BAMozzy

That is quite a big Jump up for Ultimate - the tier I sub to - for just Ubisoft+ and the opportunity to earn more Reward points.

I'll see how it goes, but it may well be worth dropping down a tier - maybe the additional Points will help offset some of the Extra cost - but I don't know that I'll keep at Ultimate and may well just upgrade from Premium for a month or two when some games are releasing and drop down again after playing.

I'll see if it makes more sense to buy games 'with Play Anywhere' or keep Subscribing to Ultimate. I know I'd still need Game Pass Essential to play the games I want on Console - so I'll factor in the 'cost' of a year of Ultimate vs a the Cost of the Games I'll likely want to play/buy and a year of Essential too and decide which is the 'better' value to me...

@FraserG I do wonder if we will get games like Spider-Man, Last of Us, God of War etc - games already on PC but not yet ported to Xbox specifically. I wonder if there is enough incentive for Sony to do so.

First off, there is the costs involved in Porting, optimising, releasing and supporting a game post launch to the Publisher and the Publisher (Sony in this case) also will only get 70% of the Price back with 30% going to their Rival and 'bigger' gaming Revenue maker. They can of course avoid ALL of that work and not give MS any 'money' for releasing on their 'Xbox' and sttill sell the game to those 'Xbox' gamers on a 'PC'. I'm sure that sales of Sony games on Epic/Steam will see a bump up when the Xbox Ally hardware releases so boosting Sony's sales revenue at no cost to them.

If the next Xbox 'console' is an Xbox PC with Steam/Epic, what incentive does Sony have to support Microsoft and their store/sub services etc?

Of course I'd love to see Sony be more Consumer focussed but I also think they'd not want to contribute to MS's revenue or 'weaken' their Console Exclusives (or perception of - like MS has where some still think EVERY release is coming to PS at somepoint so why buy?). IF MS is also a more 'open' Platform with games from Steam/Epic etc as well, Sony's more limited Closed platform will need more Exclusives to entice buyers...

@kmtrain83 The difference back then was that console games had to run from Physical media - they didn't have internal Storage until the OG Xbox released but by the PS4/XB1 gen, games have had to be 'installed' so Physical media is just a delivery system - regardless of whether someone prefers that format or not.

Another aspect, certainly where Cartridge based games are concerned, the cost of Manufacture was so much higher and completely unsustainable in an era of Rising costs.

At the end of the day though, we as Consumers bought those games to play on that Hardware - they were specific for that Platform. Those SNES or N64 games only plugged into Nintendo Hardware and you never expected those games to be 'playable' on newer/different hardware.

Even at the start of the XB1/PS4 gen, if you owned games like CoD Ghosts, BF4 or Assassins Creed: Black Flag on the previous gen, if you upgraded, you had to buy again - regardless of whether you bought digitally or physically. Of course some games did come to XB1 when they started their BC programme, but at launch, the systems didn't support BC - despite the 360/PS3 gen really being the 'birth' of Digital purchasing.

Digital has advantages - as long as you have a Digital secure Profile to log into with your Purchase history and Licences all stored with it. MS (for example) sell a 'Microsoft' Game Licence so you can play their 'Play Anywhere' games on any MS platform but others may well be just the Series Console version - but Physical may only have a licence for the Specific Hardware it was released and licensed for.

Makes a change that he didn't mention Banjo or Conker - and now with Perfect Dark being cancelled, how long before that IP is one of the top requests from fans?

Now with Bethesda and ABK under their umbrella. what about games like Prototype, Dishonored or Quake?

@abe_hikura A rise in Sales after it becomes Play Anywhere will surely help persuade other Publishers to consider.

I've put off buying Hogwarts myself on any platform. I didn't want to feel compelled to buy it on PS5 or 'miss out' on something and wouldn't buy a lesser version elsewhere for the same cost. Now the game has Parity, I've considered buying it - but now with Play Anywhere, it kind of tells me where I'm buying it...

@Blurd yeah - I hate searching on Bing - but I don't tend to search on Bing or even bother reading the pages - as soon as I see the reward points have been added, I'll close the page or click on another 'related' search word/phrase just to get the points. If I want or need to search for something specific, I use Google.

The only time I 'engage' with any activity on rewards, is when that activity requires more than 1 answer - the 30point questions. You don't even need to do the Poll or puzzle to get the points, just open the page.

As for gaming rewards, I don't actively try and get maximum points, try and play 4 or 8 GP games for 15mins each week/month or whatever challenges are set, I play the games I want and if I get any rewards, bonus!

I wish I could turn off the AI aspect - maybe I should check the settings LOL - but II've never liked Bing so only 'use' it to get some reward points

@TheGameThrifter You could say that the UI and Console experience has been 'refined' and updated over the past decade or so. I don't know what you think they could add - considering its a 'locked' Console and so aren't opening up that to other retailers.

Most of the additions seem to be more about unifying their entire Ecosystem and improving their 'other' platforms to be more useful and/or more 'console' like.

You don't need 'Steam' Apps and other Storefront access on a Console if those games aren't built to run on that hardware - they were not built for the Xbox/Xbox OS - no point optimising the UI for Controller and a more 'Cohesive' look when the UI was 'built' that way on Consoles to begin with - the Game Bar itself is to make it more 'Console' Like and Xbox doesn't have 'co-pilot' built in.

Most, if not ALL the new PC features are either because the PC is an OPEN platform (and want to keep you in their 'Xbox' UI) or because they are trying to make their OWN PC platform be more Console like. Until either we see them open up their Consoles to other 3rd Party Platforms or get their own PC Platform a lot more optimised and console-like, their own Console UI and features haven't really changed in a decade or more.

I can't think of anything, from a OS Software perspective, that I think Xbox really needs to update or 'add'. You can do everything relatively easily with a Controller and I don't know what other 'features' other Consoles and their UI offer. Therefore, I ask again, what 'new' things do you think MS should be adding to 'Xbox' via a OS Software update?

I know its expensive, but looking at the equivalent Handhelds with basically the same Hardware built in, the RoG Xbox Ally X is $100 cheaper than the MSi Claw 8 and $350 cheaper than a Lenovo Go 2 - all have the Z2 Extreme Chip.

It is still the 'cheapest' Z2E based Handheld PC. The MSi is 10% more and Lenovo 35% more. I don't know how Asus can make money from its customers to offset losses - it doesn't sell games or subscriptions to offset subsidising and MS too can't guarantee everyone will buy from them or sub to Game Pass either...

They at least made a more 'budget' friendly option - if you want the Xbox ergonomics and new OS from launch, but the first gen devices are also cheap and should be getting that OS at some point in 2026. The 'Xbox' branded Handhelds are not the only Handheld PC's that will sync with your Game Pass and Xbox profile/games but the $1k RoG Xbox Ally X is the 'cheapest' Z2E based PC handheld if you 'want' that level of performance.

@Stocksy Obviously not every one owns a Steamdeck and there seems to be a LOT of confusion between that and a Windows PC - understandably as Steam is a well known PC platform, but Steam is not the ONLY PC platform.

Yes I know Steamdeck owners are well aware of the what the benefits of SteamOS is on their device, especially compared to running windows on such a low powered device and its 'Bloat', the more Console like feel etc - but for those coming from an Xbox, as you'd expect many would on an Xbox site, its not going to allow them to play some of their Xbox games or use Game Pass out of the box.

