Xbox Live on Switch: What is Nintendo thinking?

— Nintendo Enthusiast:

With the announcement of Xbox Live coming to Switch with any developer allowed to use it, I'm left wondering the logic behind Nintendo's thinking.

[Wulfer]

They think they want to win, that's what Nintendo is thinking!

[crazyCoconuts]

I think this is the most misreported story this year so far. Nintendo didn't go on record as agreeing to any of this. MS is making an API available to other consoles, no indication that Nintendo will actually use it. I feel like I missed something but can't find a source that supports this...

[AKR]

The report that was released via GDC is that Microsoft is developing an SDK that will allow developers to bring Xbox Live services to multiple devices, including Switch. For Microsoft to outright say that, it likely means Nintendo had approved the idea beforehand. If that really isn't the case, then why hasn't either Nintendo or Microsoft released a statement saying "No, that's not happening?" yet? It's been nearly a week at this point, so it looks like this is the case after all.

[crazyCoconuts]

I don't know...that doesn't even make rumor status in my book.

[CaptainCook]

You're right. Microsoft stragedy is to make Xbox Live API available to all developers for them to implement into their games with access to Cross-buy, cross-play, Achievements (Optional) etc. It's similar to what epics doing with Fortnite, the advantages with Xbox Live is it won't be exclusive to one dedicated Store.

[eagle21]

I agree with AKR.....

From my understanding (so far) this is a developer tool on a game by game basis. Most likely STRICT game by game basis. The mere fact it can be used for games on Nintendo Switch to access Xbox Live features is why this news is everywhere. But for whatever games strictly we don't know yet....one example of a game that most likely will use more advanced Xbox Live features is Minecraft. But the option is there for developers to take advantage of. I would think Nintendo would have to also approve this on a game by game basis for use on Switch. Will Nintendo approve Xbox Live for use in Mario Kart? I seriously doubt it lol. But maybe if a Grand Theft Auto came to Switch maybe they wouldn't mind....we'll just have to see.

[AnthonyDavis]

Nintendo and Microsoft are sell outs. They’re still not gonna win next gen.

[RizBiz]

Nintendo has absolutely nothing to lose by using XBL. Xbox gamers are the only ones who lose, because they'll be paying 3x the price for the exact same service.

[AKR]

XBL is only a paid subscription for Xbox devices. It's free on Windows and mobile, and Minecraft Switch users can just use their Microsoft account to login. The only cost associated with this as far as Switch is concerned is that Switch Online membership is required. So, users will essentially be paying Nintendo to access Microsoft's services...

[RizBiz]

I don't understand how XBox users can be okay with that. It's pretty ridiculous. I personally refuse to pay for any console online service because it's complete bullsh*t, regardless of the price.

[UltraNova]

Isnt it sad though? The very userbase that made XBL what it is today are the same ones who have to pay for literally everyone else to enjoy XBL for free...I m sorry but the Xbox console as a platform is becoming a joke and an insult to their longtime fans.

[2pacalypsenow]

That's because you don't use Xbox live to play online on PC and Mobile.

They're basically Silver accounts.

[badz149]

@2pacalypsenow

dude, what...? Silver accounts don't allow MP. just access to the store. the only thing missing from XBL on PC compared to Xbox are the monthly games. everything else is the same

[NXFather]

Yeah but, ain't no way at all that the Microsoft cloud will be anywhere close to free. Just look at the garbage crackdown 3.

[Shiken]

It could be that they are preparing for the XBox streaming service to be allowed on Switch, which would be a win, win, win.

Switch owners get more demanding games, MS gets to expand their service, and Nintendo reaches a wider audience of gamers.

[RizBiz]

How would XBL get switch more demanding games? Are you implying that M$ Cloud could stream to Switch? M$ Cloud is a f*cking joke.

[Shiken]

You do realize that MS is coming out with a streaming service similar to PSNow (which already can stream PS4 games) right? Are you implying that Sony are the only ones that have the technology to stream games?

Your reply is a f*cking joke.

[Marioraider18]

How about we wait for more information before jumping to conclusions

[ZeekQuattro]

Exactly. So many places are running with this story that you would've thought it was a done deal or something.

[Eonjay]

Plus they never said anything about Nintendo using it. They are saying it's a tool for developers to manage social gaming across devices. Developers will need to decide to use it or not. It doesn't manage Nintendo's own network.

