170°

"Absolutely Not" True That Microsoft Is Backing Away From Console Gaming, Xbox Exec Says

"We are more committed to our console and the future of that console than we have ever been."

Read Full Story >>
gamespot.com
tinynuggins3387d ago

The idea of upgradable consoles shouldn't have a negative impact on consoles. It's simply providing more options and it's how it should have always been in my opinion. As long as you can play the same game on your Xbox one as you can on your new 4k Xbox one and pc, what's the big deal? Developers can develop a game on pc and let it scale down appropriately depending on which device you're running.

Godmars2903387d ago

Thing is console owners are going to run into the same issue PC owners do. Namely, wanting and buying a game then discovering they need to upgrade. With possibly the difference of being able to play it at lower quality.

MCTJim3387d ago

No sir, the universal app will enable it to run across all platforms. Dev's will be able to develop for the highest level and it will step down for those systems with less umph. So if I have the best hardware available and you dont it will run on both. One will be better performing.

Eonjay3387d ago

The thing is, Microsoft still hasn't neen clear about their plans which is really weird because all the wind up doing is causing confusion.

When they make press announcements they need to be clear with their messaging.

No one xan even say with certainty that the supposed upgradable console is even the Xbox One. We donr even know if there is an upgradable console coming or if he is refering to being able to play all you Xbox one games on all Windows 10 devices like tablets and PC.

None of these articles acknowledge that they dont have a damn clue because there are no clues. Only PR

christocolus3387d ago

@Eonjay

"The thing is, Microsoft still hasn't neen clear about their plans which is really weird because all the wind up doing is causing confusion. "

Agreed. We should wait and see what they have to say at GDC and maybe Build and E3 too. They really haven't outlined their plans yet. so we know nothing, all we keep reading are assumptions so farr.

Aenea3387d ago

Yup, seeing a trailer for a game and not knowing how it's going to look on the console you own is a bad thing, I don't like that idea at all.

Already not liking when you don't know if it's PC footage or console footage when you see gameplay, let alone when this is going to happen with console exclusive games and you have no clue yet how it's going to look.

Nope, not liking this idea at all... Well, maybe I have mixed feelings about it.

Aenea3387d ago

@MCTJim

Ahhh, MS and their buzzwords, Universal Apps is the new thing now that everyone seems embrace and looks smitten at.

I just wish people knew what it actually meant and that still all the old issues of having to support and test and debug for different hardware specs is still the same as it always has been.

Only thing that it's making easier is to port programs from one device to the next, but you're forgetting that it means the program needs to only use the common denominator of all the supported devices, sure it might scale certain things like resolution or assets but a program optimised for one set of hardware works best on that particular set of hardware so the program will still contain pieces that will only be used for certain devices otherwise it won't perform well at all.

Thing is, the only difference with the old way and Universal Apps is that with an Universal App all the specific code for all the different devices is all in the same app while with the old way each app version only included the code for the device it was meant to be for.

All the programming hassles are still the same...

Godmars2903387d ago

"We should wait and see what they have to say at GDC and maybe Build and E3 too."

And the thing with that is that we really wont know what MS has planned until its actually out in the world.

mikeslemonade3387d ago

Of course they would say that. That's PR speak. They consoles to sell right now!

freshslicepizza3387d ago

@Godmars290
"Thing is console owners are going to run into the same issue PC owners do. Namely, wanting and buying a game then discovering they need to upgrade."

more fear mongering. nothing phil said or anyone else in the xbox team has said such things. in fact the opposite was said and that is backwards comparability. funny how the one company who is making backwards compatibility for free on the xbox one still has a bunch of folks out there trying their best to do their usual smear campaigning.

"With possibly the difference of being able to play it at lower quality."

what's the problem with that? why is having options now a bad thing? why is having an option to upgrade that could play games like halo 5 in 4k an issue when those who have the original xbox one can still play it?

GameNameFame3387d ago

@MCTJim

Except if that was true, you wouldnt have to upgrade PC.

LOl. I love people damage control this as if this is some new magical thing.