The Steamdeck, Switch and Switch 2 are very impressive Handheld devices and great if all you want is some device to play games on the go - even if that means you have to buy games on another platform to play 'on the go'. PC Handhelds, because they run Windows (a Microsoft OS), will have some 'Xbox' games and Game Pass access so you don't need to buy games again - which can save you money.

SteamOS is great - I won't deny it or say otherwise for Steam and its Games. I doubt MS would have made their 'new' Windows OS if it wasn't for Steam and its OS. PC's and Gaming Laptops can 'brute force' performance with throwing power at big CPU/GPU cores etc but a Handheld 'low power' device, can't waste any power on unneccesary 'Processes' and Windows has a lot that are unneccessary for Gaming specifically. SteamOS is optimised for Gaming so you don't have to deal with 'Windows' and its bloat - but if you are coming from Xbox and expect your Play Anywhere or Game Pass Subscription to let you carry on playing games on the go, then a Steamdeck isn't going to offer that out of the box. As soon as you sign into a Windows PC with your Xbox profile, you'll have games in your library ready to install.

The point I'm trying to make is that a Steamdeck is not the same thing as a PC Handheld, so not an 'alternative' to have the SAME Library and integration with 'Xbox' Consoles/Game Pass Subscribers that Xbox and this site is generally focussed on. A 'cheaper' Alternative to the Xbox Ally X could be a RoG Ally, a Lenovo Go or an MSi Claw - all of which also have Steam too and likely to get the updated 'optimised' Windows OS.

Of course if you want to just play games on the go, not bothered about playing games you own on your Xbox console (this is an Xbox based site so I assume the majority have Xbox hardware, Xbox Games and/or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate), maybe even want games you don't have on Xbox, then Steam and Switch/Switch 2 are both very good and very popular options - but I bet a LOT of Xbox owners looking for Handheld would want 'some' (if not ALL) their Xbox Library playable. I'm sure some too would prefer to buy a Steamdeck/Switch because it has unique games they can't play on Xbox and its cheaper than a PC regardless of whether its a Handheld, Laptop or Desktop.

@MinervaX76 I think a LOT seem to think a Steamdeck with Steam OS is somehow the same thing as a FULL PC - not realising that PC gaming is more than just Steam. The Proton Layer that is their way to 'emulate' Windows/DX12 doesn't always work 'well' with EVERY Windows game and another aspect is that these are lower powered devices.

The OG RoG Ally 'beats' a Steamdeck — although its 800p vs 720p or an extra few Frames per second, so not a major win, if you 'limit' the RoG Ally to a similar Power level 15w. However, it can be boosted to 25 or even 35w - but then your end up with shorter Battery life. The new Z2E is even more efficient at low power and the Windows new OS is not so Bloated, so I'd expect a bigger difference between these.

I'm sure the Steamdeck is Great for those that are predominently a 'Steam' gamer and not bothered by Game Pass, Play Anywhere or any of the OTHER PC platforms - like Epic, Battlenet or GoG. It won't integrate with your 'Xbox' Library or Saves - so if you own Indy, Avowed, FH5 etc on Xbox digitally, you won't get the 'Steam' PC version, just the Microsoft PC version and your Save/Achievements/Friends etc are not on Steam either.

As for cost, yes it is expensive, but its still the 'cheapest' Z2E PC handheld - MSi is $100 more and Lenovo is $350 more - but still 'cheaper' than most Gaming Laptops which really aren't that well designed for Gaming on the go. These are PC's like a Laptop or Desktop Gaming PC - just designed more for 'Gaming' like a Console.

Just read through the comments and its clear that some think a Steamdeck offers the same features and/or will give them access to the SAME Library of games. Install the same OS on a Steamdeck to get the same features and its an underpowered 'brick' compared to the OG Ally, let alone the new gen. Switch 2 won't get many new releases and if you want to play 'indy' on the go, you'll need to wait until it releases and buy again. Want to play it on Steamdeck well you need to buy from Steam - regardless of whether you bought it on Xbox or play it via Game Pass - same with Doom or FH5...

Each to their own of course, but I don't really think it's 'over-priced' when you look at the Current Market and compare it with other Handheld PC's. You can buy a cheaper Xbox Ally or even last gen Z1E Handheld PC's quite a bit cheaper that offer the same Library and Access to all the PC platforms - not just Steam.

@JumpingJackson Its a Handheld PC - you can switch between Windows Desktop mode and Gaming optimised mode (on the Xbox Handheld PC's - although that will come to others later).

Its a full blown PC but as MS own Windows and Xbox, the OS is a bit more Collaborative' between those teams and of course it has Xbox branding and the Xbox controller 'feel' and layout - but its still a PC - like a Laptop or Desktop PC. The UI boots to Xbox Full Screen Mode and that will link to all installed games, but you can go to the full Windows and use it just like your PC if you want...

That's what separates it from Consoles and some other devices - its not locked to any single storefront, but Xbox is NOT just their Console or ONLY platform - they do have Xbox on PC and Cloud platforms too and their UI is obviously linked to their storefront and Game Pass. Because this is a 'gaming' PC, Asus, a PC builder, collaborated with Microsoft and their Xbox Gaming Division to mtry and make the 'best' Gaming PC Handheld they can and so its ergonomics and OS are more 'Console' like but its still a Gaming PC in a handheld form factor and has the same Library as any Gaming PC/Laptop.

I pre-ordered the RoG Xbox Ally X and the 2-in-1 Hardshell case as an upgrade to my RoG Ally. I think the Price is very competitive with the new generation of Handheld PC's that have the SAME Library as Gaming Laptops/PC's. Steamdeck is NOT a full Windows PC (unless you install Windows) so can't play Game Pass Games or 'Play Anywhere' PC games. You can stream using Steam's Browser, but you can stream to your Mobile Phone. SteamOS basically locks you to Steam ONLY! - like Switch locks you to Nintendo ONLY or Playstation locks you to Sony ONLY.

The Switch and Steamdeck are great if you only want to play Nintendo Switch or Steam released games. I also want to play Games my Game Pass Ultimate Subscription lets me Download and play - if I want to play games like Indiana Jones, FH5, BO7, Avowed, Outer worlds 2, Fable, Ninja Gaiden, Clockwork Revolution, Gears: E-Day or reloaded etc etc on a Steamdeck (or Switch 2) to play 'on the go', I'd need to rebuy but on a Handheld PC, I can download 'FREE' via Game Pass (or Play Anywhere if I choose to buy) and seemlessly carry on playing on my Series X or Laptop when I get home.

These handhelds are more comparable to Laptops and Desktops. Just more Portable and a lot easier to use 'Anywhere'. Laptops may have more 'power' but really require plugging in to play and a decent table to put it on. You can't very easily balance it on your Lap and in the back of the car whilst trying to use a mouse or Controller. A Laptop is more portable than a desktop, but you either need to take a mouse or controller too. They are heavier/bigger and not ergonomic for use on the go.

So at the end of the day, this being the Cheapest of the next gen AMD Z2E Handhelds, the only one with AI too - but MSI do an intel based version and the only one releasing with the Optimised for gaming Widows OS and a full size Controller layout designed to 'feel' like an Xbox controller in hand, it made the most sense to me...