[badz149]

but they did mention the Switch specifically in their announcement, though. not just "other consoles" but "Nintendo Switch" specifically. we already see it running in Minecraft down to even getting xbox achievements with it too and it looks like they are ready to deploy it to all other games on the system if Nintendo allows them to

[crazyCoconuts]

It's really telling about how shoddy "journalism" is, even from what we used to consider reputable sites. And when you see how readers aren't making the distinction it's easy to see how quickly disinformation spreads. Seems to be getting worse...

[letsa_go]

@crazyCoconuts That is because a lot of online media is dying....so they use hyped up, exaggerated headlines to bring in rage clicks. The leftist/SJW sites have been doing that more and more recently, hence the mass layoffs going on.

[AKR]

Here's the quote, straight from Microsoft's GDC schedule, pay attention to the last line:

"Now Xbox Live is about to get MUCH bigger. Xbox Live is expanding from 400M gaming devices and a reach to over 68M active players to over 2B devices with the release of our new cross-platform XDK.

Get a first look at the SDK to enable game developers to connect players between iOS, Android, AND SWITCH in addition to Xbox and any game in the Microsoft Store on Windows PCs."

- I don't see how people can keep interpreting this, lol. It's right there in black and white. This isn't an assumption or a rumor, it's straight from the horse's mouth. If you guys don't want to accept it, fine, but trying to make it seem like people are making up stories when the facts are right there doesn't make sense to me.

[AKR]

It's not "jumping to conclusions" when the information came from Microsoft itself.

[RauLeCreuset]

Microsoft never said Xbox Live is on Switch. They gave developers the ability to bring it to Switch. That's a key distinction. You jumped to the conclusion in an above post that what MS said likely means Nintendo already approved it.

[AKR]

RauLeCreuset:

The report came out of GDC straight from Microsoft. For it to be said to developers, must mean that Nintendo has approved it beforehand.

[RauLeCreuset]

Again, you're jumping to a conclusion. You asked earlier why Ninty or MS wouldn't refute the speculation. Remember the whole cross-play controversy MS instigated? Ninty may not want to look like the bad guy by explicitly shutting this down. MS has obvious self serving motive to let the speculation turn into expectation if they want to pressure Ninty into allowing this.

[AKR]

@RauLeCreuset:

I don't know why you just won't take it for what it is. This report came from Microsoft's OFFICIAL GDC schedule. When the event kicks off in a few weeks, we'll hear more about it.
If there was nothing to talk about, then why would so many outlets report on it? And yes, as I said earlier, if it was false or misinformation, then it would only be logical for either Nintendo or Microsoft to come out and clarify, which has happened on more than one occasion in the past (such as recently where Nintendo denied talking about a Switch redesign).

So, I'm not jumping to conclusions. If this were something posted by a random user on a forum or a quote from one of the many leakers, then sure - it would be classified as a rumor. But, this is info from Microsoft's own schedule. If that's enough to convince you, then so be it.

[RauLeCreuset]

AKR

What is your honest understanding of what "jumping to a conclusion" means?

[mcstorm]

It's always the same if sony said they were bringing trophies and psn to the switch it would be the best idea in the world but because its microsoft this site just likes to down play them.

Microsoft is not a daft company and it is about making money. Since the new head of Microsoft and Xbox have come in they have had the same ideas which is make Microsofts software available on all platforms. 365,mobile apps, xbox live, cross play and alot more. They tried to own the living room with the 360 and xbox one so to speak this did not work so they decided to change things and it's only a good thing.

From what we have heard about x cloud if you own the digital version of the game you can play it on any compatable x cloud device. I also expect game pass to come to this to.

Yes people pay for xbox live but what if x cloud becomes a part of this and anyone else has to pay X amount a month. Xbox live owners also get free stuff none xbox owners don't get including pc.

I find it funny that everyone hated microsoft the start of this gen because if what they did. Came out and called them the 180 company and then it was xbox has no games. Now its games are only ok, then buy studios and people still put a negative twist on things.

People say microsoft are the new Sega and I kind of agree but what microsoft are doing that Sega did not is adjusting to there strengths and its works in and out of gaming. People forget they are now tipped to be the 1st billion faller company which is amazing considering they lost alot of market share to Google, amazon and Apple.

[RauLeCreuset]

It's always the same. People looking to deflect imagine some hypothetical scenario in which hypocrites praise PS for doing something that back in the real world, outside of Imagination Land, Xbox is actually doing.