No, PC had this "feature" from the beginning. Upgradeable configuration means less optimization. That means less cost efficiency.

It will be better buying PC instead

_-EDMIX-_3387d ago

Agreed. I think its a bad idea and fragments the market, something that is counter productive to the concept of consoles in the first place.

Developers like knowing that everyone is jumping to the next gen together and on the same page, not this upgrade junk as it also means many developers may not make that jump if they don't see an adoption to the new upgrade fast enough to justify losing money.

Make new hardware and call it a day. I don't see the point in stagnating the generation. They basically could be handing Sony yet another freebie to run the whole next gen with PS5 legit being the only next gen platform in regards to power.

4Sh0w3387d ago (Edited 3387d ago )

Godmars290
"Namely, wanting and buying a game then discovering they need to upgrade. With possibly the difference of being able to play it at lower quality."

-but that's normal, if you paid for a particular setup, thats what you get to play. pc gamers never cry like it's their right to play a new game on ultra settings when they did not invest the money into the latest high end rig to do so.

Aenea
"Yup, seeing a trailer for a game and not knowing how it's going to look on the console you own is a bad thing, I don't like that idea at all."

-Really?, 99% of the games released get verified pc & console gameplay footage shown off across the internet BEFORE release, in the odd case you don't see it how about wait 1 day after release when there's footage of tons of gamers out their playing.(not that I've never seen enough difference through pc vs console trailers to ever care)

Godsmars290
"And the thing with that is that we really wont know what MS has planned until its actually out in the world."

-Well not exactly I'm sure their plans will at least be discussed in more detail poor to release >>IF<< indeed this is the direction they are going in, but either way it doesnt make much sense to get to far ahead of ourselves before we know what they're doing.

EDMIX
"I think its a bad idea and fragments the market, something that is counter productive to the concept of consoles in the first place."

-Hold on, I've heard for a very long time now that Xbox pc exclusives meant you don't need a Xbox, so wouldn't their market already be fragmented? X1 on its way to likely 24-25 million sold by years end, OK so that's not as great as ps4 but why can't the next Xbox continue to co-exist with pc even closer? Assuming the next Xbox is a hybrid console/pc setup why is that evolution bad when ps4 will still be a great alternative and those same Xbox games will be on pc? I like the idea because maybe just maybe such a hybrid will be the middle ground home console-pc box that may appeal to alot of folks.

lol, aren't we forgetting that if you don't like this idea you will still be able to play Xbox games on pc? It's very different if for example this was Sony releasing the ps4 with some very, very fundamental changes to the traditional console with no there option of playing Sony exclusives....no here you have another well known pc platform to access Xbox games.

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 3387d ago
rdgneoz33387d ago

No where in the article does it mention anything about upgradeable consoles... It was only talking about xbox one games coming to the PC.

As for upgradeable consoles, you tread a fine line if you do that. Graphics aren't the only thing that can be improved upon, destruction and the size of the map can be increased as well. If someone goes into a store, sees a game that says xbox one, buys it, and goes home. How would they feel when they pop it in and see that features are missing because they didn't have an add-on, so the console "scaled" it down for them?

donthate3387d ago

It is isn't even clear if the console is more of a model refresh as opposed to a upgrade part. I vote the former as more likely ala iPhone type release schedule.

That said, yeah this is going to be great for Xbox games. You will now have opportunity to get faster innovation into consoles instead of being stuck with stale and static hardware for a half a decade or more.

AizenSosuke3387d ago

Um there are backing away from console business and going into the steambox business because upgradable consoles sounds like a steam box to me.

UKmilitia3387d ago

i disagree.
i game on consoles so that everyone is playing the same way as me,the only exception is differnt tv and maybe a differnt pad.
not with an unlevel playing field like on pc.

Erik73573387d ago

Well duh guys no one is gonna openly say they are leaving it ..

TheSaint3386d ago (Edited 3386d ago )

"We will never sell Xbox without Kinect"

"Absolutely not true that Microsoft is backing away from console gaming"

We'll see.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 3386d ago
Godmars2903387d ago

They're just putting themselves in a position where they can.

