@themightyant Bear in mind the lower resolution and other mobile and OS optimisations that don't make a 1:1 comparison logical, not to mention that every year new chips are released. By the way, the Switch 2 has a humble and underclocked 2021 chip and its output is compared to PS4 in terms of graphics and performance.
Same as the original story, they are waiting until the mobile technology allows them to do what they want to do, run Xbox/Xbox 360/Xbox One/Series games natively. It will arrive when that is possible and rely on other devices, Xbox PC (Asus handheld) and their own home console, in the meantime.
@Master_Cthulhu70 True, the people that are complaining on a daily basis about Xbox are not really honest. I appreciate hearing your and other genuine fans' voice and not the usual haters making every good news related to Xbox look bad.
I also think that's their plan, to release their own handheld (not the Asus one). They suggested that they were waiting until the technology was able to do what they had planned. Microsoft has the best software and hardware engineers. Running Xbox 360 games on Xbox One better than on the original hardware says it all. I have no doubt that the future of Xbox is safe on Xbox devices (home, handheld, hybrid), PC and Cloud.
I'm so happy that the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest libraries on Xbox keep growing, on top of others like Octopath Traveller I & II. I love the engine they made and I'm happy they're not afraid to use it. I tried Octopath Traveller on Switch, but I beat both 100% on Xbox, where they're much more impressive and easier to play, because of the higher resolution, better visibility and comfier controller.
@Coletrain @awp69 Agreed. I want the current Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Series digital library available on the next home console (as downloads), but I also think that Cloud could solve some licencing and platform obstacles. I really doubt that Microsoft would throw their praised backwards compatibility away. They will either translate the code to a different architecture, like they did on Xbox One, or keep the same architecture.
@acmiguens I also use my New 3DS, much more than my Switch! It's Nintendo's best and also compatible with DS games, not to mention the Virtual Console.
What you say about battery life is interesting, because Switch 2 has a poor 2-hour battery. We still have no idea about the Xbox handheld. In theory, they have two, the licenced one (Asus) and their own (Xbox), but the latter would arrive in 2027. I'm curious about both, their technology, capabilities, screen and battery.
Amazing addition, but it should also offer a downloadable version, like all Game Pass titles. Perhaps, there are issues that we don't know like licencing and/or system choice. In between, Blizzard Arcade Collection is also available on Game Pass!
Being extremely linear, it was fine as it was on Series X with VRR, even though I usually complain about 30fps. I'm curious about those enhancements, maybe optional aspect ratio and video modes, with a 60fps mode in lower resolution.
@fbnaulin A small update, Nintendo published contradictory information about it, but they added the following.
Nintendo Switch 2 supports VRR in handheld mode only. The incorrect information was initially published on the Nintendo Switch 2 website, and we apologise for the error.
It makes no sense to cheapen out on USB ports when you are releasing a hybrid console that is not able to hit the frame rate targets as easily as a home console.
@HonestHick You are right. I was assuming for a minute that the upcoming technology would be able to make a difference and that external power and chips could be enough, but not just would it need to be able to translate older consoles code with different architecture, which was something that also was rumoured, but the combination should be beyond the hybrid technology we can imagine today. It's a mystery right now, but you're right, two separate consoles is the most likely option. Launching the same year is just business strategy, after all.
Regarding Valve, I could see Microsoft acquiring it after their huge investment in gaming, it makes total sense, because it would give them the biggest PC store and they could finally combine it with Cloud and consoles. If not an acquisition, a partnership is also probable.
@Wilforce That sound credible, the dock becoming the next home console, while the handheld could be used on its own. That would also explain what the rumours say about both the next Xbox home console and the first Xbox handheld, excluding this year's Asus handheld, launching in 2027. It makes perfect sense.
That would also make it a great choice for both handheld and home players, with the option to combine both, without paying for redundant parts.
@fbnaulin I heard that in Digital Foundry's video about the specifications of Nintendo Switch 2 where they mention the USB ports and lack of VRR support.
