@Coletrain I've played a few 'new' release AAA games on my OG RoG Ally - games like FH5 and Doom Eternal and both games ran 'OK' but I really do struggle with the ergonomics. The 70% scaled down Controls really mess ith my Muscle Memory and struggle to hit the buttons - so I tended to play very 'simple' control games. I struggled with Doom but FH6 was ok - brake, accelerate and steer only settings.
To me, the biggest upgrade over the first gen RoG Ally, and even the improved Ally X, is the 'full size' Controller grips, thumbsticks and buttons. The chance to upgrade to a newer 'upgraded' Z2E chip is almost secondary as I never really struggled to play games at reasonable settings (obviously not 1080p on a 1080p display) and over 30fps which I consider a 'minimum' frame rate requirement. But even at 40 or 50fps, the VRR screen was its biggest benefit over other Z1E devices.
Its still a very good Handheld and still a worthy device. Certainly great for the vast majority of games released, but maybe will need to be 'boosted' or you'll have to make a bit more compromise to run certain New AAA games at 30fps or more.
It just depends on the games you want to play on the go - including potential future releases like GTA6 or GTAO, I play mostly on Series X but I want a decent Handheld that feels like a Controller in my hand and plays the games I want when I can't get on my XSX. If I want to play BO7 or BF6 whilst the TV is in use, I want that option - even if its more of a struggle on a 7" screen. Zombies shouldn't be too bad and campaigns too...
@Coletrain Yeah - it's designed to be Competitive with the new wave of Handheld PC's and a Price Point to match. Its the cheapest of the Z2E and has AI NPU's unlike the others.
The cheaper version is designed more to compete with Steamdecks and Switch 2 devices - of course you can probably buy 'discontinued' Z1E hardware - both new old stock and used but they aren't really 'competing' as they are the same Platform essentially. It's form factor, Xbox branding and UI are supposed to appeal more to Xbox gamers looking for Handheld devices at a similar cost to Steamdeck or Switch 2.
I saw little point in going for this as I have a RoG ally that 'competes' with those other devices, I wanted something more powerful and more ergonomic...
@Hapless @Coletrain As I said, I had done my research and searched around - the sources also indicated that but Obviously I am the one that is misinformed - so I apologise. Even searching on Google though, the Z2A is designed to operate better at Low Power and compete with Steamdeck and its price point.
I have the Z2E Xbox Ally X on pre-order myself so wasn't overly concerned about the specs/architecture of the base. I'm upgrading from Z1E which isn't great when starved of power - but all Z1E devices are still part of the Windows Handheld PC pltforms and basically offer the same Library etc.
I guess we will wait and see what DF makes of these and how the base model compares with the likes of Steamdeck, its most direct competitor...
@Coletrain Nope - I did my research and checked, double checked this morning too after your message.
The Z2A Zen 5 with 3 Performance and 5 Efficiency cores - so you still have 8 cores/16 threads, but unlike Z1E with '8' Zen 4 cores, they can't all be boosted to 5.1ghz.
The GPU though is RDNA 3.5 with 16cores - compared to the 12 cores of RDNA 3.0 in Z1E. A Simple search provided this:- Graphics: The Z1E features a capable RDNA 3 GPU, suitable for gaming but with limitations compared to newer architectures. The Z2A's RDNA 3.5 GPU provides enhanced graphical capabilities, making it a better choice for graphics-intensive applications and gaming.
Power Efficiency: The Z2A is designed with power efficiency in mind, making it more suitable for battery-operated devices, while the Z1E may consume more power under heavy loads.
So I don't know where you got your misinformation from, but all the official information I can find would tell you that the Z2A is built on newer architecture (Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5 compared to Zen 4 and RDNA 3.0)
@Coletrain Z1E is Zen 4 and Z2A is Zen 5 with 3 performance and 5 efficiency cores and as for GPU, the Z1E is RDNA 3 whilst Z2A is RDNA 3.5. The AMD Ryzen Z1E is better suited for users who prioritize raw processing power and high clock speeds, particularly for gaming and intensive applications. In contrast, the AMD Ryzen Z2A offers a more balanced approach with improved graphics performance and power efficiency, making it ideal for portable devices. In other words, it will work better at '15w' but maybe won't be as performant at 35w - which is better for battery life - not having to 'boost' because its not that efficient when power starved.
So sorry to burst your bubble but your information is wrong - the newer chip is newer Archetecture designed to be more eficient at 'lower' power so you don't have to 'boost' to 25 or 35w and drain the battery. It will play games like Doom: the Dark ages at over 30fps and 'Compete' with its Rivals - the Steamdeck and Switch 2. The Z1E Handheld PC's, inc the first gen Ally's , Lenovos or MSi models are NOT competition as they are still MS Windows PC's with Microsoft Game Pass and their PC platform ready to go, awaiting the update o the new Windows and UI. They are just different 'choices' to basicaly do the same thing with exactly the same Library, platforms etc.
The RoG Xbox Ally is built and priced to compete Directly with Steamdeck and Switch 2. All other Handheld PC's, inc used Z1E devices are all just different choices to the same 'Platform'.
Been with Xbox for nearly 25 years, playing Halo CE, a 'adult' game (or at least a teenager game) and then being asked to prove you are over 18 is somewhat ridiculous.
I'm sure that certain things in your HISTORY should be indicative of age even if they can'tt 'verify' exactly how old you are. I'm well over 50 and find it very insulting to prove my age. I think my Email account is over 25yrs old so that 'digital' record/footprint etc should prove I'm over 18
This device and the costs of their Console and its services seems to me that MS want to push you to PC Gaming and preferably on their Platform and services there. Their next gaming Hardware will be a PC that just boots to the Xbox FSE UI with the Windows desktop and all the switched off process just a click or 3 away. This could be the 'precursor' of the Xbox future at least 'Hardware' based.
Their gaming PC will just be Windows optimised for gaming running Xbox FSE by default with at most some 'emulation' chip built in for emulating their Consoles for Back Compat with your 'Digital' Libraries on those different eras of console.
That's why they dropped their own - and why the Xbox Ally exists to compete in the same Price range as Switch 2 and Steamdeck - all other handheld PC's (used and/or different brands) are still Microsoft Windows devices with their own ecosystem on it so essentially the same - and will be when they get the Windows update.
They couldn't make a 'Steamdeck' contender to play the games you play on your Series consoles at Steamdeck or better, with the same 'feel' as an Xbox controller for around the same money with such limited quanity manufacturing so its better to work with Asus to build more of that 'Xbox' console influenced Handheld PC with its ergonomics, OS and UI redesign.
@DonkeyFantasy M2 2280 are much more available than the more niche M2 2230 SSDs so ease is relative I guess...
Anyway, I've always advocated choice and each to their own as well - I was just pointing out WHY someone may choose This device over the Alternatives in its price range - its direct competitors are Steamdeck and Switch 2 - the others are just preferential choice or budget as ALL Windows Handheld PC's are essentially the SAME family with the SAME library and 'Xbox' and Game Pass crossover.the difference between this and other PC's is ergonomics and that dashboad - the 7" LCD 120hz VRR screen was considered the 'best' in class in the first gen handhelds and looks great on my RoG Ally (OG Version). Used doesn't come with the same warranty and piece of mind - also they should get the OS/UI at some point so are a good option, still in the same category/ecosystems etc.
The point of this device was to be as 'affordable' as Steamdeck and still be as performant at similar power levels (but can be boosted) whilst also providing the 'Xbox' ergonomics and UI, able to play ALL your Play Anywhere/Game Pass games at no 'extra' cost where as the other hardware, you'd need to buy games as well. The 'Xbox' branding and 'emphasis' on GP and Play Anywhere is designed to make the 'cross-over' into 'PC Gaming' from Xbox consoles relatively comfortably and seemlessly as possible. The Xbox Ally X is to be the 'latest' gen to compete with MSi and Lenovo Devices for Performance/graphics - although this does have AI NPU's the others don't so could be interesting in the future...
Anyway, I still believe CHOICE is best - and ALL I was pointing out it's unique features it hopes to convince people to buy vs it's competitors in its 'Price' range. The Xbox Ally is not competing with 'used' products reall, its competing against the 'new' handhelds and that is the higher end Steamdecks and/or Switch 2 hardware as the 'current' market has.
MS Built one to compete more with 'Consoles' at their Price point and a high end one to compete with the new PC releases too. The compromises to reach that price point to be 'competitive' and a 'choice' for those people deciding to jump in may come down to how each 'feels' in the hand more than which plays Indiana Jones the 'best'.
It seems to me, Xbox want people to 'move' more to their PC Ecosystem and PC Game Pass than stay on their Console, Merge Xbox fully into Windows, even their Gaming Harrdware will be 'Windows' but boot to the FSE by default instead of the full Windows. These products may well be the pre-cursor tho their future....
@DonkeyFantasy The Z2A has much better efficoiency at the lower power end - the 15w mode and should be equivalent at the higher 25w-35w modes to deliver roughly the same graphics and performance - maybe a few points better here and there and that's if they both run Full Windows, but the Z1E chip does not get the Xbox FSE experience until next year.
Also the Z1E versions - only the OG which isn't that great is likely to be cheaper - don't have great ergonomics. They improved with their Ally X - but that is more expensive - but these have something those don't - full size Grips, buttons and thumbsticks and feels like a Xbox controller in hand. It also comes with a bigger 60w Battery over the 40w in the RoG Ally and a more easily upgradeable SSD.
From my own research on the Subject, I found out this:- The ROG Xbox Ally represents a significant evolution in handheld gaming, building on the strengths of the original ROG Ally while addressing its shortcomings. With improved ergonomics, battery life, and performance features, it is likely to appeal to gamers looking for a more comfortable and capable device. However, the original ROG Ally remains a solid option for those who may not need the latest enhancements or are looking for a more budget-friendly choice.
@DonkeyFantasy The Standard version looks pretty decent and far more comparable to the Steamdeck in both Price and performance - but unlike Steamdeck, also plays a LOT more games - like CoD, Destiny 2, GTA Online, BF6 and Valorant. It also integrates with Play Anywhere and Game Pass.
I know GPU is more expensive, but Essential/Premium tiers still offer Games and PC cross-over and their price has not increased. The lower tiers added PC crossover.
Point is, the cheaper one is to compete more with the Steamdeck/Switch 2 but offer better ergonomics and the largest Library that also syncs well with your Xbox - whether you 'want' those feature or 'prefer' the alternatives may depend on where your current Library exists, the games you want to play and even the cost to play those games on that device.
Take Indy for example - you can play it on Xbox via Game Pass or buy it digitally with Play Anywherebut if you want to finish it playing on the go without having to rebuy, then the only Native options are the Handheld PC's, Steamdeck and Switch 2 will require repurchasing. If that's what you want, then maybe the RoG Xbox Ally is the better value option.
I don't know what I expected or what to make of this. Its entirely possible that they made 'fewer' Xbox Ally X's, thinking that the price would make it less popular so sold out quicker than anticipated. Maybe they made far more Standard white versions thinking it would sell more being cheaper and perhaps got their balance 'wrong' - not enough X's to meet demand and more standard Ally's than gamers that want it...
