1120°

Microsoft tightens its grip on the Xbox One, with new rules for developers

"Microsoft walked back on restrictive provisions it had put in place for the sale and distribution of new games for the Xbox One, but now it’s added a new rule that limits developer access to Kinect."

Utalkin2me4376d ago

What is embarrassing is how MS likes to nickel and dime everyone.

r1sh124376d ago (Edited 4376d ago )

MS need to sack don and get someone like peter moore back, he was passionate about gaming.
Don mattrick is making decisions that are clearly hurting MS - its like he has not understood how DRM was a massive bullet in the foot.
Kinect as a mandatory for the X1 is also another missile in the foot, and now not opening up that particular part of the platform to get better by 'hackers' and stay at home devs.

Man Ive lost all confidence in MS, they need to pay peter moore some stupid money to come back to save this situation, Don has destroyed any good work that has been done.

JokesOnYou4376d ago

Wait so keeping something proprietary that you've spent a ton of R&D money on is now evil...whats wrong with paying micro to use something they created?...or use another motion camera...or make your own but don't cry because a business isn't giving you something for free.

Utalkin2me4376d ago

@JokesOnYou

First off i would like to know how you get me crying out of my statement. Or maybe i hit a nerve cause i am speaking the truth, so you felt the need to act like a baby and try to justify you comment by so called "throwing salt in the wounds".

There is no wounds here. I don't buy Ms products and will never buy MS products period, going forward. I was making a comment on a common business practice that MS likes to do in all aspects of their divisions and not just the xbox one.

nosferatuzodd4376d ago

When you think about it, this is actually in response to the “spying” accusations. If only licensed developers can use the hardware, they can at least partially assure the world that it’s not being used for illicit purposes.

If just any third party can release a game that uses the Kinect, then it’s possible they could misuse it.

Microsoft’s PA office really needs to better explain this. Either that, or this site is misrepresenting the facts.

ShwankyShpanky4376d ago

@JOY: Did MS cancel some big Kinect giveaway? Because I would assume people would need to buy a Kinect to hack it or develop for it. Where is anyone asking to get something "for free?"

And that still doesn't address the lock-out of other third party peripherals.

SilentNegotiator4376d ago

More proof that Microsoft doesn't know what they're doing.

Seriously, putting the squeeze on indie devs in this day and age? REALLY? Right as indie development hits its stride?

guitarded774376d ago

@ r1sh12
Right on about firing Don... What they really need is some new blood in there. Some real devs with business sense to head up the place. Their iron fist mentality isn't going to cut it.

GrownUpGamer4376d ago

@Utalkin2me
"What is embarrassing is how MS likes to nickel and dime everyone. "

What is embarrassing is how SONY likes to nickel and dime everyone.

What is embarrassing is how Samsung likes to nickel and dime everyone.

What is embarrassing is how Apple likes to nickel and dime everyone.

What is embarrassing is how Panasonic likes to nickel and dime everyone.

BattleAxe4375d ago

What they need is a Google or Sony executive to take over the Xbox division, because the mentality of the people that run that company is terrible.

thechowderp4375d ago

@jokesonyou
its not the fact we have to pay for stuff, but a lot of there stuff is crap. why would i pay for gold when it doesnt offer me anything, unlike ps plus? why would i buy a motion control gimmick when im never gonna use it? why would i buy an xbox one when i could get a ps4 $100 cheaper? why would i buy an xbox one when most of their "exclusives" are on pc? why would i get an xbox one if i already have a cable box?

GrownUpGamer4375d ago (Edited 4375d ago )

Utalkin2me send me a private message with this:

"Some people like to nickel and dime consumers more then others. I don't have to name names cause we know. "

His comment is/was this: "What is embarrassing is how MS likes to nickel and dime everyone. "

My opinion is that should have been this: "What is embarrassing is how MS LIKE MANY OTHERS likes to nickel and dime everyone. "

Imalwaysright4375d ago

@ jokes. Kinect is hardware and when we buy its 100% our property. We have EVERY RIGHT to hack it as long as it isn't done with the sole purpose of doing something illegal. Now instead of buying we are licensing hardware and we can't claim ownership of the things we trade our money for.