WeAreLegion3387d ago

Depends. Will the Xbox Two be a PC with Windows 10 and the Xbox logo slapped on it?

The line between console and PC is blurring.

donthate3387d ago

This line has been blurring for a long time, but the defining factor of a console has always been 10-feet user interface, ease of use, instantness and controller.

In recent time, it also means universal features (as opposed to PCs fragmented) such as game chat, party chat and so on.

All of this will be retained and the hardware below it has never really mattered.

slasaru013387d ago

If PC means you can run PhotoShop and recode videos, than NO. Xbox "PC" will only be able to play games with some standard universal apps. No nude mods for you

Overload3387d ago

"We are more committed to our console and the future of that console than we have ever been."

That doesn't make any sense.

You've taken exclusive games from one platform and put them on another making them console exclusives. That is by definition having less commitment to the Xbox One than you previously did.

TwoForce3387d ago

That's just odd for them to say that.

ThePope3387d ago (Edited 3387d ago )

If they are able to bring some games that were/are/would be exclusive to PC to X1 because of the shared architecture would that amount to more commitment to you?

Is the ONLY way to judge commitment by how many exclusives a console has?

Would a "console" exclusive i.e. not on PS4 be beneficial to the X1?

If MS releases more "console" exclusives than it did last gen, would you consider that increased commitment?

If MS was able to make more money releasing on PC/X1 and in turn make more games would that be good? Or does it have to come to the X1 and ONLY the X1 to be considered a good thing?

slate913387d ago

For forum-warriors they need it be the X1 or PS4 only. They dont see the business side of this industry, only the imaginary war.

Overload3387d ago

The Xbox One is the first console in history to have 0 fully exclusive games.

ThePope3387d ago

@Overlord

And with 20 million consoles sold. What does that mean?

DragonDDark3387d ago

20M sold before we knew they were doing this plan

FTFY

christocolus3387d ago (Edited 3387d ago )

@Pope

Well said. Until MS goes into more detail about their plans nobody knows anything so for now people will just keep assuming and looking for ways to downplay this. let them.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3387d ago
Manic20143387d ago

Technically for them Xbox One and Wind10 is becoming a single platform. With universal apps, they're aiming to merge the two. That's been their aim since Windows 10 announcement. I think right now we only see the benefit being one sided, with games going from Xbox to PC but their end game is to make it work both ways. Xbox to PC, PC to Xbox.

https://twitter.com/Prophec...

Phil also stated Cross buy is also their future for exclusives, so that's another thing I for one would appreciate, as I have both Xbox One and a Gaming PC.

Automatic793387d ago (Edited 3387d ago )

@Manic

Well said, additionally, a new Forza got teased for E3 recently coming to Xbox One plus more new game announces and more games are in development for Xbox One. I dont see nothing negative. Can't wait for E3.

christocolus3387d ago (Edited 3387d ago )

The new upgradable Xbox should be called Xbox Infinity. :)

donthate3387d ago

How is that less commitment?

Before and after, you still have the same games, and can do the exact same thing with your console. On top of this, you now have more benefits.

That said, in a twisted fanboy world you lost "value", which is really just you feeling as if you lost something yet the console is exactly the same with more features.

Go figure!

DragonDDark3387d ago (Edited 3387d ago )

Let me ask you something.
I now have a Ps4 and a very good windows 10 PC.

Can you list me why I should buy an XB1 now? I was leaning to buying it because of the exclusives but after all of this happened, i don't really have any reason to buy it.

So most gamers who do have a capable PC won't really give an eye to the XB1. Which also means Less hardware sales for MS. But of course, more software sales.

Please say that i'm wrong now.

christocolus3387d ago (Edited 3387d ago )

@Dragondark

You are the exact type of gamer MS wants to bring into the windows/xbox ecosystem. They are giving you more options..You don't need to buy an xbox console but you get to pay for and play Xbox software on your windows PC. win win...

