Power On: The Story of Xbox (2021)
The untold origin story of Microsoft's Xbox console, told by the people who almost didn't make it happen.
Power On: The Story of Xbox - Series Information
- Original Title: Power On: The Story of Xbox
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 6
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: December 13, 2021 (United States - TV-14)
- Networks: YouTube, IMDb TV, The Roku Channel
- Production Companies: TEN100, Microsoft
- Production Countries: United States of America
Power On: The Story of Xbox - Plot
Xbox almost didn't happen. Find out why in this behind-the-scenes, six-part series that takes you back to the scrappy beginnings of Microsoft's video game console. It's the untold story of the people behind the box, glitches and all.
Power On: The Story of Xbox - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see how four gamers turned one bold idea into a billion-dollar bet:
Four gamers. One idea. And a billion dollar bet.
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Power On: The Story of Xbox - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Laura Bailey
- N'Gai Croal
- Kevin Pereira
- Phil Spencer
- Shannon Loftis
- Geoff Keighley
- Bonnie Ross
- Bill Gates
- David Hufford
- Alison Stroll
Writers
- Casey Schreiner
Executive Producers
- John Dorsey
- Tina Summerford
- Andrew Stephan
Power On: The Story of Xbox - FAQs
Did Xbox really almost never get made?
Absolutely — and that near-miss is the heart of the documentary. Power On reveals how a small group of Microsoft engineers fought internal skepticism, corporate resistance, and fierce competition from Sony's PlayStation to push the Xbox concept from a wild pitch to a billion-dollar console launch.
Is Power On: The Story of Xbox worth watching?
For gaming fans and tech history enthusiasts alike, it's a compelling watch. The series blends candid interviews with key figures — including Bill Gates and Phil Spencer — with archival footage, delivering an honest, behind-the-scenes look at one of gaming's most consequential origin stories.
Where can you stream Power On: The Story of Xbox?
The series is available to stream for free on YouTube, IMDb TV, and The Roku Channel. Since all six episodes are offered at no cost across multiple platforms, it's one of the most accessible documentary miniseries in recent memory.
Who appears in Power On: The Story of Xbox?
The documentary features a remarkable lineup of real participants, including Microsoft's Phil Spencer and Bill Gates (in archive footage), gaming journalist Geoff Keighley, industry veterans Seamus Blackley and Ed Fries, and narrator Laura Bailey, among many others who shaped Xbox's early years.
How many episodes does Power On: The Story of Xbox have?
Power On runs for six episodes, released as a complete miniseries in December 2021. Each episode digs into a different chapter of Xbox's creation, from the original pitch inside Microsoft to the console's launch and its battle for dominance in the gaming market.
Is Power On: The Story of Xbox based on a true story?
It's entirely factual. Power On is a documentary series drawing on first-hand accounts from the actual engineers, executives, and journalists who lived through Xbox's creation. The series presents real events, real decisions, and real consequences — glitches and all, as the tagline puts it.
How was Power On: The Story of Xbox received by critics?
The series earned strong praise for its candid access and storytelling depth. Critics and gaming audiences appreciated that Microsoft allowed an unflinching look at internal struggles and near-failures, rather than producing a purely promotional piece — a level of transparency rare for a company-backed documentary.
What are similar documentary series to Power On?
If Power On hooked you, High Score (2020) on Netflix offers a broader history of video game culture, while Superpowered: The DC Story (2023) and Marvel Studios Assembled (2021) explore similar behind-the-scenes franchise storytelling. All three share that same mix of nostalgia, industry insight, and compelling personal narratives.
More About Power On: The Story of Xbox
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