@Coletrain But even without eGPU, the Xbox handheld could have two power settings like Switch, what they call "perfomance" and "handheld" mode. That paired with the latest mobile technology could very well work like we're saying.
@chesheer It seems the the experience may vary. For me, it works fine, Halo Infinite included, but I haven't played the others you mentioned much. I know that some old games have issues with Quick Resume. If the developers do it right, even service games should work, because the Forza Horizon games work.
@acmiguens Microsoft delayed the Xbox handheld console to get the right specs. They are expanding Play Anywhere, so they will be able to circumvent the parity issues using medium PC settings at 1080p (you don't need 4K on a handheld), while getting the best performance and quality on the next Xbox home console. The dock of the handheld would also help, as will the gaming version of Windows for multiple devices, which is the most popular gaming OS.
@Ricky-Spanish On top of that, hardware sales are not that important when both Microsoft and Sony need to publish games on PC. The software sales and subscriptions are important; hardware units, not so much. Basically, it's what you said, the power of the PS brand and fan base is strong. That doesn't mean that it's the best option for most people, even less this generation when most gamers are choosing PC and only Nintendo keeps their exclusives within a walled garden.
@OldGamer999 Yep, Nintendo cheapened out on USB ports so they cannot fix that with an update. The other things I don't like are the game key cards and how restrictive and stingy Nintendo is becoming, e.g., I would have never expected to pay extra for playing Tears of the Kingdom with better frame rate and resolution on Switch 2.
I think that the next Xbox handheld will be very interesting for Xbox and PC gamers, especially when you consider the free cloud saves, Play Anywhere and Game Pass, and I'm very curious about it because I almost bought the first PC handheld (Steam Deck). The combination of Xbox and PC is perfect.
@Secryt "Sony is far and away the better option for most people."
For you and other Sony fans, yes. Other people will look at Sony's store prices, with no third-party codes and their future being digital like the future of Xbox, and included content in subscriptions, with no new first-party games on Sony's subscriptions, and think that Xbox is a much better option: console and PC, free cloud saves, cross-buy, Cloud gaming, subscriptions with first-party content on day one, free and enhanced backwards compatibility, etc. Besides that, Sony's games on PC disables the "exclusives machine" argument.
@chesheer If you ask me, Quick Resume is the best new feature of the whole generation, but I'd like to share something with you guys that have problems with it, assuming you are not trying to use it for Xbox & Xbox 360 backwards compatible games.
Sometimes, I move my Series X around the house, and I've realised that if the WiFi signal is weak, it will give me a few problems with Game Pass titles, as the console checks if it's online or offline and if I'm currently subscribed, even when it's defined as my "Home console". In my experience, it's better to have a good internet signal (strong WiFi or Ethernet) or set the console to Offline and "Home console" if not. That said, when the internet connection is fine, I never have issues with Quick Resume and launching Game Pass titles.
Most importantly, we should use Quick Resume as a time-saver and not turn the Xbox off before the game has been saved, just in case.
@HarmanSmith Right! Great hardware and great service and ecosystem that goes backward (for free) and forward with Play Anywhere and Cloud. Excellent hardware and controller, indeed, except those unpredictable Elite controllers I have had some durability issues with, despite them being excellent otherwise. I'm looking forward to the next console and next controller.
I have played them all which is cool because my first Xbox was Xbox One. I liked them all except 5, but Hivebusters is also a lot of fun. Awesome gameplay and vibes (until 5).
@Cakefish That little detail you are focused on is, literally, the least important part. PS5 Pro is digital, so the next PS will likely be digital, Nintendo presents physical keys that most third parties choose instead of proper cartridges, and most Xbox owners buy and play digital games. The future is digital, for better or worse. I'm fine with digital libraries, as long as they are respected by the owner of the store.