DragonDDark3387d ago (Edited 3387d ago )

@chris
So hardware doesn't matter to MS anymore or what?
I wouldn't buy an XB1.. how can they sell more xb1s like that?

xasz3387d ago

@dragonddark

The main goal for platform holders is not to sell you hardware.

It's to make money off of software, online subscriptions and 3rd party licenses.

They merely use hardware as a tool to do that. That's why consoles are considered loss leaders.

Any profit they get from the hardware itself is a bonus, but traditionally, console hardware tends to sell at either a loss or at least a break-even point. But then platform holders don't mind because they're making money off of software and services.

donothate3387d ago

dragonddark:

You should buy an Xbox now because you already are familiar with MS first party games that you enjoy, already own the games as cross-buy i.e. invested into the platform, find the hardware cheaper than PC and would like to play games in the living room with unified friend/chat system, and all the conveniences of a console.

That is why!

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3387d ago
gangsta_red3387d ago

Times are changing. It's obvious that consoles in the traditional sense are no more.

We already have consoles doing a lot more than just gaming. We have both companies trying to expand into the living room, both companies trying to have services that seamlessly work across multiple devices.

MS is pushing Win 10/PC as their own platform. Their games can only be purchased from their store and used on their OS.

Think of it as when a game releases at the same time for PS3/PS4 and Vita. Sony is supporting all their platforms with these type of games. MS is doing the same thing.

xasz3387d ago

How many console-only owners are going to spend money on a PC able to run those games?

What exact percentage of the console market would do that?

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3387d ago
esmittystud1013387d ago

Okay, I'm starting to feel a little better about this. My whole thing is, what is upgradable that the consumer could handle doing. Swapping out an internal HDD for PS4 or X1 is pretty easy for the most part but anything else might have the consumer a little confused. I'm not gonna lie though, I bought an Xbox One for exclusive games. So yeah, theses announcements have not been the most exciting times ever.

Show all comments (75)
210°

ROG Xbox Ally World Premier Reveal Trailer | Xbox Games Showcase

Meet the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. Coming this holiday 2025.

Introducing the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X – two new premium handhelds that combine the power of Xbox with the freedom of Windows 11. This holiday, players can discover another way to play as we combine the power of Xbox with the freedom you expect from Windows 11, created together with ASUS. And this is only the beginning.

•ROG Xbox Ally: powered by the AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor - balancing performance and power consumption to maximize battery life without sacrificing gameplay quality - 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage.
•ROG Xbox Ally X: features the AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme processor - allowing us to bring new experiences to life including greater frames-per-second, sharp visuals and increased intelligence - double the storage to have more native games at your fingertips, and 24GB of high-speed RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.

darthv722d ago

I feel this is just a stop gap until their own dedicated portable, or the release of their next console/PC.

Obscure_Observer2d ago

"I feel this is just a stop gap until their own dedicated portable, or the release of their next console/PC."

Indeed.

Xbox, PC and Playstation in the palm of your hand!

I can´t wait!

ravens522d ago

... You don't have to wait...They have devices capable of this already...

Obscure_Observer1d 17h ago

@ravens52

"... You don't have to wait...They have devices capable of this already..."

I rather play my games with asymmetrical analog sticks and Xbox controller layout, thanks.

ravens521d 8h ago

Pair ya Xbox controller lol 😉. Jk. Don't get ya panties in a wod. You like it, I love that for you. Enjoy Obscure!

azedean2d ago

Too thic for me, I'll wait until we have that power on a more handheld console not a transportable one.

anast2d ago

The fruits of the fans' labor is starting to bear fruit.

2d ago Replies(1)
DivineHand1252d ago (Edited 2d ago )

With it's light weight version of windows, ergonomic controls, gaming performance, and open system with multiple store launchers, it may be the best handheld on the market. This device is more pro consumer instead of a handheld that just plays Xbox games.

If my cash wasn't so tight this year I would be looking to pick up one at or around launch and I have no issues recommending it to any gamer as long as it is within their price range.

