games.
- Publishers resist abandoning large installed bases, so day-one lineups may stay cross-gen.