Raoh4375d ago (Edited 4375d ago )

What is embarrassing is how MS likes to nickel and dime everyone.

LMFAO. What I find funny is for years I've been saying this and that once MS felt they won the console wars that their arrogance would surpass any of nintendo, sega or sony. I've been semi anti MS since well before the xbox was ever conceived and got called a hater. Now all those friends who called me a hater want to change the subject when I bring up the xbox.

Only the newer generation must be surprised, this has been Microsoft 101 for the past 20 years and probably longer.

With steam providing linux support for games I may just go PS4/Linux and drop windows all together finally.

The only reason they were nice to developers and gamers this gen was to shake the failure of the first xbox and beat sony so they could charge everyone for everything like they do with windows.

Syntax-Error4375d ago (Edited 4375d ago )

I said the same thing a month ago. Don Mattrick is killing the brand. Peter Moore had more vision and appeal. Don needs to go. I dont want to Xbox fail, but this guy is making them look really bad to the public. I am actually buying an X1 and PS4 at a later date, but I am disappointed with the decisions he has made for the company so far. Phil Harrison is not that much better. He was the douche bag that launched the PS3 and you saw the negative publicity that received as well. Same scenario...overpriced forced to reduce price tag twice within a year. HORRIBLE VISION

combatcash4375d ago

@ utalkin2me

You state that you don't buy MS products so I'm not sure why you're commenting here since it doesn't affect you in any way. Most companies nickel and dime apple,Sony,Microsoft and so on it happens its another way for them to make extra money.

Mounce4375d ago

You think the Xbox Team are the kind of people who instantly pick up a penny once they see it on the ground and they start going: "MINNNENNE...MEINNEN MINE!! THE PRRECCCIOUUSS"

Sounds conceivable.

Kurylo3d4375d ago (Edited 4375d ago )

And the hits just keep on coming. I mean i gotta say microsoft really is a big joke. This guy is clearly one of those buisness guys who looks for every way to make money, but he doesnt look at the bigger picture. He doesn't realize that his ways of making money in fact make them lose money. He really is just arrogant as hell. Losing many many potential customers. If u wanna charge people to use kinnect which most people hack to do free stuff with.. not sell stuff with.. well then ur going to stop people from buying the kinnect all together. The free stuff was the reason to buy the kinnect. If it aint free to use then screw it.. u just lost money from potential purchases of the kinnect cause u decided it wasnt enough that they just buy it, they need to pay to use it. Dumbest buisness practice ive ever seen.

Have they not learned anything from apple? Apple only owns 10% of computer markets because they wanted to keep it all to themselves. Iphone is falling fast and falling hard.. record timing.. because apple wanted to keep it all to themselves and lock it up tight so u cant install whatever u want. At the end of the day if u dont learn from history you are doomed to repeat it. One of the things that made windows great was its open nature to developers... vs apples "all mine" mentality where you were forced to use apple OS. They are forgetting their roots.

NukaCola4374d ago

I remember when MS banned loyal xbox gamers after they modded the internal 360 fans to run faster because of overheating and that RROD issue. People who didn't want to buy a 2nd or 3rd console but stuck to the brand. Oh how MS screwed those people too. MS is a pretty terrible company at their heart.

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Why o why4376d ago (Edited 4376d ago )

Its a pity for those who actually care. . . I'm not going to complain or act like I've been wronged because I give zero fs about kinect past not wanting it.

In regards to the 3rd party peripherals, its a shame but not surprising ms want to maximise profits.. They tend to overcharge because they know their customers have few alternatives. . . Just look at the hdd's as an example.. Its the ms way, nickel and dime dons

minimur124376d ago

I used to follow MS, im a PS gamer, but nevertheless I'm a gamer and follow gaming news. But I've given up on MS now, never visit their website unless their's something to blog about on their site. They've made a right fumble of themselves, and I can't believe there's still some fanboys out there supporting them.

