So let's go to facts then. Best scores they have ever given Xbox games are two 8s and one 9, but most of their Xbox scores are 7s or lower. The average score they give to Xbox games is 7, rounded off. It doesn't matter if the games are old or new. They gave Quake II a 7, even though they think, "It’s a stunning package, filled to the brim with content both new and old, barring the handful of small issues..." They submit their scores to Metacritic, where 7 is not considered a "positive" but a "mixed" review, even though the content of their reviews doesn't match that criterion. Thus, the Xbox tax, on PS at least, is real. Or you could simply say that their Xbox scores are always significantly below the average on the same platform, but it's the same thing with other words, because this rule does not apply to games published by Sony.
Goes on to say they wish they could take back the score they gave the first game...
They just reached a new metaphysics status!
Don't think an Xbox game has ever scored higher than a 8 on PS.
That is correct.
EDIT: Best scores they have ever given Xbox games are two 8s and one 9, but most of their Xbox scores are 7s or lower. The average score they give to Xbox games is 7, rounded off and they submit their scores to Metacritic, where 7 is not considered a positive but a mixed review.
Push Square no longer pretending to review Xbox games objectively, I see. There are just two (moderate) exceptions. They seem to be trying to bring Xbox metascore down: Hellblade II, Oblivion Remastered, Gears of War Reloaded, Ninja Gaiden 4 (not an Xbox game but on Game Pass at launch), The Outer Worlds 2... Congratulation to Obsidian on the positive reviews elsewhere!
@fatpunkslim Yeah, that's exactly right. Bazzite and Proton run on Linux and they emulate Windows so the compatibility is worse as they call Windows features. Games are developed for Windows and Windows has all the features in native form. However and like both of you are saying, Xbox Full Screen Experience, the gaming version of Windows, just started and still needs to be optimised properly, not just the user interface which still is somewhat rough compared to the others, but most importantly, tuning something as big and comprehensive as Windows for just playing Windows games. Microsoft will do it because they need to and, like you're saying, it's good they have competition like Steam, which ironically beat them with a third-party launcher and emulating their OS. Microsoft has been resting on their laurels when it comes to PC gaming for so long.
@Meehanuk_1987 Many people played Series X|S games on Xbox One using Cloud, so I guess that it will be an option next generation as well, but I expect a long cross-gen period and I think that Series X|S could play games decently, because they are equipped with much more modern CPUs than the previous generation consoles.
@Stamnoso Yes, Xbox just confirmed that the next-console will be "very premium". Previously, they said "largest technical leap". That's why I think that next generation game builds will be the same for Xbox and Windows, with no Xbox ports required, therefore the console will run a gaming version of Windows. Xbox One and Series X|S also run a custom version of Windows but don't run PC builds. First fact: it will be powerful, probably expensive.
Microsoft also confirmed that the next-gen console will be backwards compatible (second fact). What we don't know is if there will be a Series S equivalent and what first and third-party devices will run Xbox games. I suspect that one of Microsoft's goals with Xbox Full Screen Experience is to play Xbox and Xbox 360 backwards compatible games, on top of Xbox One and Series X|S games on it. But then, some people pointed out the licence stuff and that the backwards compatibility will be hardware-based, thus the collaboration with AMD, so we don't know if other devices will support this backwards compatibility and we don't know if there will be a second console like this generation.
Like you say, there are many things we still don't know about the next generation, so we will have to wait and see.
@PsBoxSwitchOwner He just hears what he wants to hear and even the optimisation he mentioned earlier is lacking since someone already swapped the OS on the Rog and it runs much better than on Windows.
I hear well. There are no lies that I want to believe, not so sure it's the same for you. Let me explain once more for you both so you can understand, hopefully. What I said that it's confirmed is that the next console will be backwards compatible and that it will be a curated experience. You can read that in this article and other articles with the statements made by Xbox about the next-gen Xbox. It's not my imagination. Regarding the last part, optimised Windows for gaming being better, what I've been saying in all my comments about it is that they are optimising as we speak and that it's a not small task to do, but obviously you can expect games to run better on Windows in time and with better compatibility than on the software layer that is Proton, for example. The Xbox Full Screen Experience just started and nobody expected it to be flawless on day one, but it's not the desktop version with background processes hogging resources as some have been saying. I've been watching comparison videos and some games run better on Windows and others run better on Bazzite (Linux interface for Steam, Lutris, Heroic...) and on Proton (Linux software layer based on Windows by Steam). Some games don't run on Bazzite or Proton and some have a version specifically made for them, with Steam Deck getting specific versions of a few games. It's early days for Windows for gaming, but we can make more comparisons in one year, when I expect Windows to have better compatibility (it does today) and performance (it doesn't today) than Proton and Bazzite.
@DesertRanger @ButterySmooth30FPS Regarding what the next Xbox will be and how much it will cost, Push Square Xbox article based on rumours written by Sammy = take with 1 million pinches of salt (at least).
The next Xbox won't be a PC, it will be a curated Xbox experience with native backwards compatibility, confirmed by the Xbox team and yes, it will run on Windows, like Xbox One and Series X|S. Next generation will very likely merge the console and PC game development, no longer requiring Xbox ports. Same Windows for all games, win-win for developers and for console users. No, it won't be the desktop Windows with background Teams and Office but similar to what you see on Series X|S.
@Stamnoso Actually, I think they are not insisting on "This is an Xbox" as much as before and want to remind the most dedicated fans that they still have a high-end console coming. All recent statements mention the next-gen console and the Xbox facilities. But of course, the Cloud and casual plans are still important. They just added Cloud and PC games to Game Pass Premium and Essential at no extra cost. Having Cloud as a Game Pass Ultimate exclusive didn't match their plans.
@kmtrain83 They have a lot of confidence in Surface. The high-end models sell out, are awarded and compared to Apple's best. The reason why there is no Surface handheld is because Surface already has mobile devices on top of desktop computers and because Xbox is their brand for gaming.
They have designed and are optimising the software for gaming handhelds. It's too soon to rule out a hybrid or handheld Xbox manufactured by Microsoft on top of the third-party offerings. What I can assure you is that Xbox won't be just the premium console next generation.
Besides, like others have said, there will be a cross-gen period and that's good news for some. We should accept that after PS5 Pro, no console will be cheap and won't be subsidised by any of the three companies. In any case, it would be unfair to compare the price of a premium console to that with old technology like Nintendo Switch 2, that is relatively expensive considering the tech.
