The creator of the original Xbox, Seamus Blackley, has shared info and early controller designs from the original Xbox.

　　Initially hired by Microsoft in 1999 to work on DirectX, Blackley wrote the proposal for the original Xbox. The team that would be creating and designing the first Xbox was assembled by Blackley as well.

　　Overnight the designer took to Twitter to share some early controller concepts for the console, which was first to be called the ‘Direct X Box’.

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　　Alongside the controller drawings, Blackley also shared some interesting tidbits on the original Xbox. Looking at the concept art, the resemblance with Sega’s Dreamcast controller is obvious, and according to Blackley this was due to the fact that the Dreamcast “was King” back then. Blackely added that designers often copy “what’s in front of them”, but also points out that the Xbox “was its own beast”.

　　No, we didn't almost go with any of these. These look as they do because at the time Dreamcast was king. Influence. https://t.co/hyw0l34C1C

　　— Seamus Blackley (@SeamusBlackley) June 26, 2016

　　No, you just need to keep in mind that concept designers often copy what's in front of them. Xbox was its own beast. https://t.co/gYaswYifk4

　　— Seamus Blackley (@SeamusBlackley) June 27, 2016

Original Xbox most sought-after holiday gift of 2001

　　Our name for it was "Direct X box," a device that was designed just to run graphics and sound. It stuck, nearly. https://t.co/s0ECxkilMD

　　— Seamus Blackley (@SeamusBlackley) June 26, 2016

　　Microsoft eventually picked a more traditional controller design, known as ‘the Duke’, without a screen. The original Xbox was released by Microsoft in November of 2001, and sold more than 24 million units.

　　"The data clearly show that Xbox is off to a torrid start," said Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer at Microsoft back in 2001. "Xbox sold out as soon as we launched, and we're selling systems as fast as we can produce them. More than 100,000 units a week are being delivered to retailers, so game players are likely to find Xbox systems throughout the holiday season. With one of the best launch lineups ever, I understand why Xbox is the most sought-after gift for the holiday."

　　The console was Microsoft’s first step in the console market, and was released to rival Sony’s Playstation 2 and Nintendo’s Gamecube. Graphically, the Xbox easily matched or outperformed its rivals. While the Xbox sold better than the Gamecube, it never managed to beat Sony’s Playstation 2.