You know, my friends MS fanboy arguement is
'Yeah, but MS had Bill Gates behind it, so therefore its great'
I reply with
'You may not have heard of him, but Shuhei Yoshida is the biggest G of all time.'

hellvaguy4376d ago

Ps4 is mandatory online charges. Vita has proprietary memory cards. They are all guilty of maximizing profits.

With that said, is MS more guilty of it than Sony? I'd say yes to that, but then you'd have to acknowledge both are more greedy Nintendo.

kewlkat0074376d ago (Edited 4376d ago )

Yes, Everybody tries to maximize profits in their own way...Sony, Nintendo, MS, Didn't Sony take away Linux for similar hacking reasons..

Tres214376d ago

kewlkat has a point when a company gets worried about some1 exploiting there product they take steps even a small company would & with everyone worried the kinect is gonna go all skynet on em its not really a surprise. i was kinda of excited tho 2 see what homebrew was gonna come from the new kinect tho cuz i saw some crazy thing i never thought of from it that i hoped would of gotten used in games but they may just make a new kinect 4 pcs so who knows heck even ms doesnt kno cuz they could change there minds later

YNWA964376d ago (Edited 4376d ago )

Minimur12, that is the most stupid thing I have ever heard. Are you that sad? These are what you people talk about? Shlt, you people need help. No hope with the ladies.... You idolize a person for this? Christ the future is bleak if it's people like you.... Good help us all, it's just video games.....

Gribblegrunger, well said, nice to see things as they are. Some comments here really shame all gamers, of both stripes.... Bubble for you, from someone who prefers Xbox, but buys all consoles...

SilentNegotiator4376d ago

You should care...since the Kinect is functionally ATTACHED the system.

Unless you don't care about the Xbox One itself.

Imalwaysright4375d ago

I don't want to hack kinect but this is MS telling us what we can or cannot do with our property. This is MS going after OUR rights AGAIN.

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LackTrue4K4376d ago

Now, you have to pay. The likelihood that the same awesome homebrewed artistic applications for Kinect 1 — the ones that made it a viral phenomenon and brought a ton of good press to Microsoft — will be developed for Kinect 2 is now basically nil. That’s the issue here.

slazer1014376d ago

Correct me if i am wrong but once there patent runs out on the kinect technology won't third parties be able to develop for it without MS permission? I don't know, that's why i am asking.

greenlantern28144376d ago

Unless they renew their patent.

Utalkin2me4376d ago

You have a patent for 5 years. And it is very very rare to get a patent renewal.

fermcr4376d ago

Honestly... it looks like Microsoft is intentionally trying to make the X1 fail.

MRMagoo1234376d ago

I really honestly dont think they need to try.

Elit3Nick4376d ago

I don't understand the negative response to this, the kinect is MS's product, they are simply preventing people from hacking it like they try to prevent people from hacking the xbox.

Utalkin2me4376d ago

Then why so expensive for the SDK kit for PC?

Elit3Nick4376d ago

Because it also contains the software necessary for the kinect to be implemented for developers.

ziggurcat4376d ago

once hackers get their hands on an xbone, they'll be able to hack it anyways, so...

GribbleGrunger4376d ago (Edited 4376d ago )

I'd call this spin to be honest. People keep talking about maximising profits as if that's the only possible reason. And yes, the PC version of Kinect is more expensive, giving MS a better revenue stream from enthusiasts. But the one thing that I'm seeing overlooked here (and probably because people just want to be negative) is the fact people were worried that others could hack the Kinect and spy on you. For me, this is why MS have done this. It makes it more difficult for such a scenario.

I'm a Sony fan just trying to keep it real

vikingland14376d ago (Edited 4376d ago )

@GribbleGrunger
That's a good point about spying.

Captain Qwark 94376d ago

My bad, I hit disagree but meant agree. Everyone on the net just complains about everything ms. If they fuck up, they complain. If they fix it, they complain. If they take a step in the right direction, they complain.

Hicken4376d ago

That was a stronger point when the system needed a frequent connection. Now that the system no longer needs that, the spying issue is really rather irrelevant(not that it couldn't still happen, but it's far less likely).