PapaBop2d ago

Pro consumer? Have you seen the rumoured price for it? At that price and using an LCD panel, pro consumer is not the words I'd use to describe it.

DivineHand1252d ago

So for you if it had an OLED screen but stay in a closed walled off software ecosystem, that would be pro consumer?

This is for the people who want an ergonomic handheld with as much power they could possibly get without compromising the battery life. It also gives you the ability to connect to your own display or an external GPU for those with the budget. What I love about it the most is that you have multiple competing store fronts so you can shop around for the best prices for your games.

BeHunted2d ago

Agree to disagree. This would open up a new era of Windows Handheld gaming devices: a cut down version of Windows with no bloatware, with hundreds of gaming clients.

crazyCoconuts2d ago

"cut down version of Windows without bloatware"
No such thing exists. Temper your expectations... Windows launching straight into the Xbox app.

mkis0072d ago

It doesn't play all xbox games though. It plays pc games, meaning if you don't have play anywhere titles, you have to buy them again.

DivineHand1252d ago

Right now that is a small inconvenience as the play anywhere program is not perfect.

You have to consider that it is offering something that no one else is doing for a large number of titles. That small nitpick should not count against this device and we as gamers should support moves like this.

crazyCoconuts2d ago

Would you still consider this pro consumer if you learned this is just MS' way of telling you there won't be any more consoles, just PCs?

DivineHand1251d 14h ago

If it means I won't have to pay any subscription fees for online gaming I would say yes to that.

Show all comments (37)
470°

Nintendo Switch 2 sales shatters records, most-sold console in 24-hour period

The Nintendo Switch 2 has set a new record by selling over 3 million units within 24 hours, tripling the PlayStation 4’s previous launch day sales.

Read Full Story >>
tweaktown.com
Jin_Sakai4d ago

Crazy. Switch 2 is going to do very well.

darthv723d ago (Edited 3d ago )

No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.

The number of SW2 specific titles pales in comparison to the variety of SW1 games that get a performance boost right out of the box on this. And like the SX and PS5 before it, you can bet the majority are going to be using it as a means to better enjoy their existing titles that can benefit.

This may have been quick out of the gate... so was the WiiU. I quite enjoy it for what it is, but am keeping my expectations in check.

GenoPurpel3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

The Switch 2’s price point is great and fine and it’s still cheaper than the current gen of consoles aside from the Series S.

The only place I think they will fall short is their software sales, which also in turn may affect the hardware sales but not significantly. Parents will be fine paying for the system for their kids, but one look at an $80-$90 price tag for a single video game, that is where a lot of people will draw the line. Maybe not so much the people who are in the “willing to pay because I buy deluxe editions anyway” crowd, but for parents specifically, more sacrifices are gonna need to be made in their choices of gifts for their kids.

OtterX3d ago

As a parent of 3 with a very modest income, it was very affordable bc I already had an immense library of games, and the Mario Kart bundle came out to only about €50 more than a standard bundle. Both Zeldas were upgraded w Family Expansion Pass that I already had. Many games were upgraded for free. The only additional game I bought was Fast Fusion for 14.99 which was a great purchase!

Killer2020UK3d ago

People seem to forget that the Switch was $299 at launch which in today's money is roughly $400. That makes the Switch 2 a $50 increase when inflation is taken into account compared to the original.

Yes, people have less spending power on average compared to 2017 (Switch launch year) but this is not the MASSIVE price hike that people are making out Nintendo to be doing.

raWfodog3d ago

“No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.”

It could also be many people rushing to buy to avoid any possible tariff hikes in the future, but I think it’s still a good sign that many people still want physical consoles. Congrats to Nintendo! I’m not getting one at this time though (unless I get it for a Xmas present for one of my kids).

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3d ago
1Victor3d ago

Congratulations Nintendo on finding the happy medium between their weak console and their invincible handheld plus learning from Sony and clearly defining the new console from the old unlike their Wii and Wii U just add a higher number simple yet effective 👍👍

victorMaje4d ago

Are people that keen on $90 games?
Is it true some remasters will also be $90?