[sinspirit]

@mcstorm

Sony has a highly reputable history with consistently delivering on promises and quality products. Microsoft does not. Microsoft not only disappoints time and time again, but they blow things out of proportion and mislead the possibilities on purpose to grab as many headlines as they can.

"What if x cloud becomes a part of this". What if's don't matter here. X-cloud is just another promise. Wait for it to release and deliver before trying to throw it everywhere.

"Now its games are only ok". Yeah. Because, that's what they are. Okay games. It's not our fault they turned out this way by complaining about having none. Microsoft decided to "rush" them and I say rush because somehow they release with very little content, poor replayability, and average at best stories adorned with tons of CGI cutscenes and dramatic sequences despite taking forever to release in most cases.

You are right that they are pushing for multiple platforms to exist on. But, that's because XBox is hanging on by a thread. Public perception is terrible, sales are dwindling and the last big fans have had the last straw. It's not only not performing as a product, but the company itself is misleading, only worried about pushing headlines, and still worried about side projects over core products.

[mcstorm]

@sinspirit I get what your saying but Sony under deliver to this is just never made a big thing.
Move was not successful and did not get many games, wonder book for example. PsEye again something that never got pushed by Sony. Psv had no support after 12 months and cost a fortune due to memory cards. PSVR another device that is not getting that much support or even being pushed by the company.

Everyone has made mistake so big some small but what is funny is that no one on this site seems to linger on that it's all about what Nintendo and mocrosoft are going wrong.

That's my point with all this. Microsoft and Nintendo had to change thins with the Xbox one and the switch just like sony did with the ps3.

For me this gen has been quite a poor one all round for all 3 as Sony have given is poor racing and platform games only 1 FPS game and no real new IPs to shout about.

Microsoft have been poor on the exclusive front and onky real shout out games have been the Horizon games.

Nintendo have been giving us there usual games but nothing really new and poor online.

Its how you look at it rather than saying ooo xyz a are the best as they always do xyz. For me in terms of games that will go down as classics there has not been many from all 3 this gen.

[sinspirit]

@mcstorm

Sony's main focus is always on core gamers. Microsoft took all of their first party developers and focused on Kinect games and abandoned core gamers. The start of this gen needs no further explanation, and it would have been far worse if they hadn't 180'd last minute to save face on other anti-consumer features.

PSEye and Move were side projects that did not compromise the core audience.

Did I say Sony never disappoints or makes mistakes? Because, that doesn't mean that they don't consistently deliver on the front end. Don't deflect the good that they have done. That's called cherry-picking to support your claim. Trying to drag them down to Microsoft's level doesn't work. Try pushing Microsoft to new heights. Not drag competitors down by looking at their negatives.

PSVR has gotten more support than XBox has in terms of exclusives..

- "Sony have given is poor racing and platform games only 1 FPS game and no real new IPs to shout about."

Yeah.. Because, Bloodborne, God of War, Horizon: Zero Dawn, Until Dawn, Spider-Man, Uncharted, Nioh, Yakuza series, Detroit: Become Human, etcetera are all platformers? "No real new IPs". You clearly aren't looking. I'm not saying there are new IP's aplenty, but you're exaggerating for sake of pushing negativity. There are tons of multiplatform games that cover all the genres that Sony is weaker in. That's the point. They aren't going after hype and market trends. They are making genuinely unique, over the top, passionate, ground-breaking, and memorable experiences. Microsoft has been going after trends over and over rather then getting the right people for the job. They are competing against so many franchises that are available everywhere, and they're underwhelmingly doing it. I really do want their new studios deliver and do it bigger than they could before, but I will not have hope for anything Microsoft/XBox until these products come out and deliver.

- "For me in terms of games that will go down as classics there has not been many from all 3 this gen"

Well. Unfortunately, personal opinions don't hold weight in arguments. So, sorry you weren't interested in games this generation.

Where are the Nintendo dread articles? Microsoft and XBox get ragged on from everybody for many things. Abandoning their core audience, misleading/faked demonstrations, stealthily paying unspecified sponsorships to fake interest, business suits in charge, failure to provide exclusives, period, unclear studio development and durection, delayed microtransaction implementation until after reviews have been posted to avoid a lower score, their anti-consumer plans and lack of care until the sales were critically low. The platform is just not objectively good and there is no diamond in the rough to brag about. It's ridiculous that people try and play off of the One X now when that's not even close to the importance of the base unit.

"Its how you look at it rather than saying ooo xyz a are the best as they always do xyz."