GribbleGrunger4376d ago

@Hicken: Regardless of that dact, it makes sense for MS to put peoples minds at rest on such an issue. Come on people, you all know by now where my loyalties are (although I consider that an odd word to use to be honest) but we can't just shoe-horn every damned piece of MS news into a negative category. It devalues anything we say when we DO have what we consider a legitimate gripe.

ShwankyShpanky4376d ago (Edited 4376d ago )

Apple likes to keep things proprietary too.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/...

slazer1014376d ago (Edited 4376d ago )

@GribbleGrunger. I agree with your logic about MS reasons for making it more difficult for hackers. But one issue I think people over look is that they should not be worried about MS spying on you but the American government. All data if any they keep from the kinect can be subpoenaed by the secret court of the NSA under the Patriot Act. I don't think MS would spy on there customers. But the US government would. All they have to do is label you a terrorist. And yes I live in the US. If anyone thinks it could not happen is naive.

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Garbanjo0014376d ago

I am getting tired of these articles, everything MS does is just stupid. PS4 all the way, give me FF15, GT6, GTA 5, The Last of Us, Destiny and I'm set.

YNWA964376d ago

When PS3 was hacked, Sony threatened all out war on hackers. MS simply say Kinect is not an open unit no more. You tell me which is more evil? Oh, but Microsoft is pure evil, I get it with you loser fanboys...

HugoDrax4375d ago

Exactly! Just like Sony fanboys say "Screw MS give me Destiny" hilarious how all of a sudden Bungie is such a great company, but if Destiny was MS exclusive Sony fanboys wouldn't care for it lol. Fanboys are such a joke lol.

CrossingEden4376d ago

wait wait, so not allowing hackers to hack your device is what passes as embarrassing, they don't want random people hacking it and made it more accessible -_- wow, so terrible

CRAIG6674375d ago (Edited 4375d ago )

How exactly, if anything it's to make sure every tom, dick and harry don't exploit kinect for inappropriate uses.

TBONEJF4375d ago

It's too late anyway what's the point when everyone got SOO TICKED off at them with their expensive price tag THEY don't support USED GAMES

Cueil4375d ago

this article is effing stupid... the connection on the Kinect 2.0 for the Xbone isn't USB 3.0 that 399 is for the Kinect 2.0 for Windows with the SDK software... people are stupid

4375d ago
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BrunoM4376d ago

It looks like gamer input and people in general actually did make Microsoft change a lot when it comes to their policies and how they go about them ..

Good!

-SIXAXIS-4375d ago

Yeah it made them change their used game policy, but they just restricted smaller developers even more than before by denying them access to Kinect...

1trillindividual4375d ago

I think they want somebody to hack it, then give them a job to learn how to use it or make it better, the government does stuff like this all the time. Even Google paid somebody 1M to hack it so they can make their services better

EPiCDiNGO4376d ago

I am so upset that Microsoft are doing this. I will not support this company any longer and I have been a 7 year member of Xbox live and play the console almost daily.

maniacmayhem4376d ago (Edited 4376d ago )

Why are you upset? Did you plan on hacking the new Kinect?

vikingland14376d ago

The down side is since Kinect comes with every Xbox One Hackers won't buy Xbox One. Just kidding I think MS has the right to protect their investment that they paid for.

EPiCDiNGO4376d ago

It is not me who would be using the Kinect but the way they are not allowing third party developers to do things with it. Look at the iPhone when it come out with the basic applications it was nothing ground breaking imo and then once they allowed third party devs to release things on the app store only then did we start to developers making innovative applications to use the features of the phone.

InTheLab4376d ago

Without modders hacking things, there would be no L4D or Portal. MS should support the community that will bring new ideas to the platform instead of pumping out dance central and TV: The Game

Skate-AK4376d ago

Maybe he means the part about third-parties having to buy their license to make hardware for the machine again.

nirwanda4376d ago

I think it's just their attitude in general to small devs and other creative small scale projects,
This is how people learn to program at home or at uni.
Also if you want something unique it's usually to risky for a big dev to throw a big budget at so MS are stifling small unique games.
So while you may he may not be directly affected indirectly anyone who buys an xbone is.

maniacmayhem4376d ago

It's funny because I see nothing but hate towards Kinect and how everyone hates motion control games. But this is a big deal to people?

