@Skinny-Pete To be honest, some people are just looking for excuses to hate Xbox. At least on Xbox, you can buy credit and digital games outside the Xbox store if you find a better deal, and you are entitled to fair refunds, something impossible on PS and Nintendo - until some EU law force them to do it.
Allowing third-party readers won't happen because it could be a way to trick the system. A first-party reader is much more likely. Another method I think it's feasible is to ship (or give at a store) your discs and get codes in return, because if you keep the discs you could give them to someone else. You won't have the discs anymore, but now they are just keys to play the games: all of them need to be installed, and backwards compatible games downloaded. Maybe you could even get codes for delisted games like Forza Horizon 1-4, if they don't consider that a sale but a replacement. Similarly, you can download delisted games if you own them. So yes, there are several ways to do it, but it's time to accept that next-gen consoles won't have a built-in disc reader. Sony co-owns Blu-Ray and still dropped it in their last two models, PS5 Digital Edition and PS5 Pro. Microsoft won't pay the licence and disc reader and make Helix more expensive when over 90% of the sales are digital. Hopefully, they will offer alternatives!
I really hope that Asha also reads Pure Xbox. Since Microsoft rebooted Killer Instinct and Battletoads, I want to believe there are more Rare IPs coming back. Regarding Perfect Dark, we know that The Initiative was a mess of a studio, but I wonder why don't they just give it to Crystal Dynamics and/or Rare. Everwild was cancelled, and Rare's staff don't need to spend the rest of their lives just doing DLC for Sea of Thieves. I like that game, it's absolutely gorgeous and a lot of fun with friends, but Rare should be more than that. The Perfect Dark trailer was great. There aren't many games like it.
If you get used to the static aiming, Jet Force Gemini is very addictive. Grabbed by the Ghoulies plays great on Rare Replay. I wish to see a faithful remake of Banjo-Kazooie (and Tooie) and a new Conker adventure. Viva Piñata is a game that made me relieved and happy when I was going through complicated family circumstances, so that's another one I'd add to the list.
@TheSimulator Or FPS Boost at least. It runs on overclocked Nintendo Switch at 60fps with a simple patch.
@EVIL-C The Initiative was a messy studio, but Crystal Dynamics could have finished the project. I loved the short trailer and the music. I still have some hope.
I can't talk about 1 because I missed that, but I love 3 and 4. I hope we'll be able to play 3 in 60fps on Helix. It's Play Anywhere but only the PC version runs at that frame rate. No offence, but I don't like 5 as much. As a half-Spaniard, the Mexican accent kind of confuses and distracts me too much. It reminds me also of Los Granados in Resident Evil 4 (2005). You know they sound hilarious if you are Spaniard.
Considering that 80% of the Xbox users (according to the poll here) want some kind of exclusivity on Xbox and that next generation Xbox and PC games will be the same, perhaps it's worth going that route, with the exceptions being those games that were multiplatform to begin with: Minecraft, Call of Duty... At the end of the day, the only Xbox game to top the charts on PS was Forza Horizon 5 and they might even use that as marketing for the next entries. That might make the Xbox ecosystem more attractive, but she's wise to not rush this, because they must evaluate this strategy very well, unless Sony brings their games to Xbox. Displaying the Steam and Xbox libraries together on Xbox Mode is wise, but why not sell their first party games on the Windows+PC store and not on Steam? That will protect their own business and PC players still will be able to see all the games and run Microsoft's games on the same OS as Steam runs on.
Side note: If they want to sell Series X|S, they need to make them available. 😁
@Celestial_Keyblade That's exactly how it will be and that's why Helix will be the most powerful console next generation but there will also be more affordable options. By affordable I mean compared to other gaming devices in the year of its launch.
Sony backtracked significantly a few times this generation regarding cross-gen and new gen, and service games, so I guess they are constantly monitoring the market and trying to find the greatest profits, but like @J_Mo_Money and other users said, their first-party output is not enough, so they either continue the multiplatform plans or rely on the walled garden with 30% commission of third-party games and no prepaid cards. Last generation, Sony didn't reveal the price and specs of PS5 until Microsoft did, and once the more powerful Series X was revealed, Mark Cerny streamed an ambiguous description of TFLOPS and power using peak numbers, and planned the Pro model.
Microsoft's plans include multiple hardware running the same OS and games and they probably have everything ready but the price. The future of Xbox is the expansion of its ecosystem that started with Xbox One's Play Anywhere, but embracing multiple devices and even other storefronts so they don't put Steam users off. They want to tempt those with multiple libraries and PC players that might play on a powerful console. The price of Helix will be relatively good compared to the competing consoles and PCs with equivalent graphical capabilities - not same specs. Sony will release PS6, cheaper and less powerful than Helix, and perhaps a handheld, which intrigues me in terms of what games would it play.
I recommend watching at least the first 35 minutes, that is, Jason Ronald's presentation. He did a great job summarising where Xbox is going. Helix is a powerful console fully compatible with Xbox games and with multiple storefronts. The next game development kits are the same for Xbox and PC, but the importance of Play Anywhere is highlighted and that means, in my eye, that Series X|S is, predictably, part of the next generation.
I think that Xbox is having the best first-party output of the generation, so I believe the part about games, but one bit that I'm excited to hear is accessories, because I want the comfy Xbox controller to have hall effect sticks and other features. I'm delighted so see how backwards compatibility is not forgotten and, in short, how Helix will improve and expand the Xbox ecosystem.