@kmtrain83 Not sure if you'd get third-party stores on the premium Xbox, because there is no official statement hinting at that, but they are already merging the Xbox and Steam libraries on third-party devices, so you'll find an option that suits your needs for playing Xbox and Steam games.
@kmtrain83 You will be able to play your Xbox library not just on the premium console. That won't be the only option. There will be cheaper devices manufactured by Microsoft and others, and I suspect that Xbox games will be playable on Windows (Xbox Full Screen Experience) eventually. They are not optimising Windows just for Asus to sell more handheld PCs. They are boosting and expanding the Xbox business. They excel at backward/forward compatibility and that helps.
Some people insist on Xbox just stamping their logo on Rog Xbox Ally X, but they don't realise how much work optimising Windows for gaming is and what a big deal it is for the future of gaming on any Windows device. They also make ridiculous claims like Rog Xbox Ally X having Teams and other Windows rubbish slowing the system down, but the truth is that it's just the desktop version that you don't need to boot for gaming, and if you do, you can turn Teams off like I did on my laptop.
Microsoft released the first Surface Laptop for Windows on ARM last year. They made Xbox 360 (Power PC) games run better on Xbox One (x86) than on Xbox 360 and didn't charge us for that. They will make Xbox games playable on the next Xbox and they are optimising Windows for gaming on any device. They are committed to gamers and they are the most consumer-friendly option outside PC.
There won't be Xbox and Windows versions of games, but they will be the same. That will benefit Xbox consoles. Windows is the biggest market for gaming, outside the casual mobile market. The mass market appeal is not a particular console. Of course, not every gamer will buy the next Xbox, but it will appeal to some PC and console gamers and, obviously, to the millions of Xbox fans that play on Xbox One, Series X|S and are subscribed to Game Pass.
In short, the future of Xbox is not that particular next-gen console, but merging the gaming version of Windows with Xbox and making the Xbox Full Screen Experience available on all Windows devices around the world. Their future is not "third-party". They own Windows, which is not just for offices but finally received a much-needed boost for gaming, a problem that cost them losing to Steam on their own OS. Not just Windows, the OS that all games are developed for, but they make excellent hardware with Surface and Xbox and they have become the biggest publisher in the PC/console space. From a gamer's perspective, I feel that my digital Xbox library is much safer than my PS and Nintendo libraries.
where will the majority of the current Xbox community migrate to, a Switch 3 or PS6 or the new next-gen Xbox?
To Xbox if they really like Xbox or to PC, because the price of a big library is much higher than the price of a new console (PS6 or Switch 3) that is walled garden and can't compete with PC in terms of value, not to mention buying the same games (if available) on the PS and Nintendo stores and that can only be played on those platforms and sometimes even requiring an additional payment for playing on their successors, while on Xbox they keep their libraries and also get free upgrades and Play Anywhere for PC.
and open to all of the different storefronts and ways to play that you see on PC.
There is not a single hint in that direction since they started talking about their next generation plans. It could be running Microsoft Store and Xbox games on the same Xbox user interface (curated experience) running on Windows for gaming. it's likely that next generation the game builds will be the same for console and PC, with no Xbox ports required and all games being Play Anywhere by default. Rog Xbox Ally X was manufactured by Asus, but the next Xbox will be 100% Microsoft, so I don't think we should start assuming that it will support third-party stores before there is some kind of official information covering that particular topic.
@BAMozzy Microsoft's engineers managed to run Xbox 360 (Power PC) games better on Xbox One (x86), so I expect them to make those, Xbox One and Series games play on the next console just using software. Running the gaming version of Windows with just the gaming features like DirectX will make possible to run the same build of games next generation, with no console ports required. They are capable of doing it and I honestly believe it's the best possible outcome for them financially and for gamers from a console fan's perspective.
@Master_Cthulhu70 You make a lot of valid points that I agree with. There is a lot of speculation about the next Xbox. It's confirmed that it's backwards compatible and the largest generational leap. The third-party stores are rumours and perhaps they only exist because of the Rog Xbox Ally X being a handheld PC with third-party stores.
The next Xbox should run the gaming version of Windows and games builds should be the same for console and PC, so no ports needed and all games available, because all games are made for Windows. Win-win. The OS of the console should be the Xbox Full Screen Experience that will be more optimised by then, and that Rog Xbox Ally X just started.
Consoles are more optimised for gaming and like you said, Series X still compares favourably to high-end PCs because of that. So basically, I think that the next Xbox should be exactly that: a console that only runs the full screen experience optimised for that console, hardware and software optimised for gaming, and developers making the most of the console because they know exactly what they are dealing with. That version of Windows for gaming should still be an Xbox user interface like that of Series X|S.
I loved Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 despite not being a fan of the genre and that being my first time playing Ninja Gaiden. Another great addition to Game Pass.
@Master_Cthulhu70 Yep! I'm looking forward to what's next and how Xbox will be better integrated with Windows devices. I think that Microsoft will manufacture their own handheld/hybrid on top of the confirmed next-gen console. Rog Xbox Ally X is awesome hardware. It's the best handheld PC. I'm watching reviews and I'm impressed, but until it or its successor run Xbox games, it's not an Xbox, but an Xbox PC. It has PC Game Pass, Cloud, all PC games and all the Xbox games part of Play Anywhere, but not the others.
As I said in my other comments about the next Xbox and this Rog Xbox Ally X, I expect the next Windows devices to support Xbox games and that includes running backwards compatibility Xbox and Xbox 360 games. It's easy compared to what they achieved on Xbox One. It's what every future Xbox console and device could be, including the confirmed next-gen console. Everything playable and everything on the same Windows.
@Dm9982 That is the ultimate goal. Then, Windows will be the best platform for games, because of its native compatibility with PC games and because of the Xbox backwards compatibility "translation" added for Xbox users, something I suspect it's already being worked on. I also think that this is the best handheld gaming available, but it's not the same optimising something big and versatile like Windows as bare bones OS or limited software layers, so it was predictable that the first months would be rough for the first device that truly has a gaming version of Windows, and that will also benefit any other computer and gaming handheld running Windows. This is not about a single device, but the first step of something gigantic.