@cragis0001 Do you really think that Sony are actively hoping that people will buy their games on Xbox to cloud stream them to whatever devices they have? PC have streaming services too of course and Sony has Portal.
Lets be honest here, the cost of porting and releasing their game on another platform, losing 30% to MS and long term support afterwards just so some kid can stream a few hours for 'free'. Unless its Play Anywhere on PC/Xbox, I don't think many will 'buy' to stream it. It won't be on Game Pass so I doubt they'll support Play Anywhere.
May as well just buy it on Steam/Epic and use a decent Streaming Service like GeForce Now...
@EVIL-C If you prefer to own a bit of plastic that you have to put in the console just to show you still have that bit of plastic, still own the License, still have the key to access the Software, installed on your Hardware - that's your choice.
However, that bit of plastic doesn't even need to contain the 'Software - its just a distribution method to Publishers. All they need to supply is the License and a Launcher to install the game from the internet.
I've only played (or should I say started) a few of their games and Brutal Legend is by far the best - but still have never finished the game. I've tried Iron Brigade, that was OK but nothing thatmade me want to keep playing and/or return, same with Psychonauts (both) and Grim Fandango because of 'hype', butreally didn't enjoy or understand the hype for these at all.
I can't say I'm a fan of Double Fine at all, none of their games appeal - but Jack Black and the soundtrack is why Brutal Legend is by far the best! I will say they have a very unique artistic style which is quite quirky, but the 'game-play' and description, trailers etc don't make me want to play - I won't play Keeper eeither...
I pre-ordered the RoG Xbox Ally X and think those results are impressive - incidentally Game Pass PC is cheaper the Game Pass Ultimate with Day 1 if you don't play on Console - although has jumped up in price.
It's a very capable gaming Handheld and you still have options to use FSR upscaling and frame gen to boost frame rates if you want. Being a 'Windows' PC too, it shouldn't be a problem with TPM Secure Boot requirements - unlike Steamdeck - NO GTAO, Destiny 2, BF6, CoD, Valorant etc....
I know its expensive but I also think its 'worth' it considering the price of Mobile Phones and the Performance for gaming this has. The ergonomics look very comfortable - like a Xbox controller, and 7" screen is 'great' on my RoG Ally. To run everything, inc the game, cooling, screen etc all on a battery in such a small package considering, its incredible. Just 10yrs ago, the idea of a Windows PC able to play games in a Handheld was a dream, Valve made it work with their OS and ecosystem so it wasn't long after.
Point is, to have that computational power in your hands in something that size is remarkable considering what was possible just 10 or even 20yrs ago, these can play games btter than Consoles from a few years back in a handheld form running on a battery...
I will never understand the cheater mindset - its no victory if you cheated for it and paying for cheats to ruin the experience for everyone is dispicable..
I've not noticed or felt like I've been killed by cheaters so it sems to be working. I've enjoyed the Beta and Zombies too and a co-op Campaign sounds interesting too - but I'll play it through solo first.
@RadioHedgeFund Personally I don't think so - I think they would rather keep those as 'Exclusive' to their Console and the only way you'll play those is when Steam/Epic are on their Hardware.
They don't have to spend money on porting, supporting and marketing, losing 30% to MS when they can do 'nothing' and reap any extra PC sales from steam/epic.
I'm sure their 'Xbox' PC (Asus RoG Xbox Ally Handheld PC's) will sell Spider-man, Horizon, God of War, R&C Last of Us etc games to play on their new Hardware if they've never owned a PC or Playstation and I'm sure IF/When MS open their Hardware to other Platforms or make more Xbox branded PC's, Sony won't port to their competition
@Questionable_Duck Exactly - that's why you've not owned the software. You can't sell it or distribute it to others - just your 'license' and that removes your access too.
Still people believe they 'own' their games when in reality all they own is Licences. Whether they can sell (general Physical License) or not (Digital), some are also conditional - like Game Pass/PS+ games that give you a license on the condition you keep your Subscription and/or remains available in that service.
That's always been the case - you've never owned the Software and only purchased a license to access that software. Of course with Physical, its always been on the Media with the Software in the past - although since the PS4/XB1 era, the Software has to be installed on internal storage so that's enabled them to supply some/all content via online as in their mind, you only bought a 'License' so as long as that is supplied, the rest can be downloaded/installed from Disc, internet or both.
Point is, you've never 'owned' the game, just a Licence to play. Hence you need to install Discs even though the entire game is installed on your Console - it can not be accessed without a Valid Licence. The only real difference is that Physical Licenses are 'generic' meaning anyone with the Physical media can access the Software so easily sold/traded. Digital though is more specific and locked to your account/profile so only you can access but cannot be sold.
I'd buy one day 1 but whether that would be primarily used for Series consoles or PC, I don't know. The Elite V2 is by far the most ergonomic and durable controller I've owned - probably since my Competition Pro Joystick...
That's assuming EVERYONE on PC/Xbox that played on Game Pass would have bought the game instead. I'm sure a percentage would have bought but not all. Not only that, I wonder how many more spent on Season Passes or other MTX because they didn't spend $70 to play it.
I do think that if people drop to Premium or Essential, then the number of people playing CoD will be much lower to start. Most may also wait the year for games like Outer Worlds 2, Fable, Clockwork Revolution etc otherwise why bother with Premium? Might as well drop down to Essential if you intend to buy games now.
I nbelieve it is possible that both situations could be true - hat Microsoft are about to leave the 'Console' business but are not leaving the Hardware business just yet.
Their next device could be a 'Xbox PC', maybe with a Xbox chip built in for BC with Consoles, but ultimately not locked to Xbox and the Xbox ecosystem like a traditional console but open to Steam, GoG, Epic etc. I'm sure MS will have their own device but whether or not you also get licensed 3rd Party versions, I think maybe after a year or so.
Point is, MS still has their Surface line and could still make Gaming Hardware but whether or NOT its a traditional Single Platform device, time will tell.
Therefore both could be right in that MS are not making another 'Xbox Console', but are still making Hardware with Xbox branding, just more a PC than a Console...
@Brigurugi your 'security' wasn't impacted by the rise in Subscription fees, the 'value' of Game Pass may have changed for you, but you can also cancel or drop down tiers.
As for Consoles, MS got into the Console business to bring 'PC' Games to the Masses with an affordable 'box' designed around DirectX and PC game requirements (internet, Hard drives etc). Now 25yrs later, affordable gaming PC's exist delivering Console like Performance and streaming exists too for much cheaper options.
When you are paying $500 for 'Subsidised' Console Hardware so you have to pay a Sub fee to unlock all content/features etc, an additional $10 a month for Essental tier or $600 over 5yrs, You can buy a PC for $1k, never need a Subscription and find games are generally cheaper too.
The only people buying 'Xbox' consoles are those that want an Xbox specifically to play select Xbox games or for Game Pass - PC owners aren't buying Xbox because they can play EVERY Xbox release Day 1 and/or Subscribe for Day 1 games cheaper. PS gamers may not buy an Xbox now because the games will come to their Platform eventually anyway. You don't need to upgrade to a 'new' Xbox as you can stream games to your old gen via Cloud too to save money...
Point is, the Console is not that 'attractive' - unless your 'preference' is to play on Console specifically or it suits your 'budget'. Sony and Nintendo only have their Console Platform so 'exclusives' make them more appealing - they aren't on PC or can be streamed 'free' to other devices - if you want to play Mario or Wolverine day 1, you must buy their console. On Xbox, the Console is not the ONLY way to play so do you even need to buy it??
That's why for at least the past year or so, there have been rumours that Microsofts 'next' Hardware will not be a Console in the Traditional sense - locked to just the Xbox store and the Xbox Ecosystem, being more like a PC with multiple storefronts/platforms to play on - Steam, Epic, GoG etc. The next 'Xbox' may well be a Console like PC designed to connect to the TV, but not a 'Console' in the traditional sense - like the Asus Handheld PC with its 'Xbox based' UI but not 'locked' to Xbox at all...
@datamonkey Not bnecessarily because EVERY Publisher has done the same thing. The difference between MS and others is perhaps scale and frequency, but they also expanded the most during BOOM.
Job losses were inevitable when you 'merge' 3 identical businesses together, you don't need 3 different Publishing divisions, Payroll Departments, HR, Marketting/Advertising etc all with their own Management etc so that was 'inevitable'. All Publishers have closed down studios, laid off staff, cancelled games etc.
As for those with Hardware, MS isn't the only one to increase Prices. Sony has and reduced specs/quality too but kept the price high. Nintendo are charging more for their games than others and EA Play (£17) and Ubisoft+ Pro (£15) offer day 1 (or some Day 1) in their price so 'Day 1' can't be the issue alone if others offer.
The point is that when MS announced their intention to buy ABK, there was likely to be 'inevitable' Job losses - after a protected time maybe, but still no point employing 3 people to do the SAME job. As for Price Hikes, that too would be inevitable at some point just due to inflation and rising costs - however, I doubt anyone expected the world to go Crazy after coming out of the Pandemic. Certain big regions are now closed off from selling games so no revenue coming in from their anymore, other countries so devastated they aren't able to buy and other regions are struggling to live Hand to mouth with rising costs, tariffs, trade wars, unstable economics and much less disposible income to spend on 'leisure'. That is having an impact on EVERY Publisher so EVERY Publisher is looking at ways to reduce their costs AND/OR increase their revenue. You can say that EVERY publisher is 'guilty' of doing the same thing...
@Simu001 I still don't know that I'll buy it at launch or wait and see how things evolve over the coming months. At the moment, I haven't cancelled or downgraded from GPU so still have EA Access - so that is also an option to wait for, but I may cancel once the BO7 beta is over.
I'm still considering whether or not to drop Xbox Consoles completely and just play on PC instead - noSubscriptions required at all. To play BF6 or CoD for a year on Xbox costs $120 (GPE at $10 a month) but on PC, its just whatever the game costs and I can play 'Anywhere' on a Handheld PC. GeForce Now is a better Streaming option IF I wanted to stream - so I'm also not looking to 'buy' games on Xbox (unless Play Anywhere) because I could end up playing solely on PC's and wouldn't want to have to 're-buy'!
@Weebleman Not neccessarily. If you lose Ultimate Subscribers - even if they are dropping to Premium or Essential, that has a big impact in their monthly revenue. Instead of almost guaranteeing say $400m a month, that drops now down to say $200m a month - but people won't necessaril be spending that money on Games or buying them 'new' instead.
Most of the Premium Subscribers may well choose to wait up to a year for them to come to their tier - otherwise may as well drop to Essential and the rest may just wait for sales instead.
Instead of playing CoD, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden, Clockwork Revolution and Fable via GPU, they may just buy CoD (as its something they'll play all year with friends) and wait for the rest to come to their tier or be on sale at very low cost. No guarantee those gamers will buy Day 1.
So not only will MS lose a big chunk of their almost guaranteed monthly revenue, the difference is not necessarily going to be made up by Sales of games - let alone sales of their own. Xbox hardware too is not that prolific so lose 30% of sales revenue to other platforms - like Steam or Playstation.
With cost of living rising, much less disposible income to spend on Games, let alone the cost of games (particularly 'complete' editions, not the bare bones standard edition) and hardware going up too, I struggle to see the sense in MS's decision.
