Microsoft has turned Xbox into just a Game Pass machine, so why should I ever buy a Series X?

Windowscentral:

The reasons for owning an Xbox Series X have dwindled to one compared to competing platforms.

[Obscure_Observer]

You shouldn´t.

Enjoy Xbox games on any platform you like. ;)

[ZeekQuattro]

As a multiplat owner I agree.

[peppeaccardo]

Microsfot has put XBOX on life support, XBOX is not relevant anymore with respect to Ps5 / PS5 Pro and Switch 1/2. SONY (partially) and Nintendo (mainly) can rely on exclusives which justify the purcahse of their hardware, XBOX is indeed just a cheap PC on which you can run Gamepass Games at a price. There is no other way to look at it.

[1Victor]

Obscured: “You shouldn´t.

Enjoy Xbox games on any platform you like. ;) “
🤦🏿 🤦🏿 🤦🏿
I’ll believe that comment when you stop making a new account every article to troll non Xbox players.
Xbox lost it’s relevance the moment that Phil convinced the ceo to lend him his wallet to buy the gaming industry in a attempt of a 1980’s-+ windows monopoly

[OptimusDK]

I think you are just missing the signs that are clear as day. The next XBOX vil just be a PC that plays it all, with a better Windows interface including Steam.

The current console market is dead - you will be able to play everything on that machine including PS games. So why should MS care where you play?

[blacktiger]

In that case you mean 3rd party games on any platform you like. ;)

[darthv72]

Buy a SX if you want that console PnP simplicity vs using a PC. And you get the ability to put in the original discs from a select number of OG & 360 games as well as 99% of the totality of the XBO generation. Many of which are NOT on the GP service.

[rlow1]

Good point on playing your existing game library. It would be a selling point, but do you still have to download the games? Or will Xbox series X play them as the 360 would have? To be honest, haven’t tried it.

[darthv72]

games are downloads. the big upside though is something that is multi-disc only needs the first disc inserted to play. No switching discs anymore.

[Vits]

Well, the main argument has always been about value. Xbox has traditionally been the most affordable way to access the full Game Pass experience, and that still holds true to a degree. However, with Microsoft raising the prices of the hardware, it’s becoming a tougher proposition for those looking for a budget-friendly option.

Looking ahead to the next generation, we’ll have to see how Microsoft chooses to proceed. If they remain committed to a value-oriented strategy, it's likely they’ll release a new console that is more powerful than the current Series X, but not as powerful as they would normally do. Instead, it would be positioned as a middle ground in terms of performance between the PS6 and the Switch 2, powerful enough to handle next-gen games, but designed with affordability and Game Pass integration in mind.

[darthv72]

the budget friendly approach for GP is either a Series S or a 2nd hand X. I'd also throw in a regular Xbox One as an honorable mention because if a user is on GP Ultimate, they have the ability to stream newer games using the XBO as the client. Even with games that are not native to the XBO like Starfield, Flight Simulator, Indy, South of Midnight and others. And those are really cheap now.

[Vits]

If you have to buy it second-hand just to make it work financially, then it’s not actually budget-friendly. The Series S used to be a good deal, but when it's hitting close to $400 after tax, that's just not a budget option anymore.

And if you're bringing streaming into the conversation, then buying a console makes even less sense. You don’t need dedicated hardware for that, any halfway decent smart TV, Android box, or smartphone can stream games just fine. In fact, they’ll likely perform better for it, especially over Wi-Fi, because older consoles like the Xbox One don’t even support modern wireless standards.

[Petebloodyonion]

How does the Nintendo Switch 2 compare in terms of power versus the Xbox Series S?

[darthv72]

@Vits, I mention 2nd hand because many may not be in the market for brand new. 2nd hand is not a bad way to go for people looking for a lower entry price. Same with mentioning the use of the XBO as many who already have that likely do not know they can use it to play the newest games via GPU (streaming) that are not directly compatible. Plus the XBO still offers the same benefits I mentioned above with being able to use the physical discs for games not found on the GP service that are directly compatible.