With more and more Handheld devices coming out, the need to scale games across a wide variety of Hardware is important. The Series S isn't the weakest hardware on the market. Steamdeck and Switch 2 are not as powerful as a Series S - so if they are looking to 'optimise' games to run on these systems, it bodes well for ALL platforms...

I'd say, based on the history of CoD campaigns, that BO7 seems to be one of the most Experimental. It has Co-op and has an 'end-game' mode too as well as its own MP style Camo Grind - it almost seems like DMZ could be returning in Campaign form.

Fortunately, this is on Game Pass so every subscriber can try for Free and decide if it's worth continuing with or even worth buying to own...

I pre-ordered the 2-in-1 Hard case along with my RoG Xbox Ally X

Until it arrives, I don't know if I'll want or need to buy additional storage or expand the SSD so I'll see how I use it and buy storage if I deem it necessary.

@Beckerjr No - no it doesn't!! Not even close.

I have a RoG Ally and it 'beats' a Steamdeck because it has better hardware in 'general' - however, Windows (and its bloat with unneccessary processes running in background) has a impact when running games at 'similar' power draw to a Steamdeck. If you stick to 12-15w mode on a RoG Ally, then its 'comparable' to a steamdeck with Steam OS, although run Windows on a Steamdeck and it can't compete with a RoG Ally running the SAME OS. RoG ally can be boosted up to 25 or even 35w to push past Steamdeck performance.

Steamdeck is also locked to Steam and you don't get Game Pass or Play Anywhere games - not unless you install Windows - which as I said the Bloat 'nerfs' a Steamdeck. I have NO Steam games so don't want/need a Steam only device. I want a FULL windows Handheld so I have the FULL PC gaming options and the 'Microsoft' Ecosystem where I have Game Pass Ultimate and numerous Play Anywhere games I can instantly access at NO additional cost.

The Z2E chip is a LOT more efficient at 'low' power and the new OS is much more optimised for gaming so boosting Performance significantly over Steamdeck. Steamdeck is not that powerful - its 'helped' by its Steam OS but install windows and it struggles with games that a RoG Ally running windows plays reasonably well....

A Switch 2 is cheaper again and a very capable handheld - like Steamdeck, but won't get many new releases Day 1, certainly doesn't integrate with the Microsoft ecosystem so I'd have to 'rebuy' games to play and locked to Nintendo. You can stream 'Game Pass' to a Steamdeck through its browser, but can't install games or access your Play Anywhere games, unless you install 'Microsoft Windows'. This is like a Laptop/desktop PC in a Handheld form factor - not a single Platform device like Consoles (inc the Steamdeck)

I'm glad I got my pre-order in if they are selling out that quickly.

Of course it tells us nothing about the 'numbers', but they are likely only selling what they anticipate will be available by the release date. Each region would be allocated a certain number - distributed to a handful of retailers but its still quite impressive to hear they're selling out before release - just hope not to Scalpers!!

For comparison, the equivalent handhelds to the Xbox Ally X cost more - the MSi Claw is $1100 and Lenovo Go is $1350 and neither has the 'AI' cores. The top Steamdeck is $650 and Switch 2 won't get many of the latest 'new' releases - certainly not Day 1.

Each to their own, but handhelds aren't 'cheap' and mobile phones can cost more than a handheld Gaming PC...

Pre-ordered my Xbox Ally X...

The rest of the year has quite a few First Party releases but I'm more interested in some of the 2026+ games - FH6, Fable, Clockwork Revolution and of course Gears: E-Day.

No doubt there will be a Halo release of some description in the 25th Anniversary year of Xbox and other surprises too.

Of course its Positive and spin but what do you expect them to say in Asia and at their own Showcase. Of course they want to spread some Positivity and highlighting the region they are in.

Being at the very bottom in Asia too is likely to see more growth with more products aimed at that market in particular - even if it doesn't have any impact on their other Markets. Considering how 'few' Asian Devs would release their Asian games on Xbox, the fact that more and more are choosing to is 'growth'.

Even if it doesn't translate to growth in other markets or other areas, its still something that any Business trying to promote themselves and their products would cherry pick for a showcase. Its like saying they've shipped a million Consoles, but how many of them are sat in Wholesalers waiting for retailers to order more stock, how many are sat on Store shelves? Businesses count 'sales' as those they sold direct to wholesalers and retailers, not the 'sale' to the customer. Its sold from their perspective, even if it hasn't yet been sold on to a Gamer.

Point is, this isn't a Business presentation, its a Showcase to promote their 'brand' and the Products coming to it so they will cherry pick Positives and present them with little/no context - such as seeing more and more Asian Devs releasing games on Xbox - no context as to whether that made a big difference in other areas - like sales of hardware, software and/or subscriptions in those markets (or other regions) too - its just something to sound 'positive' and 'Promoting' their brand...

@RagnarLothbrok @Feffster MS aren't concerned with selling the 'most' hardware - but that doesn't mean they are not concerned with selling ANY Hardware. The Console (in the Xbox Ecosystem) is not their ONLY platform they want to get you into - they also have their OWN PC platform and their own 'Cloud' platform. They also have their own Sub Service (Game Pass) on ALL their Platforms.

Therefore, they want you to buy their Console or Subscribe to Game Pass, Buy their game(s) through their Store (for Play Anywhere) and get you into their 'ecosystem'. Sony and Nintendo ONLY have their Console as their ENTIRE ecosystem. Sony uses 3rd Party PC Platforms like Steam and Epic for PC releases but MS has Game Pass PC and their OWN store. You don't get the 'steam' version with Play Anywhere and Game Pass is the Microsoft Store version.

The point of 'exclusivitty' is to get you into the Ecosystem - for Sony and Nintendo, that means getting you to buy 'their' Hardware ONLY. For Microsoft, you can buy their Hardware or Subscribe to Game Pass on whatever devices you have or even just buy a Windows PC and you are using MS OS and API's, your Play Anywhere PC versions are MS platform versions so you are in the MS ecosystem. Exclusives will bring gamers into that Ecosystem - either by buying Hardware, Windows PC (for which MS receives money) or Subscribing to Game Pass to play those games.

The 'console' is NOT important to MS in the same way that it is for Sony and Nintendo as its their ONLY platform. Microsoft can still beat both Sony and Nintendo with gamers in their Ecosystem - PC, Cloud and Console.

You don't 'need' an Xbox to play Xbox 'Exclusives' in the Xbox Ecosystem. If I play FH6 on my Samsung TV via Game Pass Cloud or on my RoG Ally PC via Play Anywhere or Game Pass, I'm still in the 'Xbox' ecosystem earning Achievements and able to see what all my Xbox friends are playing because its all the same 'Platform', just different hardware to access it - which is why the Console isn't solely important - its important as a 'option' for gamers that prefer the Console format and pricing, but so is Game Pass or Cloud or their OWN PC platform.

You have to remember that Microsoft started of as a PC Game developer and only brought the Console to market to make PC gaming more affordable and accessible - hence they built their OG Xbox more like a PC with built in Hard-drive and Modem. Now 25yrs later, Affordable PC's for gaming 'exist' so PC hardware are far more accessible - from 'Steamdecks' and handheld PC's to Laptops and high-end gaming rigs - A lot these days have 'decent' GPU's built in to play games.

