When the original Xbox home video game system was released, it signaled a new era in video games and technology on a variety of fronts and levels. First of all, the original Microsoft Xbox set a new standard and created a new level for video games in terms of graphics, game play, story lines and other important aspects of the video game experience. Simply put, the Xbox didn't just raise the bar - it elevated it to new heights that forced other video game companies and manufacturers to adapt and evolve.

The second aspect of change that the Microsoft Xbox created was that it was being designed, manufactured, marketed and sold by Microsoft. Now, while other video game makers, such as Sony or Nintendo enjoy a tremendous amount of popularity and respect in the business, electronics and video game communities, Microsoft is without question one of the biggest, most innovative and dominant businesses in the history of commerce - as well as the world for that matter.