@pete... SW2 is somewhere in the realm of PS4 / Pro power while the Series S is =/= to that of a One X.

[Si-Fly]

Not sure if you’ve tried it but Xbox’s cloud streaming is absolute garbage. You get the Series S version of games so something like Clair Obscur is capped at an eye bleeding 30fps, in turn meaning poor input lag. They really need to improve this aspect of GP, GeForce now pisses all over it.

[ABizzel1]

@Petebloodyonin

Realistically Switch 2 is around 50% of the performance of the Series S in raw Raster.

It has some better tools to help it push there and maybe slightly above in docked mode, like DLSS, 12GB of RAM vs 10GB.

But ultimately we should see situations such as if Series S is 1080p native, Switch 2 is likely 540p - 720p in same for same games, upscaled with DLSS. Worse case it’s going to run the PS4/XBO version of games at higher resolutions or frame rates than those consoles.

[anast]

People have been saying this since the release of gamepass and it isn't their job to write about this stuff...

[jznrpg]

I was considering a Series X at some point for my physical collection but they jacked up the prices so much it’s just not worth it at that price.

[darthv72]

the SX is built like a tank... get one used as its much cheaper. Even better if you get one with a stack of games that can either be played or traded in to the local shop towards games you do want.

[LoveSpuds]

The terms 'Xbox' and 'physical collection' don't belong in the same sentence!

[hades07]

It is still the best way to play microsoft games even without the physical collection :)

[Petebloodyonion]

Why should I buy a Steam deck...?

[darthv72]

...to play compatible PC titles on the go. Personally I use it as a desktop replacement since my old gaming tower was built using parts circa 2010. It's definitely a much better PC than what I had been using.

[Destiny1080]

buying the most expensive console on the planet just to get sucked into ever increasing subscription charges

it can only be described as a pyramid scheme, you buy in, thinking your getting a bargain and the more you buy, the more you think your saving, but in the end you always end up being broke / homeless and owning nothing

thankfully there's a brighter path to take called steam, if you can avoid the online hackers / virus mods / random driver updates and 8 gig cards, your good to go

[Knightofelemia]

Microsoft should just go the Sega way and just stick to software. The Xbox series are dead last in sales, prices have just jumped, games from Xbox are jumping to other platforms, I am sure Microsoft is losing money on the hardware. As a gamer I see no benefit in having or wanting to own a next gen Xbox. I only used Gamepass twice I wasn't a fan, I only kept my Series X to play games that I have never played from the OG XBox. I sold my Series X 2yrs ago and Idon't regret it.

[darthv72]

Twice huh..... seems you gave up on it without ever really utilizing it to the fullest.

Ehh, no use worrying about it now seeing as you no longer have the SX.

[rudero]

They would have to make software.

Buying up the software developers have yet to provide much more than third party games that were already in development with all hardware versions in production.

Ie there is no “software” trust with Microsoft.
This is why they are dead last.

The “possibilities” of games made by Microsoft has been just that for over a decade.
Hence the tag line “wait till next year”.

[Reaper22_]

Maybe sony should do the same since their biggest IPs are going to PC/Windows and they are putting out more remakes than newer IPs. Microsoft is still in the hardware business. Just because Sony sells a lot PS5s doesn't make automatically make xbox not successful. Some of you still think the gaming industry is about consoles only. It's the games that carry the industry and now Microsoft is a even bigger player because of the acquisitions. Even playstation gamers and buying their games. That is what's it all about. How many customers your games reach. Sony is doing similar things with the PC.Perhaps they should start doing the same. There is nothing to lose. Ps gamers aren't gonna stop playing games because xbox owners will be able to play some sony studios games. Yes, some will angry or jealous but they arent going anywhere.

[DivineHand125]

There are still reasons to buy an Xbox. Sure PlayStation has a consistent track record of high quality releases, we are going into this with the assumption that you already own a PlayStation and you are wondering why you should buy an Xbox.