@JoNJoN3 Yes, I think that the PS4 were better than the PS5 covers, and the Nintendo Switch 2 is hideous, there is no question. It screams "red alert, take cover!" I don't know how they did that thing being Nintendo sells more physical games than any other. And then there are some with big banners ambiguously explaining what's on the SD card, I mean, "cartridge". The Xbox cover is the best-looking one, but I stopped collecting physical games. Why don't they allow them to put the PEGI label on the back, in between? If only they had the artwork on the front and every label on the back...
@HonestHick It will be interesting to see what affordable options will be on the Xbox ecosystem and if Sony goes back to handhelds and keeps going multiplatform or not and what differences there will be between Helix and PS6 in power terms. Lots of things yet to see.
@darylb24 I meant it light-heartedly, as a personal experience.
@HonestHick I agree, a game is great regardless of who makes it. Besides, people move from one developer to another or just change position and stop being that involved. What matters is the talent, inspiration and work.
Asha is connecting Xbox back to what people want and energising the Xbox team. This generation the cross-gen period was (is?) very long, so I expect the Series consoles to be part of the next, or something that replaces them, along Helix. That's why the changes need to start now. It seems that some expect her to sit down until Helix launches. That would be her biggest mistake.
@HonestHick Yes and you are absolutely right. Most Sony games don't sell that well. That's why Sony tried the service games and PC ports, contradicting their "pedigree" walled garden strategy. That only works for Nintendo because they do it coherently and have lower budgets. The strategy of Xbox is consistent. They are multiplatform on day one since Xbox One's Play Anywhere. The engagement on Xbox is very high and all the main developers support the console. Xbox is a success regardless of Sony selling twice as many consoles. Sony themselves say that they were surprised at the early PS4 success because there were "no games". Most of the best-selling games on PS were and still are third-party or owned by Microsoft. The big money is in that 30% commission and lack of PS prepaid cards.
They have a distorted perception and think that PS is a complete success and Xbox an utter failure because of what they are fed there. That's also why they think that only Microsoft changes strategy or fires people, when Sony, this generation, has shut down more studios and made 180 degree shifts. They even hate Phil Spencer but don't even own an Xbox... That's funny because of how anti-consumer Sony has become, but they are just mirroring the vibes there.
Monster Hunter World (2018) on Series X in resolution mode runs in native 4K resolution thanks to the Xbox One X upgrade and at 60fps. It looks and plays wonderfully.
@HonestHick This is the first time I'm not sure I understood you - and I'm very curious about your opinion - but this is what I think. I don't think I'm in this world to support the developers, same as they wouldn't support me if I really needed it. I just happened to receive a SNES and N64 from my parents when I was a kid and grew up playing games. That's all.
If I support a developer and IP is just because I think they really need it and I really want that IP to continue existing, that's what I mentioned Fatal Frame/Project Zero. Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster was to support Square Enix releasing games on Xbox, my favourite platform and the most underrated. Sonic Origins, for instance, was just because I'm a huge fan of the included games. They are not emulated, they are remakes, and Sonic The Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles is one of the best 2D games ever made. So, it's only when I feel there is reciprocity or a really good reason that affects me.
I pay all my expenses, taxes and have my own house, so I can't waste my money nor support everyone else. Game Pass is excellent for both developers and players, because not many people buy so many games and not at full price. If I was a developer, I'd happily be part of it. I'd be happy if it sold well. Certainly, I wouldn't expect or beg people to buy my game. That's not how it works.
Back to what everyone is discussing, the main reason why not every good game succeeds is very simple: there are many good games. Nintendo 64 had very few releases, some months there wasn't any, so every good game would at least be noticed by every owner. Now, there are too many games on PC, Xbox and PS, with Nintendo being its own library. So many good games to me means that I need to prioritise and favour my favourite genres and developers. Nintendo doesn't have the same quality and magic they used to have, so I made some adjustments. Most importantly, I need and I want to do other things in my life, like sports. On top of too many games, there are people that are happy just playing Minecraft, Call of Duty, Fornite (+DLC), GTA or EA Sports. Those are the best-selling games on all platforms. A friend of mine only plays Sea of Thieves...
I respect Game Pass a lot, but I also respect everyone's opinions, including buying games and not subscribing. The only thing I don't get is considering physical a better kind of ownership on PS and Nintendo, because players still need to pay extra for the upgrades playing on newer systems, or on Xbox, because it'll probably drop physical next generation. On PC it just doesn't exist. Nintendo is the weirdest, with fully-priced games that are streamed on Nintendo Switch and game-key cards on Nintendo Switch 2 that need to download the game and tie the card to a system through their servers. On all consoles, most physical games need patches and extra downloads. Physical was fantastic. Those cartridges (not SD memory) with the game and the chips. It isn't anymore. Digital is the only way forward, but only on PC and Xbox you can play your enhanced digital library on newer hardware at no extra cost, so they are more reliable and future-proof.
@darylb24 I think it's not that, but usually kids and teenagers have more time for playing and probably that money has not been earned by themselves. Remember? When we were teenagers we thought that cool games were worth getting no matter what, and parents took care of the house, food and everything that was really expensive.
@Gunonaboat Same. This year I only pre-ordered the digital deluxe edition of Fatal Frame II Remake just to support the IP and developer. Otherwise I wait most of the times. The exceptions would be very special, like Fable or Banjo-Kazooie 😁. I also pre-ordered the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster collection which had a small discount at launch and some Sonic games.