With their Handheld PC and numerous other Handheld PC's and cloud enabled gaming devices, you'd think that MS would be looking to sell GP on those, increase their Subscriber numbers and monthly revenue, but could price themselves out - lose sales to Steam, GoG etc, push people to Playstation etc instead of spending 'money' in their's!!
I feel 'meh' about it in truth. Obviously the games it adds are not 'new' and many have been on sale dirt cheap, been on Game Pass or even given away with Gold. However, it does add more Games to a service that is all about providing a 'Library' of games you can play at no additional charge. I would have less 'issue' with a small increase in price with Ubisoft+ and other changes, but it doesn't really add 'value' from my perspective.
I have much more of an issue with them forcing Fortnite Crew on EVERY Ultimate Subscriber - that doesn't increase the Library of Games so it should have been a 'Perk' for Game Pass Members that actually play Fortnite (a F2P game) to add the 'Premium' tier Subscription at a 'discount' from the Epic price.
To me, the addition of EA Access and Ubisoft+ do at least add 'Games' to their service - the fact that they are 'older' titles is irrelevant as the vast majority of the games in Game Pass are over a month old - so it does 'increase' the number of games accessible - but these too could be 'perks' to tailor your Subscription. For example Xbox GPU is $17, add EA access and/or Ubisoft+ for $3 each and Fortnite Crew for $7 for example if you want....
@kuu_nousee @Simu001 Yeah - Even before the buyout, with EA's past track record I was apprehensive to buy at launch - not because I think the launch game will be 'bad', I think it could well be the best BF launch in years, but because I have no idea how the plan to monetise post-launch content.
Firestorm can't be funded just from sales of the base game - if its F2P as expected. It will be funded by MTX's Season/Battle Passes, in-game currencies etc as will any post-launch 'free' content in the Premium game.
CoD is the same, but at least you have years of evidence and experience to know exactly what to expect etc. However, I can see new ownership pushing the pricing up to not only recoup their costs but also clear the $20bn debt EA had...
I think its more of a refined BO6 with better map design/layout for better flow - I think BF6 is a better BF3 but also a very different game, different combat and different feel to the Game-play too so both offer something uniquely different.
To me, thats great because it means I am less likely to get burned out when I can alternate between multiple different styles of Multi-player FPS games.
I can see maybe Xbox winning 1 or 2 awards here - Troy Baker as Indiana Jones as he really does a great Harrison Ford and maybe Best Remake/Remaster with 3 out of the 6 games nominated.
The rest of the categories they are nominated in, I'd be surprised if other games didn't win...
@BacklogBrad Yeah - probably the 10th Anniversary Edition now 'ported' to PS5 with the settings changed to ouput at higher res and higher frame rate caps too...
I still think that the Coalition and 343i, both now using UE5, should have remade their games in UE5 - not only to get to grips with UE5 in preparation for their next main games, but also to go through those Originals and understand the vibe, the essence of those games that they've 'lost' in their own projects since taking over those IP's from Epic and Bungie respectively.
Gears hasn't had the Horrors of War, the emotional bleakness etc and Halo hasn't been handled well at all and seems like they don't really know the games that made those IP's so beloved in the first place.
Lets be real, Halo:CE today is AWFUL - but it was rushed and jumbled together to be a Launch game. I'd rather they did a reboot than a remake, Make Halo: CE as if it was being made for the first time with modern gamers and hardware in mind...
From my perspective, I feel Cloud is more a supplemental way to play games rather than the 'Main' way to play games. What I mean by that is that you wouldn't choose to play on Cloud - unless its the 'only' option due to your current situation.
I do sometimes stream an 'indie' game because I don't want to waste time downloading/installinng when I'll likely either finish it or had enough after a single session. I've also played a few AAA games (on my RoG Ally/Laptop) because I couldn't wait hours for installation. I've tried a few games on cloud to see if I would be interested in playing more, but will pre-install most Day 1 releases I want to play.
I have the ability to stream to multiple devices but I'd still rather turn on Gaming Hardware and play Natively - that's why I want a Handheld PC despite barely playing 'on the go' when I could get by with just my Mobile. Streaming is great if the Hardware you have is not able to play it 'natively' at reasonable quality/performance, but I think its more the 'budget' option at most but Supplemental for gamers who can't always game on their preferred Hardware.
I think its better than BO6 despite how similar it is - the one big differences that I think has the most impact is the Map design/Layout so the Flow is better than BO6.
I think the rest is solid - if not that different or innovative. I've reached the Level Cap of 20 already and the fact that I keep playing 'just one more' for the umpteenth time maybe is indicative of the reason I voted that its 'quite good to be fair'. I couldn't really vote higher with only a few maps and limited options at the moment - but I do think its a 'better' BO6 - which arguably was the same with MW3 vs MW2. It seems the 2nd year gives them the opportunity to tweak/refine things that didn't 'work' as well - such as the Maps and their design...
Intead of 6 AAA games and 45+ indies/AA games, you will now get 6 AAA games and even more indy/AA games day 1.... LOL
And how many of the AAA Day 1 games will actually be 'ready' and Complete to play on 'Day 1' as a lot seem to require quite a bit of work to bring them up to the standard you should expect day 1, and a lot also seem to have content missing (cut due to pacing? Cut for easier Polishing? Cut to sell later as DLC? ) - to come as DLC (inc in the $100 'Complete' edition).
We didn't want to pay $100+ for games, but to get the complete game these days, it will cost more than $70 - is it worth it Day 1 anymore or better to wait and buy in sales?
Any chance you can highlight the Play Anywhere games in these lists? I may buy games I bought Physically on Xbox if they are Play Anywhere and very cheap now so I can play on the Handheld PC too
More value? how have they added more value for EVERYONE? If everyone played Fortnite and wanted Fortnite Crew, then maybe, but making people pay for stuff they don't want or use is not ADDING VALUE!!!
I still think that this is a step to far - Even if they had to raise the Price, the way they have done it is somewhat unreasonable and unjustifiable.
I can 'understand' them adding Ubisoft+ Classics to offer 'more' games and I expect that Gamers would find at least a few games they 'would' play or already have. That at least can say they offer something for 'everyone'...
Fortnite Crew however is NOT for everyone - its for a Single IP and if you have NO interest in Fortnite, this is an EXPENSIVE addition just for Epic to 'claim' they have millions more Subscribers to their investors. It would make much more sense to offer a 'discount' on the pice of Fortnite Crew to Game Pass Subscribers.
Tariffs will be impacting Microsoft but I doubt its affecting their Digital Services. However, Consoles are NOT exempt from Tariffs and I would also expect that sales through their store are not as high as they were etc because the cost of Living has gone up. Tariffs may not be affecting their Services, but if everything else is dropping in revenue, the only thing they have left to try is their Subsciption prices - athough that can backfire and lose them that 'regular' income stream.
The price has gone up by $120 a year in the US, assuming you cancel and drop down to Essential as its required to play games, they can't guarantee that people will spend $120 on games, let alone the $240 difference between Ultimate and Essential. There are Free to Play games and very cheap games, big Backlogs in peoples Library so they can still enjoy their hobby and keep spending to an absolute minimum.
There are likely some Gamers that cannot afford to spend more money on Gaming right now - $20 a month was their limit so getting new games every month was great but $30 is too much and $10 + buying games isn't viable.
I must admit, I'm considering whether or not to quit Consoles so I don't have to pay ANY Subscription fees to play Online with Friends. I'll see when I get my Xbox Ally X and maybe will game more on my Laptop with its RTX 5060 GPU
@GeeEssEff I can't deny that if things hadn't evolved as they have, I perhaps would have been interested in a Steamdeck or at least the next one. I do prefer it to a Switch/Switch 2 but then Handheld PC's released and I bought the RoG Ally.
I have some reservations over the Legion Go 2 - although its controller scheme seems well thought out for more than 'just' gaming and the 8.8" OLED is incredible, but I expect more power hungry than a 7" LED and it does have a slightly smaller Battery. It has more RAM, but doesn't have the AI NPU and I think the detachable nature of the Controllers looks somewhat clunky. Its also heavier and more Expensive
I also considered the GPD Win5 Strix Halo but too many 'compromises' for all that Hardware Power to be as convenient in one product.
My main issue with a LOT of Handhelds is that they have TINY controls - at least feel tiny to me and very cramped together so I find them awkward/uncomfortable for anything other than 'simple' games like Racing (just accelerate/Brake and steering) for example. So for me, the Xbox Ally X makes sense - its an upgrade over my Ally and that screen was great, more battery and RAM, plus the upgraded Hardware and OS - although that OS will come to more devices in the future.
I play a lot of FPS games as well as 3rd Person Action Adventure games - I want to be able to play Doom, Wolfenstein, CoD - maybe not BF on that small a screen with the 'big' maps, but even Valorant requires TPM secure boot. When I hear that games won't run on a Steamdeck because the games are built for Windows based PC's, doesn't always play well with Direct Storage and other 'issues', it does put me off. Part of the reason I want a 'Windows' Handheld is because its not 'locked' to a single platform, that 'some' games are already playable so I don't need to buy 'more' games or duplicate versions just for a Handheld I may use up to an hour or two a week - something I can switch on, play the games I want to play and then carry on playing on the TV after...
Steamdeck is a great device, but its also not what I want or need and won't let me play 'everything' I want to play or currently am playing. Even if I do cancel Ultimate, I'll still need 'Game Pass' to play games like CoD, BF6, FH6 etc on my Xbox so I might 'buy' games on Xbox because they give me a PC version too (or vice versa)
@GeeEssEff If Steam and Steamdeck works for you - great but as you need 'windows' for TPM Secure Boot, games like Battlefield 6 and CoD may not work on SteamOS and because I do have a 'few' PC games - not just Play Anywhere titles, but I got a few games free with buying Laptops in the past - Dying Light for example on Steam, but never installed/played it.
At the moment, 98% of my gaming is currently on a Console and both PS and Xbox require an 'Essential' tier Sub to play most of the games I play. So even if I do cancel Ultimate and drop down to Premium or Essential, Game Pass is still usable on my PC too. Yes it maybe a much smaller Library and no Day 1, but its still gives me some options to play at NO extra cost.
Of course, I may embrace Steam more in the future and find myself gaming more on my Laptop or even investing in a decent gaming PC I can plug into my TV - leave the Consoles at this 'gen'. I still have all my games and hardware from at least the last 2 gens of Playstation & Xbox.
However, up untill now, I've only used my Laptop and Ally to play Game Pass games when I can't access my TV/Console rather than PC be my 'main/first' choice. With Xbox and Sony releasing their first Party games there more frequently, I don't know that I want 'both' Consoles again and both Subscription just to play with friends like I have for the past 30yrs or so...
@GeeEssEff Not at all - the fact that its still a full PC and not a SteamOS limited device, has a lot more power under the hood for better gamingg performance, and an upgrade over my OG RoG Ally, I see no reason to cancel.
It just means that maybe I won't be using Game Pass Ultimate for Day 1 - but I still need at least Game Pass Essential on Xbox to keep playing all those games I already own and I still own quite a few Play Anywhere games too. It just means that maybe I won't buy my PC games on Microsoft - maybe Steam, Epic, GoG etc instead.