Developers will still be able to get the SDK and develop for the Kinect 2. MS is trying to put a cap on the hacking for it's new peripheral.

Simple as that.

Redempteur4375d ago

@maniacmayhem

Maybe , just MAYBE he has lot of USB periphericals that won't work on the xbone ?

If i'd had bought a 600$ sterring wheel and it wouldn't be compatible i'd be angry.

-SIXAXIS-4375d ago

@maniacmayhem: You're correct, but remember that the modding community is what made Kinect popular in the first place. By denying them access to the new Kinect, they're effectively cutting off their main source of new software ideas and innovation for the Kinect.

@Redempteur: What are you talking about? He never mentioned USB peripherals anywhere...

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 4375d ago
ScubbaSteve4376d ago

Shall we place bets in regards to how long it takes for the kinect to get hacked? In reality you might as well make it PC compatible because they're not going to stop the type of person who wants to develop kinect applications for PC.

gamertk4214376d ago

If stopping people from hacking their own product is the thing forcing you to leave, then good riddance.

Salooh4376d ago (Edited 4376d ago )

I'm with you on this. Vita should be more open too. Why create something with so much potential and then just lock it -.- . It's just stupid. Therefore , I rather see vita hacked then see it in this condition. It's not like we are getting serious games in it. If it's hacked more people will buy it and enjoy it.

There is another way , they can take advantage of it by locking just the games and the security stuff. PS vita made mobile section which is great step to openness but i don't see any innovation in it. No programs :( . Vita can be much better then iphone. Same with kinect for who have interests in it. Kinect not for serious stuff though..

Manic20144375d ago

Just to make thing's clear, MS is not restricting third part dev's they are restricting third party outfits meaning they will restrict those whom try to use the kinect motion sensor to build their own similar product which makes use of the kinect aspects. Similar to what was done during the OG kinect release

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4375d ago
slutface4376d ago

M$ mind is so scattered. I have no words.

Show all comments (174)
260°

AMD CEO Shares Vision Behind Xbox Partnership and Next-Gen Chip Roadmap

AMD CEO Lisa Su talks about the Xbox AMD partnership, next-gen Ryzen + Radeon chips, and AI rendering tech coming to all Xbox devices.

Read Full Story >>
clouddosage.com
Obscure_Observer1d 3h ago

AMD is really building hype around their unique partnership with Microsoft to help and build an advanced and seamless Xbox ecosystem across all Xbox consoles and devices.

I wonder what she meant by "full roadmap of gaming optimized chips" though? Seems ambitious.

Next year´s Xbox Showcase already looks promising and exciting. Here´s hoping they deliver.

InUrFoxHole21h ago

They had best show 3yrs in a row. Heading for another

VenomUK14h ago

Obscure_Observer said “I wonder what she meant by "full roadmap of gaming optimised chips" though? Seems ambitious.” To me, I interpret this to mean rather than having a couple of X/S products for launch and a handheld there is a longer term plan to release new products with higher specs at timed intervals. I’m speculating of course, but this could mean a spec bump every year or two, so that even if the PS6 or Steam Deck Home is released a year after ‘Xbox’ Microsoft can release an updated model that has a higher spec.

Agent754h ago

But Microsoft forgot the games.

KwietStorm_BLM9h ago

It's X3D chips for console. Everyone knows this. And it's been rumored in the PS6 forever.

Ganif7h ago

Correct.

"Sony's PlayStation 6 reportedly will feature an AMD semi-custom APU with a Zen 5 CPU and UDNA GPU, capable of 4K 120FPS and 8K 60FPS gaming. The console will include X3D cache and advanced AI upscaling technology."

https://www.tweaktown.com/n...