@HonestHick Yes, Sony has a massive debt, but PS is their lifesaver. As long as people buy PS, they will make PS. Even if people stopped buying traditional consoles in the future, they'd stay in the business with a PC store or as a publisher, same as they keep producing films and music. Microsoft loves hardware such as the Surface line and they need a product in the consumer space and in the living rooms, where most Games Pass subscribers are playing. Xbox enjoys high engagement and are much better supported by third parties than what one would expect, with even Xbox One X being better supported than PS4 Pro, and Series X|S seeing Japanese IPs debuting on Xbox - despite Xbox being apparently irrelevant in Japan and Nintendo dominating the charts there. Moreover, Asha wants to reconnect with the core fans and Nadella is giving her freedom, otherwise we would not have seen her quick and drastic changes to Game Pass. I always thought that Xbox One's Play Anywhere (with free cross-play and cross-save) approach was right, and the next generation is the culmination of that future-proof strategy. And yes, I also prefer consoles.
@HonestHick Right. Helix will run the same game builds as PC and all PC games (including those sold on Steam) are built for Windows. Sony's main income is from third-party games and DLC sold on their digital store. Sony has been trying for years to optimise their first-party benefits with a multiplatform approach and embracing the live service games model. It sells twice as many consoles as Microsoft, but hardware profits are not comparable with the software business. If anything, Microsoft is more likely to stay in the console business than Sony, thanks to their console/PC hardware and being the owners of Windows, now with Xbox Mode.
@HonestHick It's also worth mentioning regarding what matters to most players, firstly, that the charts reported on Nintendo Life are based on physical games, and the majority of the physical market is owned by Nintendo - if we can call the Nintendo Switch 2 game key cards physical. So, we can say that most Nintendo players buy Nintendo consoles for exclusives. That makes total sense, third-party games struggle on them and you can't play Nintendo games elsewhere - officially. Secondly, I read some reports because of what a user said days ago and, basically, PS is the most profitable arm of Sony, but the most profitable arm of PS is the sale of third-party games and DLC on the digital store and not Sony's exclusives. That would explain why PS cards are not sold elsewhere and why they had that policy - that was eventually cancelled - that made you lose all your Fortnite skins bought elsewhere, if you later logged in on a PS console.
@HonestHick Agreed. Most players are playing Call of Duty, Minecraft, GTA, EA Sports and Fortnite. That's what the charts say. They just don't waste time on surveys and gaming sites like us 😂. I guess it's "where my friends play" the console they get. And yes, the more ergonomic controller and user interface with better and quicker settings are things that also matter to me.
In my case, the key aspects are free (and enhanced!) backwards compatibility, value (hardware and software) and flexibility, where Xbox is king. It's weird how some people favour physical as a better kind of ownership on Sony and Nintendo's consoles, when they are known for locking software to specific consoles and make you buy again or upgrade.
Now that the dynamic backgrounds are available, I like them all, including the Xbox One! Just one exception, Xbox 360, has too much white for my liking, although I know it's based on the animation when Xbox 360 games are launched. Unlike Ben, I like the dynamic background being subtle and not packed with action.
@Coletrain When the Rog Xbox Ally X was released, they made some videos where some games performed better on Windows OS and others on Proton (Steam's software layer), and there were some that were not compatible or had issues on Proton. I assume that Microsoft's software engineers are working very hard on improving Xbox Mode for the next generation.
Great. They need to get rid of the unnecessary Windows processes and make playing on PC like playing on console. That is, native compatibility with PC games, that are built for Windows, but on a gaming OS.
@oliverp Yeah, they are sold out in many countries. Asha thinks that consoles are more important than Sarah thought, so it's safe to assume that they are planning to manufacture and distribute them properly.
Sony's net debt ($10.59B) is astronomical after their earnings record last year, considering the market value of the whole company ($118B). For reference, the (whole) market value of Microsoft is $3.024T.
@IOI Xbox (as a whole) earns more than Sony and Nintendo. Revenue loss depends on the games released during the last year, so it varies year by year. It's no big deal. Call of Duty Black Operations 7 didn't perform that well. That affected last year's results. The problem with Xbox now is that consoles are sold out. Gamers on Xbox are highly engaged and spend money on games and subscriptions like Game Pass. I see how Asha wants to earn trust back and reinforce the Xbox brand. It makes total sense, but they also need to supply Series X|S consoles!
They need to market, manufacture and distribute Series X|S. They can't sell consoles because there are no consoles to sell. Helix will probably arrive in November 2027. I wonder if they will keep selling Series consoles after that or release a new budget console to replace them.
It looks like a combination of PS and condensed Steam Deck, not the most comfortable layouts out there.
@Balaam_ Abomination? Seriously? The D-pad of the Xbox Series controller is both reliable and comfy. Best one along one controller made by Mobapad for Nintendo Switch and the traditional D-pad of the Xbox Elite. It's better than the round D-pad of the Elite and the PS D-pad.
@Coletrain I've been playing the Assassin's Creed games in release order so Origins would be next. However, I skipped Black Flag because of the remake rumours years ago. The funny thing is that I bought Black Flag for Wii U but sold it because of the insufferable 20-25 frames per second. After getting the Xbox One, I got Black Flag again, but I wanted to play the older titles first. And here we are. With this, all Assassin's Creed games run at 60fps on Series X|S. By the way, the original one is one of my favourites.
@Markatron84 Yes, there are remakes/remasters that are worse than the original and you're wise to not think that the updated version is always the best choice. The best example I can think of right now is Dead Rising. The original looks and plays great on Series X|S. I didn't expect to, but I loved it. It's also very replayable. The remaster, on the other hand, is done by another developer, has duller artwork, is less memorable and challenging and is censored. Xbox backwards compatibility is invaluable.
Yes. Fatal Frame II is an excellent example. Black Flag Resynced is looking great. Now, I'd love remasters or remakes of Fatal Frame I and III and a remake of Resident Evil Code Veronica.