The controller layout is still the most ergonomic as its designed to feel like an Xbox controller in hand - not a 70% scaled down version or designed for thinness over ergonomics like other Handhelds.
Just because it has the Xbox branding and built in collab with MS, its still just a PC in a Handheld form - like buying a Laptop or Desktop Gaming PC to escape the Console traps and charges. When the Hardware and services were 'cheap' - even if software was more expensive and/or behind a sub paywall - it still worked out to be an affordable way to game. But £600+ consoles, mininmum of £7 a month just to play socially and expensive Software, Moving over to the PC entirelydoesn't mean just Steam - and it would include the Windows/Xbox store, just like Battlenet or Betheda.net would be options if they represent the 'best' value at the time - but otherwise, there are a lot of other options.
It just depends on whether I want or willing to go all in on PC or still keep the Consoles (PS & Xbox) for big screen gaming long term. That may also influence where I buy some games because if I want to play on BOTH my Series X and PC, Microsoft store is the only store to offer that but that's no different from deciding whether to buy on Xbox or Playstation - which can be easy if one has extras or is cheaper
I have nothing against 'Steam' as a Platform on a PC, I don't see it any different from any other of the PC options. I just do NOT want SteamOS or a Steamdeck. My RoG Ally is better than a Steamdeck - although at similar 'low' power to a Steamdeck, the performance is comparable - but boost it to 25w and it beats Steamdeck. Steamdeck has big issues with TPM secure boot - so CoD:BO7 and BF6 will be an issue as it relies on Windows!!
Not being blinkered or fanboy over MS, but games from ALL Publishers are built for 'Windows PC', not SteamOS and Steam has to try and 'emulate' Windows - necessary when it grinds a Steamdeck as it hasn't got the power to run both Windows and a Game.
@GeeEssEff There is a difference between blaming MS for doing what EVERYONE else was having to do because they were all rising prices, cancelling games, shutting studio's and firing staff - not being 'blinkered' to think its ONLY Microsoft doing something - that they are the ONLY Scummy company who are only focussed on the Money they can extract.
But when they become worse than others, Sony may yet raise their Prices too now and we know they've raised prices on hardware and/or reduced the 'quality/spec' of the Hardware and/or really can't 'justify' their actions, that's where I draw the line.
$20 and the refresh of Game Pass, raising of Hardware prices in the current Economic climate (Consoles are not exempt from Tariffs and that impacts the materials/parts imported to make them, increased shipping/distribution costs etc) and 'restructuring' especially after acquiring 2 very similar businesses each with their own Publishing, Marketing, PR, HR, Management structure etc that all do the SAME Job, then Rationalising makes sense - it always happens within several years usually - depending on how long they were 'protected' for on take-over. Everything else - even the $1k for the Xbox Ally X, which is still cheaper than ALL equivalent hardware specced Handhelds is somewhat justifiable because of looking at things Holistically.
I don't just defend Xbox when it comes to somethings - I do for Sony too and PC gaming where applicable, Nintendo not so much because I haven't owned one for a good few years - but I will also criticise if I cannot see a 'justifiable' reason to have done what they did. I hate that Perfect Dark got cancelled, but after 7yrs and still 'no' clear end date, I'd think I'd cancel and make sure the games that are on track, stay on track, same with Everwild that's gone 'nowhere' since its reveal - Contraband too so they 'make sense' holistically - with 'rising' costs for EVERYONE inc keeping the lights on at Studios.
You have to work to your 'budget' of incomings too and now they are expecting the Customers to increase their contributions but without giving 'enough' to Justify it. Arguably the 'cost' of Fortnite and Ubisoft+ is more than the price hike, but I bet if they'd done their 'research' as they claim, they should have kept those out and kept the price the same. Ubisoft+ I guess does add 'some' small value to everyone as I'm sure they have some games you may play (or already have) but Fortnite is NOT for 'everyone' so why make everyone pay that much extra for it? Maybe offer Fortnite with a Game Pass Ultimate members discount as a perk to get it cheaper per month, but to add it for everyone and increase the price isn't justifiable....
@FraserG I think its a BIG mistake with their Xbox branded Handheld PC launching and of course the growing market of Handheld PC's and cloud streaming devices.
The price hike is more likely to push people out of the Subscription/tier they were in and even push peopple away from their Ecosystem. Why buy CoD for $70 when it costs $10 every month on Essential to play it - buy from Steam instead. $360 a year is a LOT extra for very little in return and other Platforms - PS+ Premium looks better value now than GP Premium (let alone Ultimate) so what 'incentive' are MS giving to their Customers to Subscribe or buy games in their Ecosystem?
75 games Day 1 sounds a lot, but not when 65 of them are indies, and the rest are a mix of average AAA games that may not all appeal or be worth playing Day 1 anyway. It wasn't that long ago the Prices jumped up to $20 so to jump up 50% again so soon, along with all the other price hikes and fact that most Standard AAA games are so 'bare bones' - like they Cut content to sell Premium/Gold/Complete editions and sell 'Game Pass Upgrades' to get the 'full' game, it just seems WRONG!
How much is Satya Nadella on, how much of a Pay Rise will he get? You could save a LOT of money by cutting his salary completely. It just feels 'greedy' by dressing it up as giving you maybe a little 'more' but taking a LOT more in return...
$120 a year for Essential - required to play games like CoD, Forza, Halo, Grounded etc or $360 a year and don't pay for Day 1 releases. Seems quite a MASSIVE hike for very little added benefits compared to before - and for PC a MASSIVE nerf and Price Hike.
It seems such a wrong time with MS about to release their own Handheld PC with Asus - that would be a great product to sell Subscriptions to - along with all the other new PC's and cloud enabled devices coming to the market.
For $70, I can buy CoD on Xbox but would need to pay $120 a year to play it on Console but I would get the Windows PC version with it or pay $360 for GPU, but I could also just pay $70 on Steam and play it indefinitely on my Laptop or Handheld.
So with their Xbox Ally, what is the incentive for PC gamers to pay $30 for Day 1 releases? Premium seems pointless as you have so many cheap and Free games on PC anyway.
a 50% increase to play some OLD games - many of which can be purchased dirt cheap in a sale anyway. I can see it 'adding' to the Value if the Price hadn't massively jumped up - maybe gone-up by $2-3 a month with the other additions/changes - but I doubt the inclusion of this will suddenly encourage more to sign up to Ultimate - if Anything, I think the Price Hike is more likely to see Cancellations - especially on PC where Subs are not required at all.
On Console, you still 'need' Game Pass Essential to play a LOT of the new releases - like CoD, but not on PC.
To play CoD for example, its $70 for the standard edition - you get that free ONLY with GPU at $30 a month. On Console, even though you bought and own the game, you still need to pay for 'Essential' tier for EVERY month you want to play that game. On Steam, you can play it indefinitely without ANY subscription.
It just doesn't make sense when the 'market' for Subscriptiions looks to be opening up even more with more Cloud and Handheld PC devices coming out yet MS seem to want to put people off from their Ecosystem and push them to others...
It does seem like a BIG MISTAKE with MS about to launch their Handheld PC and of course all the other Handheld PC's and Streaming enabled devices to sell Subscriptions to.
I can't see a point in Essential or Premium Tier services on PC - not with ALL the cheap and free to play PC games available and Ultimate at that price is not very appealing - $360 a year!!!
On console, if you do cancel Ultimate and choose to buy games like CoD for 70, you still need at least Game Pass Essential to play it - even the Campaign. But on Steam, you pay 70 and that's it - no 'monthly' fee to play with friends.
Instead of increasing Subscriptions with their new Handheld PC, I can see them losing a LOT and pushing people to Steam/Epic or even Playstation (although you still need PS+to play a lot of games).
In fairness, for what they are adding to Ultimate - Ubisoft+, I can see a 'small' increase in price but in reality, most of the games are dirt cheap on sale anyway. I have no idea (or care about) Fortnite Crew and what that offers, and GeForce Now is much better for Streaming Quality anyway. Tha ability to 'earn' more Rewards is NO incentive to me.
A 'small' increase in what you get, but a Significantly large increase in cost - and for PC, a Massive increase in cost or massive nerf to their Service. Like I said, with so many cheap/free games and no 'subscriptions' required, Game Pass Ultimate is NOT looking like the best Gaming Subscription service anymore - PS+ Premium is far better than Xbox Premium!
@kantaroo nope - not for Ultimate tier where it hasalways been - they've just added Ubisoft+ (and Fortnite Crew? coming soon) - as well as changed Reward points
Comments 4,071
Re: ROG Xbox Ally X Continues To Sell Out, While Standard Version Remains More Readily Available
@Coletrain I've played a few 'new' release AAA games on my OG RoG Ally - games like FH5 and Doom Eternal and both games ran 'OK' but I really do struggle with the ergonomics. The 70% scaled down Controls really mess ith my Muscle Memory and struggle to hit the buttons - so I tended to play very 'simple' control games. I struggled with Doom but FH6 was ok - brake, accelerate and steer only settings.
To me, the biggest upgrade over the first gen RoG Ally, and even the improved Ally X, is the 'full size' Controller grips, thumbsticks and buttons. The chance to upgrade to a newer 'upgraded' Z2E chip is almost secondary as I never really struggled to play games at reasonable settings (obviously not 1080p on a 1080p display) and over 30fps which I consider a 'minimum' frame rate requirement. But even at 40 or 50fps, the VRR screen was its biggest benefit over other Z1E devices.
Its still a very good Handheld and still a worthy device. Certainly great for the vast majority of games released, but maybe will need to be 'boosted' or you'll have to make a bit more compromise to run certain New AAA games at 30fps or more.
It just depends on the games you want to play on the go - including potential future releases like GTA6 or GTAO, I play mostly on Series X but I want a decent Handheld that feels like a Controller in my hand and plays the games I want when I can't get on my XSX. If I want to play BO7 or BF6 whilst the TV is in use, I want that option - even if its more of a struggle on a 7" screen. Zombies shouldn't be too bad and campaigns too...
Re: ROG Xbox Ally X Continues To Sell Out, While Standard Version Remains More Readily Available
@Coletrain Yeah - it's designed to be Competitive with the new wave of Handheld PC's and a Price Point to match. Its the cheapest of the Z2E and has AI NPU's unlike the others.
The cheaper version is designed more to compete with Steamdecks and Switch 2 devices - of course you can probably buy 'discontinued' Z1E hardware - both new old stock and used but they aren't really 'competing' as they are the same Platform essentially. It's form factor, Xbox branding and UI are supposed to appeal more to Xbox gamers looking for Handheld devices at a similar cost to Steamdeck or Switch 2.
I saw little point in going for this as I have a RoG ally that 'competes' with those other devices, I wanted something more powerful and more ergonomic...
Re: ROG Xbox Ally X Continues To Sell Out, While Standard Version Remains More Readily Available
@Hapless @Coletrain As I said, I had done my research and searched around - the sources also indicated that but Obviously I am the one that is misinformed - so I apologise. Even searching on Google though, the Z2A is designed to operate better at Low Power and compete with Steamdeck and its price point.
I have the Z2E Xbox Ally X on pre-order myself so wasn't overly concerned about the specs/architecture of the base. I'm upgrading from Z1E which isn't great when starved of power - but all Z1E devices are still part of the Windows Handheld PC pltforms and basically offer the same Library etc.