It's not expensive considering the specifications, but it's expensive compared to subsidised consoles. If you bought a Series X or PS5 in 2020-2021, you should feel very happy now.
Since PS5 Pro, subsidised consoles are over and we won't see them again. Nintendo consoles are cheaper, but not subsidised either, with capabilities in line with the last generation. Next-gen consoles will have this pricing we are not used to.
That said, it seems that the owners of Rog Xbox Ally X are happy with the hardware and all the issues are related to software issues, that are being addressed.
What's frustrating to me is that Xbox shouldn't need to "regain trust" or "squash" rumors. This isn't 2022. Or years in the Xbox One era. This year Xbox has been the most visible and transparent probably to date. We've gotten back to back shows and they've had a big physical presence at gaming events world wide. They've made their plans to expand the Xbox ecosystem clear and reiterated multiple times that the next console built by Xbox is also coming. It's not bad that Microsoft is FINALLY utilizing their strengths to both make PC gaming a better experience and grow Xbox (which has now been a native launcher on PC for nearly a decade (Xbox Play Anywhere is 10 years old next year)). There was literally an announcement about next Gen right after the showcase. Like this article says Phil did this same lab around the top secret base for next gen in April. Xbox won't STOP talking about the next generation of hardware from interviews with engineers building it to teases from executives.
It's like Xbox has been serving its sentence for controversial pre-launch Xbox One plans that were cancelled anyway for over a decade. If you read the hollow comments, it's always the same narrative without even reading the articles from people that are not interested in Xbox anyway, so there's no trust to be won, as there is no interest to begin with. You know it's irrational when whatever Xbox does or says is bad, whether it's in one direction or the opposite, and when the competition is good whatever the 180-degree turns and anti-consumer decisions they make. @SalaciousCrumb
@Cvantez Yes, Quantum Break and the film that is inserted in there are really well done. Everybody should download the full package. 100% worth watching.
@dskatter Yeah,. it's up to the developers to make the most of the hardware. In some cases, you can see games really shine on Series X, while others are more straightforward ports. Fortunately, only a few seem rough, and even those get updated eventually. I have this game installed on Series X, but I haven't played it yet. I liked Quantum Break, it's really cool.
Thanks for the review. My current favourite is Avowed! One thing I love about Game Pass is that you don't need to be 100% sure since there is no additional purchase for playing the full game, so it's not just about the value itself, but the risk-free choice.
@Questionable_Duck I think that this is what will happen to PC Game Pass, that it will disappear because of the three main tiers including PC games now, but Microsoft will respect the current subscriptions, which is nice. Better get that one before it's too late, PC (and Rog Xbox Ally) players.
@OldGamer999 Sony likely tried to fish new PS fans releasing things like Lego Horizon Adventures, but that strategy is less effective than selling games to fans of other platforms, as proven by Helldivers 2 on Xbox and Forza Horizon 5 on PS. Not all PS games are a hit on PC, but not all Xbox games are a hit on PS either. Interestingly, not all PS exclusives have been a big success on PS5. Gamers just want to play the games they like on the platform of their choice. It's that simple!
All things considered, a middle ground for Sony would be releasing their games on other platforms such as PC and Xbox some time after they launch on PS. This seemed impossible a few years ago with Jim Ryan, but the new CEOs are aware of the financial benefits. I think that the strategy of Xbox will be the same in most cases, first on Game Pass (Xbox and PC), and later on other consoles, basically PS, because of the technical limitations of Switch 2. In other words, it looks like console exclusivity is a thing of the past. With small budgets and high prices that fans are willing to pay, Nintendo is the exception, for now.
@themightyant It's on Xbox.com FAQ. Game Pass for Console is still available to current subscribers and they get all games on day one, Call of Duty included. The price has not been increased. It's a great deal, but it's the only tier without online console multiplayer and lacks recent additions to current tiers at no extra cost, like Cloud and PC games.
@Stocksy I said that the only thing I miss is a bigger and OLED screen because I have accepted that this is not an Xbox console to begin with, but I think that it's likely that Microsoft is working on making Xbox games playable on devices like this, same as backwards compatible games (Power PC) run better on Xbox One (x86), which is an engineering miracle. The future of Xbox is console and PC combined, so backwards compatibility and Play Anywhere are a must. This first Xbox gaming handheld is just the first step. Optimising Windows for gaming so intensely is not a small task, as it's not the same Windows OS than the Nintendo Switch OS. If they really want to win the many millions invested in the Xbox consoles, they really need to bring backwards compatibility — confirmed for the next-gen Xbox — and Play Anywhere as the bridge to their future devices.
The popularity of the PS brand is unquestionable, partly because it's the default and the casual console, with third-party hits owning the best-selling lists. Final Fantasy has been a PS staple since the first console, but it's fully platform now. Like Square Enix, Sony is expanding their user base, which does not mean losing their hardware position, which is only important for them because of the store commissions.
PC and Xbox players are not going to emigrate to PS. They would have done so years ago, so there's something for Sony to sell outside their ecosystem. Xbox is, of course, the tricky part of the equation, but it would be stupid for Sony to think that PS players are going to switch to Xbox. Actually, I think they fear the vocal die-hard fans reactions and sensationalist headlines more, but the majority of PS users (99%) will be fine with seeing Sony games elsewhere, as they have seen Final Fantasy and Sony games on PC and Xbox. Another thing to consider is that the next Xbox console will be backwards compatible. If it also supports third-party stores, Sony games will already be there, so it might be another reason for Sony to put their games on the Xbox store, for those millions of active Xbox users that are not as invested in third-party stores.
The excuse that the aforementioned fans employed for Final Fantasy games not being on Xbox because it was not worth it financially was proven wrong by Microsoft during the ABK acquisition and subsequently by Square Enix, who admitted they had accepted console exclusivity deals. Xbox One and Series X|S have received major support by third parties, with important series joining Xbox for the first time recently. The truth is that it's easy to port Windows games to Xbox, but if the game builds are the same for the next Xbox and for Windows, the port costs will literally be zero. If Play Anywhere keeps growing, as it should and as it has been, Xbox and PC will be considered the same by developers, and even Sony will bring games to not just PC but also Xbox, after the success of Helldivers 2 and all the other factors considered.
@FraserG For what it's worth, I enjoy your writing and I always find useful your reviews and guides. Besides, the future of Xbox is a combination of console and PC. Microsoft confirmed that the next-gen console will be backwards compatible, but I think that it's likely that they are also working on making Xbox games playable on devices like this, same as backwards compatible games run on Xbox One.
