Xbox One still blocks low income consumers by requiring internet during system set up

Gimme Gimme Games writes that despite Microsoft's changes to their Xbox One policies they still need to work on some stuff like requiring internet during the system set up. They write that this policy will make it hard for low income consumers without internet access to justify buying an Xbox One at all.

[doctorstrange]

And low income countries. But if they're low income, they'll probably have to choose the cheaper one anyway.

[creatchee]

Pretty sure that low income families (and countries, for that matter) are going to choose food, shelter, and clothing instead of worrying about next-generation gaming.

[HammockGames]

^
This

Gamers had plenty of reasons to be ticked at MS over the Xbone, but this gripe (over a 1x internet connection) is stretching it.

[The_KELRaTH]

It depends how you define low income. Your options suggest poverty not low income.
I'm sure there are many that choose not to have direct broadband internet access and likely find just using their mobile service offers enough (email, browsing/shopping etc) but budgeted their entertainment using a games console over drinking, smoking, subscription TV etc.

[clrlite]

Where I live they often don't pay for food and shelter and it is not uncommon to see them drive away from the supermarket in luxury autos. It may be the families that actually work and prioritize that will be affected.

I don't feel comfortable with always on personally, or HAVING to go on the net to play my games.

[Dir_en_grey]

Doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, the SMART people are going to choose the PS4 if they are going next-gen.

The dumb ones are too dumb to realize how Microsoft screws them over anyway so it really can't be helped.

[loulou]

i think that this is for the new firmware. i expect that this will be on the discs as well

[mewhy32]

Havent people figured out that all Micro$oft cares about is money?

[Wintersun616]

@HammockGames,

But even with only one connection needed, they are blocking many regions from using Xbox One at all.

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/x...

There's a list of countries where Xbone works. If you try to setup and connect one somewhere that's not listed, it will not work. Happen to live in Japan, Poland, Iceland, Portugal, Czezh Republic or Slovenia among many other countries? No Xbox One for you.

[ElementX]

@mewhy
Haven't people realized that EVERY corporation is after money? Do you think Sony really cares about you? They care about profits just like everybody else. All that PR speak about caring about gamers is just BS. They care about gamers' money. Never believe a large corporation cares about it's customers. I can see a local mom and pop place caring because they get to know the customers, you're just another number to any big business.

[darthv72]

if they are a low income family they will not be getting the xb1 or ps4 or even the wii-u because all 3 of them have a starting price that exceeds the comfort zone of less than $300.

It had been reported many times that the sweet spot for consumers to really adopt a platform is when it gets to $200 or lower. That is not always the case however but especially in lower income families they are better served to buy the previous platform due to there being more games available and at a cheaper cost of entry than the new platforms.

No doubt, lower income families would likely eventually buy into the newer platforms when the pricing matches what they can afford. Everyone deserves the chance to play these newer units and while there will be many who can get them right away, its understandable for others to wait until the time is right for them.

[shinrock]

This comment should close this thread.

[iceman06]

Low income doesn't mean BROKE or at the poverty level. Low income families, despite what most think, can actually save money for "luxury" items and STILL manage to eat and have shelter. They just don't have as much disposable income as families that make more money.
Not saying that this is an MS problem per se, just stating a fact.

[SilentNegotiator]

We all know that "low income" means that they live out on the streets and lick pond scum for nourishment.

/s

That said, this will more than likely only affect the more recent buyers, until they include the patch in later shipped systems.

[horndog]

Amen brother! The low income family probably has a nes or snes maybe a ps2. They really aint giving a damn about the next gen systems yet especially third world countries.

[B-radical]

Agreed and even if they can afford a next gen consoles im sure they can afford a mobile phone which MS said u can use to download the update anyway

[superkidcupid13]

their next gen is using real ppl technology....their first exclusive is called life.....if u lose u die....sounds like a good game...i wonder if i can play it lol

[blitz0623]

Whatever, now these guys are just finding reasons to hate. Why would low income consumers get an Xbox One at launch in the first place?

