180°

The Three Ways Forward For Microsoft And The Xbox One

Forbes - My colleague Mark Rogowsky recently published a piece that contained a rather worrying chart, which showed the growing disparity between PS4 and Xbox One sales. Though the gap was a million consoles a few months ago in favor of Sony , now the gulf has widened, with Microsoft MSFT +0.13% more or less refusing to publish actual sales, giving only a units shipped number that forces everyone to compare apples to oranges.

DemonChicken3662d ago (Edited 3662d ago )

1. yes <--- would lead to 3.
2. oh god <--- Digital only would sink it, no different to original DRM
3. yes <--- which is what we have been seeing

avengers19783662d ago

Plus no blu-ray drive kinda takes away the all in one aspect of the console. Point one and three do make sense, I know an awful lot of people who don't want kinect and don't want to pay 500

Chaostar3662d ago (Edited 3662d ago )

If resolution-gate has taught us anything it's that there IS, in fact, a pretty big difference in both these consoles. Why is the media so reluctant to admit this?

dodgemoose3662d ago

Sorry to burst your bubble but in reality 'resolution-gate' doesn't really mean anything to most owners, who probably don't even know they're not playing in native 1080p on an upscaled game.

Ghost_Nappa3662d ago

Framerate is more important to me.

BIB3661d ago

Obviously the sales disparity between the two says that "most owners" who are most likely well informed gamers know about the power and resolution difference between XBO and PS4...But to each of their own.

Chaostar3661d ago

I didn't say that anybody cared just that there is in fact a difference, one that many people like yourself are sugar coating for the sake of your personal bias'.

If I cared I'd argue, like BIB there, that the sale disparity is definitely part due to this very thing.

dodgemoose3661d ago (Edited 3661d ago )

@Ghost_Nappa
Depends on the game. Obviously 60 fps is preferable but on certain games 30 fps is perfectly acceptable - for instance, with The Order (although the argument that lower fps provides a more 'cinematic feel' is the biggest load of bs I've ever heard).

@BIB
The sales disparity shows more people would rather pay less and get a a core games console than pay a premium for a less powerful 'media centre'. Doesn't mean they know anything about 'resolution-gate'. Btw, it's 'each to their own', not 'each of their own'.

@Chaostar
Why would the media cover it if no one cared then? And my 'personal bias'? What, as a PS4 owner? Er...

BIB3660d ago (Edited 3660d ago )

@dodgemoose

You just invalidated your own comment. If they pay less for a more powerful system, more than likely they already know the more powerful system has better resolution throughput (hence the gamer backlash with "resolution-gate") anyway. In addition, the idiom you quoted "each to their own" is wrong as well. Should be "to each their own" but thanks for the grammar lesson otherwise.

dodgemoose3660d ago (Edited 3660d ago )

'If they pay less for a more powerful system' it shows they have common sense. Anyway, don't let me stop you from believing every owner is aware of 'resolution-gate' - I'm sure they're all fascinated! Oh, and please don't feel so self-conscious, I just wanted to let you know the common expression is 'each TO their own' - rather than 'each OF their own' - so you don't make the same mistake again. :)

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3660d ago
AngelicIceDiamond3662d ago (Edited 3662d ago )

@Chaostar Because realistically besides resolution the difference isn't that big.

The difference would be big if the X1 wasn't able to achieve 1080p.

Then the media would be all over it.

There's nothing to bicker about when both are 1080p (but people do somehow anyway)

Chaostar3661d ago

"The difference would be big if the X1 wasn't able to achieve 1080p"

Isn't that exactly what's happening though? Sure, it's possible to make games 1080 on Xb One but so many are not and yet are on PS4.

Mr Pumblechook3661d ago

Resolution matters to the hardcore, but after the first year and a bit the mainstream crowd will start buying and at the moment they don't really know about resolution.

Also, you can bet Microsoft will announce a price drop at E3, the only uncertainty is whether they remove Kinect to do it. I suspect Spencer will.

Chaostar3661d ago

You're probably right but once the stigma of 'weaker console' is attached to the Xbox it may just carry into mainstream. I think the hardcore community has at least some influence on mainstream adoption.

-Mezzo-3662d ago (Edited 3662d ago )

I'd say stop everything and give the Controller a revamp, they used to have the best Controller but this time, it just bad... Bad Design, Awkwardly/Needlessly Big, and get rid of the damn batteries ( It's Next Gen For God's Sake ).

Though i love the Thumb-sticks on it.

I don't understand how there's even a competition between PS4 & Xbox One's controllers.

Fireseed3662d ago

"Awkward/Needlessly Big"

And yet it's smaller than the 360 controller...

GarrusVakarian3662d ago (Edited 3662d ago )

I've actually really started to love the X1 controller, i think i would rate it higher than the 360 controller after using it for a while, which is shocking because the 360 controller used to be my favourite. The material used for the controller itself is better than the DS4, imo, so are the triggers. I still prefer the DS4 overall though. Here's what i think-

X1 controller

Better material for controller (much more sweat resistant, kind of a dry/matte feel)
Better materials of the sticks
Better triggers (dat luxury feel)

DS4

Better handles/comfort/grip (feels like it was made specifically for my hands, lol)
Better shoulder buttons (actual buttons, not cheap clicky things)
Better face buttons (sounds petty, but they feel better to press, lol)
Better sticks (i prefer the resistance of the DS4 sticks, X1 sticks are too small and too loose)
Better D-pad.