I see. Series X is the premium version of Series S. Have you heard of Xbox One All-Digital Edition (2019) and PS5 Digital Edition (2020)? PS5 Pro is the successor to PS5. It's a new console that was released four years after PS5 and it's a digital console. You must know this as a massive Sony fan. Do you understand now what I mean by being first in releasing a new console that is digital or are you just being nitpicking and want to discuss every digital console, like PlayStation Portable Go (2009)?
On Nintendo Switch 2, most cartridges (third-party, at least) will be a physical key that require a recurrent connection to the internet for verification and download. This is shocking because on Nintendo Switch, the physical-digital ratio was fifty-fifty.
Sony was the first to get rid of physical with a new console and I believe that the next Xbox won't have a disc drive either, although both Sony and Microsoft will probably release a disc drive as add-on.
There are a lot of Xbox fans, but not on this site, unfortunately (based on previous threads). I love some third parties and Nintendo since my childhood, but I feel that Xbox is the best gaming ecosystem by a big margin, and now they appeal to lots of different gamers thanks to their first parties and third party support.
Game Pass is excellent value, but I appreciate how we are able to get great deals and purchase any game like on PC and consumer-friendly features like Play Anywhere, free backwards compatibility, free upgrades, free cloud saves, Stream Your Own Game... How they respect our digital library and backwards compatibility are essential, and my favourite additions this generation are Quick Resume and FPS Boost.
@TheEstablishment @Master_Cthulhu70 @BigRedPaper Right. I don't know why all the positive Xbox news are painted in negative ways. Like I said elsewhere, this is half business and half marketing. I just saw a lot of Forza Horizon 5 tiles on the PS store. It's genius. Xbox games are relatively successful on PS5, but Sea of Thieves has 40 million players across Xbox and PC, it has sold 13.3M on Steam and "just" 1.8M on PS, not being part of any subscription available on PS. It's available on PC Game Pass, though. Grounded has sold 4.1M on Steam and 436,500 on PS. Sea of Thieves has sold 7.4 times more and Grounded has sold 9.4 times more on Steam than on PS. Hi-Fi Rush has sold 697,200 on Steam and 137,300 on PS. Age of Mythology: Retold has sold 435,000 on Steam and 41,000 on PS. Pentiment has sold 261,300 on Steam and 14,000 on PS. All official figures. You get the picture.
Microsoft is doing the right thing and Sony is following because PC is the king of sales, but Microsoft owns Windows, that powers most gaming PCs, and they are developing a version/interface of Windows for multiple devices, including handheld computers, desktop computers and future Xbox consoles, that will not be sold at a loss and that will be optimised gaming PCs running that version of Windows and same game builds as every PC store on Windows. It makes total sense: they keep their console owner to subscriber high ratio. Their future is no doubt multiplatform, it is since Xbox One, but their strategy is wise and future-proof: PC, console and Cloud as part of the same environment and all powered by a gaming version of Windows.
@Millionski That's the opposite of what I wrote. No sensible person is expecting a full Windows console with Office and Microsoft Teams working on the background. You have Surface for that. Consoles don't need that and Windows is able to turn on and off unnecessary processes. They are developing a Windows version/interface for gaming on multiple devices. That's the future of Xbox. That and Cloud.
@Millionski They became PC-console multiplatform since Xbox One. The next Xbox console will likely run the same game builds as Windows, no reason for a walled garden with exclusives when it only works for Nintendo. Next Xbox being an optimised gaming PC is just the evolution of Xbox One. A gaming interface of Windows is currently being develop for handheld PCs and probably desktop PCs and future Xbox consoles. They will all be the same in different forms. If you believe in the Death of Xbox and want to move to PS, that's totally fine.
For now, I would say Oblivion Remastered and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, but there are a few things I loved about South of Midnight. Blue Prince is quite random and frustrating even after a long while, the gameplay is not rewarding enough, but I have noticed that some enjoy the lottery ticket feeling it gives.
@donv2135 Actually, I don't think that selling fewer Xbox consoles is a problem for Microsoft. I bet that future Xbox consoles will be optimised gaming PC clones running the same game builds as Windows. The only downside for us would be not selling hardware at a loss, but both Microsoft and Sony have revealed that they no longer will be doing that.