Microsoft's original vision is making a lot more sense now isn't it? Still a stupid move on their part, but it was pretty clear who their target audience was - and that's a family driven environment - a family who can afford internet, the console itself, cable TV, etc. Not regular gamers who work part time jobs and have trouble saving up for a next gen console or have to ask their parents to buy them one.

[-EvoAnubis-]

I actually agree with you here - the first bit anyway. This is just nitpicking. The Wii U had a day one patch, so does the XB1, and spoiler alert: so will the PS4. This is a non-issue.

[NextGen24Gamer]

Next they will complain that you can't buy an xbox one with your food stamp card. This is getting crazy!

[WeedyOne]

@EvoAnubis

The difference is that the Xbox One requires this update to even function whereas the PS4 and WiiU updates most likely arent required in order to use the consoles offline. With the WiiU and PS4 you can probably plug in a game and play offline immediately without the update but if you wanted to go online you require the update.

See the difference? Still not a huge deal but could be a hassle for someone who just got an xbox one at their grandparents house for Christmas but couldn't play the single player game he got because Gramps doesn't have internet.

[-EvoAnubis-]

@WeedyOne: A slight hassle in certain situations perhaps, but not even close to a big deal. Certainly not on a level of "blocking low income consumers." That's just a ridiculous statement to make.

[WeedyOne]

EvoAnubis

Yeah I agree its not a big deal, just wanted to point out its not exactly the same as the ps4 or WiiU launch updates.

[rainslacker]

@Weedy

I couldn't use the Wii U day one until I updated the software. It wouldn't let me get past the update prompt. Might have been because I was connected though, I did tried to bypass it with no success...just wanted to play a couple games first.:)

Maybe someone else that didn't connect their net right away and could say otherwise.

For as slow and dodgy as the day one update was, I couldn't imagine how bad it would have been before updating.

[r1sh12]

whilst I have been very vocal against the DRM, always online policies MS have introduced.

This sort of blogger seems very desperate to clutch at any straws to get hits to the site.
LOL

I completely agree with @Creatchee, low income families will be more concerned about being able to survive.

Its clear the idiot of a blogger, does not understand owning a video games console is a luxury and is not required to get through life, like food, shelter or clothes.

[Sev]

If they're truly low income homes/countries, then how will they afford a $500 console, Xbox LIVE, and $60 a game and second controller?

I mean, I get it, but now you're just swinging in the dark hoping to hit something.

[dragon82]

Technically I am in a low income family. My wife and I only make a little over 40K per year combined and I can still buy a $500 console and games. I just need to save up for them with what little money we have left over from our budget.

Others in a similar situation may not have internet in an effort to help out their budget but still save up for some luxury items like an Xbox1. If they can't even play their games when they get home because they have no internet connection it may cause a problem.

Obviously we both know I have a great internet connection but just pointing out one side of it.

[dedicatedtogamers]

If it requires internet during setup, that's just one more thing that can go wrong.

People might say "who cares? It's just a one-time connection", but you'll be flocking to the internet in rage if the Xbox One servers are overburdened, if your connection times out, or if something else goes wrong that delays you being able to play the console you bought.
And when you show up on N4G and start complaining about it, I will have no sympathy.

EDIT @ below

Um, I'm not even talking about "low income people". I'm talking about unforeseen errors on launch day that might prevent people from downloading their Day One patch and therefore, prevent people from playing their new console. You could have thousands in the bank but if your ISP is down or if you just moved and you don't have interent set up yet, or heaven forbid the Xbox One servers are overburdened and you keep "timing out", then all the money in the world isn't going to make your system function.

[Cmk0121]

ahh poor low income people who need an hdtv tv with hdmi to play either console, so one time internet access worth whining about but not that either console wont work without hdmi input on hdtv??? folks lets get a grip and stop talking about how 400-500 consoles arent friendly to poor,3rd world countries, or military! Heck frigign ipads require internet or cell service and cost 400-880 bucks and dont last 8 years lets put things into perspective folks. ANd im not ranting at you just in general

[Anon1974]

It's telling that when Microsoft tried to make the announcement that they had changed the DRM, they couldn't keep their website live. The news had leaked onto twitter and the Xbox news page completely went down with "Server unavailable" messages for quite some time.