Doom (OG) required a very expensive PC to play when it released at 'reasonable' frame rates, yet Doom: the Dark Ages runs perfectly well on a £500 handheld PC.

Exclusivity is about getting you into their 'ecosystem' so you buy and play more games on that platform, the Hardware was often sold at a loss and why games cost more and Online Social gaming Subscriptions are required. They want you into their ecosystem but for Sony/Nintendo, that means just their Console but for MS, the Console is only a part of their ecosystem, not the entirity of it. They still 'need' exclusives to get you into that Ecosystem - but you don't necessarily need their Console...

Makes sense - Microsoft still needs 'exclusivity' to sell Hardware and Subscriptions to Game Pass - much like Sony's own PC strategy.

The difference is that MS has more than 1 Platform - Console, PC and Cloud, but Sony only has their Console. MS also has more multi-platform IP's - Minecraft, CoD, Doom etc vs Destiny & MLB - but doesn't mean ALL their games will release Day 1 on PS. I can't see Forza Motorsport being ported as I don't think it will sell enough to cover the cost of porting - not with direct competition from GT and I doubt their Loyal fanbase would buy Forza.

Whether its just 6months (like Indy) or longer, I would expect that many Xbox games will have some Exclusivity to 'sell' Hardware & Subscriptions and after 6months+, its the 'new' exclusives that push sales. Unless its a multi-platform IP, a Live Service that ill benefit from launching everywhere day 1 or an OLD game being re-released, I expect at least 'timed' exclusivity.

Most free to play games have a 'Premium' tier so I wonder if they are counting Premium tier as the Game Pass offering...

@GeeEssEff yes - because they are playing MORE games. Its simple - if you play nearly double the games a month, you end up spending 'less' time in each of those games per month too - you do what you 'wanted' and move on to the next where as others do what they want and play a bit more because they haven't got 'other' games to play....

I bet most were playing whatever great games were out in that month and only dropping into to CoD to do their 'daily' missions or so because they had 'more' games to play.

So if PS is averaging 12.7hrs - 5hrs 'more' than on Xbox in that ONE specific game - its because they spend those '5hrs' in another game (or two) they spread their time out over 'more' games so spend 'less' time in 'each' game - they still have the SAME amount of 'Game Time - which is NOT Hardware dependent BTW!!.

Its showing that because Xbox has access to 'more' NEW games without a pay wall, they spread their time out over 'more' games than Steam which is a bit Cheaper than Playstation for games. Playstation gamers are playing 'fewer' games but can spend more time in each - why Steam gamers are in-between the two in both cases.

All this shows is that Xbox gamers spend their gaming time in 'more games' every month but can't give each game as many 'hours' each month where as those who play less games have more 'time' to give to each game...

@GeeEssEff Spending more time per game overall each week - Like I said, if you play more games, you have less time to spend in each every week...

Do the maths - if you play 6 games a week in your 42 hours of gaming time, you'll only spend an average of 7hrs per game but only play 3 games that week, then of course you Average hours per game will go up to 14hrs per game. That doesn't matter whether you play on Xbox, PS or Steam.

All this says is that because Game Pass 'exists' Xbox gamers play 'more' games a month but spend less time in those games where as Playstation gamers play fewer but spend a bit more time in those 'fewer' games every month on avg. It makes sense because they spread their limited game time over 'fewer' games than Xbox gamers do...

Again - an Xbox gamer plays 42hrs a week over 6 games - avg is just 7hrs per game - a Playstation gamer ALSO plays 42hrs a week but only play 3 games, therefore their average game time would show they are spending 'more' hours in 'each' game every week.

These are weekly averages and CoD was just an example of A game where the averages indicate that Xbox gamers spend fewer hours in CoD weekly, but are playing more games - those extra games still take up 'gaming time' that a Playstation gamer is spending on CoD. You can't play two games simultaneously...

Thats the point. If the Average gamer spends 42 Hours a week gaming, an Xbox gamer is playing 'more' games so 'fewer' hours per game per week, a Playstation gamer is playing fewer games so more hours 'per game per week'

That closing statement is someone not 'understanding' or leaving their statement somwhat ambiguous - This is all pretty interesting stuff, and it reaffirms the notion that Xbox Game Pass leads to players trying out a greater variety of games - even if that means they don't put as many hours in per game overall - because they are spending that time in 'different' games that PS and Steam aren't.

GThat is why there is a Direct Correlation - more games mean fewer hours spent in each, fewer games, more hours per game - both may spend EXACTLY the same amount of Hours gaming, but because you have 'more' games to play, you can't spend as much time in each. If Xbox gamers spent the same amount of time per game and played more games too, they'd be playing a LOT MORE hours on their Platform than Steam or Playstation. Its basically saying that Xbox gamers spread their gaming time playing 'more' games overall than spend the SAME time over just a few games.

People are more limited by their Gaming time with Work/School and whatever other responsibilities they have and that's the same across all platforms. The fact is, if you only play 1 game, all your time is spent in that - play 2 and immeditely your 'average' game time is half. play 4 and its a quarter per game than if you only played 1 because you still have the same amount of Game hours every week...

@GeeEssEff My point still stands - it doesn't matter what Platform a Gamer has, they still have a 'limited' time to game. Lets say the Average Gamer plays 42hrs a week or 6hrs a day. Doesn't matter what Platform you have, you still can only play 42hrs a week Average.

However, it seems that those on Xbox are spending their time across 'more' games a week. They are playing 6 games a week so the 'avg' will be lower per game (42/6 = 7hrs avg per game). However, if you only play 3 games a week in your 42hrs of gaming - you spend an average of 14hrs a week in those 3 games. You maybe playing 'fewer' games but not really gaming 'more/less' - you still spend roughly the same amount of hours every week 'gaming'.

What I am saying is that Gamers have a fixed amount of Gaming time and would be the same 'regardless' of their choice of Platform. All this shows is that Xbox gamers 'choose' to play more games in their limited time which means they avg 'less' time per game each week where as Playstation gamers play 'fewer' games every week, but spend more time in each game - but ultimately fill their 'gaming' time playing games.

Again I am aware that those are 'Average' time spent each week on a specific title. But like I said, if you play 6 games that week, the average is going to be lower on 'each' game that week than if you only play 3 games. The Platform is 'irrelevant'. If I choose to spend my 42hrs a week in 1 game on Xbox, I've averaged 42hrs that week in that game. If I play 2 games, the average drops to 21hrs per game, play 6 and I averaged just 7hrs per game.

Point is that Xbox gamers are playing 'more' games - perhaps because of Game Pass, but doesn't mean that Xbox gamers are somehow 'better/worse' than say Playstation gamers who play fewer games every week - BOTH could spend the same amount of time gaming EVERY WEEK.

If you think about it, most people only have a certain amount of hours to game a week so if you only have 30hrs a week to game, if you play 'fewer' games that week, you'll spend more time in those games.

With 30hrs, if you play 6 games a week, that's 5 hours avg per game, but if you only play 3 games, then you avg 10hrs per game.

You can have the same Total time - but one looks like they play fewer games but spend more time in each game or play more games but spend less time in each. Doesn't mean that either is better/worse or that a certain platform is somehow 'better' as a result.