I guess we will wait and see what DF makes of these and how the base model compares with the likes of Steamdeck, its most direct competitor...
Re: ROG Xbox Ally X Continues To Sell Out, While Standard Version Remains More Readily Available
@Coletrain Nope - I did my research and checked, double checked this morning too after your message.
The Z2A Zen 5 with 3 Performance and 5 Efficiency cores - so you still have 8 cores/16 threads, but unlike Z1E with '8' Zen 4 cores, they can't all be boosted to 5.1ghz.
The GPU though is RDNA 3.5 with 16cores - compared to the 12 cores of RDNA 3.0 in Z1E. A Simple search provided this:-
Graphics:
The Z1E features a capable RDNA 3 GPU, suitable for gaming but with limitations compared to newer architectures.
The Z2A's RDNA 3.5 GPU provides enhanced graphical capabilities, making it a better choice for graphics-intensive applications and gaming.
Power Efficiency:
The Z2A is designed with power efficiency in mind, making it more suitable for battery-operated devices, while the Z1E may consume more power under heavy loads.
So I don't know where you got your misinformation from, but all the official information I can find would tell you that the Z2A is built on newer architecture (Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5 compared to Zen 4 and RDNA 3.0)
Re: ROG Xbox Ally X Continues To Sell Out, While Standard Version Remains More Readily Available
@Coletrain Z1E is Zen 4 and Z2A is Zen 5 with 3 performance and 5 efficiency cores and as for GPU, the Z1E is RDNA 3 whilst Z2A is RDNA 3.5. The AMD Ryzen Z1E is better suited for users who prioritize raw processing power and high clock speeds, particularly for gaming and intensive applications. In contrast, the AMD Ryzen Z2A offers a more balanced approach with improved graphics performance and power efficiency, making it ideal for portable devices. In other words, it will work better at '15w' but maybe won't be as performant at 35w - which is better for battery life - not having to 'boost' because its not that efficient when power starved.
So sorry to burst your bubble but your information is wrong - the newer chip is newer Archetecture designed to be more eficient at 'lower' power so you don't have to 'boost' to 25 or 35w and drain the battery. It will play games like Doom: the Dark ages at over 30fps and 'Compete' with its Rivals - the Steamdeck and Switch 2. The Z1E Handheld PC's, inc the first gen Ally's , Lenovos or MSi models are NOT competition as they are still MS Windows PC's with Microsoft Game Pass and their PC platform ready to go, awaiting the update o the new Windows and UI. They are just different 'choices' to basicaly do the same thing with exactly the same Library, platforms etc.
The RoG Xbox Ally is built and priced to compete Directly with Steamdeck and Switch 2. All other Handheld PC's, inc used Z1E devices are all just different choices to the same 'Platform'.
Re: Xbox Rolls Out Age Verification (UK) And Game Hub Improvements In New Insider Update
Been with Xbox for nearly 25 years, playing Halo CE, a 'adult' game (or at least a teenager game) and then being asked to prove you are over 18 is somewhat ridiculous.
I'm sure that certain things in your HISTORY should be indicative of age even if they can'tt 'verify' exactly how old you are. I'm well over 50 and find it very insulting to prove my age. I think my Email account is over 25yrs old so that 'digital' record/footprint etc should prove I'm over 18
Re: Xbox Journalist Disputes Rumour About AMD Requiring 10M Units For First-Party Handheld
This device and the costs of their Console and its services seems to me that MS want to push you to PC Gaming and preferably on their Platform and services there. Their next gaming Hardware will be a PC that just boots to the Xbox FSE UI with the Windows desktop and all the switched off process just a click or 3 away. This could be the 'precursor' of the Xbox future at least 'Hardware' based.
Their gaming PC will just be Windows optimised for gaming running Xbox FSE by default with at most some 'emulation' chip built in for emulating their Consoles for Back Compat with your 'Digital' Libraries on those different eras of console.
That's why they dropped their own - and why the Xbox Ally exists to compete in the same Price range as Switch 2 and Steamdeck - all other handheld PC's (used and/or different brands) are still Microsoft Windows devices with their own ecosystem on it so essentially the same - and will be when they get the Windows update.
They couldn't make a 'Steamdeck' contender to play the games you play on your Series consoles at Steamdeck or better, with the same 'feel' as an Xbox controller for around the same money with such limited quanity manufacturing so its better to work with Asus to build more of that 'Xbox' console influenced Handheld PC with its ergonomics, OS and UI redesign.
Re: ROG Xbox Ally X Continues To Sell Out, While Standard Version Remains More Readily Available
@DonkeyFantasy M2 2280 are much more available than the more niche M2 2230 SSDs so ease is relative I guess...
Anyway, I've always advocated choice and each to their own as well - I was just pointing out WHY someone may choose This device over the Alternatives in its price range - its direct competitors are Steamdeck and Switch 2 - the others are just preferential choice or budget as ALL Windows Handheld PC's are essentially the SAME family with the SAME library and 'Xbox' and Game Pass crossover.the difference between this and other PC's is ergonomics and that dashboad - the 7" LCD 120hz VRR screen was considered the 'best' in class in the first gen handhelds and looks great on my RoG Ally (OG Version). Used doesn't come with the same warranty and piece of mind - also they should get the OS/UI at some point so are a good option, still in the same category/ecosystems etc.
The point of this device was to be as 'affordable' as Steamdeck and still be as performant at similar power levels (but can be boosted) whilst also providing the 'Xbox' ergonomics and UI, able to play ALL your Play Anywhere/Game Pass games at no 'extra' cost where as the other hardware, you'd need to buy games as well. The 'Xbox' branding and 'emphasis' on GP and Play Anywhere is designed to make the 'cross-over' into 'PC Gaming' from Xbox consoles relatively comfortably and seemlessly as possible. The Xbox Ally X is to be the 'latest' gen to compete with MSi and Lenovo Devices for Performance/graphics - although this does have AI NPU's the others don't so could be interesting in the future...
Anyway, I still believe CHOICE is best - and ALL I was pointing out it's unique features it hopes to convince people to buy vs it's competitors in its 'Price' range. The Xbox Ally is not competing with 'used' products reall, its competing against the 'new' handhelds and that is the higher end Steamdecks and/or Switch 2 hardware as the 'current' market has.
MS Built one to compete more with 'Consoles' at their Price point and a high end one to compete with the new PC releases too. The compromises to reach that price point to be 'competitive' and a 'choice' for those people deciding to jump in may come down to how each 'feels' in the hand more than which plays Indiana Jones the 'best'.
It seems to me, Xbox want people to 'move' more to their PC Ecosystem and PC Game Pass than stay on their Console, Merge Xbox fully into Windows, even their Gaming Harrdware will be 'Windows' but boot to the FSE by default instead of the full Windows. These products may well be the pre-cursor tho their future....
Re: ROG Xbox Ally X Continues To Sell Out, While Standard Version Remains More Readily Available
@DonkeyFantasy The Z2A has much better efficoiency at the lower power end - the 15w mode and should be equivalent at the higher 25w-35w modes to deliver roughly the same graphics and performance - maybe a few points better here and there and that's if they both run Full Windows, but the Z1E chip does not get the Xbox FSE experience until next year.
Also the Z1E versions - only the OG which isn't that great is likely to be cheaper - don't have great ergonomics. They improved with their Ally X - but that is more expensive - but these have something those don't - full size Grips, buttons and thumbsticks and feels like a Xbox controller in hand. It also comes with a bigger 60w Battery over the 40w in the RoG Ally and a more easily upgradeable SSD.
From my own research on the Subject, I found out this:-
The ROG Xbox Ally represents a significant evolution in handheld gaming, building on the strengths of the original ROG Ally while addressing its shortcomings. With improved ergonomics, battery life, and performance features, it is likely to appeal to gamers looking for a more comfortable and capable device. However, the original ROG Ally remains a solid option for those who may not need the latest enhancements or are looking for a more budget-friendly choice.
Re: ROG Xbox Ally X Continues To Sell Out, While Standard Version Remains More Readily Available
@DonkeyFantasy The Standard version looks pretty decent and far more comparable to the Steamdeck in both Price and performance - but unlike Steamdeck, also plays a LOT more games - like CoD, Destiny 2, GTA Online, BF6 and Valorant. It also integrates with Play Anywhere and Game Pass.
I know GPU is more expensive, but Essential/Premium tiers still offer Games and PC cross-over and their price has not increased. The lower tiers added PC crossover.
Point is, the cheaper one is to compete more with the Steamdeck/Switch 2 but offer better ergonomics and the largest Library that also syncs well with your Xbox - whether you 'want' those feature or 'prefer' the alternatives may depend on where your current Library exists, the games you want to play and even the cost to play those games on that device.
Take Indy for example - you can play it on Xbox via Game Pass or buy it digitally with Play Anywherebut if you want to finish it playing on the go without having to rebuy, then the only Native options are the Handheld PC's, Steamdeck and Switch 2 will require repurchasing. If that's what you want, then maybe the RoG Xbox Ally is the better value option.
Re: ROG Xbox Ally X Continues To Sell Out, While Standard Version Remains More Readily Available
I don't know what I expected or what to make of this. Its entirely possible that they made 'fewer' Xbox Ally X's, thinking that the price would make it less popular so sold out quicker than anticipated. Maybe they made far more Standard white versions thinking it would sell more being cheaper and perhaps got their balance 'wrong' - not enough X's to meet demand and more standard Ally's than gamers that want it...
Re: Bungie's Delayed Shooter Marathon Re-Emerges With New Xbox Playtest
@cragis0001 Do you really think that Sony are actively hoping that people will buy their games on Xbox to cloud stream them to whatever devices they have? PC have streaming services too of course and Sony has Portal.
Lets be honest here, the cost of porting and releasing their game on another platform, losing 30% to MS and long term support afterwards just so some kid can stream a few hours for 'free'. Unless its Play Anywhere on PC/Xbox, I don't think many will 'buy' to stream it. It won't be on Game Pass so I doubt they'll support Play Anywhere.
May as well just buy it on Steam/Epic and use a decent Streaming Service like GeForce Now...
Re: New Silent Hill F Xbox Advertisement Makes It Clear You're Only Buying A 'License'
@EVIL-C If you prefer to own a bit of plastic that you have to put in the console just to show you still have that bit of plastic, still own the License, still have the key to access the Software, installed on your Hardware - that's your choice.
However, that bit of plastic doesn't even need to contain the 'Software - its just a distribution method to Publishers. All they need to supply is the License and a Launcher to install the game from the internet.
Re: Pick One: Which Is Your Favourite Double Fine Game On Xbox?
I've only played (or should I say started) a few of their games and Brutal Legend is by far the best - but still have never finished the game. I've tried Iron Brigade, that was OK but nothing thatmade me want to keep playing and/or return, same with Psychonauts (both) and Grim Fandango because of 'hype', butreally didn't enjoy or understand the hype for these at all.
I can't say I'm a fan of Double Fine at all, none of their games appeal - but Jack Black and the soundtrack is why Brutal Legend is by far the best! I will say they have a very unique artistic style which is quite quirky, but the 'game-play' and description, trailers etc don't make me want to play - I won't play Keeper eeither...