I'll always say it because I feel it's true so far, Xbox is the best value in gaming. You might like their first-party games or not. Many of the games I buy and play are third-party, but Gears of War is one of my favourite series, excluding 5. PC is also excellent value in software terms, not so much in hardware terms. As long as there are Xbox consoles, I'd prefer to play on them. I bet that future Xbox consoles will be optimised gaming PC clones running the same game builds as Windows.
@Xboxian360 The PC market (desktop, hybrid, etc.) is the biggest by far. More now than ever before. The ultimate alternative for most people is probably that, looking at the numbers and considering that you'll also get Sony's games there (if you care). About Xbox, if Microsoft keeps making consoles that are PC clones that run Windows, why not keep playing them if you like them? The relatively weak power of consoles is much better optimised for gaming and the games themselves are better optimised for consoles, while PC players need additional brute force to get the same results. I just started Expedition 33 (ambitious Unreal Engine 5 game) on Series X in performance mode and it plays and looks incredibly well. Series X still is awesome in 2025!
Free for Gears of War: Ultimate Edition owners. Another reason why so many people consider Xbox the best value for gaming. It's worth being mentioned because these "tiny" details are often overlooked and only the negative trifles and rumours whether they are true or not seem to get attention.
@OldGamer999 Yes, Avowed so far (100h), but Oblivion, Doom or Expedition 33 may change that. It's an excellent year for Xbox.
I agree with you about Switch 2. After watching many videos, I think I'd better wait for a revision with better chip and thus battery life and better screen since the 1080p 120Hz LCD screen is a weird choice when games never hit that target in handheld mode and show upscaling artifacts, 60fps in the best of the scenarios and underwhelming HDR on it, after a 720p OLED model that was the perfect choice for Nintendo's resolution target. Also, the current lineup being focused on overpriced last-gen ports, not just third-party but also first-party, means that nobody should be in a hurry.
I don't care much about some Xbox games being available elsewhere either, because the best value remains on Xbox. Xbox is multiplatform since Xbox One, I don't know why a few games on PS should mean that Xbox is doomed, especially when PC sells a ton more than PS. It seems that only die-hard PS fans really think that.
I love some things about South of Midnight and I wrote a bit about it on Last Game You Beat.
Yes, because Quick Resume, backwards compatibility and Game Pass are too good and the price of games on all platforms has increased. Even Nintendo's simpler and cheaper to develop games are crazily expensive now, last-gen ports included. Basically, the software deals and the value of the subscriptions are more important than the price of the console. The price of the hardware is not as important and it's not that expensive either.
@fatpunkslim It's obvious that their focus is their own ecosystem, with Game Pass, Stream Your Own Game and Play Anywhere being the main things, more than ever before. Backwards compatible games are next. The PC and Xbox combo, cross-play, cross-buy and cross-save started with Xbox One, but now that they are seeing Game Pass growing 45% on PC and PC being the king of sales this generation, you can bet that they are surer than ever before about their strategy, which includes paying $1B yearly to third parties for Game Pass deals. Their future is Game Pass and PC-like Xbox consoles – where the subscriber ratio is so high – running the same version of Windows and the same game builds, and they are developing a Windows interface for PC-Xbox handhelds as well. That's the present and future of Xbox.
The thing with PS is that, like @Millionski said, they are releasing, like, one game per year, and that Sony's exclusives are not selling enough copies on PS5; not even mega-expensive Square Enix exclusives sell enough copies on PS5. Sea of Thieves and Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 are half business and half marketing and yes, they are relatively successful on PS5, but Sea of Thieves has 40 million players across Xbox and PC, it has sold 13.3M on Steam and 1.8M on PS. Grounded has sold 4.1M on Steam and 436,500 on PS. Sea of Thieves has sold 7.4 times more and Grounded has sold 9.4 times more on Steam than on PS. Hi-Fi Rush has sold 697,200 on Steam and 137,300 on PS. Age of Mythology: Retold has sold 435,000 on Steam and 41,000 on PS. Pentiment has sold 261,300 on Steam and 14,000 on PS.