Backward compatibility with 7th generation games with enhancements.

Advanced parental control features that also extends to Windows PCs under 1 profile.

A while slew of games from the 8th generation that were exclusive to Xbox but not on other platforms.

Not all series exclusives are on PlayStation as yet and if they are, they will be priced lower on Xbox.

Better handling of digital games licenses as they allow you to purchase game keys and subscriptions from third party sources.

Built in web browser that is comparable to the edge browser on windows so you can access streaming sites that does not have native apps available on consoles as yet. Some even got GeForce now working on it and it is also the reason Sony doesn't allow you to stream games via the web browser.

Homebrew emulation is unofficially possible on the Xbox series consoles it you are able to follow the guides online. You will be able to access not only Xbox titles that are not officially backwards compatible but Nintendo and PlayStation games as well.

You can rent or buy movies and TV shows without needing a subscription service.

Since Microsoft is now the biggest publisher, if you have a Gamepass ultimate subscription, you will be able to play a large portion of 1st party and 3rd party AAA games on the service at no additional cost with the most notable releases being The Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion, Expedition 33, South of Midnight and soon to be released Doom the Dark Ages.

[Jingsing]

Problem with Games Pass is most games don't last long on it like a rental service so it isn't even an adequate or sustainable replacement. Not sustainable as they couldn't afford to keep every game on it for rent.

[Petebloodyonion]

What do you mean don't last long?
The majority of games stay for at least a year.

[darthv72]

Games stay a pretty long time. 1st party is pretty much indefinite while 3rd is contractual. No service gives you 3rd party indefinitely.

[hades07]

Playing on Series X is still the best way to play Microsoft games. And they are pumping out a lot of games lately. Cloud is great, I use it very often when I want to hang out with my family and not go into the man cave to game. The Gamesir G8 is an amazing mobile controller for this btw. But its not seamless and having the game downloaded on your system is still much better. Games are being released for the PS but at a later date and at a higher costs compared to having game pass ultimate.

[Abear21]

When Microsoft releases its next gen console, will it have exclusives? Clearly they threw in the towel this cycle, it’ll be interesting to see what they do with the next box.

[darthv72]

Only Nintendo still makes exclusive games. Exclusives, as it relates to the other two, is non existent. And there is no mubo jumbo console blah blah phrasing. Either a game is only playable on one platform or its not. that is what makes it exclusive.

[Julion0715]

Funny how the series consoles have been around the same price point and lower on sales but now since ms raised the prices now all of a sudden I was just ganna by 1 ms is outta their mind comments 🤣 the value has been there u guys jus missed the train

[TheEroica]

People crying about other people having fun is so lame.

[Reaper22_]

What a stupid article. No one is forced to subscribe to gamepass and having gamepass doest stop you from buying games.

[GotGame818]

The hate for Xbox is so stupid! In the meantime the top 3 selling PS5 games right now are Oblivion, Minecraft, and Horizon 5! It is ridiculous! Also hilarious!! The Microsoft games are stacked for awhile. Why can't people just have fun playing games! I remember the hate for Horizon 5, and I am pretty sure half those people probably bought the game day one. LMAO! I am just pointing out the obvious! Numbers don't lie.

[P_Bomb]

“I remember the hate for Horizon 5…”

I don’t. I see hate for Ubisoft, XB as a whole, but not FH5 specifically.

[Amplitude]

The only thing holding GamePass back from being available on PS5, Switch and Switch 2 is time, and money.
There's a timeline where it truly is everywhere. I feel like the entire gaming subscription thing is (thankfully) backfiring and is on life support in this particular timeline though - and thank God for that.

Now just kill off Switch 2 games that don't have the game on the carts, give the PS6 a disc drive and we've got at least another generation of actually owning our games.

[HyperMoused]

There is no reason, thats exactly what they want and why i abandoned Xbox and got a PC, so much better on all fronts.

[lelo2play]

You get an Xbox essencially for Gamepass.
Xbox is much cheaper than a gaming PC.