@HonestHick Yeah. You are right. I also think that this is the start of something huge, optimising Windows for gaming without software layers or emulators like Proton, so Windows games can perform optimally on the OS, but also supporting Steam and Epic as any PC. I believe that, eventually, Xbox games will be playable. Microsoft's engineers are geniuses. Xbox 360 (Power PC) games running better on Xbox One (x86) prove it. After making sure that Windows is optimal for gaming, I can see Microsoft adding support for Xbox games, and that would be awesome @axelhander. I don't mean the next-gen Xbox that is confirmed to be backwards compatible, but this gaming handheld and/or its successors. It's not a crazy idea.
I would love to see gameplay of Forza Horizon 3 (Play Anywhere title) at 60fps on Rog Xbox Ally X, impossible on any console. It's the only thing that it needs to be perfect.
What I like the most is that they nailed the hardware and that Microsoft is aware of how much they need to optimise Windows for gaming (Xbox full-screen experience), with desktop Windows still being an option for additional features, emulators or whatever. It's essential for the future of gaming on Windows without software layers and emulators like Proton.
@FraserG You described how efficient Rog Xbox Ally X is, that it stays cool and that battery life doesn't disappoint. Have you tried turning wireless off to get extra juice?
@BaldB3lper78 @LoneBadger I know what you mean, but this is the best option in the gaming handheld market in my opinion, considering the specifications, ergonomics and multiple stores. It's not really an Xbox console, although it has the Play Anywhere titles. The next-gen Xbox console is confirmed to be backwards compatible and it will be manufactured by Microsoft and not Asus, so that would be a better choice for some. That doesn't mean that ROG Xbox Ally X doesn't excel at handheld gaming, being powerful, efficient, comfy and versatile.
@FraserG Thanks for the honest and comprehensive review and congratulations on Pure Xbox getting a ROG Xbox Ally X. It looks amazing and the price is good compared to other gaming handhelds with similar specifications. The lack of a bigger OLED screen is the only thing I miss.
@Cakefish Cool. 😁 I also think that Game Pass for PC will be discontinued because it's currently hidden under an arrow on the Xbox site and because all plans include PC now, but current subscribers will likely be respected. The Game Pass for Console subscribers kept their subscription intact with day one access to all first-party games, Call of Duty included.
Pure Xbox definitely mentioned the additions to Essential and Premium in their coverage.
Obviously, I was not referring to Pure Xbox. They would never directly compare the price of Game Pass Ultimate with PS Plus Premium while ignoring the differences between them and the new additions to Game Pass, but that double disinformation occurred elsewhere, with most websites not covering the added value to Game Pass Essential and Premium at no extra cost, but just the price hike of Ultimate.
@Cakefish Just one of the many things to consider along the others I mentioned, but talking about that specifically, I doubt that the articles failing to mention it (99% of them) had those consumer scenarios in mind. You can bet that when Game Pass PC is discontinued, it will be news as cheaper access to games on day one cancelled, so it's only fair to cover the good and the bad, and also not make direct comparisons on the same site between Ultimate and a PS subscription that doesn't include first-party games until years later. In that regard, PS Plus Premium is 30% more expensive than Game Pass Premium, even though Game Pass Premium gets all first-party games but Call of Duty within a year, while PS Plus Premium gets the first-party games between 1 and 2.5 years later.
I think that what didn't work at Xbox is the communication inside the company, the higherups, Nadella with rolling dollar symbols on his eyes, making last-minute decisions and not being more involved and commited, resulting in each Xbox boss stating their own views without proper and deeper meetings. The whole team should talk, plan and communicate as one, and I have the feeling that there is a lack of teamwork inside the Xbox business structure. There is also a hands-off philosophy that affects the performance of the less capable studios.
@BaldB3lper78 Yes, I agree that Sarah Bond seems a saleswoman and Phil Spencer, while being more involved, seems frustrated. Xbox needs to prepare better messaging for the next console and not reveal plans before they are more likely to be definitive.
@BaldB3lper78 If they focus on that, and future builds of Xbox games will be the same for console and PC, it's not a niche hardware market in the sense that it won't matter how many hardware units they sell, but how many Xbox=Windows copies they sell on their own hardware and on all PCs that run Windows (most of them do), while paying 30% to Valve for Windows games sold on Steam. The experience for Xbox users doesn't get worse but better, they still have their confirmed backwards compatibility and they get all the games since they don't need to be specifically ported to Xbox, but the Xbox and Windows build is the same. They would even get elusive Steam games such as Sony's.
Comments 7,827
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Reviews Are Saying About Xbox's The Outer Worlds 2
So let's go to facts then. Best scores they have ever given Xbox games are two 8s and one 9, but most of their Xbox scores are 7s or lower. The average score they give to Xbox games is 7, rounded off. It doesn't matter if the games are old or new. They gave Quake II a 7, even though they think, "It’s a stunning package, filled to the brim with content both new and old, barring the handful of small issues..." They submit their scores to Metacritic, where 7 is not considered a "positive" but a "mixed" review, even though the content of their reviews doesn't match that criterion. Thus, the Xbox tax, on PS at least, is real. Or you could simply say that their Xbox scores are always significantly below the average on the same platform, but it's the same thing with other words, because this rule does not apply to games published by Sony.
https://www.metacritic.com/publication/push-square/
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Reviews Are Saying About Xbox's The Outer Worlds 2
@ElectricWizard
They just reached a new metaphysics status!
That is correct.
EDIT: Best scores they have ever given Xbox games are two 8s and one 9, but most of their Xbox scores are 7s or lower. The average score they give to Xbox games is 7, rounded off and they submit their scores to Metacritic, where 7 is not considered a positive but a mixed review.
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Reviews Are Saying About Xbox's The Outer Worlds 2
Push Square no longer pretending to review Xbox games objectively, I see. There are just two (moderate) exceptions. They seem to be trying to bring Xbox metascore down: Hellblade II, Oblivion Remastered, Gears of War Reloaded, Ninja Gaiden 4 (not an Xbox game but on Game Pass at launch), The Outer Worlds 2... Congratulation to Obsidian on the positive reviews elsewhere!