@AI-Generation I think that nothing can beat Sony in that regard. I can't forget their statements about PS3, their patent forms defining themselves as "the best", etc. 😂
I love the genre, but I didn't love this. I didn't like the script nor the music. The gameplay was a complete mystery with messy user interface and tutorials, until I got the hang of it and learned to play and build the characters. I beat it, but only enjoyed a little part of it. It was a solid debut for new studio Sandfall, but I think it's overrated. We all like different things, I guess.
There was another RPG on Game Pass at launch, developed by Atlus, that despite its simplicity became one of my most enjoyable experiences in recent years, Soul Hackers II. The style, the music and the narrative are awesome. It is an under-the-radar gem.
Since it was revealed, it was clear that it was not a Double Fine adventure, but a multiplayer fun thing with deeper gameplay than what you'd think. Xbox doesn't have as many of this as other publishers (Nintendo), so I think it's a nice and original addition to the library.
I've been thinking about this and I have reached a final conclusion. We know that Xbox means Xbox and PC, with a common store and game builds on Helix and Xbox games available on Helix and probably PC, including backwards compatible games. That alone makes the Xbox ecosystem huge, even more if you add streaming.
It doesn't look like Xbox needs PS sales as much, let alone Nintendo, whose platforms are known for selling principally first-party games and are technically challenging since Wii. At least, timed exclusivity should be established at Xbox. The difference between "Forza Horizon is an Xbox game than is coming to PS one year later" and "Forza Horizon 6 launching on PS5 on 19th May", the latter a typical Push Square headline omitting other platforms, is huge. The marketing difference is astronomical. The implications are impossible to ignore in the millions of Google and Bing searches. The Xbox identity is kept as part of the DNA of Xbox games, instead of becoming something ambiguous and omissible. It's not the best outcome for PS and Nintendo gamers, but considering that Nintendo's games are not available elsewhere (outside emulation) and that only a few Sony games have been published for Xbox so far, it makes total sense.
@FraserG The Xbox One X had cinematic sound effects during the startup animation. Series X made it shorter and less theatrical. They are cool, but the Xbox One X sound was a bit overdone. 😁
Good thing they can be turned off, unlike the PS4, that I had to open to remove the beeping little speaker.
Comments 8,068
Re: Rumour: Project Helix Unlikely To Include Disc Drive, But Xbox May Have A Digital Solution
@Skinny-Pete To be honest, some people are just looking for excuses to hate Xbox. At least on Xbox, you can buy credit and digital games outside the Xbox store if you find a better deal, and you are entitled to fair refunds, something impossible on PS and Nintendo - until some EU law force them to do it.
Re: Rumour: Project Helix Unlikely To Include Disc Drive, But Xbox May Have A Digital Solution
Allowing third-party readers won't happen because it could be a way to trick the system. A first-party reader is much more likely. Another method I think it's feasible is to ship (or give at a store) your discs and get codes in return, because if you keep the discs you could give them to someone else. You won't have the discs anymore, but now they are just keys to play the games: all of them need to be installed, and backwards compatible games downloaded. Maybe you could even get codes for delisted games like Forza Horizon 1-4, if they don't consider that a sale but a replacement. Similarly, you can download delisted games if you own them. So yes, there are several ways to do it, but it's time to accept that next-gen consoles won't have a built-in disc reader. Sony co-owns Blu-Ray and still dropped it in their last two models, PS5 Digital Edition and PS5 Pro. Microsoft won't pay the licence and disc reader and make Helix more expensive when over 90% of the sales are digital. Hopefully, they will offer alternatives!
Re: Talking Point: What Dream Reveal Would You Like To See At The Xbox Games Showcase 2026?
I really hope that Asha also reads Pure Xbox. Since Microsoft rebooted Killer Instinct and Battletoads, I want to believe there are more Rare IPs coming back. Regarding Perfect Dark, we know that The Initiative was a mess of a studio, but I wonder why don't they just give it to Crystal Dynamics and/or Rare. Everwild was cancelled, and Rare's staff don't need to spend the rest of their lives just doing DLC for Sea of Thieves. I like that game, it's absolutely gorgeous and a lot of fun with friends, but Rare should be more than that. The Perfect Dark trailer was great. There aren't many games like it.
If you get used to the static aiming, Jet Force Gemini is very addictive. Grabbed by the Ghoulies plays great on Rare Replay. I wish to see a faithful remake of Banjo-Kazooie (and Tooie) and a new Conker adventure. Viva Piñata is a game that made me relieved and happy when I was going through complicated family circumstances, so that's another one I'd add to the list.
Re: Talking Point: What Dream Reveal Would You Like To See At The Xbox Games Showcase 2026?
@FraserG Thanks for thinking of me!
Re: Xbox Adds Nine Titles To Game Pass Essential In New Surprise Update
@Nakatomi_Uk And you're lucky to play in 4K and 60fps (Series X).
Re: Xbox Adds Nine Titles To Game Pass Essential In New Surprise Update
@TheSimulator Or FPS Boost at least. It runs on overclocked Nintendo Switch at 60fps with a simple patch.
@EVIL-C The Initiative was a messy studio, but Crystal Dynamics could have finished the project. I loved the short trailer and the music. I still have some hope.
Re: Poll: Which Is Your Favourite Forza Horizon Game To Date?
I can't talk about 1 because I missed that, but I love 3 and 4. I hope we'll be able to play 3 in 60fps on Helix. It's Play Anywhere but only the PC version runs at that frame rate. No offence, but I don't like 5 as much. As a half-Spaniard, the Mexican accent kind of confuses and distracts me too much. It reminds me also of Los Granados in Resident Evil 4 (2005). You know they sound hilarious if you are Spaniard.