Microsoft needs PC as a platform and probably Steam on top of their own PC shop, which they should overhaul and merge with Xbox, but they don't really need PS5 or Switch 2. However, why not release ports on other consoles and make the headlines? It's genius and part of their business and marketing, especially since some Sony and Nintendo fans are willing to wait five years before paying and playing an Xbox game anywhere else.
@OldGamer999 Yes, for years some people have been repeating daily that all Xbox games will be multiplatform on day one starting with Starfield etc., but it's like Microsoft said, on a case-by-case basis. Maybe in 2045 is finally true, but so far 99% of the Xbox exclusive catalogue still is not available on PS5. Their priority is Xbox, PC and Game Pass, not PS5 and Switch 2. It's literally like this, with Play Anywhere, something that started with Xbox One, getting a massive boost now, on top of the added Game Pass feature Play Your Own Game.
Somehow, service games from Xbox are working well on PS years after their release, so it's likely that Microsoft will keep their games on Xbox, PC and Game Pass for a while before the PS5 ports, except those games that have always been multiplatform. However, a multiplatform Gears of War collection makes sense because they're not available on PC yet and although E-Day looks amazing, the last entry was considered a disappointment by many fans, while the previous games are, well, excellent. Game Pass is a big business and they want to keep its good value on PC, where it is growing and on console, where the subscriber ratio is so high.
Regarding Switch 2, I think that it will get Xbox ports, but not as many as some people are thinking, because of its limited power. Every third-party game announced for Switch 2 has a last-gen version and they match what the last generation was able to deliver in terms of performance and graphics.
Delaying GTA VI might be good news for every publisher but Rockstar. Microsoft usually has their biggest game launches around October or November, e.g., Call of Duty. May 2026 won't have the same impact on their lineup. However, GTA V had infinite legs, so it doesn't really matter when VI launches. It will sell well regardless, just like Minecraft, Call of Duty, EA Sports FC... Those are always topping the charts.
Comments 7,812
Re: Xbox Has Reportedly 'Sidelined' Plans For A 2027 First-Party Handheld
@themightyant Bear in mind the lower resolution and other mobile and OS optimisations that don't make a 1:1 comparison logical, not to mention that every year new chips are released. By the way, the Switch 2 has a humble and underclocked 2021 chip and its output is compared to PS4 in terms of graphics and performance.
Re: Xbox Has Reportedly 'Sidelined' Plans For A 2027 First-Party Handheld
Same as the original story, they are waiting until the mobile technology allows them to do what they want to do, run Xbox/Xbox 360/Xbox One/Series games natively. It will arrive when that is possible and rely on other devices, Xbox PC (Asus handheld) and their own home console, in the meantime.
Re: Reaction: Gears Of War: Reloaded Makes Perfect Sense For Microsoft, But Not For Xbox Fans
@Master_Cthulhu70 True, the people that are complaining on a daily basis about Xbox are not really honest. I appreciate hearing your and other genuine fans' voice and not the usual haters making every good news related to Xbox look bad.
I also think that's their plan, to release their own handheld (not the Asus one). They suggested that they were waiting until the technology was able to do what they had planned. Microsoft has the best software and hardware engineers. Running Xbox 360 games on Xbox One better than on the original hardware says it all. I have no doubt that the future of Xbox is safe on Xbox devices (home, handheld, hybrid), PC and Cloud.
Re: Report: Xbox Elite Series 3 Is Real, And It's Improved 'Leaps & Bounds' Over The Elite 2
Breaking news by Jez! Next Xbox controller will have improved features (no idea what) when it eventually releases (no idea when)!