DankSinatra3d ago

Tell me you don't research without telling me you don't research.

victorMaje3d ago

Nope. I didn’t research, I don’t own any Nintendo consoles and I had read on here something about $90 games on switch 2, so I guess it’s good now, people can calm down. Have a nice day :)

1nsomniac3d ago

I bought the Switch 2 I won’t be buying games at MK prices. I don’t ever pay over £45 for my games. Even my Nintendo switch exclusives I never paid more than £33 for.

franwex3d ago

I think the typo you put was meant to be $80.
Anyway, the answer to those questions seem to be yes.

victorMaje3d ago

Looks like I’ve been enlightened about the amount. Happy to see it’s not $90.

Sgt_Slaughter2d ago

Don't get your news from clickbait TikTokers/YouTubers, only go to the source (Nintendo) or reliable new outlets like IGN.

No game is $90 on the Switch 2, and they will never go there. Most games will be under $80, too.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 2d ago
gold_drake4d ago

cool
wasnt expecting it not to sell well

Profchaos3d ago

Its crazy that it's both the highest selling console on day 1 and people can walk into a store and buy it with no pre order

Ashunderfire863d ago

Yup while I was waiting in line from Best Buy for Switch 2, like I did for Switch 1 back in 2017, every waiting 12am was going to get a Switch 2! I was in the no preorder line too!

My friend manage to get 4 Switch 2s at his GameStop store, that was lowkey not busy at all. Got them all for himself and his family. Super easy to get a Switch 2 over PS5.

Profchaos3d ago

The struggle to get a ps5 was real had mates wait over 2 years for stock i got lucky and got it day 1 but still

Ashunderfire863d ago

I know and I also struggled getting a preorder for the PS5, when Walmart, Best Buy among other retailers open their preorders a day early before most of us realize it. I got my PS5 launch day thanks to YouTube Live Streamer Jake Randell. He helps people get preorders and launch consoles.

Neonridr2d ago

the PS5 also released during a global pandemic.

Ashunderfire862d ago

It’s funny how I got disagrees for speaking the truth for what I experienced getting the Switch 2. Nintendo had more copies of Switch 2 than Sony for the PS5.

Don’t be butthurt about this very fact. People on here disagreeing with crazy reasons lol

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 2d ago
hiawa233d ago

Doesn't that mean Nintendo made sure they had plenty of stock available at retail.

Profchaos3d ago

Yeah it's nice to see they prepped for it

adamwparker3d ago

Yeah, I remember reading an article over two years ago with Nintendo stating that they were going to do all that they could to make sure their next console didn't have the PS5/XBox reseller swiping /no stock fiasco happen to them.

Looks like they made sure production met demand. Refreshing to see that the reseller thing didn't trend and I hope a lot of people who bought multiple units for the sole reason to resell then at $1000 are now stuck with them.

jznrpg3d ago

It also means there isn’t a chip shortage when PS5/Xbox came out during pandemic

gold_drake3d ago

to be where fair, we had a current gen come out during covid ha

repsahj3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

I remembered I tried 7 pre-order events during the PS5 launch. I gave up and ended up buying 1 from a scalper. But now, I already secured 1 pre-order Switch 2 unit in my country very easy and without problems.

Neonridr2d ago

kudos to Nintendo for ensuring a healthy amount of stock.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 2d ago
Terry_B3d ago

Unlike the Switch 2 , the Playstation 4 was not sold on the same day in most regions.

3d ago
Show all comments (77)
170°

Final Fantasy IX 25th Anniversary Lottery Announced

Do not miss the Final Fantasy IX lottery commemorating its 25th anniversary and see the new merch release by Square Enix.

Read Full Story >>
gamersocialclub.ca
jznrpg4d ago

It would be nice if they had the lottery in other parts of the world as well.

CrimsonWing694d ago

I’m hoping Xbox Showcase will be where the Remake gets announced… freaking all this stuff with FF9’s anniversary and still nothing on the Remake…