Re: Xbox Needs To 'Sweat Every Detail' In Winning Over 'Frustrated' Players, Says Asha Sharma
Considering that 80% of the Xbox users (according to the poll here) want some kind of exclusivity on Xbox and that next generation Xbox and PC games will be the same, perhaps it's worth going that route, with the exceptions being those games that were multiplatform to begin with: Minecraft, Call of Duty... At the end of the day, the only Xbox game to top the charts on PS was Forza Horizon 5 and they might even use that as marketing for the next entries. That might make the Xbox ecosystem more attractive, but she's wise to not rush this, because they must evaluate this strategy very well, unless Sony brings their games to Xbox. Displaying the Steam and Xbox libraries together on Xbox Mode is wise, but why not sell their first party games on the Windows+PC store and not on Steam? That will protect their own business and PC players still will be able to see all the games and run Microsoft's games on the same OS as Steam runs on.
Side note: If they want to sell Series X|S, they need to make them available. 😁
Re: Talking Point: Amidst PS6 Uncertainty, Do You Think Xbox Has Project Helix All Figured Out?
@Celestial_Keyblade That's exactly how it will be and that's why Helix will be the most powerful console next generation but there will also be more affordable options. By affordable I mean compared to other gaming devices in the year of its launch.
Sony backtracked significantly a few times this generation regarding cross-gen and new gen, and service games, so I guess they are constantly monitoring the market and trying to find the greatest profits, but like @J_Mo_Money and other users said, their first-party output is not enough, so they either continue the multiplatform plans or rely on the walled garden with 30% commission of third-party games and no prepaid cards. Last generation, Sony didn't reveal the price and specs of PS5 until Microsoft did, and once the more powerful Series X was revealed, Mark Cerny streamed an ambiguous description of TFLOPS and power using peak numbers, and planned the Pro model.
Microsoft's plans include multiple hardware running the same OS and games and they probably have everything ready but the price. The future of Xbox is the expansion of its ecosystem that started with Xbox One's Play Anywhere, but embracing multiple devices and even other storefronts so they don't put Steam users off. They want to tempt those with multiple libraries and PC players that might play on a powerful console. The price of Helix will be relatively good compared to the competing consoles and PCs with equivalent graphical capabilities - not same specs. Sony will release PS6, cheaper and less powerful than Helix, and perhaps a handheld, which intrigues me in terms of what games would it play.
Re: Xbox Teases More Project Helix News For 2026, Shares Full Presentation From GDC
I recommend watching at least the first 35 minutes, that is, Jason Ronald's presentation. He did a great job summarising where Xbox is going. Helix is a powerful console fully compatible with Xbox games and with multiple storefronts. The next game development kits are the same for Xbox and PC, but the importance of Play Anywhere is highlighted and that means, in my eye, that Series X|S is, predictably, part of the next generation.
I think that Xbox is having the best first-party output of the generation, so I believe the part about games, but one bit that I'm excited to hear is accessories, because I want the comfy Xbox controller to have hall effect sticks and other features. I'm delighted so see how backwards compatibility is not forgotten and, in short, how Helix will improve and expand the Xbox ecosystem.
Re: Xbox Appears To Be Experimenting With New Labels For Physical Games
@JoNJoN3 Yes, I think that the PS4 were better than the PS5 covers, and the Nintendo Switch 2 is hideous, there is no question. It screams "red alert, take cover!" I don't know how they did that thing being Nintendo sells more physical games than any other. And then there are some with big banners ambiguously explaining what's on the SD card, I mean, "cartridge". The Xbox cover is the best-looking one, but I stopped collecting physical games. Why don't they allow them to put the PEGI label on the back, in between? If only they had the artwork on the front and every label on the back...
Re: More Than 50% Of Hardcore Gamers Don't Buy Full-Priced Games Anymore, Survey Finds
@HonestHick It will be interesting to see what affordable options will be on the Xbox ecosystem and if Sony goes back to handhelds and keeps going multiplatform or not and what differences there will be between Helix and PS6 in power terms. Lots of things yet to see.
@darylb24 I meant it light-heartedly, as a personal experience.
Re: More Than 50% Of Hardcore Gamers Don't Buy Full-Priced Games Anymore, Survey Finds
@HonestHick I agree, a game is great regardless of who makes it. Besides, people move from one developer to another or just change position and stop being that involved. What matters is the talent, inspiration and work.
Asha is connecting Xbox back to what people want and energising the Xbox team. This generation the cross-gen period was (is?) very long, so I expect the Series consoles to be part of the next, or something that replaces them, along Helix. That's why the changes need to start now. It seems that some expect her to sit down until Helix launches. That would be her biggest mistake.
Re: More Than 50% Of Hardcore Gamers Don't Buy Full-Priced Games Anymore, Survey Finds
@HonestHick Yes and you are absolutely right. Most Sony games don't sell that well. That's why Sony tried the service games and PC ports, contradicting their "pedigree" walled garden strategy. That only works for Nintendo because they do it coherently and have lower budgets. The strategy of Xbox is consistent. They are multiplatform on day one since Xbox One's Play Anywhere. The engagement on Xbox is very high and all the main developers support the console. Xbox is a success regardless of Sony selling twice as many consoles. Sony themselves say that they were surprised at the early PS4 success because there were "no games". Most of the best-selling games on PS were and still are third-party or owned by Microsoft. The big money is in that 30% commission and lack of PS prepaid cards.