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
@fatpunkslim Yeah, that's exactly right. Bazzite and Proton run on Linux and they emulate Windows so the compatibility is worse as they call Windows features. Games are developed for Windows and Windows has all the features in native form. However and like both of you are saying, Xbox Full Screen Experience, the gaming version of Windows, just started and still needs to be optimised properly, not just the user interface which still is somewhat rough compared to the others, but most importantly, tuning something as big and comprehensive as Windows for just playing Windows games. Microsoft will do it because they need to and, like you're saying, it's good they have competition like Steam, which ironically beat them with a third-party launcher and emulating their OS. Microsoft has been resting on their laurels when it comes to PC gaming for so long.
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
@Meehanuk_1987 Many people played Series X|S games on Xbox One using Cloud, so I guess that it will be an option next generation as well, but I expect a long cross-gen period and I think that Series X|S could play games decently, because they are equipped with much more modern CPUs than the previous generation consoles.
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
@Stamnoso Yes, Xbox just confirmed that the next-console will be "very premium". Previously, they said "largest technical leap". That's why I think that next generation game builds will be the same for Xbox and Windows, with no Xbox ports required, therefore the console will run a gaming version of Windows. Xbox One and Series X|S also run a custom version of Windows but don't run PC builds. First fact: it will be powerful, probably expensive.
Microsoft also confirmed that the next-gen console will be backwards compatible (second fact). What we don't know is if there will be a Series S equivalent and what first and third-party devices will run Xbox games. I suspect that one of Microsoft's goals with Xbox Full Screen Experience is to play Xbox and Xbox 360 backwards compatible games, on top of Xbox One and Series X|S games on it. But then, some people pointed out the licence stuff and that the backwards compatibility will be hardware-based, thus the collaboration with AMD, so we don't know if other devices will support this backwards compatibility and we don't know if there will be a second console like this generation.
Like you say, there are many things we still don't know about the next generation, so we will have to wait and see.
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
Gunbeld wrote:
I hear well. There are no lies that I want to believe, not so sure it's the same for you. Let me explain once more for you both so you can understand, hopefully. What I said that it's confirmed is that the next console will be backwards compatible and that it will be a curated experience. You can read that in this article and other articles with the statements made by Xbox about the next-gen Xbox. It's not my imagination. Regarding the last part, optimised Windows for gaming being better, what I've been saying in all my comments about it is that they are optimising as we speak and that it's a not small task to do, but obviously you can expect games to run better on Windows in time and with better compatibility than on the software layer that is Proton, for example. The Xbox Full Screen Experience just started and nobody expected it to be flawless on day one, but it's not the desktop version with background processes hogging resources as some have been saying. I've been watching comparison videos and some games run better on Windows and others run better on Bazzite (Linux interface for Steam, Lutris, Heroic...) and on Proton (Linux software layer based on Windows by Steam). Some games don't run on Bazzite or Proton and some have a version specifically made for them, with Steam Deck getting specific versions of a few games. It's early days for Windows for gaming, but we can make more comparisons in one year, when I expect Windows to have better compatibility (it does today) and performance (it doesn't today) than Proton and Bazzite.
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
@ButterySmooth30FPS Ouch!
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
@DesertRanger @ButterySmooth30FPS Regarding what the next Xbox will be and how much it will cost, Push Square Xbox article based on rumours written by Sammy = take with 1 million pinches of salt (at least).
The next Xbox won't be a PC, it will be a curated Xbox experience with native backwards compatibility, confirmed by the Xbox team and yes, it will run on Windows, like Xbox One and Series X|S. Next generation will very likely merge the console and PC game development, no longer requiring Xbox ports. Same Windows for all games, win-win for developers and for console users. No, it won't be the desktop Windows with background Teams and Office but similar to what you see on Series X|S.
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
@Stamnoso Actually, I think they are not insisting on "This is an Xbox" as much as before and want to remind the most dedicated fans that they still have a high-end console coming. All recent statements mention the next-gen console and the Xbox facilities. But of course, the Cloud and casual plans are still important. They just added Cloud and PC games to Game Pass Premium and Essential at no extra cost. Having Cloud as a Game Pass Ultimate exclusive didn't match their plans.
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
@kmtrain83 They have a lot of confidence in Surface. The high-end models sell out, are awarded and compared to Apple's best. The reason why there is no Surface handheld is because Surface already has mobile devices on top of desktop computers and because Xbox is their brand for gaming.
They have designed and are optimising the software for gaming handhelds. It's too soon to rule out a hybrid or handheld Xbox manufactured by Microsoft on top of the third-party offerings. What I can assure you is that Xbox won't be just the premium console next generation.
Besides, like others have said, there will be a cross-gen period and that's good news for some. We should accept that after PS5 Pro, no console will be cheap and won't be subsidised by any of the three companies. In any case, it would be unfair to compare the price of a premium console to that with old technology like Nintendo Switch 2, that is relatively expensive considering the tech.
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
@kmtrain83 Not sure if you'd get third-party stores on the premium Xbox, because there is no official statement hinting at that, but they are already merging the Xbox and Steam libraries on third-party devices, so you'll find an option that suits your needs for playing Xbox and Steam games.
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
@kmtrain83 You will be able to play your Xbox library not just on the premium console. That won't be the only option. There will be cheaper devices manufactured by Microsoft and others, and I suspect that Xbox games will be playable on Windows (Xbox Full Screen Experience) eventually. They are not optimising Windows just for Asus to sell more handheld PCs. They are boosting and expanding the Xbox business. They excel at backward/forward compatibility and that helps.
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
Some people insist on Xbox just stamping their logo on Rog Xbox Ally X, but they don't realise how much work optimising Windows for gaming is and what a big deal it is for the future of gaming on any Windows device. They also make ridiculous claims like Rog Xbox Ally X having Teams and other Windows rubbish slowing the system down, but the truth is that it's just the desktop version that you don't need to boot for gaming, and if you do, you can turn Teams off like I did on my laptop.
Microsoft released the first Surface Laptop for Windows on ARM last year. They made Xbox 360 (Power PC) games run better on Xbox One (x86) than on Xbox 360 and didn't charge us for that. They will make Xbox games playable on the next Xbox and they are optimising Windows for gaming on any device. They are committed to gamers and they are the most consumer-friendly option outside PC.