Obscure_Observer4h ago

"It's X3D chips for console. Everyone knows this. And it's been rumored in the PS6 forever."

I doubt that AMD´s CEO would waste her time making this huge and important partnership announcement over a tech that will be 7 years old by the those next gen consoles will be released.

Notellin3h ago

You should have just lead this comment with the fact that you have zero understanding of technology in the consoles and instead have a Toms Hardware online forum level of education.

Agent754h ago

But Microsoft forgot the games

Obscure_Observer4h ago

@VenomUK

"I’m speculating of course, but this could mean a spec bump every year or two, so that even if the PS6 or Steam Deck Home is released a year after ‘Xbox’ Microsoft can release an updated model that has a higher spec."

Very interesting theory. Still not sure how MS would actually make it work.

KwietStorm_BLM16m ago

"I doubt that AMD´s CEO would waste her time making this huge and important partnership announcement over a tech that will be 7 years old by the those next gen consoles will be released."

How old is the tech in consoles? It's not a huge announcement. It's marketing and you know it is.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 16m ago
Fishy Fingers1d 2h ago (Edited 1d 2h ago )

Some odd, deliberate wording, no branding, not 'Xbox consoles, Xbox handhelds' specifically, feels and sounds like they're building towards hardware that anyone can be used or licensed to/by themselves and other manufacturers.

Multiplatform software and hardware 'Xbox/AMD APU'.

Obscure_Observer1d 2h ago

I guess you missed Sarah Bond´s next generation Xbox announcement this week, were she clearly states:

"I´m thrilled to share that we´ve established a strategic multi-year partnership with AMD to co-engineer silicon across a portfolio of devices, including, *our* next generation *Xbox consoles*."

But hey, I don´t think you´re entirely wrong, maybe MS will build their own Xbox consoles while licencing other manufactures to build and sell their own Xbox branded consoles. Who knows

BeHunted21h ago(Edited 21h ago)

I think you watched the wrong video. It's below the description, or you can watch it directly on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/kprpRvsOua...

PRIMORDUS1d 2h ago Show
HyperMoused1d 2h ago

Shares vision....we provide chips for money, this deal will sell many chips, we will make lots of money...good vision

Christopher1d 2h ago

The marketing behind this is so heavy that I worry about the actual outcome. Why are they just not showing us the product, why all this talking in market speak?

Lightning7721h ago

Probably because the next xbox isn't ready to release yet?

The marketing and rumors seem to be heavy out of no where. The rumor was a 27 release but it maybe it could be 26 new console launch instead.

Who knows.

Eonjay9h ago

There PR is alrways super heavy handed. No one is acutally buying an Xbox as is.
Also it is very early to be talking so much about a next gen console.

Obscure_Observer4h ago

There´s a lot of people interested on Xbox Next and its ability to run games from major stores like Steam.

We know that the PS6 is just around the corner as well, but so far, no news on what it might improve over the PS5 or PS5 Pro.

However, Sony already made public that their priority and actual focus is the PS6. So its not "very early" to talk about next gen when the very console manufactures are talking about it.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4h ago
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210°

Activision Forces Adverts into Call of Duty Black Ops 6 and Warzone Loadouts

With the launch of Call of Duty Season 4, Activision quietly put adverts inside loadouts for Black Ops 6 and Warzone, sparking a backlash in the process.

19d ago
19d ago
lukasmain19d ago

Putting Ads in a pay-to-play Premium title? Well done Microsoft. Well done /s This is really scummy.

jjb198119d ago

This game will never change because these sweatlords love buying up all the skins and bundles that become obsolete the following year. They're the ones perpetuating Activision's greed.

VenomUK18d ago

If Microsoft introduces adverts into its other games I hope it can do them without disrupting the immersion of the game world. So for example in the new Fable game it would look out of place if there was a billboard advertising Cadillacs.