Re: Square Enix's Next Dragon Quest Remake Heads To Xbox Series X|S This October
I'm so happy that the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest libraries on Xbox keep growing, on top of others like Octopath Traveller I & II. I love the engine they made and I'm happy they're not afraid to use it. I tried Octopath Traveller on Switch, but I beat both 100% on Xbox, where they're much more impressive and easier to play, because of the higher resolution, better visibility and comfier controller.
Re: 'Retro Classics' Raises Questions About The Future Of Xbox Backwards Compatibility
@Coletrain @awp69 Agreed. I want the current Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Series digital library available on the next home console (as downloads), but I also think that Cloud could solve some licencing and platform obstacles. I really doubt that Microsoft would throw their praised backwards compatibility away. They will either translate the code to a different architecture, like they did on Xbox One, or keep the same architecture.
Re: Ubisoft Working On New 'AAA' Rayman Game As Studio Begins Hiring
Very happy to hear about more Rayman with Michel Ancel aboard.
Re: Xbox's 2027 Handheld Expected To Include Nintendo Switch-Like Docking System
@acmiguens I also use my New 3DS, much more than my Switch! It's Nintendo's best and also compatible with DS games, not to mention the Virtual Console.
What you say about battery life is interesting, because Switch 2 has a poor 2-hour battery. We still have no idea about the Xbox handheld. In theory, they have two, the licenced one (Asus) and their own (Xbox), but the latter would arrive in 2027. I'm curious about both, their technology, capabilities, screen and battery.
Re: Review: Xbox Retro Classics - A Great Addition To Game Pass, With Just One Caveat
Amazing addition, but it should also offer a downloadable version, like all Game Pass titles. Perhaps, there are issues that we don't know like licencing and/or system choice. In between, Blizzard Arcade Collection is also available on Game Pass!
Re: Xbox Game Pass Is Adding Another 'Game Of The Year' Next Week
This is amazing. 2025 couldn't get any better on Xbox.
Re: Hellblade 2 Announced For PS5 Alongside 'Enhanced' Edition On Xbox
Being extremely linear, it was fine as it was on Series X with VRR, even though I usually complain about 30fps. I'm curious about those enhancements, maybe optional aspect ratio and video modes, with a 60fps mode in lower resolution.
Re: Xbox's 2027 Handheld Expected To Include Nintendo Switch-Like Docking System
@fbnaulin A small update, Nintendo published contradictory information about it, but they added the following.
It makes no sense to cheapen out on USB ports when you are releasing a hybrid console that is not able to hit the frame rate targets as easily as a home console.
Re: Xbox's 2027 Handheld Expected To Include Nintendo Switch-Like Docking System
@HonestHick You are right. I was assuming for a minute that the upcoming technology would be able to make a difference and that external power and chips could be enough, but not just would it need to be able to translate older consoles code with different architecture, which was something that also was rumoured, but the combination should be beyond the hybrid technology we can imagine today. It's a mystery right now, but you're right, two separate consoles is the most likely option. Launching the same year is just business strategy, after all.
Regarding Valve, I could see Microsoft acquiring it after their huge investment in gaming, it makes total sense, because it would give them the biggest PC store and they could finally combine it with Cloud and consoles. If not an acquisition, a partnership is also probable.
Re: Xbox's 2027 Handheld Expected To Include Nintendo Switch-Like Docking System
@Wilforce That sound credible, the dock becoming the next home console, while the handheld could be used on its own. That would also explain what the rumours say about both the next Xbox home console and the first Xbox handheld, excluding this year's Asus handheld, launching in 2027. It makes perfect sense.
That would also make it a great choice for both handheld and home players, with the option to combine both, without paying for redundant parts.
Re: Xbox's 2027 Handheld Expected To Include Nintendo Switch-Like Docking System
@fbnaulin I heard that in Digital Foundry's video about the specifications of Nintendo Switch 2 where they mention the USB ports and lack of VRR support.
Re: Xbox's 2027 Handheld Expected To Include Nintendo Switch-Like Docking System
@Coletrain But even without eGPU, the Xbox handheld could have two power settings like Switch, what they call "perfomance" and "handheld" mode. That paired with the latest mobile technology could very well work like we're saying.