There won't be Xbox and Windows versions of games, but they will be the same. That will benefit Xbox consoles. Windows is the biggest market for gaming, outside the casual mobile market. The mass market appeal is not a particular console. Of course, not every gamer will buy the next Xbox, but it will appeal to some PC and console gamers and, obviously, to the millions of Xbox fans that play on Xbox One, Series X|S and are subscribed to Game Pass.
In short, the future of Xbox is not that particular next-gen console, but merging the gaming version of Windows with Xbox and making the Xbox Full Screen Experience available on all Windows devices around the world. Their future is not "third-party". They own Windows, which is not just for offices but finally received a much-needed boost for gaming, a problem that cost them losing to Steam on their own OS. Not just Windows, the OS that all games are developed for, but they make excellent hardware with Surface and Xbox and they have become the biggest publisher in the PC/console space. From a gamer's perspective, I feel that my digital Xbox library is much safer than my PS and Nintendo libraries.
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
VenomUK wrote:
To Xbox if they really like Xbox or to PC, because the price of a big library is much higher than the price of a new console (PS6 or Switch 3) that is walled garden and can't compete with PC in terms of value, not to mention buying the same games (if available) on the PS and Nintendo stores and that can only be played on those platforms and sometimes even requiring an additional payment for playing on their successors, while on Xbox they keep their libraries and also get free upgrades and Play Anywhere for PC.
Re: Sarah Bond: Our Next-Gen Console Will Be 'Very Premium' & Informed By ROG Xbox Ally
There is not a single hint in that direction since they started talking about their next generation plans. It could be running Microsoft Store and Xbox games on the same Xbox user interface (curated experience) running on Windows for gaming. it's likely that next generation the game builds will be the same for console and PC, with no Xbox ports required and all games being Play Anywhere by default. Rog Xbox Ally X was manufactured by Asus, but the next Xbox will be 100% Microsoft, so I don't think we should start assuming that it will support third-party stores before there is some kind of official information covering that particular topic.
Re: Poll: Are You More Interested In The ROG Xbox Ally Now That Reviews Are Out?
@BAMozzy Microsoft's engineers managed to run Xbox 360 (Power PC) games better on Xbox One (x86), so I expect them to make those, Xbox One and Series games play on the next console just using software. Running the gaming version of Windows with just the gaming features like DirectX will make possible to run the same build of games next generation, with no console ports required. They are capable of doing it and I honestly believe it's the best possible outcome for them financially and for gamers from a console fan's perspective.
Re: Poll: Are You More Interested In The ROG Xbox Ally Now That Reviews Are Out?
@Master_Cthulhu70 You make a lot of valid points that I agree with. There is a lot of speculation about the next Xbox. It's confirmed that it's backwards compatible and the largest generational leap. The third-party stores are rumours and perhaps they only exist because of the Rog Xbox Ally X being a handheld PC with third-party stores.
The next Xbox should run the gaming version of Windows and games builds should be the same for console and PC, so no ports needed and all games available, because all games are made for Windows. Win-win. The OS of the console should be the Xbox Full Screen Experience that will be more optimised by then, and that Rog Xbox Ally X just started.
Consoles are more optimised for gaming and like you said, Series X still compares favourably to high-end PCs because of that. So basically, I think that the next Xbox should be exactly that: a console that only runs the full screen experience optimised for that console, hardware and software optimised for gaming, and developers making the most of the console because they know exactly what they are dealing with. That version of Windows for gaming should still be an Xbox user interface like that of Series X|S.
Re: Review: Ninja Gaiden 4 (Xbox) - Platinum Propels The Series Forward On Xbox Game Pass
I loved Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 despite not being a fan of the genre and that being my first time playing Ninja Gaiden. Another great addition to Game Pass.
Re: Poll: Are You More Interested In The ROG Xbox Ally Now That Reviews Are Out?
@Master_Cthulhu70 Yep! I'm looking forward to what's next and how Xbox will be better integrated with Windows devices. I think that Microsoft will manufacture their own handheld/hybrid on top of the confirmed next-gen console. Rog Xbox Ally X is awesome hardware. It's the best handheld PC. I'm watching reviews and I'm impressed, but until it or its successor run Xbox games, it's not an Xbox, but an Xbox PC. It has PC Game Pass, Cloud, all PC games and all the Xbox games part of Play Anywhere, but not the others.
As I said in my other comments about the next Xbox and this Rog Xbox Ally X, I expect the next Windows devices to support Xbox games and that includes running backwards compatibility Xbox and Xbox 360 games. It's easy compared to what they achieved on Xbox One. It's what every future Xbox console and device could be, including the confirmed next-gen console. Everything playable and everything on the same Windows.
Re: Poll: Are You More Interested In The ROG Xbox Ally Now That Reviews Are Out?
@Dm9982 And with free upgrades. Besides PC, Xbox is the best value and most consumer-friendly, indeed.
Re: Poll: Are You More Interested In The ROG Xbox Ally Now That Reviews Are Out?
@Dm9982 For the record, backwards compatibility is what made me a fan of Xbox, so I understand you.
Re: Poll: Are You More Interested In The ROG Xbox Ally Now That Reviews Are Out?
@Dm9982 That is the ultimate goal. Then, Windows will be the best platform for games, because of its native compatibility with PC games and because of the Xbox backwards compatibility "translation" added for Xbox users, something I suspect it's already being worked on. I also think that this is the best handheld gaming available, but it's not the same optimising something big and versatile like Windows as bare bones OS or limited software layers, so it was predictable that the first months would be rough for the first device that truly has a gaming version of Windows, and that will also benefit any other computer and gaming handheld running Windows. This is not about a single device, but the first step of something gigantic.
Re: 61 Games Discounted To Less Than $1 In New Xbox Play Anywhere Sale
@TheGameThrifter There are 1,532 Play Anywhere games.
https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/browse?PlayWith=XboxPlayAnywhere
Re: Poll: Are You More Interested In The ROG Xbox Ally Now That Reviews Are Out?
It's not expensive considering the specifications, but it's expensive compared to subsidised consoles. If you bought a Series X or PS5 in 2020-2021, you should feel very happy now.
Since PS5 Pro, subsidised consoles are over and we won't see them again. Nintendo consoles are cheaper, but not subsidised either, with capabilities in line with the last generation. Next-gen consoles will have this pricing we are not used to.