It's just differences between how Gamers 'choose' to spend their Limited Game Time - whether you prefer to experience/play more Games but spend a bit less time in each every week or focus more on a Couple of Games so can spend more time in each...

Looks stunning but then so does Hellblade 2 and that is a more interactive 'Film' like experience rather than a 'Game'.

To be Honest, I am NOT a fan of Kojima's games at all. I can't deny that they have generally been graphically impressive - for their time, the game-play and humour doesn't appeal at all. I doubt I'll even bother with OD or Physint on PS just because they are Kojima games...

@OldGamer999 LOL - I played the Beta of BF6 because it was Free and will certainly wait to jump into BF6 - we still know nothing about how they plan to monetise their post launch content/support for example, let alone anything about the campaign.

BO7 is 'free' on GPU so I don't have to think whether or not to buy, I can play it regardless and so, I'll be much more likely to be playing CoD myself - I also really enjoy Zombies and rarely play MP these days - in any game. I prefer Solo or Co-op Game-play so I'm quite interested in the Campaign this year and its 'end game' mode.

IF I do buy BF6, it will likely be because it was on sale at a great price before it arrives on EA Play but I won't pay launch price money for it...

@OldGamer999 It does - but it has Competition EVERY year with new FPS games and ongoing Free to Play games. Battlefield though is a very different FPS game to Call of Duty - even if they share the modern military setting.

Call of Duty is much more Arcade - its more like a Paintballing Competition between small Squads than all out warfare. It has more in common with games like Doom or Halo but without the 'sci-fi'.

Battlefield is much more Physics driven (no Hitscan) and Combined Arms Warfare - Delta Force and even Star Wars Battlefront (unsurprisingly) have more in common than CoD - I see it as a more 'accessible' Military Sim where as CoD is more your fun, arcade style game-play.

I don't think many CoD gamers will get that same experience playing BF (and vice versa). Of course Some crossover will occur, but if you prefer CoD or that more Arcade style with Killstreaks, Battlefield is not going to deliver. Just like CoD can't compete on that Combined Arms Battlefield experience with Destruction...

CoD is on Game Pass too - Battlefield isn't. Whilst it might be out sooner and people have actually 'played' the MP, this is CoD's first real reveal of any MP let alone Zombies - the two modes that the majority of CoD fans spend their time. The lack of any real info maybe 'hurting' CoD in the 'pre-order' charts as many haven't seen, let alone had a chance to play a MP map or Zombies yet so not willing to pre-order for some BO6 cosmetics.

It will be interesting for sure - but I do think CoD will be more popular than BF6 over the year - Even games like Ghosts or Vanguard still did 'better' than BF3, BF4, BF1 or BFv for example and BF3/BF4 are often regarded as the Peak of the Franchise and why BF6 is very BF3 like....

I do think BF6 is likely to be the 'best' Battlefield Game in years, if not of all time - although BF:BC2's Campaign may well still remain the 'best'...

CoD is for many their Comfort food so to speak - they whinge/whine about it but as soon as another FPS comes out, they all want it to be CoD but without SBMM, Outrageous Cosmetics (even though they buy 'some' inc Blackcell, but dislike a few) or better 'Anti-cheat' which being the biggest and most popular FPS attracts more Cheaters like a Moth to a Flame.

I think you can enjoy both as both offer very distinctly different FPS game-play loops. I don't think CoD Gamers will get what they want from Battlefield, just like Battlefield gamers don't get what they want from CoD. Therefore, I expect CoD to be 'most' popular as it always is , but Battlefield will also be successful and not be another 2042. It may well pull a few from CoD, but also some from Delta Force, older Battlefield/Battlefront games, Apex/Fortnite/PUBG/ARMA etc as well, but when CoD launches, the majority of CoD gamers will still buy/play...

After so many years and multiple Studio involvement, they were only working on a 'playable' Proof of Concept - which we know had to be played a very 'specific' way for smoothness. This was only 'part 1' of an episodic adventure? How long before Part 2? another 7yrs or so?

Whilst I am disappointed we won't be getting Perfect Dark now, I understand why it was Cancelled. It still seemed 'years' away from release so we wouldn't likely have seen it until 2027 at the earliest...

@AccessibleDaydream Games aren't 'complete' these days at $70 - they all release with special editions with Extra content - even if that content doesn't come at launch. Its hardly a Complete game when there is still content/features etc to come 'post' launch and post launch, when the game is patched/fixed and now complete too, its a LOT cheaper to buy.

@shoeses Exactly - those exclusives are what will keep Playstation Hardware necessary and what Sony 'need' to get you into their ecosystem. They don't have their own PC platform - at least not yet and 3rd Party Platforms like Steam and Epic are enoughh to generate 'additional' income but its not hurting their 'Console' grip.

With Xbox releasing games 'everywhere', their Hardware loses some of its 'uniqueness' - MS know it too but its not their only Platform and arguably not their 'biggest' either. You buy an Xbox because it suits your budget and/or how you prefer to play your games - you don't 'need' an Xbox for 'Xbox' games these days - they are all on Cloud or PC too.

I think Sony will still want to keep its 'Uniqueness' in the Console space with its Single Player games and certainly won't 'port' to Xbox - if your Xbox plays PC games, that's different to them 'officially' releasing an Xbox version.

@BacklogBrad I still don't think you'll see many (if any) this Generation at least. They also could be thinking that all those Xbox/Microsoft gamers, if they suddenly do get access to Steam, Epic etc, then they don't 'need' to give Microsoft 30% to sell a 'specific' Xbox version, they'll buy and play via those and at NO cost to Sony to 'port & support' a different platform. Its not just the cost to release, but ongoing costs to support (fix/patch, optimise etc) at least it should be 'complete' games with DLC included if released rather than ongoing support with DLC as 'new' games are these days.

But the point is, with Microsoft looking to add Steam to Xbox (potentially) then why would Sony release their 'PC' games on Xbox? They can still get sales from those that really want to play but on Xbox Hardware through their PC release and don't give MS 30% for selling it on their Store/Platform specifically - its still not 'officially' released on Xbox yet still making money via PC at 'NO' additional cost to them?

That $21 is just for being the retailer/platform holder - no additional costs to MS involved so $21 Profit - the rest has to pay for all the porting work and testing work and getting it ready, advertising and any ongoing support as necessary, all the costs of developing that specific version to 'run' on that hardware with its unique spec, OS and API's at the level expected, etc are on the Publisher so its not all 'Profit' to them...

That's why I doubt we will see it unless its a Live Service game and they really want to expand their ONLINE Community as big as Possible, which in turn helps bring in more revenue and growth rather than stagnate and/or die. Their Single Player games that Sony believe is their USP, stay on their Console, They still release on PC a year or two later, but Xbox players have to wait for the PC version like everyone else....

@BacklogBrad It's not just their Playstation fans that would be angry/upset, but I doubt Sony themselves would want to 'help' Microsoft and gift them 30% of all sales on their Hardware too - their Direct rival and now in terms of Gaming reenue, behind MS. I don't know how that would sit with the Japanese Company culturally.

I do think it makes sense! As I have said, I really don't agree with Exclusives at all, but I do understand why they exist. I also understand that those are 'Assets' but generally only make Revenue and/or sell hardware (the point of 'exclusives' is to get you onto that Platform) for a short time. Retail sales of the game drop and new 'exclusives' release to sell Hardware. Therefore these Assets are not making 'money' anymore so why not release 'everywhere' you can to maximise the Revenue from those 'Assets'.