They have a distorted perception and think that PS is a complete success and Xbox an utter failure because of what they are fed there. That's also why they think that only Microsoft changes strategy or fires people, when Sony, this generation, has shut down more studios and made 180 degree shifts. They even hate Phil Spencer but don't even own an Xbox... That's funny because of how anti-consumer Sony has become, but they are just mirroring the vibes there.
Re: More Than 50% Of Hardcore Gamers Don't Buy Full-Priced Games Anymore, Survey Finds
Monster Hunter World (2018) on Series X in resolution mode runs in native 4K resolution thanks to the Xbox One X upgrade and at 60fps. It looks and plays wonderfully.
Re: More Than 50% Of Hardcore Gamers Don't Buy Full-Priced Games Anymore, Survey Finds
@HonestHick This is the first time I'm not sure I understood you - and I'm very curious about your opinion - but this is what I think. I don't think I'm in this world to support the developers, same as they wouldn't support me if I really needed it. I just happened to receive a SNES and N64 from my parents when I was a kid and grew up playing games. That's all.
If I support a developer and IP is just because I think they really need it and I really want that IP to continue existing, that's what I mentioned Fatal Frame/Project Zero. Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster was to support Square Enix releasing games on Xbox, my favourite platform and the most underrated. Sonic Origins, for instance, was just because I'm a huge fan of the included games. They are not emulated, they are remakes, and Sonic The Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles is one of the best 2D games ever made. So, it's only when I feel there is reciprocity or a really good reason that affects me.
I pay all my expenses, taxes and have my own house, so I can't waste my money nor support everyone else. Game Pass is excellent for both developers and players, because not many people buy so many games and not at full price. If I was a developer, I'd happily be part of it. I'd be happy if it sold well. Certainly, I wouldn't expect or beg people to buy my game. That's not how it works.
Back to what everyone is discussing, the main reason why not every good game succeeds is very simple: there are many good games. Nintendo 64 had very few releases, some months there wasn't any, so every good game would at least be noticed by every owner. Now, there are too many games on PC, Xbox and PS, with Nintendo being its own library. So many good games to me means that I need to prioritise and favour my favourite genres and developers. Nintendo doesn't have the same quality and magic they used to have, so I made some adjustments. Most importantly, I need and I want to do other things in my life, like sports. On top of too many games, there are people that are happy just playing Minecraft, Call of Duty, Fornite (+DLC), GTA or EA Sports. Those are the best-selling games on all platforms. A friend of mine only plays Sea of Thieves...
I respect Game Pass a lot, but I also respect everyone's opinions, including buying games and not subscribing. The only thing I don't get is considering physical a better kind of ownership on PS and Nintendo, because players still need to pay extra for the upgrades playing on newer systems, or on Xbox, because it'll probably drop physical next generation. On PC it just doesn't exist. Nintendo is the weirdest, with fully-priced games that are streamed on Nintendo Switch and game-key cards on Nintendo Switch 2 that need to download the game and tie the card to a system through their servers. On all consoles, most physical games need patches and extra downloads. Physical was fantastic. Those cartridges (not SD memory) with the game and the chips. It isn't anymore. Digital is the only way forward, but only on PC and Xbox you can play your enhanced digital library on newer hardware at no extra cost, so they are more reliable and future-proof.
Re: More Than 50% Of Hardcore Gamers Don't Buy Full-Priced Games Anymore, Survey Finds
@darylb24 I think it's not that, but usually kids and teenagers have more time for playing and probably that money has not been earned by themselves. Remember? When we were teenagers we thought that cool games were worth getting no matter what, and parents took care of the house, food and everything that was really expensive.
Re: More Than 50% Of Hardcore Gamers Don't Buy Full-Priced Games Anymore, Survey Finds
@Gunonaboat Same. This year I only pre-ordered the digital deluxe edition of Fatal Frame II Remake just to support the IP and developer. Otherwise I wait most of the times. The exceptions would be very special, like Fable or Banjo-Kazooie 😁. I also pre-ordered the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster collection which had a small discount at launch and some Sonic games.
Re: Talking Point: New Survey Highlights The 'Top Reasons To Play Games On A Console'
@HonestHick Yes, Sony has a massive debt, but PS is their lifesaver. As long as people buy PS, they will make PS. Even if people stopped buying traditional consoles in the future, they'd stay in the business with a PC store or as a publisher, same as they keep producing films and music. Microsoft loves hardware such as the Surface line and they need a product in the consumer space and in the living rooms, where most Games Pass subscribers are playing. Xbox enjoys high engagement and are much better supported by third parties than what one would expect, with even Xbox One X being better supported than PS4 Pro, and Series X|S seeing Japanese IPs debuting on Xbox - despite Xbox being apparently irrelevant in Japan and Nintendo dominating the charts there. Moreover, Asha wants to reconnect with the core fans and Nadella is giving her freedom, otherwise we would not have seen her quick and drastic changes to Game Pass. I always thought that Xbox One's Play Anywhere (with free cross-play and cross-save) approach was right, and the next generation is the culmination of that future-proof strategy. And yes, I also prefer consoles.
Re: Talking Point: New Survey Highlights The 'Top Reasons To Play Games On A Console'
@HonestHick Right. Helix will run the same game builds as PC and all PC games (including those sold on Steam) are built for Windows. Sony's main income is from third-party games and DLC sold on their digital store. Sony has been trying for years to optimise their first-party benefits with a multiplatform approach and embracing the live service games model. It sells twice as many consoles as Microsoft, but hardware profits are not comparable with the software business. If anything, Microsoft is more likely to stay in the console business than Sony, thanks to their console/PC hardware and being the owners of Windows, now with Xbox Mode.