Re: Seven Games Tested On ROG Xbox Ally X In 45 Minutes Of Impressive Pre-Release Footage
I pre-ordered the RoG Xbox Ally X and think those results are impressive - incidentally Game Pass PC is cheaper the Game Pass Ultimate with Day 1 if you don't play on Console - although has jumped up in price.
It's a very capable gaming Handheld and you still have options to use FSR upscaling and frame gen to boost frame rates if you want. Being a 'Windows' PC too, it shouldn't be a problem with TPM Secure Boot requirements - unlike Steamdeck - NO GTAO, Destiny 2, BF6, CoD, Valorant etc....
I know its expensive but I also think its 'worth' it considering the price of Mobile Phones and the Performance for gaming this has. The ergonomics look very comfortable - like a Xbox controller, and 7" screen is 'great' on my RoG Ally. To run everything, inc the game, cooling, screen etc all on a battery in such a small package considering, its incredible. Just 10yrs ago, the idea of a Windows PC able to play games in a Handheld was a dream, Valve made it work with their OS and ecosystem so it wasn't long after.
Point is, to have that computational power in your hands in something that size is remarkable considering what was possible just 10 or even 20yrs ago, these can play games btter than Consoles from a few years back in a handheld form running on a battery...
Re: Activision Lays Into Black Ops 7 Hackers As 97% Of Early Access Beta Cheats Shut Down Instantly
I will never understand the cheater mindset - its no victory if you cheated for it and paying for cheats to ruin the experience for everyone is dispicable..
I've not noticed or felt like I've been killed by cheaters so it sems to be working. I've enjoyed the Beta and Zombies too and a co-op Campaign sounds interesting too - but I'll play it through solo first.
Re: Bungie's Delayed Shooter Marathon Re-Emerges With New Xbox Playtest
@RadioHedgeFund Personally I don't think so - I think they would rather keep those as 'Exclusive' to their Console and the only way you'll play those is when Steam/Epic are on their Hardware.
They don't have to spend money on porting, supporting and marketing, losing 30% to MS when they can do 'nothing' and reap any extra PC sales from steam/epic.
I'm sure their 'Xbox' PC (Asus RoG Xbox Ally Handheld PC's) will sell Spider-man, Horizon, God of War, R&C Last of Us etc games to play on their new Hardware if they've never owned a PC or Playstation and I'm sure IF/When MS open their Hardware to other Platforms or make more Xbox branded PC's, Sony won't port to their competition
Re: New Silent Hill F Xbox Advertisement Makes It Clear You're Only Buying A 'License'
@Questionable_Duck Exactly - that's why you've not owned the software. You can't sell it or distribute it to others - just your 'license' and that removes your access too.
Still people believe they 'own' their games when in reality all they own is Licences. Whether they can sell (general Physical License) or not (Digital), some are also conditional - like Game Pass/PS+ games that give you a license on the condition you keep your Subscription and/or remains available in that service.
Re: New Silent Hill F Xbox Advertisement Makes It Clear You're Only Buying A 'License'
That's always been the case - you've never owned the Software and only purchased a license to access that software. Of course with Physical, its always been on the Media with the Software in the past - although since the PS4/XB1 era, the Software has to be installed on internal storage so that's enabled them to supply some/all content via online as in their mind, you only bought a 'License' so as long as that is supplied, the rest can be downloaded/installed from Disc, internet or both.
Point is, you've never 'owned' the game, just a Licence to play. Hence you need to install Discs even though the entire game is installed on your Console - it can not be accessed without a Valid Licence. The only real difference is that Physical Licenses are 'generic' meaning anyone with the Physical media can access the Software so easily sold/traded. Digital though is more specific and locked to your account/profile so only you can access but cannot be sold.
Re: Bungie's Delayed Shooter Marathon Re-Emerges With New Xbox Playtest
No interest - So many better looking games inc Arc Raiders and BF6
Re: Talking Point: Would You Still Buy An Elite Series 3 Controller For Xbox Series X|S?
I'd buy one day 1 but whether that would be primarily used for Series consoles or PC, I don't know. The Elite V2 is by far the most ergonomic and durable controller I've owned - probably since my Competition Pro Joystick...
Re: New COD Sales 'Estimate' Helps Explain Xbox's Price Hike For Day One Game Pass Releases
That's assuming EVERYONE on PC/Xbox that played on Game Pass would have bought the game instead. I'm sure a percentage would have bought but not all. Not only that, I wonder how many more spent on Season Passes or other MTX because they didn't spend $70 to play it.
I do think that if people drop to Premium or Essential, then the number of people playing CoD will be much lower to start. Most may also wait the year for games like Outer Worlds 2, Fable, Clockwork Revolution etc otherwise why bother with Premium? Might as well drop down to Essential if you intend to buy games now.
Re: Xbox Issues Statement Denying Rumour That Next-Gen Console Could Be Cancelled
I nbelieve it is possible that both situations could be true - hat Microsoft are about to leave the 'Console' business but are not leaving the Hardware business just yet.
Their next device could be a 'Xbox PC', maybe with a Xbox chip built in for BC with Consoles, but ultimately not locked to Xbox and the Xbox ecosystem like a traditional console but open to Steam, GoG, Epic etc. I'm sure MS will have their own device but whether or not you also get licensed 3rd Party versions, I think maybe after a year or so.
Point is, MS still has their Surface line and could still make Gaming Hardware but whether or NOT its a traditional Single Platform device, time will tell.
Therefore both could be right in that MS are not making another 'Xbox Console', but are still making Hardware with Xbox branding, just more a PC than a Console...
Re: Multiple Xbox Games Temporarily Delisted Due To Security Issue With The Unity Engine
@Brigurugi your 'security' wasn't impacted by the rise in Subscription fees, the 'value' of Game Pass may have changed for you, but you can also cancel or drop down tiers.
As for Consoles, MS got into the Console business to bring 'PC' Games to the Masses with an affordable 'box' designed around DirectX and PC game requirements (internet, Hard drives etc). Now 25yrs later, affordable gaming PC's exist delivering Console like Performance and streaming exists too for much cheaper options.
When you are paying $500 for 'Subsidised' Console Hardware so you have to pay a Sub fee to unlock all content/features etc, an additional $10 a month for Essental tier or $600 over 5yrs, You can buy a PC for $1k, never need a Subscription and find games are generally cheaper too.
The only people buying 'Xbox' consoles are those that want an Xbox specifically to play select Xbox games or for Game Pass - PC owners aren't buying Xbox because they can play EVERY Xbox release Day 1 and/or Subscribe for Day 1 games cheaper. PS gamers may not buy an Xbox now because the games will come to their Platform eventually anyway. You don't need to upgrade to a 'new' Xbox as you can stream games to your old gen via Cloud too to save money...
Point is, the Console is not that 'attractive' - unless your 'preference' is to play on Console specifically or it suits your 'budget'. Sony and Nintendo only have their Console Platform so 'exclusives' make them more appealing - they aren't on PC or can be streamed 'free' to other devices - if you want to play Mario or Wolverine day 1, you must buy their console. On Xbox, the Console is not the ONLY way to play so do you even need to buy it??
That's why for at least the past year or so, there have been rumours that Microsofts 'next' Hardware will not be a Console in the Traditional sense - locked to just the Xbox store and the Xbox Ecosystem, being more like a PC with multiple storefronts/platforms to play on - Steam, Epic, GoG etc. The next 'Xbox' may well be a Console like PC designed to connect to the TV, but not a 'Console' in the traditional sense - like the Asus Handheld PC with its 'Xbox based' UI but not 'locked' to Xbox at all...
Re: Talking Point: How Do You Feel About Ubisoft+ Classics Being Added To Game Pass Ultimate?
@datamonkey Not bnecessarily because EVERY Publisher has done the same thing. The difference between MS and others is perhaps scale and frequency, but they also expanded the most during BOOM.
Job losses were inevitable when you 'merge' 3 identical businesses together, you don't need 3 different Publishing divisions, Payroll Departments, HR, Marketting/Advertising etc all with their own Management etc so that was 'inevitable'. All Publishers have closed down studios, laid off staff, cancelled games etc.
As for those with Hardware, MS isn't the only one to increase Prices. Sony has and reduced specs/quality too but kept the price high. Nintendo are charging more for their games than others and EA Play (£17) and Ubisoft+ Pro (£15) offer day 1 (or some Day 1) in their price so 'Day 1' can't be the issue alone if others offer.
The point is that when MS announced their intention to buy ABK, there was likely to be 'inevitable' Job losses - after a protected time maybe, but still no point employing 3 people to do the SAME job. As for Price Hikes, that too would be inevitable at some point just due to inflation and rising costs - however, I doubt anyone expected the world to go Crazy after coming out of the Pandemic. Certain big regions are now closed off from selling games so no revenue coming in from their anymore, other countries so devastated they aren't able to buy and other regions are struggling to live Hand to mouth with rising costs, tariffs, trade wars, unstable economics and much less disposible income to spend on 'leisure'. That is having an impact on EVERY Publisher so EVERY Publisher is looking at ways to reduce their costs AND/OR increase their revenue. You can say that EVERY publisher is 'guilty' of doing the same thing...
Re: Black Ops 7 Beta Review (Xbox) - A Bit Of A Re-Skin, But Zombies Mode Shines
@Simu001 I still don't know that I'll buy it at launch or wait and see how things evolve over the coming months. At the moment, I haven't cancelled or downgraded from GPU so still have EA Access - so that is also an option to wait for, but I may cancel once the BO7 beta is over.
I'm still considering whether or not to drop Xbox Consoles completely and just play on PC instead - noSubscriptions required at all. To play BF6 or CoD for a year on Xbox costs $120 (GPE at $10 a month) but on PC, its just whatever the game costs and I can play 'Anywhere' on a Handheld PC. GeForce Now is a better Streaming option IF I wanted to stream - so I'm also not looking to 'buy' games on Xbox (unless Play Anywhere) because I could end up playing solely on PC's and wouldn't want to have to 're-buy'!
Re: Talking Point: How Do You Feel About Ubisoft+ Classics Being Added To Game Pass Ultimate?
@Weebleman Not neccessarily. If you lose Ultimate Subscribers - even if they are dropping to Premium or Essential, that has a big impact in their monthly revenue. Instead of almost guaranteeing say $400m a month, that drops now down to say $200m a month - but people won't necessaril be spending that money on Games or buying them 'new' instead.
Most of the Premium Subscribers may well choose to wait up to a year for them to come to their tier - otherwise may as well drop to Essential and the rest may just wait for sales instead.
Instead of playing CoD, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden, Clockwork Revolution and Fable via GPU, they may just buy CoD (as its something they'll play all year with friends) and wait for the rest to come to their tier or be on sale at very low cost. No guarantee those gamers will buy Day 1.
So not only will MS lose a big chunk of their almost guaranteed monthly revenue, the difference is not necessarily going to be made up by Sales of games - let alone sales of their own. Xbox hardware too is not that prolific so lose 30% of sales revenue to other platforms - like Steam or Playstation.
With cost of living rising, much less disposible income to spend on Games, let alone the cost of games (particularly 'complete' editions, not the bare bones standard edition) and hardware going up too, I struggle to see the sense in MS's decision.