In the Past, they've re-released games, sometimes more than Once again - remastered or repackaged or re-built so they can still have 'value' in their own ecosystem. Sony have a LOT of remasters/ports etc of their older games on newer Hardware so I wonder whether or not they would rather keep those Single Player games that has 'little/no' ongoing revenue stream (like Live Service/Online games), the games Sony believe separate them from ALL other Publishers/Developers and makes them, their platform 'Unique'. If they aren't also trying to sell Cosmetics, season passes or in-game Currency, given their Rival their 'Unique' games for 'less' money than they get from their own Gamers (all 100% as opposed to 70% from Xbox) maybe a step too far and fear that could impact them 'long term'.

There are people discussing Xbox as if its a Mistake for them to release their games on PS5 - that 'loss' of exclusivity, that 'loss' of maybe a Console sale or two - certainly releasing Day/Date on PC has had a big impact as PC gamers now don't buy Xbox hardware like they did during the Xbox and 360 era. There is NO point as EVERY Xbox game is released on their preferred PC platform. But like I said, I don't think ANY game should be Exclusive and I do agree that 70% is still better than 'nothing', however, I still wonder if Sony will go that far - unless they get really desperate for Revenue.

@BacklogBrad Whilst I do agree that their games could literally print money for Sony if they released them on other Consoles - after all they aren't 'exclusive' to Playstation anymore, I can see a LOT of Sony Fanboys thinking they'd 'shoot themselves in the foot' if they did.

Personally, I'm not a fan of 'exclusives' at all. I do understand why they exist as incentives' to get you to buy that Hardware, get you into their ecosystem and make money off of you - not just by buying the 'exclusives' but ALL the games/DLC/Content for that hardware. Platforms can make more money from a 3rd Party multi-platform game than they do from their OWN exclusives....

I don't know if Sony wiil release their big single player games on Xbox, giving 30% of the sale price to MS and reducing their 'Console' exclusives. Maybe last gen (or older) games remastered as they may feel they aren't associated with their 'new' Hardware to impact sales and old enough that it won't be a PR disaster for their Fanboys too

I'll doubt I'll watch it live and just watch the video's of Games I'm interested in once they are uploaded to Youtube.

@abe_hikura Not universally and/or across 3rd Party Published games. If you have a game on Xbox and buy it on Steam, there is no guarantee that your Progression will carry over across different Platforms.

PC has multiple Platforms - its not a 'single' platform like Sony's PS5 for example. You have Steam, Epic, Battlenet, GoG etc and just like you don't get Spider-man on Steam because you own the PS version, you don't get the Steam version of Xbox games with Play Anywhere or Game Pass. Your game 'save' may not work across different Platforms, even if it works across the 'same' ecosystem (if that ecosystem has multiple Platforms like MS do).

This is supposed to take a save regardless of Platform and enable you to transfer that across multiple Platforms so you can continue progressing.

I hope its more Optional or at least can be controlled on a game by game basis. I've bought multiple versions of the SAME game on different Platforms and had a different playthrough, made different choices etc - my playthrough of The Witcher 3 on XB1 and PS4 for example were quite different. Some games I may want to transfer Saves, others not so much...

@abe_hikura I'm sure that Valve may well choose to build a more 'Console' like box - or maybe something Switch like - as in another Handheld with a Dock for Big Screen play.

I am sure there are some that would be interested in converting to SteamOS because of Windows, But I do wonder if many would as it would limit there PC to 'just' Steam and may impact somee of their other uses of their PC - if they do more than just game on it.

I do think that MS will consider expanding this Windows OS to any PC, not just those Low Powered Handhelds - its just that these are the Priority Focus (particularly Asus devices who they are Partnering directly with) but we know they intend it to roll out to other devices in the future. I can see it coming to Laptop/Desktops too.

I can also see them using this in their next Console, however I don't think they'll supply the Full suite, not the Parts they switch off in Gaming Mode so you can't switch to Windows Desktop. I can see them making Apps (like Steam or Battlenet) and therefore ANY games using them require Game Pass Core - otherwise who'd buy Online games from MS that require Game Pass when Steam versions don't - either that or they'll have to scrap the 'Online Social Gaming' part of Game Pass.

Going back to SteamOS on PC's, I'm sure that 'some' will be interested, just like I think some would be interested in a Gaming Optimised Windows OS over the Full Desktop, and others are OK with the Full Windows because they play games from multiple platforms (not just steam) and/or use their PC for other things too - like Content Creation or business...

Based on that Tomb Raider example, just switching between Full Desktop and Gaming Mode see's a 30% increase in Performance and that's with exactly the same Z1 Extreme chip - the Z2 Extreme chip is also going to improve Performance too.

@abe_hikura The difference is that most Desktop users will be running Windows 11, not SteamOS so those using Steam still have to deal with the Windows Bloat. Desktops though also can throw a LOT more power to the chip, essentially brute force Performance. If you have 64GB of System RAM and 12GB+ of VRAM on your GPU, saving 2GB is inconsequential, you probably never fill the RAM anyway.

The reason its become so 'important' for MS now is because of these extremely low powered devices with limited resources. 24GB is not a LOT of RAM when shared so saving 2GB is important. Not wasting precious power on unnecessary process - especially when you are starving it of power - only 10-15w. That 'bloat' has a far bigger impact.

Windows is designed as a Multi-tasking OS - enabling you to run multiple Apps, multiple different types of programmes (Buisiness, Leisure, Creating/consuming content etc) simultaneously. That's why Xbox and Windows team worked together to create a Windows 11 that boots to 'Game' Optimised mode, ensuring unnecessary processes are turned off so its more 'efficient' - which is mostly required for the most resource starved 'gaming' devices such as Handheld.

I guess they could use that for their Console.. They don't have to provide the other Processes of a Full Desktop - in other words, that FSE is the OS and UI, you cannot switch to Full PC Desktop mode so it still runs all Windows PC games but time will tell...

@Millionski 4) and yes I will get to play 100's of games at NO Cost on my RoG Ally - because I paid for Game Pass Ultimate on Console - I'm not paying again just because I now have a PC - this just lets me play those Games ANYWHERE where as my Console does NOT - but its where I spend most of my Gaming time on. The ONLY games I'm likely to play on this are likely to be the exact same games I play on my Console, but for whatever reason, cannot play on my Console at that moment. I already have hundreds of games I can play at NO extra Charge whether I own a PC or NOT because of Game Pass Ultimate and Play Anywhere. I have NO Steam games and whilst the Handheld is a PC, its also the Closest to an Xbox Handheld Console and unlike Playstations Portal, plays games Natively.

5) The reason I am jumping into PC is more because of Play Anywhere and PC Game Pass - ALL Xbox First Party Games are likely to be Play Anywhere because its a Microsoft initiative. If MS weren't releasing all their games Day/Date on PC, on Game Pass, then I would have NO interest in a PC or PC handheld. Whilst 3rd Party software isn't Play Anywhere, its not as if I can't play those games if I really wanted. I'd still rather buy a System that gives me access to hundreds of games I already play/own than give me NO games. Of course I'd like my entitre Library, but most of the games I'm likely to play are Play Anywhere (if I buy on Xbox) and/or on Game Pass.

