Same day today in 2004 Halo 2 was launched: the phenomenon that changed Xbox forever

On November 9, 2004, one of the most important games in the history of the console arrived.

More stories in the category News

• PC players attempt to avoid crossplay with consoles in Battlefield 6 with this trick
• We know that Silent Hill 2 Remake launches on November 21, but when will it be officially announced
• GTA 6: CD Projekt RED backs Rockstar and admits they also learned from Cyberpunk 2077

It’s been exactly 21 years since November 9, 2004, when Halo 2 landed on Xbox and marked a before and after in the history of modern gaming. The sequel to the legendary Halo: Combat Evolved was more than just a continuation: it was the title that consolidated Xbox Live, popularized online gaming on consoles, and took the universe created by Bungie to its maximum level of influence.

The impact was so great that many players still remember that launch night, waiting in line at stores to get their copy or trying out Xbox Live’s online connection for the first time. It was, without a doubt, the game that turned Xbox into a brand with its own identity and a global community.

Halo 2: A Legacy that Lives On in Xbox Series

Over the years, Halo 2 has remained present thanks to editions like The Master Chief Collection, which allowed players to relive its campaign and iconic multiplayer with updated graphics. The memory of its original launch remains very much alive among the saga’s veterans, who consider it one of the most revolutionary experiences of its time.

• Among the classic debates within the community, the same question still resonates: was Halo 2 better than the original? Many still prefer the purity of the first game, but others highlight that Halo 2 was the one that laid the foundations for modern multiplayer and the phenomenon we know today as Halo Infinite.

Today, Halo 2 remains a fundamental piece of Xbox’s history. A title that not only defined an entire generation but also transformed the way we play online forever.