Re: Talking Point: Do You Feel You've Had Value For Money With Your Xbox Series X|S?
@chesheer It seems the the experience may vary. For me, it works fine, Halo Infinite included, but I haven't played the others you mentioned much. I know that some old games have issues with Quick Resume. If the developers do it right, even service games should work, because the Forza Horizon games work.
Re: Talking Point: Do You Feel You've Had Value For Money With Your Xbox Series X|S?
@Millionski I played Avowed for 100 hours on Series X at launch and it performed perfectly in performance mode.
Re: Report: Red Dead Redemption 2 Next-Gen Upgrade Could Launch On Xbox Later This Year
@FraserG Indeed. I'm waiting for it before buying and playing.
Re: Xbox's 2027 Handheld Expected To Include Nintendo Switch-Like Docking System
@acmiguens Microsoft delayed the Xbox handheld console to get the right specs. They are expanding Play Anywhere, so they will be able to circumvent the parity issues using medium PC settings at 1080p (you don't need 4K on a handheld), while getting the best performance and quality on the next Xbox home console. The dock of the handheld would also help, as will the gaming version of Windows for multiple devices, which is the most popular gaming OS.
Re: Talking Point: Do You Feel You've Had Value For Money With Your Xbox Series X|S?
@16BitHero @OldGamer999 @HonestHick Thanks!
@Ricky-Spanish On top of that, hardware sales are not that important when both Microsoft and Sony need to publish games on PC. The software sales and subscriptions are important; hardware units, not so much. Basically, it's what you said, the power of the PS brand and fan base is strong. That doesn't mean that it's the best option for most people, even less this generation when most gamers are choosing PC and only Nintendo keeps their exclusives within a walled garden.
Re: Xbox's 2027 Handheld Expected To Include Nintendo Switch-Like Docking System
@OldGamer999 Yep, Nintendo cheapened out on USB ports so they cannot fix that with an update. The other things I don't like are the game key cards and how restrictive and stingy Nintendo is becoming, e.g., I would have never expected to pay extra for playing Tears of the Kingdom with better frame rate and resolution on Switch 2.
I think that the next Xbox handheld will be very interesting for Xbox and PC gamers, especially when you consider the free cloud saves, Play Anywhere and Game Pass, and I'm very curious about it because I almost bought the first PC handheld (Steam Deck). The combination of Xbox and PC is perfect.
Re: Talking Point: Do You Feel You've Had Value For Money With Your Xbox Series X|S?
@Secryt "Sony is far and away the better option for most people."
For you and other Sony fans, yes. Other people will look at Sony's store prices, with no third-party codes and their future being digital like the future of Xbox, and included content in subscriptions, with no new first-party games on Sony's subscriptions, and think that Xbox is a much better option: console and PC, free cloud saves, cross-buy, Cloud gaming, subscriptions with first-party content on day one, free and enhanced backwards compatibility, etc. Besides that, Sony's games on PC disables the "exclusives machine" argument.
Re: Talking Point: Do You Feel You've Had Value For Money With Your Xbox Series X|S?
@chesheer If you ask me, Quick Resume is the best new feature of the whole generation, but I'd like to share something with you guys that have problems with it, assuming you are not trying to use it for Xbox & Xbox 360 backwards compatible games.
Sometimes, I move my Series X around the house, and I've realised that if the WiFi signal is weak, it will give me a few problems with Game Pass titles, as the console checks if it's online or offline and if I'm currently subscribed, even when it's defined as my "Home console". In my experience, it's better to have a good internet signal (strong WiFi or Ethernet) or set the console to Offline and "Home console" if not. That said, when the internet connection is fine, I never have issues with Quick Resume and launching Game Pass titles.
Most importantly, we should use Quick Resume as a time-saver and not turn the Xbox off before the game has been saved, just in case.
Re: Talking Point: Do You Feel You've Had Value For Money With Your Xbox Series X|S?
@HonestHick Back at you!