6) some may well choose to get a PS6 instead of the next Xbox and some may well transition entirely to PC, but I will likely end up with BOTH a PS6 and Next Xbox Consoles because NEITHER will release their Games Day/Date on their Rival Platforms - ONLY MS release their games on PC day 1 and certainly don't release everything on PS. Therefore you still miss out and may not get to play ALL thev games you want. Which goes back to One Gaming Hardware that Plays EVERY game but is also a Console.

7) And again, proving how ignorant and/or rude you are, the fact that MS as the ONLY Console Platform Holder with a PC Platform is making it Easier for me to play 'their' games on a Handheld Natively is a major reason I'm bought a Handheld PC - and the fact I can also play Sony games (If I rebuy) and ALL those OLD Console games via Emulation (Inc Nintendo/Sega Classics) is a BIG Factor. I'd love it if Sony embraced Play Anywhere and PS+ allowed me to play Playstation PC releases on a PC - but they don't so I ONLY play those on my PS5. As I said, I play 100% of my time on Consoles - but I could spend more time gaming with a Handheld due to not being tethered to a Display/power socket. 30-60mins whilst the wife watches something and then I can get on my Console after playing the SAME game at NO extra cost, carry my progression on. That isn't 'Fanboy', that's Common Sense. Buy the Hardware that you have the 'most' transferable Games, services etc - and on an Xbox site, I focus mostly on Xbox based Content. But like I said, I can still play God of War or Spider-man on a Handheld, just like I could play BF6 despite it not being 'Play Anywhere' - but I'd buy it for Console because I play mostly on Console...

@Millionski 1) I can't play it on my Consoles - where I currently play 90% of my games and don't want to 'build' a PC to be my 'Console' connected to a TV. The 'Handheld' is supplemental and I am not likely to buy many (if ANY) games for a Handheld that may not get used for 'weeks' because I have access to my Consoles.

2) I don't want to build a PC as it will cost 'more' than a Console to deliver at least a presentable 4k image when I love the simplistic Plug/Play nature of Consoles and as I have stated, far more Cheaters on PC so I like having the option to turn Cross-play off and play with my 'Console' based friends/Family.

3) it maybe a small step for Microsoft, but the fact they don't charge for 'their' PC versions of their Console games and has Game Pass too means that ANY Windows platform is ultimately much better than Steam for my Library and Games - yes not ALL are playable, but most of the 5yr+ games I've played and finished. I have NO steam games and its certainly not great for my PS games or PS+ Subscribers but at least I don't have to buy games to have 'something' to play on it...

I think its a very difficult situation for Global businesses right now and that is the major reason for their 'Lack' of transparency, commitment and/or Communication.

They could announce a price and a week later, get hit by some Tariff or issues with their supply chain of certain materials/parts that suddenly means its costing them significantly more to manufacture and distribute.

I know its frustrating and annoying for consumers - we've seen Consoles going up in price, not down despite years on the market, Companies closing down Studios and shedding staff and some markets 'collapsing' or sanctioned so can't trade there anymore, losing a chunk of potential sales revenue.

I think some are waiting for Economic forcasts, Interest rates/inflation - they don't want to announce a Price and within a few months have to put their prices up but don't want to price it 'high' that it doesn't sell at all but also maybe won't see a price increase in the first year or two

And yes I know Steam doesn't charge for Online access - like Consoles do, but I'd still not want to be locked to Steam or have a pretty useless Handheld because Windows 11 on such 'weak' hardware is not great. at 10-12w a Steam deck performs well against a RoG Ally (OG) capped to 10-12w, but 25 and even 35w plugged in modes beat it with Windows 11. The new Z2A Extreme is ~30% more efficient and works much better at 'lower' power modes and blows the Steamdeck away. Just check out Doom: the Dark ages on Steamdeck and the previews coming in from the new Handhelds - Xbox Ally X avg over 80fps at 1080p and medium/high settings, Steamdeck - 30-40fps, 800p Low settings.

And no I don't find it Hypocritical. I played on Console for 30yrs after a decade or more of PC gaming because PC gaming was too expensive and many games were 'exclusive' to Consoles (inc Xbox - no Play Anywhere or equivalent back then). I have ALWAYS said I would much prefer a single Box built for Gaming (like a Console), but able to play ALL (or at least a very high %age of) games I want to play - it ANNOYS me that games are Exclusive at all. I believe you should buy Hardware and EVERY game is playable - which is why I didn't buy a Steamdeck - why I bought a RoG Ally and have games to play without having to buy any games to play on it. When I buy the Xbox Ally, I again will have 'hundreds' of games I can choose to install at NO cost, but buy a Steamdeck and I have NO games I can play.

The point is that I want access to every game on ONE hardware. I can play Spider-Man or God of War too on my RoG Ally - although I would need to buy again but maybe I won't buy a Playstation next gen, just wait for them to release on PC - all of Xbox games are Day 1 on PC and may have to use Steam or Epic for PS games. I'm fed up with having to own multiple Hardware just to play a few games exclusive to a specific Platform - and as Microsoft has BOTH a PC based and Console Platform, they are the ONLY publisher with both Platforms - one a 'closed' system the other Open to other Platforms too.

Part of the reason for 'transiitioning' back to PC and that OPEN Platform is the affordability of a 'Gaming' PC. To Play Doom (the OG) required an 'expensive' PC to play at 'reasonable' quality/frame rates - now a Handheld PC can play Doom the Dark Ages with Console like Quality/Performance and Console like money.

Gaming PC's are now far more affordable and a LOT more capable than ever before and now MS too are recognising the need to make a much more gaming focussed OS for extremely low powered devices, Laptops/Desktops consume a LOT of Power and by sheer brute force deliver performance Consoles can't - so when limiting Power to ~25w and built into something so small, its not wasting resources on 'bloat'. It doesn't matter if the System uses more RAM when you have excess - way more than a game 'needs' but more important if limited...

@Millionski The reason Steam is trying to be a 'Console' like experience on PC is because it makes them Money, locks them into their Steam Ecosystem with their Steam OS and doesn't work well with ALL Windows/DirectX 12 games.

Of the 1300+ Xbox Play Anywhere games, bare in mind that has only been going a few years and NOT supported by every 3rd Party Publisher, I still have about 20 or so games + another couple of 100 or so I can play via Game Pass - compare that to 0 Steam games and for someone who predominently plays on Console (Both Playstation and Xbox), It makes zero sense buying a SteamDeck or wanting SteamOS to be locked into 'Steam'. Pretty much ALL my upcoming Xbox game Purchases will be Play Anywhere (or on Game Pass PC). I buy hardware for 'new' games, not necessarily OLD games I own and haven't touched for 5yrs+

The whole point of Windows is that its a Multi-platform OS and was built for Multi-tasking - playing games, creating Content, for Businesses as well as Leisure activities, for research and/or development. That's why its a LOT more versatile but also more 'bloated' than something that's ONLY meant for gaming. That's why MS and Asus are making a 'Handheld' Windows mode that turns off numerous Processes and Optimised for Gaming, the UI is designed for Controller - but unlike a Steamdeck, you can also turn on those Processes and have the Full PC experience, full access to ALL Platforms inc Battlenet, Bethesda.net, GoG, Epic and of course Steam.