But, you're trying to bring other brands down to their level to try and make XBox look alright. While spouting what everyone that is angry over PlayStation's dominance on this site. That apparently PS4 fans are against Nintendo and Microsoft which is absolutely untrue. Gamers, not PS4 fans, are against Microsoft. This site has many fans of both PS4 and Nintendo. Don't imagine this divide now that Nintendo is being cross-platform friendly and XBox is the one mainly pursuing due to being in a bad position.. It's not Nintendo and Microsoft together against Sony.

[RauLeCreuset]

The PS Eye that was preceded by the Eye Toy and succeeded by the PS camera that is now being used for PSVR? The PS Move that is being used for VR and has patents for a more VR focused redesign? PSVR isn't getting much support? It had a better 2018 exclusives lineup than Xbox, got a good push with multiple discounted bundles over the holidays, and had an innovative, critically acclaimed platformer in AstroBot that you must have forgotten when making your baffling comment about poor racing and platform games. Actually, I found most of your comment baffling. I'm going to chalk it up to a radical difference in perspectives.

[mcstorm]

I'm sorry yes you are both right Sony are the best and they have the best games, console and even the best leds on the controllers Sony are the Kings of everything always will be.

[RauLeCreuset]

And I am sorry for having challenged your multiple unsubstantiated claims expecting a mature response rather than fragiity and petulance.

[letsa_go]

@RauLeCreuset Go easy on mcstorm, he sounds like he has an extra chromosome.

[lellkay]

It's a damn awesome idea.

[LordoftheCritics]

Fake news?

[Artemidorus]

Microsoft are like Amazon of the gaming world all over the place and everywhere.

[StifflerK]

We've seen crossplay in games, maybe they can apply it to services as well?
Nintendo are due to make changes to their online service, what if the new service has the same setup as XBL, and subscribing to either will give you access to both?
That way the companies can stay independant but improve crossplay and add value to their online subscription service?

[gamer7804]

Thinking they might get free online infrastructure for multiplayer gaming, MS will never have their IPs.

[Sirk7x]

They're probably thinking it could be greatly beneficial for both parties if a good deal is struck between them. Nintendo has serious deficiencies with their online infrastructure, while Microsoft has arguably one of the best in the world. At the same time, Microsoft can reach an entirely new audience with their paid online services and other products. Also, MS has a SERIOUS problem trying to establish a foothold in Japan, while Nintendo is pretty much the king there, aside from mobile gaming. Establishing bonds with a Japanese audience, and with publishers is a great thing, because Japanese developers are still VERY important to the gaming industry in general. I'm sure Nintendo would love access to MS resources as well. You can definitely see the advantages both companies could gain from working together. I feel like Microsoft's end game here, along with the rest, is creating the Netflix of video games, functional across PCs and supported mobile devices. If you guys remember/have read about, when MS created the first Xbox, they had a very close relationship with Sega. The console was supposed to be BC with Dreamcast games before that deal fell apart, but many of the games in development on that system before its demise got moved to the Xbox. Shenmue, Jet Set, Sega GT, etc. Also, the Xbox motherboard ended up being used in Sega arcade cabinets. I am very interested in seeing where this could all lead if they attempted to create a close working partnership with Nintendo this time.

[2pacalypsenow]

Wait did Nintendo confirm Xbox Live is coming to the Swtich?

Or Did MS say they "Want" Xbox Live on the Switch and the entire media just assumes Xbox live is coming to Switch to make headlines?

[AKR]

The report came from Microsoft's official GDC schedule, stating that it is developing a kit for game devs to use that will allow them to integrate XBL into mobile devices and Switch. I don't understand why people keep missing this.

https://www.theverge.com/20...

[Bleucrunch]

meh, why is this important and why should Nintendo be onboard with this???

[SLiSH83]

Nintendo online service could be used to access first party online functionality for games and the back catalogue of old Nintendo games and use XBL for all 3rd party games

[Ristul]

Nintendo bettet thread carefully, or MS is likely to screw them over.

[MellauxGMNG]

How will they screw them over, i'm curious?

[Ristul]

Whoo knows, but IF there is a way Im sure ms Will find it.

[Nodoze]

They are thinking they have NO IDEA how to build a network infrastructure. This is already built.

[ILostMyMind]

So, what if Sony does the same? Would we have to choose the prize to win in Switch's game, achievements or trophies?

[marioJP87]

Nintendo and Microsoft will finally ... merge. >: -)