Re: Talking Point: New Survey Highlights The 'Top Reasons To Play Games On A Console'
@HonestHick It's also worth mentioning regarding what matters to most players, firstly, that the charts reported on Nintendo Life are based on physical games, and the majority of the physical market is owned by Nintendo - if we can call the Nintendo Switch 2 game key cards physical. So, we can say that most Nintendo players buy Nintendo consoles for exclusives. That makes total sense, third-party games struggle on them and you can't play Nintendo games elsewhere - officially. Secondly, I read some reports because of what a user said days ago and, basically, PS is the most profitable arm of Sony, but the most profitable arm of PS is the sale of third-party games and DLC on the digital store and not Sony's exclusives. That would explain why PS cards are not sold elsewhere and why they had that policy - that was eventually cancelled - that made you lose all your Fortnite skins bought elsewhere, if you later logged in on a PS console.
Re: Talking Point: New Survey Highlights The 'Top Reasons To Play Games On A Console'
@HonestHick Agreed. Most players are playing Call of Duty, Minecraft, GTA, EA Sports and Fortnite. That's what the charts say. They just don't waste time on surveys and gaming sites like us 😂. I guess it's "where my friends play" the console they get. And yes, the more ergonomic controller and user interface with better and quicker settings are things that also matter to me.
Re: Talking Point: New Survey Highlights The 'Top Reasons To Play Games On A Console'
In my case, the key aspects are free (and enhanced!) backwards compatibility, value (hardware and software) and flexibility, where Xbox is king. It's weird how some people favour physical as a better kind of ownership on Sony and Nintendo's consoles, when they are known for locking software to specific consoles and make you buy again or upgrade.
Re: Six Cars Are Being Given Away As Loyalty Rewards In Forza Horizon 6
Very nice fan service. The only game I missed was the first. I've played the rest on Xbox One (X) and Series X.
Re: Xbox Exec Invites Fans To Share Backwards Compatibility Requests On Special Website
I would love the expanded Xbox ports of Fatal Frame/Project Zero 1 and 2 and Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing.
Re: Xbox Adds Backgrounds, Profile Themes & Gamer Pics Based On New Logo Designs
Now that the dynamic backgrounds are available, I like them all, including the Xbox One! Just one exception, Xbox 360, has too much white for my liking, although I know it's based on the animation when Xbox 360 games are launched. Unlike Ben, I like the dynamic background being subtle and not packed with action.
Re: Deals: 25 Xbox Back Compat Games That Are Ridiculously Good Value This Week
@BustedUpBikero Thanks, then it's worth adding to the collection! I'm one of those to blame, as I only had the Wii that generation. 😂
Re: Deals: 25 Xbox Back Compat Games That Are Ridiculously Good Value This Week
@BustedUpBiker Sounds cool. So, is it 30fps?
Re: Xbox Mode Has Officially Arrived, Aiming To Bring A 'Console-Inspired Experience' To PC Users
@Coletrain When the Rog Xbox Ally X was released, they made some videos where some games performed better on Windows OS and others on Proton (Steam's software layer), and there were some that were not compatible or had issues on Proton. I assume that Microsoft's software engineers are working very hard on improving Xbox Mode for the next generation.
Re: Xbox Mode Has Officially Arrived, Aiming To Bring A 'Console-Inspired Experience' To PC Users
Great. They need to get rid of the unnecessary Windows processes and make playing on PC like playing on console. That is, native compatibility with PC games, that are built for Windows, but on a gaming OS.
Re: Asha Sharma Comments On Xbox Revenue Loss For Q3 2026
@oliverp Yeah, they are sold out in many countries. Asha thinks that consoles are more important than Sarah thought, so it's safe to assume that they are planning to manufacture and distribute them properly.
Re: Asha Sharma Comments On Xbox Revenue Loss For Q3 2026
@ILuvGames Xbox is not "pretty far behind PS."
Revenue as a video game publisher Q3 2025:
https://newzoo.com/resources/rankings/top-25-companies-game-revenues
Largest Video Game Publishers Ranked by Revenue 2024:
https://data40.com/articles/top-video-game-publishers/
Debt:
Sony's net debt ($10.59B) is astronomical after their earnings record last year, considering the market value of the whole company ($118B). For reference, the (whole) market value of Microsoft is $3.024T.
https://companiesmarketcap.com/sony/total-debt/
https://companiesmarketcap.com/microsoft/marketcap/
Re: Asha Sharma Comments On Xbox Revenue Loss For Q3 2026
@IOI Xbox (as a whole) earns more than Sony and Nintendo. Revenue loss depends on the games released during the last year, so it varies year by year. It's no big deal. Call of Duty Black Operations 7 didn't perform that well. That affected last year's results. The problem with Xbox now is that consoles are sold out. Gamers on Xbox are highly engaged and spend money on games and subscriptions like Game Pass. I see how Asha wants to earn trust back and reinforce the Xbox brand. It makes total sense, but they also need to supply Series X|S consoles!
Re: Review: Kiln (Xbox) - A Fun Addition To Xbox Game Pass, But Can Its Flame Stay Lit?
Fair review. What could be the reason for not including local multiplayer?
Re: Microsoft CEO Says Xbox Is 'Recommitting To Our Core Fans' As Revenue Falls In FY26 Q3
They need to market, manufacture and distribute Series X|S. They can't sell consoles because there are no consoles to sell. Helix will probably arrive in November 2027. I wonder if they will keep selling Series consoles after that or release a new budget console to replace them.