That said, it seems that the owners of Rog Xbox Ally X are happy with the hardware and all the issues are related to software issues, that are being addressed.
Re: Sarah Bond Shows Off Where Microsoft Is 'Prototyping For The Next Generation Of Xbox'
@WildConcept6
It's like Xbox has been serving its sentence for controversial pre-launch Xbox One plans that were cancelled anyway for over a decade. If you read the hollow comments, it's always the same narrative without even reading the articles from people that are not interested in Xbox anyway, so there's no trust to be won, as there is no interest to begin with. You know it's irrational when whatever Xbox does or says is bad, whether it's in one direction or the opposite, and when the competition is good whatever the 180-degree turns and anti-consumer decisions they make. @SalaciousCrumb
Re: Control's New 120FPS Mode Tested In Latest Digital Foundry Analysis
@Cvantez Yes, Quantum Break and the film that is inserted in there are really well done. Everybody should download the full package. 100% worth watching.
Re: Control's New 120FPS Mode Tested In Latest Digital Foundry Analysis
@dskatter Yeah,. it's up to the developers to make the most of the hardware. In some cases, you can see games really shine on Series X, while others are more straightforward ports. Fortunately, only a few seem rough, and even those get updated eventually. I have this game installed on Series X, but I haven't played it yet. I liked Quantum Break, it's really cool.
Re: Control's New 120FPS Mode Tested In Latest Digital Foundry Analysis
Man, Series X is a beast.
Re: Review: Keeper (Xbox) - A Memorable Puzzle Adventure From Xbox Studio Double Fine
Thanks for the review. My current favourite is Avowed! One thing I love about Game Pass is that you don't need to be 100% sure since there is no additional purchase for playing the full game, so it's not just about the value itself, but the risk-free choice.
Re: Double Fine's Keeper Is Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (October 17)
@Questionable_Duck I think that this is what will happen to PC Game Pass, that it will disappear because of the three main tiers including PC games now, but Microsoft will respect the current subscriptions, which is nice. Better get that one before it's too late, PC (and Rog Xbox Ally) players.
Re: Review: ROG Xbox Ally X - An Amazing Handheld PC With Plenty Of Console-Like Potential
@OldGamer999 Sony likely tried to fish new PS fans releasing things like Lego Horizon Adventures, but that strategy is less effective than selling games to fans of other platforms, as proven by Helldivers 2 on Xbox and Forza Horizon 5 on PS. Not all PS games are a hit on PC, but not all Xbox games are a hit on PS either. Interestingly, not all PS exclusives have been a big success on PS5. Gamers just want to play the games they like on the platform of their choice. It's that simple!
All things considered, a middle ground for Sony would be releasing their games on other platforms such as PC and Xbox some time after they launch on PS. This seemed impossible a few years ago with Jim Ryan, but the new CEOs are aware of the financial benefits. I think that the strategy of Xbox will be the same in most cases, first on Game Pass (Xbox and PC), and later on other consoles, basically PS, because of the technical limitations of Switch 2. In other words, it looks like console exclusivity is a thing of the past. With small budgets and high prices that fans are willing to pay, Nintendo is the exception, for now.
Re: Double Fine's Keeper Is Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (October 17)
@themightyant It's on Xbox.com FAQ. Game Pass for Console is still available to current subscribers and they get all games on day one, Call of Duty included. The price has not been increased. It's a great deal, but it's the only tier without online console multiplayer and lacks recent additions to current tiers at no extra cost, like Cloud and PC games.
Re: Review: ROG Xbox Ally X - An Amazing Handheld PC With Plenty Of Console-Like Potential
@Stocksy I said that the only thing I miss is a bigger and OLED screen because I have accepted that this is not an Xbox console to begin with, but I think that it's likely that Microsoft is working on making Xbox games playable on devices like this, same as backwards compatible games (Power PC) run better on Xbox One (x86), which is an engineering miracle. The future of Xbox is console and PC combined, so backwards compatibility and Play Anywhere are a must. This first Xbox gaming handheld is just the first step. Optimising Windows for gaming so intensely is not a small task, as it's not the same Windows OS than the Nintendo Switch OS. If they really want to win the many millions invested in the Xbox consoles, they really need to bring backwards compatibility — confirmed for the next-gen Xbox — and Play Anywhere as the bridge to their future devices.
Re: Review: ROG Xbox Ally X - An Amazing Handheld PC With Plenty Of Console-Like Potential
@OldGamer999 @HonestHick @Coletrain
The popularity of the PS brand is unquestionable, partly because it's the default and the casual console, with third-party hits owning the best-selling lists. Final Fantasy has been a PS staple since the first console, but it's fully platform now. Like Square Enix, Sony is expanding their user base, which does not mean losing their hardware position, which is only important for them because of the store commissions.
PC and Xbox players are not going to emigrate to PS. They would have done so years ago, so there's something for Sony to sell outside their ecosystem. Xbox is, of course, the tricky part of the equation, but it would be stupid for Sony to think that PS players are going to switch to Xbox. Actually, I think they fear the vocal die-hard fans reactions and sensationalist headlines more, but the majority of PS users (99%) will be fine with seeing Sony games elsewhere, as they have seen Final Fantasy and Sony games on PC and Xbox. Another thing to consider is that the next Xbox console will be backwards compatible. If it also supports third-party stores, Sony games will already be there, so it might be another reason for Sony to put their games on the Xbox store, for those millions of active Xbox users that are not as invested in third-party stores.
The excuse that the aforementioned fans employed for Final Fantasy games not being on Xbox because it was not worth it financially was proven wrong by Microsoft during the ABK acquisition and subsequently by Square Enix, who admitted they had accepted console exclusivity deals. Xbox One and Series X|S have received major support by third parties, with important series joining Xbox for the first time recently. The truth is that it's easy to port Windows games to Xbox, but if the game builds are the same for the next Xbox and for Windows, the port costs will literally be zero. If Play Anywhere keeps growing, as it should and as it has been, Xbox and PC will be considered the same by developers, and even Sony will bring games to not just PC but also Xbox, after the success of Helldivers 2 and all the other factors considered.
Re: 10 Tips And Tricks For Your First Day With The ROG Xbox Ally
@FraserG For what it's worth, I enjoy your writing and I always find useful your reviews and guides. Besides, the future of Xbox is a combination of console and PC. Microsoft confirmed that the next-gen console will be backwards compatible, but I think that it's likely that they are also working on making Xbox games playable on devices like this, same as backwards compatible games run on Xbox One.