Like you said, adding something like internet activation just adds another level of complexity where something can go wrong. Not to mention that it shrinks the potential US market by a third. Interestingly enough, by about a 3rd is what the 360 outsold the PS3 in the US this past gen.

Now the Xbox One is $100 more expensive, the potential market for the product is smaller due to the internet activation requirement and the amount of bad press and bad word of mouth seems unrelenting. It's clear that the Xbox One has it's work cut out for it in the US, let alone the rest of the world who have traditionally snubbed Microsoft's consoles.

[No_Limit]

"If it requires internet during setup, that's just one more thing that can go wrong. "

You mean like the recent PS firmware that are bricking a lot of PS3 causing Sony to retract it from their server?

[Anon1974]

Actually, it's not really like that at all. The PS3 doesn't have to run an update for the system to play games, the purpose it was intended for.

But I see what you're saying. Like that Xbox dashboard update from awhile back that Microsoft knew would brick people's systems and stated before the update came out that when the update bricked your system you could rest assured you'd get a replacement console and a free year of XBL for your troubles. At least the PS3's problem was caught in less than a day and can be fixed by simply restoring default settings in safe mode. They didn't just force out an update they knew would brick people's consoles.

http://www.geek.com/games/m...

But the point stands. This internet activation just adds another unnecessary layer between gamers and being able to play the system's they've purchased. And why? A PS3/360 out of the box doesn't need to connect to the internet to play games. Why on earth if the Xbox One doesn't need it's internet check in anymore does it need to connect to the internet at all? It's unnecessary.

It's like if I needed to setup an online account for my toaster before it would cook toast. If I never plan on taking it online in the first place, why on earth should I need to connect to the internet to do what I purchased it to do?

[rainslacker]

@NO_Limit

While I would say DTG is pro-sony, his post had nothing to do with Sony. The issue was different, but if you want to call Sony out on it as a example, yes, that is one thing that day one updates can cause, and it can be a problem for a lot of people.

Now that you've established an example of how it's a bad idea to require a day one connection, are you still so keen on getting it? I mean, after all, Sony did it too right?

[Stryfeno2]

When I was growing up in a low income house the last thing we thought about was the latest tech.

[Mystogan]

I'm sure that there will be units that come preinstalled with it after launch.

[ElementX]

replied under wrong post

[CoLD FiRE]

I don't even understand anyone who's going to be buying a "next-gen" console and not planning to use it online in the first place. Many of the games shown at E3 had online multiplayer as a key component of the experience. I'm telling you this now, as "next-gen" progresses, more and more games will incorporate online play as a critical part for the complete experience. When you play offline "exclusively" you'll be missing out... a lot!

[MizTv]

It seems most low income people in the us have it better off than people who work for a living.
That being said its another dumb move by m$

[LOGICWINS]

How the hell would a low income consumer afford a $500 console in the first place?

[Hicken]

SAVING MONEY.

[clrlite]

A am not making tons of money right now but should be able to afford it if I play my cards right. I think a lot of people on here are confusing "low income" with abject poverty, where people often have NO INCOME and no free money. People that should be fed, clothed and given other opportunities before considering luxury items.

[Cryptcuzz]

Exactly.

That or as a gift.

I agree that a low income family household shouldn't be thinking about getting the latest tech or a $500 console at launch, but what I fail to see is why couldn't it be obtained by saving up money or be as a gift if they wanted to.

It is not too farfetched to think that a parent or a husband or wife or what have you save up now til when it does get released to buy the console as a gift. Just because a household is low income does not mean they will at least not try to get something that they know their loved one would really like to have.

Whether it was achieved through cutting back on usual spending, working more hours, or a relative or friend helping out. I am sure there are a lot of low income families who still gather up the money one way or another to buy their loved ones name brand clothes, shoes, or technology. In this case why not the Xbox One as well?