Re: Asha Sharma Comments On Xbox Revenue Loss For Q3 2026
Next thing they need to do is manufacture and distribute Series X|S. They don't sell consoles because there are no consoles for sale.
Re: Steam Controller Vs. Xbox Controller: What The Critics Are Saying So Far
@whmchrish From February 2027, all these devices will have to comply with the EU replaceable battery law. 😊
@Millionski I think nobody's surprised anymore...
Re: Steam Controller Vs. Xbox Controller: What The Critics Are Saying So Far
It looks like a combination of PS and condensed Steam Deck, not the most comfortable layouts out there.
@Balaam_ Abomination? Seriously? The D-pad of the Xbox Series controller is both reliable and comfy. Best one along one controller made by Mobapad for Nintendo Switch and the traditional D-pad of the Xbox Elite. It's better than the round D-pad of the Elite and the PS D-pad.
Re: Random: Three New Xbox Slogans Have Been Added To The Office Windows At Microsoft HQ
@GamingGod That was just... hilarious. In a certain way, he was ahead of his time and also disconnected from the present, thus almost killed Xbox.
Re: Talking Point: Do You Still Get Excited About Remakes On Xbox In 2026?
@Coletrain I've been playing the Assassin's Creed games in release order so Origins would be next. However, I skipped Black Flag because of the remake rumours years ago. The funny thing is that I bought Black Flag for Wii U but sold it because of the insufferable 20-25 frames per second. After getting the Xbox One, I got Black Flag again, but I wanted to play the older titles first. And here we are. With this, all Assassin's Creed games run at 60fps on Series X|S. By the way, the original one is one of my favourites.
Re: Talking Point: Do You Still Get Excited About Remakes On Xbox In 2026?
@Markatron84 Yes, there are remakes/remasters that are worse than the original and you're wise to not think that the updated version is always the best choice. The best example I can think of right now is Dead Rising. The original looks and plays great on Series X|S. I didn't expect to, but I loved it. It's also very replayable. The remaster, on the other hand, is done by another developer, has duller artwork, is less memorable and challenging and is censored. Xbox backwards compatibility is invaluable.
Re: Talking Point: Do You Still Get Excited About Remakes On Xbox In 2026?
Yes. Fatal Frame II is an excellent example. Black Flag Resynced is looking great. Now, I'd love remasters or remakes of Fatal Frame I and III and a remake of Resident Evil Code Veronica.
Re: Random: Three New Xbox Slogans Have Been Added To The Office Windows At Microsoft HQ
@AI-Generation I think that nothing can beat Sony in that regard. I can't forget their statements about PS3, their patent forms defining themselves as "the best", etc. 😂
Re: Kiln Players Share Their First Reviews Of The New Xbox Game Studios Title
@Questionable_Duck Yeah, that Nintendo game is more of a primitive tech demo.
Re: Expedition 33 Celebrates One-Year Anniversary With Small Update On Xbox & Beyond
I love the genre, but I didn't love this. I didn't like the script nor the music. The gameplay was a complete mystery with messy user interface and tutorials, until I got the hang of it and learned to play and build the characters. I beat it, but only enjoyed a little part of it. It was a solid debut for new studio Sandfall, but I think it's overrated. We all like different things, I guess.
There was another RPG on Game Pass at launch, developed by Atlus, that despite its simplicity became one of my most enjoyable experiences in recent years, Soul Hackers II. The style, the music and the narrative are awesome. It is an under-the-radar gem.
Re: Kiln Players Share Their First Reviews Of The New Xbox Game Studios Title
Since it was revealed, it was clear that it was not a Double Fine adventure, but a multiplayer fun thing with deeper gameplay than what you'd think. Xbox doesn't have as many of this as other publishers (Nintendo), so I think it's a nice and original addition to the library.
Re: Xbox Is Officially 'Reevaluating' What To Do About Exclusivity
I've been thinking about this and I have reached a final conclusion. We know that Xbox means Xbox and PC, with a common store and game builds on Helix and Xbox games available on Helix and probably PC, including backwards compatible games. That alone makes the Xbox ecosystem huge, even more if you add streaming.
It doesn't look like Xbox needs PS sales as much, let alone Nintendo, whose platforms are known for selling principally first-party games and are technically challenging since Wii. At least, timed exclusivity should be established at Xbox. The difference between "Forza Horizon is an Xbox game than is coming to PS one year later" and "Forza Horizon 6 launching on PS5 on 19th May", the latter a typical Push Square headline omitting other platforms, is huge. The marketing difference is astronomical. The implications are impossible to ignore in the millions of Google and Bing searches. The Xbox identity is kept as part of the DNA of Xbox games, instead of becoming something ambiguous and omissible. It's not the best outcome for PS and Nintendo gamers, but considering that Nintendo's games are not available elsewhere (outside emulation) and that only a few Sony games have been published for Xbox so far, it makes total sense.
Re: Xbox Unveils New Logo And Explains How To Make It Your Series X|S Background
@FraserG You are doing a good work. Too bad you have less time for reviewing games.
I have only seen the original Xbox startup in backwards compatible games. Beginning the 25th Xbox anniversary with it would be awesome.
Re: Xbox Unveils New Logo And Explains How To Make It Your Series X|S Background
@FraserG The Xbox One X had cinematic sound effects during the startup animation. Series X made it shorter and less theatrical. They are cool, but the Xbox One X sound was a bit overdone. 😁
Good thing they can be turned off, unlike the PS4, that I had to open to remove the beeping little speaker.
Re: Xbox Unveils New Logo And Explains How To Make It Your Series X|S Background
@FraserG Don't you remember how the sound was on Xbox One X? 😁