With their Handheld PC and numerous other Handheld PC's and cloud enabled gaming devices, you'd think that MS would be looking to sell GP on those, increase their Subscriber numbers and monthly revenue, but could price themselves out - lose sales to Steam, GoG etc, push people to Playstation etc instead of spending 'money' in their's!!
Re: Talking Point: How Do You Feel About Ubisoft+ Classics Being Added To Game Pass Ultimate?
I feel 'meh' about it in truth. Obviously the games it adds are not 'new' and many have been on sale dirt cheap, been on Game Pass or even given away with Gold. However, it does add more Games to a service that is all about providing a 'Library' of games you can play at no additional charge. I would have less 'issue' with a small increase in price with Ubisoft+ and other changes, but it doesn't really add 'value' from my perspective.
I have much more of an issue with them forcing Fortnite Crew on EVERY Ultimate Subscriber - that doesn't increase the Library of Games so it should have been a 'Perk' for Game Pass Members that actually play Fortnite (a F2P game) to add the 'Premium' tier Subscription at a 'discount' from the Epic price.
To me, the addition of EA Access and Ubisoft+ do at least add 'Games' to their service - the fact that they are 'older' titles is irrelevant as the vast majority of the games in Game Pass are over a month old - so it does 'increase' the number of games accessible - but these too could be 'perks' to tailor your Subscription. For example Xbox GPU is $17, add EA access and/or Ubisoft+ for $3 each and Fortnite Crew for $7 for example if you want....
Re: Black Ops 7 Beta Review (Xbox) - A Bit Of A Re-Skin, But Zombies Mode Shines
@kuu_nousee @Simu001 Yeah - Even before the buyout, with EA's past track record I was apprehensive to buy at launch - not because I think the launch game will be 'bad', I think it could well be the best BF launch in years, but because I have no idea how the plan to monetise post-launch content.
Firestorm can't be funded just from sales of the base game - if its F2P as expected. It will be funded by MTX's Season/Battle Passes, in-game currencies etc as will any post-launch 'free' content in the Premium game.
CoD is the same, but at least you have years of evidence and experience to know exactly what to expect etc. However, I can see new ownership pushing the pricing up to not only recoup their costs but also clear the $20bn debt EA had...
Re: Black Ops 7 Beta Review (Xbox) - A Bit Of A Re-Skin, But Zombies Mode Shines
I think its more of a refined BO6 with better map design/layout for better flow - I think BF6 is a better BF3 but also a very different game, different combat and different feel to the Game-play too so both offer something uniquely different.
To me, thats great because it means I am less likely to get burned out when I can alternate between multiple different styles of Multi-player FPS games.
Re: Xbox Game Studios Titles Up For Several Awards At Golden Joysticks 2025
I can see maybe Xbox winning 1 or 2 awards here - Troy Baker as Indiana Jones as he really does a great Harrison Ford and maybe Best Remake/Remaster with 3 out of the 6 games nominated.
The rest of the categories they are nominated in, I'd be surprised if other games didn't win...
Re: Halo Reporter Thinks They've Discovered Who's Developing The Combat Evolved 'Remake'
@BacklogBrad Yeah - probably the 10th Anniversary Edition now 'ported' to PS5 with the settings changed to ouput at higher res and higher frame rate caps too...
I still think that the Coalition and 343i, both now using UE5, should have remade their games in UE5 - not only to get to grips with UE5 in preparation for their next main games, but also to go through those Originals and understand the vibe, the essence of those games that they've 'lost' in their own projects since taking over those IP's from Epic and Bungie respectively.
Gears hasn't had the Horrors of War, the emotional bleakness etc and Halo hasn't been handled well at all and seems like they don't really know the games that made those IP's so beloved in the first place.
Lets be real, Halo:CE today is AWFUL - but it was rushed and jumbled together to be a Launch game. I'd rather they did a reboot than a remake, Make Halo: CE as if it was being made for the first time with modern gamers and hardware in mind...
Re: Microsoft Set To Announce 'Free' Xbox Cloud Gaming Tier With Ads
From my perspective, I feel Cloud is more a supplemental way to play games rather than the 'Main' way to play games. What I mean by that is that you wouldn't choose to play on Cloud - unless its the 'only' option due to your current situation.
I do sometimes stream an 'indie' game because I don't want to waste time downloading/installinng when I'll likely either finish it or had enough after a single session. I've also played a few AAA games (on my RoG Ally/Laptop) because I couldn't wait hours for installation. I've tried a few games on cloud to see if I would be interested in playing more, but will pre-install most Day 1 releases I want to play.
I have the ability to stream to multiple devices but I'd still rather turn on Gaming Hardware and play Natively - that's why I want a Handheld PC despite barely playing 'on the go' when I could get by with just my Mobile. Streaming is great if the Hardware you have is not able to play it 'natively' at reasonable quality/performance, but I think its more the 'budget' option at most but Supplemental for gamers who can't always game on their preferred Hardware.
Re: Poll: What Are Your First Impressions Of The Black Ops 7 Beta On Xbox?
I think its better than BO6 despite how similar it is - the one big differences that I think has the most impact is the Map design/Layout so the Flow is better than BO6.
I think the rest is solid - if not that different or innovative. I've reached the Level Cap of 20 already and the fact that I keep playing 'just one more' for the umpteenth time maybe is indicative of the reason I voted that its 'quite good to be fair'. I couldn't really vote higher with only a few maps and limited options at the moment - but I do think its a 'better' BO6 - which arguably was the same with MW3 vs MW2. It seems the 2nd year gives them the opportunity to tweak/refine things that didn't 'work' as well - such as the Maps and their design...
Re: Here's Your First Proper Look At The 'Premium Case' For The ROG Xbox Ally
I pre-ordered this case when I pre-ordered the RoG Xbox Ally X - thought it made sense to have a decent protective case for it...
Re: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Will Now Get 75+ Day One Titles Per Year, A '50% Increase' On Before
Intead of 6 AAA games and 45+ indies/AA games, you will now get 6 AAA games and even more indy/AA games day 1.... LOL
And how many of the AAA Day 1 games will actually be 'ready' and Complete to play on 'Day 1' as a lot seem to require quite a bit of work to bring them up to the standard you should expect day 1, and a lot also seem to have content missing (cut due to pacing? Cut for easier Polishing? Cut to sell later as DLC? ) - to come as DLC (inc in the $100 'Complete' edition).
We didn't want to pay $100+ for games, but to get the complete game these days, it will cost more than $70 - is it worth it Day 1 anymore or better to wait and buy in sales?
Re: Deals: Some Major 2025 Games Are Discounted In Xbox's New 'Hits You Can't Miss' Sale
Any chance you can highlight the Play Anywhere games in these lists? I may buy games I bought Physically on Xbox if they are Play Anywhere and very cheap now so I can play on the Handheld PC too
Re: 'Price Increases Are Never Fun For Anybody' Says Xbox Exec Defending Game Pass Changes
More value? how have they added more value for EVERYONE? If everyone played Fortnite and wanted Fortnite Crew, then maybe, but making people pay for stuff they don't want or use is not ADDING VALUE!!!
Re: Xbox Users Seeing Game Pass Dashboard Ad That Mentions Price Hike & New Benefits
I still think that this is a step to far - Even if they had to raise the Price, the way they have done it is somewhat unreasonable and unjustifiable.
I can 'understand' them adding Ubisoft+ Classics to offer 'more' games and I expect that Gamers would find at least a few games they 'would' play or already have. That at least can say they offer something for 'everyone'...
Fortnite Crew however is NOT for everyone - its for a Single IP and if you have NO interest in Fortnite, this is an EXPENSIVE addition just for Epic to 'claim' they have millions more Subscribers to their investors. It would make much more sense to offer a 'discount' on the pice of Fortnite Crew to Game Pass Subscribers.
Tariffs will be impacting Microsoft but I doubt its affecting their Digital Services. However, Consoles are NOT exempt from Tariffs and I would also expect that sales through their store are not as high as they were etc because the cost of Living has gone up. Tariffs may not be affecting their Services, but if everything else is dropping in revenue, the only thing they have left to try is their Subsciption prices - athough that can backfire and lose them that 'regular' income stream.
The price has gone up by $120 a year in the US, assuming you cancel and drop down to Essential as its required to play games, they can't guarantee that people will spend $120 on games, let alone the $240 difference between Ultimate and Essential. There are Free to Play games and very cheap games, big Backlogs in peoples Library so they can still enjoy their hobby and keep spending to an absolute minimum.
There are likely some Gamers that cannot afford to spend more money on Gaming right now - $20 a month was their limit so getting new games every month was great but $30 is too much and $10 + buying games isn't viable.
I must admit, I'm considering whether or not to quit Consoles so I don't have to pay ANY Subscription fees to play Online with Friends. I'll see when I get my Xbox Ally X and maybe will game more on my Laptop with its RTX 5060 GPU
Re: Xbox Game Pass Premium May Be The Best-Value Tier Right Now, With Almost 50 Games Added
@GeeEssEff I can't deny that if things hadn't evolved as they have, I perhaps would have been interested in a Steamdeck or at least the next one. I do prefer it to a Switch/Switch 2 but then Handheld PC's released and I bought the RoG Ally.
I have some reservations over the Legion Go 2 - although its controller scheme seems well thought out for more than 'just' gaming and the 8.8" OLED is incredible, but I expect more power hungry than a 7" LED and it does have a slightly smaller Battery. It has more RAM, but doesn't have the AI NPU and I think the detachable nature of the Controllers looks somewhat clunky. Its also heavier and more Expensive
I also considered the GPD Win5 Strix Halo but too many 'compromises' for all that Hardware Power to be as convenient in one product.
My main issue with a LOT of Handhelds is that they have TINY controls - at least feel tiny to me and very cramped together so I find them awkward/uncomfortable for anything other than 'simple' games like Racing (just accelerate/Brake and steering) for example. So for me, the Xbox Ally X makes sense - its an upgrade over my Ally and that screen was great, more battery and RAM, plus the upgraded Hardware and OS - although that OS will come to more devices in the future.
I play a lot of FPS games as well as 3rd Person Action Adventure games - I want to be able to play Doom, Wolfenstein, CoD - maybe not BF on that small a screen with the 'big' maps, but even Valorant requires TPM secure boot. When I hear that games won't run on a Steamdeck because the games are built for Windows based PC's, doesn't always play well with Direct Storage and other 'issues', it does put me off. Part of the reason I want a 'Windows' Handheld is because its not 'locked' to a single platform, that 'some' games are already playable so I don't need to buy 'more' games or duplicate versions just for a Handheld I may use up to an hour or two a week - something I can switch on, play the games I want to play and then carry on playing on the TV after...
Steamdeck is a great device, but its also not what I want or need and won't let me play 'everything' I want to play or currently am playing. Even if I do cancel Ultimate, I'll still need 'Game Pass' to play games like CoD, BF6, FH6 etc on my Xbox so I might 'buy' games on Xbox because they give me a PC version too (or vice versa)
Re: Xbox Game Pass Premium May Be The Best-Value Tier Right Now, With Almost 50 Games Added
@GeeEssEff If Steam and Steamdeck works for you - great but as you need 'windows' for TPM Secure Boot, games like Battlefield 6 and CoD may not work on SteamOS and because I do have a 'few' PC games - not just Play Anywhere titles, but I got a few games free with buying Laptops in the past - Dying Light for example on Steam, but never installed/played it.