[TOSgamer]

Prices drop over time. And a one time fee for something that can be used for years is cheaper then occasionally going out for entertainment to a ball game or dinner. I can't wait to see BEST BUY offering setups of this console for $29.95. lol

[HammadTheBeast]

Well, they can take it to a Starbucks or a library, turn it on, then go home lol.

[clrlite]

I think it depends on how you define low income, how many bills they actually have to pay, and whether or not they are cheating the system(etc.)
Either way this is really none of my concern. I'm getting a PS4! :)

[rainslacker]

Credit cards, gifts, win it, rent-a-center, some guy selling them out of the back of his truck, saving money, stealing money, stealing the system, working an extra job for a couple months, etc.

Many low income consumers spend money on things they can't afford. It's one reason why so many people in the US are so in debt. This also applies to high income consumers too though.

Not really proper to assume that low income consumers don't find ways to enjoy the things they enjoy though. Low income does not necessarily mean dirt poor. In fact, 32% of the US is considered below the poverty line.

http://www.prb.org/Articles...

Note:Not saying low income families are prone to crime in the first paragraph, just pointing out there are alternate distribution channels.

[sak500]

They can't afford internet but can buy games for $60 and $500 consoles?

[NYC_Gamer]

I doubt low income consumers will even be buying new consoles

[SpideySpeakz]

Exactly.

[Drekken]

Yeah, so screw them! /s

[Cosmo811]

If you can't afford internet then you can't afford a video game console. Priorities.

[Convas]

I understand that everyone likes gaming, but even at $400, the PS4 is still a premium item.

Needs come before wants in these situations, and consoles are definitely wants.

No hits from me.

[raytraceme]

As much as I hate MS the whining about something this small is really becoming absurd and annoying.

[No_Limit]

LOL, Low income gamers shouldn't be buying $400 plus game systems at launch. Who approves these moronic articles?

Worst case scenario, take the Xbox to a place like Starbuck or a public library that has wifi and register the console if it has to come down to it.

[BLKxSEPTEMBER]

It's n4g...anything anti MS gets approved here. What a dumb ass article. As if someone who can't afford internet could afford a 500$ system.

[FlunkinMonkey]

Pot calling kettle black??? When the PS3 came out you ignorant MS bellends came out in full force. The Ps3 was getting much more hate, now the tables have turned for logical reasons (not including this retarded article), and you're all up in arms. Pathetic.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

I would hope the retailers like Best Buy or Gamestop would help in this situation as well.

[sak500]

Welcome back buddy.. Been long time. MS needs help after all the B$ they bought onto themselves.

[NihonjinChick]

An internet connection sometimes costs more than a new console. In my area, you would spend more money setting up an internet connection than you would on a new console. Add the monthly bills to that and you can't even compare the price of internet to the price of a new console.

Although, I do agree to a degree. If you are that poor, you really shouldn't be buying a console near release.

[MarkusMcNugen]

No offense, but then you were not Microsofts original target demographic. Clearly they were targeting people who already have the internet.

[GiggMan]

The one time update kind of sucks. This is my dilemma. My son want's an Xbox One for Christmas which bodes well for me because I'm getting a PS4 on launch.

We spend Christmas out of town at my parents house for the week every year. They don't have an internet connection so it looks like I'm going to have to open it before Christmas and run the update from home just so he (we) will be able to play it out the box Christmas morning.

The point is I guess it's no big deal but it's still inconvenient. I"m just glad our scheme worked and the wife went for it. We get both consoles :-)

[ceedubya9]

Perhaps there will be an ability to put the update on a flash drive ahead of time. Hopefully your son won't have to go through Christmas without his new console. It seems that using a mobile phone to update is an option as well if your phone and provider allow it.

[sway_z]

Aye you're a good dad Giggzy :)

[GiggMan]

@ceedubya9 I have 4g hotspot on my work cell but trust me have you ever tried getting a data signal in the boonies in Virginia lol? I will just update it as soon as I get it at home. Test it out and pack it back up. He shouldn't know the difference.