A far better way to do it would be to have a wizard conjure a 'dream cloud' in front of your character and then in the cloud you can see the Cadillac car and see the text with price and availability and hear a booming sales voice promoting the car. That would work so well as it wouldn't be a billboard and completely, 100%, fit in with your character's adventuring in Albion. Doesn't that sound so much better?!

crazyCoconuts18d ago

@venom, or how about our of 100 farts in Albion, 1 of them has a Cadillac pop out

VenomUK18d ago

@crazyCoconuts That’s undeniably off-beat - but it could really work!

19d ago
Show all comments (19)
410°

Xbox's first-party handheld has been sidelined

Xbox's handheld ambitions continue unabated, but the focus is shifting towards improving Windows 11 for third-party handhelds — for now. The Xbox Series X 'Melrose' successor is safe, with development continuing at full pace.

Read Full Story >>
windowscentral.com
21d ago
21d ago
21d ago
shadowT21d ago

Is there really a market for handhelds next to mobile?

Vits21d ago

If they run the same games as the main home console, then yeah, sure.
But if they need specially tailored games just for them? Probably not, unless there isn't a home console for comparison (see Switch).

RaidenBlack20d ago (Edited 20d ago )

I am kinda low-key happy this happened.
Dont want another Series S situation (games to be designed from 4 to 12TF scale and not 10 to 12TF).
Hope PS follows suit as well. Tablet SKU sharing with console for 10th gen, will just continue the cross gen -esque development/design phase/nature.
Want a proper 20+ only TF rasterized next-gen plz (+ frame-gen and the lot).
If anybody wants to continue the cross-gen, the Series S|X, PS5 will remain for that. And Switch 2, if you gotta go even lower in the TF range.

ABizzel121d ago

Yes and No. All of the PC handhelds combined have struggled to sell 7 million units, which would be a flop for any “console”. So the market is extremely niche because of price and target market (the informed hardcore gamer / casuals aren’t picking these up).

These handheld PCs are $500 or more, and offer at best Xbox Series S performance levels, so it’s best for MS specifically to just partner with ASUS, instead of investing millions if not billions.

Sony can make their own with custom AMD hardware due to their partnership, and stronger global brand for hardware. But even then it brings the question, of being a lower resolution PS5, and what does that mean for PS6 cross-gen (likely another generation where the first 3 - 4 years are just upgraded last-gen games).

Kosic21d ago

Imagine a Wii U style console, where the tablet doesn't rely on the console it's self, you download the game on the console under the TV and play in 4k glory, then you can remote play, get some unique game features if using both console and handheld in tandem. Then you can download the games in 720-1080p to play on the go, continue your progress, and continue on the TV when you get back.

Sony could get away with this due to exclusives, and that would be a reason for sales. Look at the portal.

I can picture seeing new hardware having some sort of GPU dock, where the handheld runs 1080p, and the dock has additional hardware to bring in 4k/60 specs.

I do think handheld gaming is going to be a strong future, imagine Nintendo release a new upgraded GPU dock for the Switch 3, every 2 years. More frames, sharper graphics on the same game for an extra £150 for a dock with a built in GPU chip. Console cycles doesn't have to be renewed, just the hardware can be improved by them reselling docks to us again and again with small/yearly upgrades like mobile phones.

GamerRN20d ago

Did you just imply that Sony can make a better stronger handheld than Microsoft? You do realize we are talking about Microsoft, the tech giant, right? If Microsoft can't make one that's cost effective, Sony definitely can't...

Brand and market share means nothing when you are a trillion dollar company

ABizzel120d ago

@GamerRN

It has nothing to do with what company can do it, or what company can spend.

For anyone taking a basic business class there is a term called ROI, and Xbox home consoles are selling at an all time low, meaning their ROI on a handheld is a risk that doesn’t make sense, even if they can afford it. Businesses are there to make money and it doesn’t make sene for MS to invest in a handheld that’s a companion device when their current home consoles they’ve spent 20 years working on are at an all time-low, when they can invest with little risk with what ASUS already has to offer.

This is why Sony can build a better device, because they have less risk involved, meaning they can invest more in their own product, and they already have an exclusive partnership with AMD on creating features and hardware. So in this specific case, YES Sony can built a better handheld, due to custom hardware, customer tools, low level APIs, compared to an off the shelf product running Windows or a Window Xbox kernel =.