At the moment, 98% of my gaming is currently on a Console and both PS and Xbox require an 'Essential' tier Sub to play most of the games I play. So even if I do cancel Ultimate and drop down to Premium or Essential, Game Pass is still usable on my PC too. Yes it maybe a much smaller Library and no Day 1, but its still gives me some options to play at NO extra cost.
Of course, I may embrace Steam more in the future and find myself gaming more on my Laptop or even investing in a decent gaming PC I can plug into my TV - leave the Consoles at this 'gen'. I still have all my games and hardware from at least the last 2 gens of Playstation & Xbox.
However, up untill now, I've only used my Laptop and Ally to play Game Pass games when I can't access my TV/Console rather than PC be my 'main/first' choice. With Xbox and Sony releasing their first Party games there more frequently, I don't know that I want 'both' Consoles again and both Subscription just to play with friends like I have for the past 30yrs or so...
Re: Xbox Game Pass Premium May Be The Best-Value Tier Right Now, With Almost 50 Games Added
@GeeEssEff Not at all - the fact that its still a full PC and not a SteamOS limited device, has a lot more power under the hood for better gamingg performance, and an upgrade over my OG RoG Ally, I see no reason to cancel.
It just means that maybe I won't be using Game Pass Ultimate for Day 1 - but I still need at least Game Pass Essential on Xbox to keep playing all those games I already own and I still own quite a few Play Anywhere games too. It just means that maybe I won't buy my PC games on Microsoft - maybe Steam, Epic, GoG etc instead.
The controller layout is still the most ergonomic as its designed to feel like an Xbox controller in hand - not a 70% scaled down version or designed for thinness over ergonomics like other Handhelds.
Just because it has the Xbox branding and built in collab with MS, its still just a PC in a Handheld form - like buying a Laptop or Desktop Gaming PC to escape the Console traps and charges. When the Hardware and services were 'cheap' - even if software was more expensive and/or behind a sub paywall - it still worked out to be an affordable way to game. But £600+ consoles, mininmum of £7 a month just to play socially and expensive Software, Moving over to the PC entirelydoesn't mean just Steam - and it would include the Windows/Xbox store, just like Battlenet or Betheda.net would be options if they represent the 'best' value at the time - but otherwise, there are a lot of other options.
It just depends on whether I want or willing to go all in on PC or still keep the Consoles (PS & Xbox) for big screen gaming long term. That may also influence where I buy some games because if I want to play on BOTH my Series X and PC, Microsoft store is the only store to offer that but that's no different from deciding whether to buy on Xbox or Playstation - which can be easy if one has extras or is cheaper
I have nothing against 'Steam' as a Platform on a PC, I don't see it any different from any other of the PC options. I just do NOT want SteamOS or a Steamdeck. My RoG Ally is better than a Steamdeck - although at similar 'low' power to a Steamdeck, the performance is comparable - but boost it to 25w and it beats Steamdeck. Steamdeck has big issues with TPM secure boot - so CoD:BO7 and BF6 will be an issue as it relies on Windows!!
Not being blinkered or fanboy over MS, but games from ALL Publishers are built for 'Windows PC', not SteamOS and Steam has to try and 'emulate' Windows - necessary when it grinds a Steamdeck as it hasn't got the power to run both Windows and a Game.
Re: Xbox Game Pass Premium May Be The Best-Value Tier Right Now, With Almost 50 Games Added
@GeeEssEff If you had read, you'd have seen that's completely the opposite - but then I expect nothing less from you...
Re: Xbox Game Pass Premium May Be The Best-Value Tier Right Now, With Almost 50 Games Added
@GeeEssEff There is a difference between blaming MS for doing what EVERYONE else was having to do because they were all rising prices, cancelling games, shutting studio's and firing staff - not being 'blinkered' to think its ONLY Microsoft doing something - that they are the ONLY Scummy company who are only focussed on the Money they can extract.
But when they become worse than others, Sony may yet raise their Prices too now and we know they've raised prices on hardware and/or reduced the 'quality/spec' of the Hardware and/or really can't 'justify' their actions, that's where I draw the line.
$20 and the refresh of Game Pass, raising of Hardware prices in the current Economic climate (Consoles are not exempt from Tariffs and that impacts the materials/parts imported to make them, increased shipping/distribution costs etc) and 'restructuring' especially after acquiring 2 very similar businesses each with their own Publishing, Marketing, PR, HR, Management structure etc that all do the SAME Job, then Rationalising makes sense - it always happens within several years usually - depending on how long they were 'protected' for on take-over. Everything else - even the $1k for the Xbox Ally X, which is still cheaper than ALL equivalent hardware specced Handhelds is somewhat justifiable because of looking at things Holistically.
I don't just defend Xbox when it comes to somethings - I do for Sony too and PC gaming where applicable, Nintendo not so much because I haven't owned one for a good few years - but I will also criticise if I cannot see a 'justifiable' reason to have done what they did. I hate that Perfect Dark got cancelled, but after 7yrs and still 'no' clear end date, I'd think I'd cancel and make sure the games that are on track, stay on track, same with Everwild that's gone 'nowhere' since its reveal - Contraband too so they 'make sense' holistically - with 'rising' costs for EVERYONE inc keeping the lights on at Studios.
You have to work to your 'budget' of incomings too and now they are expecting the Customers to increase their contributions but without giving 'enough' to Justify it. Arguably the 'cost' of Fortnite and Ubisoft+ is more than the price hike, but I bet if they'd done their 'research' as they claim, they should have kept those out and kept the price the same. Ubisoft+ I guess does add 'some' small value to everyone as I'm sure they have some games you may play (or already have) but Fortnite is NOT for 'everyone' so why make everyone pay that much extra for it? Maybe offer Fortnite with a Game Pass Ultimate members discount as a perk to get it cheaper per month, but to add it for everyone and increase the price isn't justifiable....
Re: Xbox Game Pass Premium May Be The Best-Value Tier Right Now, With Almost 50 Games Added
@FraserG I think its a BIG mistake with their Xbox branded Handheld PC launching and of course the growing market of Handheld PC's and cloud streaming devices.
The price hike is more likely to push people out of the Subscription/tier they were in and even push peopple away from their Ecosystem. Why buy CoD for $70 when it costs $10 every month on Essential to play it - buy from Steam instead. $360 a year is a LOT extra for very little in return and other Platforms - PS+ Premium looks better value now than GP Premium (let alone Ultimate) so what 'incentive' are MS giving to their Customers to Subscribe or buy games in their Ecosystem?
75 games Day 1 sounds a lot, but not when 65 of them are indies, and the rest are a mix of average AAA games that may not all appeal or be worth playing Day 1 anyway. It wasn't that long ago the Prices jumped up to $20 so to jump up 50% again so soon, along with all the other price hikes and fact that most Standard AAA games are so 'bare bones' - like they Cut content to sell Premium/Gold/Complete editions and sell 'Game Pass Upgrades' to get the 'full' game, it just seems WRONG!
How much is Satya Nadella on, how much of a Pay Rise will he get? You could save a LOT of money by cutting his salary completely. It just feels 'greedy' by dressing it up as giving you maybe a little 'more' but taking a LOT more in return...
Re: Fortnite Crew's $11.99 Subscription Is Heading To Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Members
And how many Game Pass Subscribers actually want this?
Seems a MASSIVE hike for something MANY probably won't care about or use...
Re: Here's A Breakdown Of All The New Prices For Xbox Game Pass As Of October 2025
$120 a year for Essential - required to play games like CoD, Forza, Halo, Grounded etc or $360 a year and don't pay for Day 1 releases. Seems quite a MASSIVE hike for very little added benefits compared to before - and for PC a MASSIVE nerf and Price Hike.
It seems such a wrong time with MS about to release their own Handheld PC with Asus - that would be a great product to sell Subscriptions to - along with all the other new PC's and cloud enabled devices coming to the market.
For $70, I can buy CoD on Xbox but would need to pay $120 a year to play it on Console but I would get the Windows PC version with it or pay $360 for GPU, but I could also just pay $70 on Steam and play it indefinitely on my Laptop or Handheld.
So with their Xbox Ally, what is the incentive for PC gamers to pay $30 for Day 1 releases? Premium seems pointless as you have so many cheap and Free games on PC anyway.
Re: 'Ubisoft+ Classics' Joins Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Hugely Expanding The Library
a 50% increase to play some OLD games - many of which can be purchased dirt cheap in a sale anyway. I can see it 'adding' to the Value if the Price hadn't massively jumped up - maybe gone-up by $2-3 a month with the other additions/changes - but I doubt the inclusion of this will suddenly encourage more to sign up to Ultimate - if Anything, I think the Price Hike is more likely to see Cancellations - especially on PC where Subs are not required at all.
On Console, you still 'need' Game Pass Essential to play a LOT of the new releases - like CoD, but not on PC.
To play CoD for example, its $70 for the standard edition - you get that free ONLY with GPU at $30 a month. On Console, even though you bought and own the game, you still need to pay for 'Essential' tier for EVERY month you want to play that game. On Steam, you can play it indefinitely without ANY subscription.
It just doesn't make sense when the 'market' for Subscriptiions looks to be opening up even more with more Cloud and Handheld PC devices coming out yet MS seem to want to put people off from their Ecosystem and push them to others...
Re: Xbox Game Pass Is Getting A Major Overhaul With New Names, Games & Price Changes
It does seem like a BIG MISTAKE with MS about to launch their Handheld PC and of course all the other Handheld PC's and Streaming enabled devices to sell Subscriptions to.
I can't see a point in Essential or Premium Tier services on PC - not with ALL the cheap and free to play PC games available and Ultimate at that price is not very appealing - $360 a year!!!
On console, if you do cancel Ultimate and choose to buy games like CoD for 70, you still need at least Game Pass Essential to play it - even the Campaign. But on Steam, you pay 70 and that's it - no 'monthly' fee to play with friends.
Instead of increasing Subscriptions with their new Handheld PC, I can see them losing a LOT and pushing people to Steam/Epic or even Playstation (although you still need PS+to play a lot of games).
In fairness, for what they are adding to Ultimate - Ubisoft+, I can see a 'small' increase in price but in reality, most of the games are dirt cheap on sale anyway. I have no idea (or care about) Fortnite Crew and what that offers, and GeForce Now is much better for Streaming Quality anyway. Tha ability to 'earn' more Rewards is NO incentive to me.
A 'small' increase in what you get, but a Significantly large increase in cost - and for PC, a Massive increase in cost or massive nerf to their Service. Like I said, with so many cheap/free games and no 'subscriptions' required, Game Pass Ultimate is NOT looking like the best Gaming Subscription service anymore - PS+ Premium is far better than Xbox Premium!
Re: Xbox Game Pass Is Getting A Major Overhaul With New Names, Games & Price Changes
@kantaroo nope - not for Ultimate tier where it hasalways been - they've just added Ubisoft+ (and Fortnite Crew? coming soon) - as well as changed Reward points