@Sway_z I appreciate that even though the wife is buying it lol. He wanted a PS4 so I had to give unlimited access to mine so we can have both consoles.

[ceedubya9]

Ha. Gigg, I know all about the boonies of VA. Good Luck man!

[rainslacker]

LOL, internet commentors have no place to tell others what they should do with their money, particularly since you can't truly speak for everyone's situation. Especially since the term low income doesn't mean dirt poor.

http://www.prb.org/Articles...

"The report defines low-income working families as those earning less than twice the federal poverty line. In 2011, the low-income threshold for a family of four with two children was $45,622."

Now, $45,622 isn't a lot for a family of four. But it's enough to spend $500 on a console should they have the means and will to do so.

Otherwise, I do agree somewhat with your last statement. If they truly want the thing, then there are probably ways for them to get it working. It's even quite possible they would have internet. Other means will probably be provided as well, possibly an update disc direct from MS. At some point you just can't really cater to every possible scenario anymore, and consoles got there this past gen.

[Funky Town_TX]

Ship disc in box with FW update, issue solved. Flash FW before shipping unit, issue solved.

[IcicleTrepan]

It is possible that the FW update will be downloadable like on the 360. Download and burn to disc at friend or library and then bring home.

[creatchee]

Those are really good ideas, you two. Microsoft needs some forward thinkers like you these days lol

[Vip3r]

Disks are really, really expensive and at $499, Microsoft can't be too generous as it could hamper profits.

...

[rainslacker]

They could make a limited number of discs available to retailers, or directly from MS, to solve customer returns. Retailer could go on an honor system and just ask the customer to bring it back, most probably would.

If you could just download a disc, then why not just use the internet at the download point in the first place? I imagine some code signing would be required anyways, otherwise it would leave the system wide open to easy jailbreaks.

Although, if MS is requiring you to register the device itself online, and not just firmware updates, there's probably no way around it.

I imagine everyone has at least one friend with internet. Some stores may be willing to allow you to use theirs for the time it takes to register/download...particular ly if it means not having a returned console.

[cervantes99]

Food, Shelter and Clothing come before a $500 console. What a stupid, stupid article.

[sway_z]

Another neg. xbox one article...every last bit of dirt they can dig up eh?

Low income families still seem to be able to afford ipads, iphones and other expensive electrical items, and I understand you can use a mobile internet to activate X1 for those without a sub based ISP. Dongles will work, according to MS.

The old saying goes 'if you really want it bad enough, you find a way to get it'

[FlyGuyHung]

Aside from the obvious 'low income families wont be buying this in the first place' comments there could be a system in place where you can do that update via the place of purchase as an option for those with no internet connection.
That is a bit far-fetched but basically its an 'issue' that could be fixed that easy.

[GDDR6_2014]

New rule: low income people don't buy $500 gaming consoles

[Funky Town_TX]

Looks like 2013 and 2014 will be all anti xbox one.

[cervantes99]

This just in - Ferrari blocks low income people from buying a luxury automobile - jeesh!

[xtremexx]

i know right, such douchebags.

[True_Samurai]

Aw come on! It's just a one time setup!... Hold on.. How can a low income consumer afford a $500 console anyway!

[xtremexx]

if you are low income and dont even have internet, why the hell would you buy a $500 console?

[despair]

never underestimate people, they make some really stupid decisions sometimes.

[xtremexx]

lol

[Imalwaysright]

A person witthout internet connection can easily go to a friends house and set up the xbone.

[Abriael]

if you're a "low income customer" you probably shouldn't buy a $500 console.

[360ICE]

Kind of annoying, but let's be honest: There is no such person as someone who can buy a next-gen console and not get a one time Internet access.

Hook it up on a Starbucks, even.

[nick309]

What if the internet in my whole area is down? That happens alot.

[True_Samurai]

Do you have a smartphone? Hot spot? Problem solved

[whoyouwit04]

Then wait for it to come back up, that what if me internet is down is a dumb argument when you only have to connect to to web once.