It maybe somewhat Circumstantial, particularly with the Games I play, but when it comes to encountering Cheaters, they all have the 'steam' Logo (not Battlenet), and part of the reason is Steam allowing Multiple accounts with the same Contact details so if they get banned, they just jump into their other account. On Console, if they are banned, they maybe can create a new Account with 'new' Contact details inc a new Mobile number which adds to the cost. Also if they bought Digital (the only option on Steam), they'd have to rebuy the game - that is why its 'easier' for Cheaters to use Steam. Not to say that ONLY Steam users cheat, just that they favour Steam because its easier for them to cheat with less risk/consequence.

Going back to Play Anywhere, whilst historically its struggled for Support (outside of Microsoft Published games), but I have seen a LOT more games coming that I would want to play on BOTH my Handheld and Console and I don't want to buy twice. Yes some maybe on Game Pass too so I can choose 'not' to buy, but if I want to play games like Expedition 33, Doom, Starfield, Fable, Gears, CoD, Forza, Grounded, Outer Worlds 2, Robocop, Silksong, Hollow Knight, Mortal Kombat 11, High on Life, Indiana Jones, Atomfall, Lies of P, South of Midnight, State of Decay, Space Marine, Darktide, Ninja Gaiden etc etc etc on PC and Xbox Console, I only need to buy once on MS's store.

@Millionski And that's a typical response from you - someone points out the Facts and so you result to insults. If you can't handle people criticising something you obviously are a Fan of, to the point of behaving ignorantly, then maybe don't engage. Yes Steam maybe the most popular PC platform, but its also not the ONLY - which SteamOS ONLY caters to.

Why would a Console gamer have ANY 'steam' games? The reason I have PC games is because of Xbox - Play Anywhere and Game Pass games so why the hell would I want to be on the CHEATERS Platform of Choice? The Platform that allows so many Cheaters to ruin Games. I'd rather buy from Battlenet or EA or Ubisoft or Bethesda etc than use a third party run and pretty much locked to Steam. Why would I want to take a 'versatile' and unlocked Platform and lock it to just 'Steam?

The only games I'm likely to ever play on Steam is a game I can't get ANYWHERE else and desperate to play. I don't want a Handheld locked to ONLY Steam so SteamOS and Steam Sucks for Multi-platform Gaming. Windows is a Multi-platform gaming OS - Steam, Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo OS are SINGLE Platform OS.

As I game predominently on Console, and have done for the past 30yrs, None of my games are 'Steam', The Only PC games I own are Microsoft Play Anywhere games I bought on Xbox and as a Game Pass subscriber, have Game Pass PC so don't need to join cheater central Steam...

Steam may well be the 'closest' to a 'Console' like Platform on PC but that doesn't make it the best or ONLY option - and I don't want to be limited to Steam on a Proper PC - even in a Handheld format. The reason I want Windows 11 is because SteamOS is locked so a Steamdeck is basically a Steam ONLY console (unless you install Windows) and won't let me play the hundreds of PC games I have access to.

@Millionski Steam SUCKS and SteamOS is NOT an OPTION for ANYONE who doesn't want to be part of Steam. There are a LOT of other Platforms on PC - inc Microsoft/Xbox (where the vast majority of MY and many Xbox gamers PC library exists), Epic, Battlenet, GoG etc.

SteamOS is also Linux based - and the Proton Layer that is supposed to be a 'Windows' emulation layer for games that are Windows based don't all run that well and some don't run at all because it doesn't 'work' with all the Win11/Direct X 12 features - like Direct storage.

If I wanted a second rate, dated handheld locked to ONLY Steam out of the Box, a Platform that's renown for facilitating Cheaters, when ALL my PC games are also not on Steam, a very limited OS that's 'emulating' Windows/DX12, a Handheld that even my OG RoG Ally beats in performance, let alone a Xbox Ally could offer with its 20-30% boost in its chip and a much more Efficient and far less Bloated OS. On a Steamdeck, you have to install 'Windows' to get the Full functionality of the 'PC' and PC gaming - otherwise, you are just limited to Steam!!! With this, you have the full Windows built in but boots in a Gaming Optimised mode that already saves quite a bit of resources that can now be utilised by Games as well as a UI designed for Controller - that is what MS and Asus together have been working on - they know SteamOS has 'optimised' for gaming where as Windows was designed as a Multi-purpose, multi-tasking OS - not a problem when Desktops can chuck a LOT of resources and Power through. 2GB of RAM is nothing when you have 64GB and 16GB VRAM, chucking 400w+ of power compared to 24GB total RAM and 10-35w of power. That's why MS are making an 'Optimised' Windows for 'Handhelds' - a much less 'Bloated' Windows that already beats Devices with similar Chips in performance tests, that trounces a Steamdeck. Steamdeck is old tech and SteamOS is more limiting so I see it as more like Steam making a 'Console' that is pretty much locked to Steam and not 'useful' to those who have games on other PC platforms or Subscribe to Game Pass PC.

@Ricky-Spanish It also happened in the BF6 Beta too - it didn't take long for the cheaters to target that too...

I am perfectly fine with a Console only Option, but I am also concerned about the 'Xbox' Ally version of things like BO7 & BF6. I know a LOT of Cheaters use Steam because they can easily create lots of accounts if any get banned to jump straight back in, but I'd want to play with the SAME friends on Console regardless of what Platform I play on in the same Game Pass ecosystem, without having to play with ALL PC players...

Still its the minority that ruin things for Everyone so options like this are necessary. It's a shame that no Anti-cheat is (or it seems can be) 100% efficient in detecting cheaters before they've even got into a lobby, let alone detected the minute they turned on a cheat (if it wasn't enabled before), and let that cheater spend any time in the game to actually prove they were cheating, so I expect cheats will get through making it 'necessary' to have these options. No cheaters, no need to segregate yourself away from the rest of the community of fans...

Anyway, it will be interesting to see how Xbox handles that aspect if not for their Ally, their long term 'multi-platform' approach goes - playing Black Ops 7 on Game Pass on either a PC or Console shouldn't be a 'different' platform, and in some ways it isn't, but in others...

@DonkeyFantasy It does - basically the same thing, but unlike the Xbox version, that ALWAYS boots to the Full Windows 11 Desktop with the full Windows 'Bloat'.

The 'Xbox' Ally boots to the Xbox 'App' in an Optimised Windows mode which is 'locked' to the Xbox Store/Game Pass - essentially booting straight to 'Xbox' like Steamdeck boots to Steam. So MS are usng this so you can just switch on and jump straight into ANY installed game very quickly without having to switch to the Full Windows mode (which requires restarting if you want the 'optimised' for gaming mode with some Windows processes turned off) or load up another app before you can start playing...

Yes it may not be a 'New' concept, but Xbox is a Single Platform locked to single retailer (and that is true for their PC Xbox app too) so for Microsoft to let you access games from a different Platform is quite a big thing. Asus, who doesn't have their own 'gaming' platform, as well as other 3rd Party Apps that maydo the same too, don't have their own Store/Game Sales to 'protect'.

Of course its not going to be as easy as buying from Microsoft on a Microsoft App, but at least they are making it 'easy' to access your games bought on anothers platform!!