TheEroica21d ago

I play steam deck primarily... Don't play consoles or mobile. The deck covers it all.

badz14920d ago

@shadowT

The Switch is a handheld, so will the Switch 2. what are you on about?

Cacabunga20d ago

To run native games offline? Anytime

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CrashMania21d ago

Funny to see the alt already damage controlling and having a meltdown with multiple accounts in the comments already.

Sad for MS if true, a dedicated handheld would go down a lot better than a rog ally 2 with an Xbox sticker on it I think.

crazyCoconuts21d ago

It couldn't have succeeded for a number of reasons. Now they've retreated to the Windows front and trying to keep that relevant for gaming. How long before Windows Central realizes there won't be a real console successor to Series X either?

Lightning7721d ago

Except there is. That project is reportedly full speed ahead.

Outside_ofthe_Box21d ago

@Lighting77

So was the handheld until today...

Lightning7721d ago

@outside obviously not since they sidelined it and they wanna see how the Asus does. Are you saying they're gonna cancel the next console?

crazyCoconuts21d ago

@lightning - I'm admittedly trying to box you in here - Do you think the next Xbox console will have Steam on it?

Outside_ofthe_Box21d ago (Edited 21d ago )

@Lightning

Here we go with having to spell everything out.

If I told you yesterday that Xbox was going to sideline the handheld console what would your response have been? Probably something along the lines of "I doubt that since Phil has been talking about it for some time now"

My point is just because they are "full speed" ahead now does not mean that will not change in future. As we have seen with the handheld. Do you understand what I'm trying to say now?

Lightning7720d ago (Edited 20d ago )

Box me in? No you said the same thing you've always been saying for years now. Those are the rumors to have Steam integration.

What about it

If you told me they were gonna cancel it tomorrow it would nothing more than fanboy talking points. I only wait for credible sources not what someone else says.

Also this is the handheld not a full blown new console. The Asus is yet to release and they're waiting to see how that thing does. Critical thinking is my strong suit you should try it some time if you can. But Ok cool well you hang your hat on that I guess. Main New console is gonna get cancelled even though the handheld is a different marketing device than the main the console itself.

__y2jb20d ago

I think there is a 75% chance there will not be another Xbox. There is zero reason to buy one now. No way it can possibly sell more than 10m units after Xbox went third party.

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BLow21d ago

That's what they do. Goalposts shift like the wind.

I'm really confused on why they are making a "first party" device and also have a Rog Ally with their sticker on it. Make this make sense. How is their own device going to be any different?

Your console doesn't sell and they expect a handheld to?

RaidenBlack20d ago (Edited 20d ago )

The Rog Ally one is gen agnostic ... as you deciphered, it was to be the updated Rog Ally but just with Xbox branding. PC handheld with some Xbox features.
The handheld Xbox is/was supposed to be sharing the same gen/ecosystem with the next-gen (10th gen) Xbox. Think Series S but handheld ... it'll run the Xbox OS or whatever the next Xbox will run.
...
As for anybody wondering/confused why MS is doing another Xbox console ... coz mainly its the 10th gen of home consoles next, which started wayy back in 1972 for the 1st gen. And MS wanna be part in it, in the 10th anniversary gen of consoles. If they gotta bow out, they can't do that at 9th i.e just before 10th. They wanna stick around till the 10th or the X-th gen and check what the fuss happens.

Outside_ofthe_Box21d ago

Curious as to what excuses the spam was saying. Because prior to this news, the Xbox handheld was used as proof that Xbox is still committed to the hardware space. This handheld being scraped is not a good sign...

21d ago
Outside_ofthe_Box21d ago (Edited 21d ago )

@Spam
You can replace scrapped with pushed back if you like. It's not a good sign either way.

21d ago
1Victor21d ago

asq3= obscured: “ What’s your source on the handheld being scrapped? “
Read the article from Microsoft own website and one of your favorite quotations site when it’s something bad about Sony.
Oh BTW good luck with your next SPAM account.

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