[Harmonizer]

Low income doesn't mean poor. Just saying

[AlexanderNevermind]

I guess my question is the console is what 6 months out from today. Why doesn't MS send a physical disk with the unit to do the one time update. May gain more customers......just saying

[Harmonizer]

Good point, i'd love to see Done Matricks response to that question :)

Just saying....

[MarkusMcNugen]

Money. While discs are relatively cheap to manufacture, millions of them is not cheap by any means.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

This is just reaching a bit if you ask me. If they are "low income" what the hell are they doing spending $500 on a console?

[sway_z]

Low income households can still afford Xbox One or any luxury item. It may take them longer, or end up paying twice the value via credit, but I feel it's wrong to suggest anyone shouldn't be able to buy anything due to their finances or that they wouldn't want to.

I'm not pointing any fingers btw :)

[BattleTorn]

So are car companies wrong in not target people who can't afford gas and insurance?

Should refrigerator manufactures target those without electricity?

Koolaid should make a product for those without running water?

How far do you feel companies should go to accommodate those who don't have the means to use their product?

Ever heard of "batteries not included"? Companies sometimes presumed that by purchasing their product you've considered whether you'll be able to actually use, or getting it working.

[GiggMan]

I agree with you. I know a few people who can be considered low income and go by the "where there is a will, there is a way" mentality.

People on here fronting like they aint got no worries. lol

[sway_z]

GiggMan >well said, bubz 4 u

...I refuse to front on N4G bragging on what I don't have, when the people that really have it are very coy about discussing wealth. Only those new to wealth or dreamers boast about money openly.

I am not Wealthy nor Middle Class, I'm from a 'Working Class' family with priorities like the majority of the Earth's population. I resent the notion that people with less should somehow not be able to acquire desirable things....

There is a reason something is considered 'Must Have' and the gaming industry is reliant on a mass adoption philosophy to succeed, and that includes the affluent and the not so affluent.

Finally...

@Battle Torn

With respect dude, I don't have a clue what you're trying to say there....it's a bit broad and you seemingly have gone off a tangent.

[GiggMan]

Exactly. @ Sway_z.

I work for a living and I'm not going to lie. I had to justify getting a PS4. Luckily it should be releasing around my birthday in November so the cards kind of fell into place.

Luckily I was able to convince my son to "ask" for an Xbox One for Christmas or else the wife would have had my head...

[GARBAGE LICKER]

Dont worry Best Buy geek squad will charge 100 dollars to do the initial set up

[Parapraxis]

This article is really pushing it.
gimmegimmegames.com huh... how about gimme gimme something decent to read instead of this flamebait garbage.

[badboy776]

gamestop will have internet at the store lol.

[HappyWithOneBubble]

I'm on low income and I'm not buying a PS4 anytime soon unless I put aside $50 a month but that still won't be enough for PS4 on launch day. I could sell my PS3 but it has too many great games coming and still a huge library of games I still want to play so not selling it.

[No_Limit]

Watch now when the PS4 will also have a day one patch for PSN. N4G headline will be "Sony is improving PSN feature on day of release, online fees justified"

[AlexanderNevermind]

Bro their system will work without the one day patch whereas the X1 will not (unless your connected online)....just sayin

[Enigma_2099]

As much as they don't want to believe it, there ARE houses that don't have internet access. So there are still people that won't be able to play the d*** thing right out of the box!

@Dlacy13g

They made some sacrifices. Not like they need food or electricity to play an XboxOne, right?

[BattleTorn]

This is kinda like someone going to buy a car, but afford gas.

[MaverickStar7]

People are automatically assuming low income consumers all make wise decisions when it comes to how they spend their money. Nope. Many choose to spend their money on entertainment over more practical things. Its not up to any of us how they spend their money. What does matter is that still needing an internet connection for system set up still excludes people who don't have internet. These customers don't have to be launch customers, they can save their money or wait for a price drop. Two years down the road, unless something changes they still can't get this console. The argument really should not be about low income customers. Its about excluding customers who do want to play online. There are many gamers who still only choose to play the single player, offline games.