Re: Report: Battlefield 6 Sells Over 6 Million Copies, And A Good Chunk Of Those Are On Xbox
@Master_Cthulhu70 I hope you feel better soon!
Re: Review: ROG Xbox Ally X - An Amazing Handheld PC With Plenty Of Console-Like Potential
@HonestHick Yeah. You are right. I also think that this is the start of something huge, optimising Windows for gaming without software layers or emulators like Proton, so Windows games can perform optimally on the OS, but also supporting Steam and Epic as any PC. I believe that, eventually, Xbox games will be playable. Microsoft's engineers are geniuses. Xbox 360 (Power PC) games running better on Xbox One (x86) prove it. After making sure that Windows is optimal for gaming, I can see Microsoft adding support for Xbox games, and that would be awesome @axelhander. I don't mean the next-gen Xbox that is confirmed to be backwards compatible, but this gaming handheld and/or its successors. It's not a crazy idea.
Re: Review: ROG Xbox Ally X - An Amazing Handheld PC With Plenty Of Console-Like Potential
I would love to see gameplay of Forza Horizon 3 (Play Anywhere title) at 60fps on Rog Xbox Ally X, impossible on any console. It's the only thing that it needs to be perfect.
Re: A Quick Look At What It's Like To Unbox The ROG Xbox Ally X
Series X was indeed packaged as a present.
Re: Report: Battlefield 6 Sells Over 6 Million Copies, And A Good Chunk Of Those Are On Xbox
Can't be. Xbox gamers have been trained as monkeys to not buy games. [/sarcasm]
Re: Review: ROG Xbox Ally X - An Amazing Handheld PC With Plenty Of Console-Like Potential
What I like the most is that they nailed the hardware and that Microsoft is aware of how much they need to optimise Windows for gaming (Xbox full-screen experience), with desktop Windows still being an option for additional features, emulators or whatever. It's essential for the future of gaming on Windows without software layers and emulators like Proton.
@FraserG You described how efficient Rog Xbox Ally X is, that it stays cool and that battery life doesn't disappoint. Have you tried turning wireless off to get extra juice?
Re: Review: ROG Xbox Ally X - An Amazing Handheld PC With Plenty Of Console-Like Potential
@BaldB3lper78 @LoneBadger I know what you mean, but this is the best option in the gaming handheld market in my opinion, considering the specifications, ergonomics and multiple stores. It's not really an Xbox console, although it has the Play Anywhere titles. The next-gen Xbox console is confirmed to be backwards compatible and it will be manufactured by Microsoft and not Asus, so that would be a better choice for some. That doesn't mean that ROG Xbox Ally X doesn't excel at handheld gaming, being powerful, efficient, comfy and versatile.
Re: Review: ROG Xbox Ally X - An Amazing Handheld PC With Plenty Of Console-Like Potential
@FraserG Thanks for the honest and comprehensive review and congratulations on Pure Xbox getting a ROG Xbox Ally X. It looks amazing and the price is good compared to other gaming handhelds with similar specifications. The lack of a bigger OLED screen is the only thing I miss.
Re: Xbox Journalist Says Latest Rumours Are 'A Huge Challenge For The Brand Right Now'
@Cakefish Cool. 😁 I also think that Game Pass for PC will be discontinued because it's currently hidden under an arrow on the Xbox site and because all plans include PC now, but current subscribers will likely be respected. The Game Pass for Console subscribers kept their subscription intact with day one access to all first-party games, Call of Duty included.
Re: Xbox Journalist Says Latest Rumours Are 'A Huge Challenge For The Brand Right Now'
Cakefish wrote:
That's what I said:
Banjo wrote:
Cakefish wrote:
Obviously, I was not referring to Pure Xbox. They would never directly compare the price of Game Pass Ultimate with PS Plus Premium while ignoring the differences between them and the new additions to Game Pass, but that double disinformation occurred elsewhere, with most websites not covering the added value to Game Pass Essential and Premium at no extra cost, but just the price hike of Ultimate.
Re: Xbox Journalist Says Latest Rumours Are 'A Huge Challenge For The Brand Right Now'
@Cakefish Just one of the many things to consider along the others I mentioned, but talking about that specifically, I doubt that the articles failing to mention it (99% of them) had those consumer scenarios in mind. You can bet that when Game Pass PC is discontinued, it will be news as cheaper access to games on day one cancelled, so it's only fair to cover the good and the bad, and also not make direct comparisons on the same site between Ultimate and a PS subscription that doesn't include first-party games until years later. In that regard, PS Plus Premium is 30% more expensive than Game Pass Premium, even though Game Pass Premium gets all first-party games but Call of Duty within a year, while PS Plus Premium gets the first-party games between 1 and 2.5 years later.
Re: Xbox Journalist Says Latest Rumours Are 'A Huge Challenge For The Brand Right Now'
I think that what didn't work at Xbox is the communication inside the company, the higherups, Nadella with rolling dollar symbols on his eyes, making last-minute decisions and not being more involved and commited, resulting in each Xbox boss stating their own views without proper and deeper meetings. The whole team should talk, plan and communicate as one, and I have the feeling that there is a lack of teamwork inside the Xbox business structure. There is also a hands-off philosophy that affects the performance of the less capable studios.
Re: Xbox Journalist Says Latest Rumours Are 'A Huge Challenge For The Brand Right Now'
@BaldB3lper78 Yes, I agree that Sarah Bond seems a saleswoman and Phil Spencer, while being more involved, seems frustrated. Xbox needs to prepare better messaging for the next console and not reveal plans before they are more likely to be definitive.
Re: Xbox Journalist Says Latest Rumours Are 'A Huge Challenge For The Brand Right Now'
@BaldB3lper78 If they focus on that, and future builds of Xbox games will be the same for console and PC, it's not a niche hardware market in the sense that it won't matter how many hardware units they sell, but how many Xbox=Windows copies they sell on their own hardware and on all PCs that run Windows (most of them do), while paying 30% to Valve for Windows games sold on Steam. The experience for Xbox users doesn't get worse but better, they still have their confirmed backwards compatibility and they get all the games since they don't need to be specifically ported to Xbox, but the Xbox and Windows build is the same. They would even get elusive Steam games such as Sony's.