Overall, im really happy with both controllers this gen. I hated the DS3 last gen, so it was always awkward switching between the two consoles. But this gen, they both feel great and i have no problem going from my X1 to my PS4.

I know you shouldn't have to go out and buy play and charge kits in this day and age, rechargeable batteries as standard is ridiculous, but the play and charge kit for the X1 is excellent. Lasts absolutely ages.

SixtyNine3662d ago (Edited 3662d ago )

Everyone seems to know what's "best" for Microsoft.

@Mezzo about controllers, that's a subjective thing. I think the X1 controller is even better than the 360s one. I used it at the Xbox One tour in europe. The sticks, d-pad and triggers are all perfect.

Godmars2903662d ago

But the batteries do need to go. Be rechargeable w/o needing an additional kit.

combolock3662d ago

the charge lasts like 2 weeks anyway....the current model doesn't need to go.

Hicken3662d ago

Well, Microsoft doesn't, else they'd be where they expected, and wouldn't have faced that backlash. That they keep saying it was an error in communicating their message, rather than their message being something not enough people wanted to hear, says they haven't quite leaned their lesson yet.

OrangePowerz3662d ago

I like how they still go like "It`s not our fault it`s the fault of the people because they just don`t get us and what we want to do". Not the slightest hint of remorse for trying to screw their costumers.

OrangePowerz3662d ago

I think MS has shown last year that they surely don`t know what is best for the Xbox, that`s the only way I explain that huge screw up. Everybody expected them to be the top dog this gen before the reveal until we saw the console and it`s features.

BIB3661d ago (Edited 3661d ago )

Alot of those XBO owners who "know what's "best" did offer Microsoft some feedback on improving the console and interface...For you to insinuate that products owner's can't give input on how to improve a product is just asinine.

http://www.usgamer.net/arti...

SixtyNine3661d ago

Obviously, you're the one who's 'asinine' for failing to interpret my comment correctly.

I'd spell it out for you, but no. . I'll leave you to it.

BIB3661d ago

@TwelveBitHero

"you're the one who's 'asinine'"

Attack the person instead of the argument. Typical. No need to get defensive or sensitive. I didn't insult or try to make you or your comment look ignorant. You and the disagrees did that all on its own and the link in my comment proves my point.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3661d ago
OrangePowerz3662d ago (Edited 3662d ago )

Fully agree with 1 and 3 and once they cut the Kinect and reduce the price I will get one.

Removing the disc drive and going digital only would end in a disaster. Not every person wants or can download 25-50GB large games especially not in the US where they have data limits. Plus what All in One multimedia device would that be that can`t play DVD or Blu Ray movies? Also it wouldn`t allow for a 50-100 bucks cheaper console because first of all Disc drives are not that expensive and secondly the money saving would be offset by the bigger HDD.

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300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest5d ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN4d ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan4d ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor3d ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic3d ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv724d ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts3d ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares5d ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv724d ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka4d ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion4d ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer4d ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow14d ago (Edited 4d ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer4d ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

Read Full Story >>
news.xbox.com
bionicstar5d ago

Will they show Fable 4, Stalker 2, GoW 6 & Perfect Dark?

PhillyDonJawn5d ago

Crossing fingers for Fable and perfect dark. And State of Decay 3

RaidenBlack4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

And maybe Clockwork Revolution, South of Midnight, Contraband, Project 007 & OD? lol
and whatever happened to Everwild ?
+ that rumored Wu Tang RPG

Sonic18814d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast5d ago

Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming.

5d ago
Lightning774d ago

It's an Xbox showcase that they have every year.

Make smarter comments for once.

anast4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole4d ago

@Anast
Anything you didn't type. Good day sir!

4d ago
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4d ago Replies(1)
Lightning774d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

4d ago
anast4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

"Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming."

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning774d ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast4d ago

You don't know what a smart comment is or isn't. You're welcome for the help.

Lightning774d ago

No you said something dumb then you tried to back track and mention GP.

Again make smart comments for once.

anast4d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 4d ago
darthv725d ago

Wonder if they will address the handheld rumors....?

jimb0j0nes5d ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

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290°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv729d ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle9d ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic18819d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio9d ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning778d ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga9d ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

darthv728d ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

neutralgamer19928d ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff21839d ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga9d ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan9d ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit8d ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus238d ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv728d ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica8d ago (Edited 8d ago )

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

Chevalier8d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan8d ago

@chevalier

It looks like made a great purchase. Much better then Sony buying Bungie. 😉
Cheers

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 8d ago
purple1019d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos9d ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

DOMination-8d ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac9d ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple1019d ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic9d ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead8d ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

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