[BX81]

A bit off topic but can someone clarify for me? Does kinect have to be plugged in for the xbox one to work? I ask because there was another article about speculation of different SKU's being released by MS upon xbox one's launch. The writes seemed to think they would offer a $399 xbox with out kinect. I was under the impression that you needed kinect to operate the xbox one. It was a speculation article.

[Neoninja]

Kinect must be plugged in for it to work from everything I have read.

[ceedubya9]

Unless Microsoft changes their minds, then the Kinect has to be plugged in. It is basically a part of the console. That could change, but doesn't seem likely right now. They really should just take the hit and offer it all for 399, or at least offer more value in the box like an included 12 month Live Subscription.

[CoLD FiRE]

They already offer a free 12 month Live Subscription if you pre-order the console. I'd rather they release an SKU with a smaller HDD than a Kinect-less SKU.

[Belking]

Stupid article. If you buy a $499 console then it's possible that you can afford the internet.

[ShaunCameron]

Just like it's possible that you can afford a $60 game.

[PositiveEmotions]

Ms is still screwing up

[ceedubya9]

In this case, that's a bit of a stretch.

[PositiveEmotions]

I just think ms should remove internet set up.

[MarkusMcNugen]

You are entitled to your opinion PositiveEmotions (Bit of a contradiction in the name department considering the comment) :p. But its really not that big of a deal.

[Psychotica]

Ferrari seems to block low income people too, dam them!

[ShaunCameron]

Ditto for Apple.

[Thepcz]

console gaming was suppose to be a plug-and-play alternative to the NIGHTMARE of complexities involved in pc gaming.

so what happened? how did we get to this point where console gaming has become the same stress filled nightmare associated with pc gaming?

we dont want all this small print trickery, we want straight forward gaming.

online should be a choice, an extra, something you can do if you so please. microsoft are simply RAMMING its down our throats

[CoLD FiRE]

Really? You're complaining about the internet...on the internet!

[SpinalRemains138]

He's speaking for those without it, or without access to it.

Not all ppl are self centered and unable to think about others.

[EffectO]

They can buy PS4.

[GamePeace]

Who's born quadratic , cannot become round.

What is the wolf changing? The wolf changes pelt, but not habits...

[wtopez]

I waiting for the XBOX ONE: THE CAUSE OF CANCER article. JFChrist!

[keabrown79]

Just goes to show you that people will always find something to hate on.

[Groo]

The definiton of low income I believe has changed a bit in America.. Myself as do a lot of Good Americans work our azzes off to get our bills paid, feed our families and Make ends meet etc.. with the way the economy is today. Tighter budgets are a must yet In my line of work I see it everyday because I work in the "low income" areas in my state and see people that have no job and will never get a job doing way better off then a lot of people who have jobs and work hard for a living.., they play the system and do nothing but sit on their azzes allday getting fat and doing absolutley nothing because said people feel entitled to do nothing, cleaning out Walmarts of food with their free money and having $50,000 cars parked in their driveway... the new definition of Low Income in America now use to be called Blue Collar..

[guerojose]

Like all the other nonsense, they still haven't explained exactly WHY this is necessary. This isn't a "patch", as they're not even manufacturing systems yet, and can include whatever changes in the final system. More likely, this is yet another stealth DRM they don't want to fully explain. I've lived in countries where, believe it or not, people still game even if they don't have internet. Like I said, the box better have a big red warning label so consumers see this requirement.

[Npugz7]

Oh frig off! If you can't have any Internet connection at all than you probably shouldn't buy the product moron!!!!!

[ghostrider32]

The Xbox One got Republican written all over it.

[CoLD FiRE]

How about you take your political agenda out of our gaming?

[shinrock]

I have a question. When you set up ur PS4 for the 1st time, won't you have to hook up to the internet to setup ur acouunts and such to psn so it can run on ur brand new system? does the PS4 play anything srt8 out of the box.?

[brich233]

The Wii U required a system update day 1, and so will the Ps4 and the Xbox One, so this article is irrevelant. Day 1 update is the future for everything.

[Darkshader01]

MS already alienate people living in third world countries. It is hard for them to purchase games constantly, but now you will require them to pay internet monthly. Besides, their internet is not as fast as we have here in the western hemisphere.

[OneAboveAll]

Can't afford internet? Can afford $500 console. Yea...

[MrBuffalo]

I think the biggest scandal is that it requires electricity to run.

[WoundingAgate]

but since other countries get it later it might be pre-installed since this are lanch versions its bound to change in later editions of the XBOX.

[Thunderhawkxbox]

I'm sure who can afford Xbox one they can pay for Internet too people need to get a life instead of saying crap about Xbox one

[oscarcat59]

Who is the idiot that came up with this complaint. If you can't afford internet you better not buy a console. I think you would have more to worry about than games like food and shelter moron.

[headblackman]

stop being cheap ass cry babies. it cost like it does because it has a lot of new and innovative stuff in it that's worth it. its way more stuff in it than in the ps4. the most expensive thin in the ps4 is the ram. other than that, its just basic and bland. I don't mind paying for quality. everything can't be free you cheap asses.

[Sayai jin]

Article does not make since. If they were low income then how would they afford a $500 console?

[thecurseddevil]

now,people are simply being assholes.

[BallsEye]

WTF??? really now?? Ps4 blocks poor people by requiring electricity..SERIOUSLY NOW PEOPLE?

[superkidcupid13]

if you need foodstamps,rocks,bottlecaps,ca ns,sticks,anythings that is not regualr currency...u shouldnt b buying a console in the first place...whether it b xbox 1 or the ps4...both consoles arent guna b for low income comsumers

[Tzuno]

Is never enough, isn't it?

[Clarence]

Stupid article now their nitpicking.

[ThatsGaming]

Hard to believe that if you don't have an internet connection that you would be able to spend $400-500 on a console plus buying games.

That is probably less than 1% of gamers worldwide.

Also, people should be hitting companies like Ubisoft and Bungie who are building games that require online. That is a more disturbing trend than a console that has to connect to the Internet once at setup...

[SpinalRemains138]

Who cares.

If it won't sell where ppl can't get a connection, then so be it.

Those people are better off getting the lower priced, better console in ps4 anyway.

[wannabe gamer]

gah just share connection from cell phone to PC then share the network port to the xbox and bam onetime validation completed. .hell ive even played Multiplayer doing that before too.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

So does the Wii U, so does the Xbox 360, so does the PS3 and so will the PS4.

I'm the first to stick up for low income gamers and people on a budget but this is just another smear piece.

[bohemian 23]

Why does this crap get approved? This isn't news in the slightest bit, and it does nothing productive for this site or its users. This is just another story to get people arguing. To take advantage of most features for either console is going to require a connection to the Internet. I'm guessing if you can't afford Internet, that you're not going to drop four or even five hundred for a new console. Obviously some people still will, but you can't please everyone.

[CaulkSlap]

No the $499 price blocks low income. Living in rural areas and horrible internet providers block access to broadband.

[buynit]

Everyone wants to be a super hereo..

Complaining about a 1 time internet connection while on the internet.. The irony...

" bu bu but joe what about joe he lives in a rural area!"

Why dont you pack your shit and move in with joe so you can cry together.

[MikeyDucati1]

In their defense, that's pretty much the norm for all consoles. You can go without internet but most of the time, in order to enhance your gaming experience, you must update your console/game. I believe there are options to get internet that are cheap. It's just that it is not broadly available in alot of areas. And some areas just have a company that has an monopoly and offer packages at high prices. This is my complaint about DRM. How can you push for DRM and the new digital age when internet is nowhere near where it needs to be for it to work as smoothly as they envisioned?

[S2Killinit]

I don't think this would be an issue though.

[ironwolf]

Low income? Buy a sandwich, not a $500 game console. How much stupider can these articles get?