Re: Talking Point: Do You Feel You've Had Value For Money With Your Xbox Series X|S?
@HarmanSmith Right! Great hardware and great service and ecosystem that goes backward (for free) and forward with Play Anywhere and Cloud. Excellent hardware and controller, indeed, except those unpredictable Elite controllers I have had some durability issues with, despite them being excellent otherwise. I'm looking forward to the next console and next controller.
Re: Poll: Which Is Your Favourite Gears Of War Game On Xbox?
I have played them all which is cool because my first Xbox was Xbox One. I liked them all except 5, but Hivebusters is also a lot of fun. Awesome gameplay and vibes (until 5).
Re: Xbox's DOOM: The Dark Ages Seemingly Has Tiny Amount Of Content On Disc
@Cakefish That little detail you are focused on is, literally, the least important part. PS5 Pro is digital, so the next PS will likely be digital, Nintendo presents physical keys that most third parties choose instead of proper cartridges, and most Xbox owners buy and play digital games. The future is digital, for better or worse. I'm fine with digital libraries, as long as they are respected by the owner of the store.
Re: Xbox's DOOM: The Dark Ages Seemingly Has Tiny Amount Of Content On Disc
@Cakefish "I don’t understand?"
I see. Series X is the premium version of Series S. Have you heard of Xbox One All-Digital Edition (2019) and PS5 Digital Edition (2020)? PS5 Pro is the successor to PS5. It's a new console that was released four years after PS5 and it's a digital console. You must know this as a massive Sony fan. Do you understand now what I mean by being first in releasing a new console that is digital or are you just being nitpicking and want to discuss every digital console, like PlayStation Portable Go (2009)?
Re: Xbox's DOOM: The Dark Ages Seemingly Has Tiny Amount Of Content On Disc
Physical Is Doomed
On Nintendo Switch 2, most cartridges (third-party, at least) will be a physical key that require a recurrent connection to the internet for verification and download. This is shocking because on Nintendo Switch, the physical-digital ratio was fifty-fifty.
Sony was the first to get rid of physical with a new console and I believe that the next Xbox won't have a disc drive either, although both Sony and Microsoft will probably release a disc drive as add-on.
Re: GTA 6 Tech Is Seriously Impressive, But It's Looking Like A 30FPS Game On Console
The best version will be the following generation version, just like V, but they should try to add a 40fps/VRR video mode this generation!
Re: Xbox Handheld Gets Leaked, First Photos And Details Revealed
I hope there is official reveal soon to know the real thing properly.
Re: Xbox Is 'Spitting Pure Fire' Right Now, Says Baldur's Gate 3 Exec
There are a lot of Xbox fans, but not on this site, unfortunately (based on previous threads). I love some third parties and Nintendo since my childhood, but I feel that Xbox is the best gaming ecosystem by a big margin, and now they appeal to lots of different gamers thanks to their first parties and third party support.
Game Pass is excellent value, but I appreciate how we are able to get great deals and purchase any game like on PC and consumer-friendly features like Play Anywhere, free backwards compatibility, free upgrades, free cloud saves, Stream Your Own Game... How they respect our digital library and backwards compatibility are essential, and my favourite additions this generation are Quick Resume and FPS Boost.
Re: Reaction: Gears Of War: Reloaded Makes Perfect Sense For Microsoft, But Not For Xbox Fans
@TheEstablishment @Master_Cthulhu70 @BigRedPaper Right. I don't know why all the positive Xbox news are painted in negative ways. Like I said elsewhere, this is half business and half marketing. I just saw a lot of Forza Horizon 5 tiles on the PS store. It's genius. Xbox games are relatively successful on PS5, but Sea of Thieves has 40 million players across Xbox and PC, it has sold 13.3M on Steam and "just" 1.8M on PS, not being part of any subscription available on PS. It's available on PC Game Pass, though. Grounded has sold 4.1M on Steam and 436,500 on PS. Sea of Thieves has sold 7.4 times more and Grounded has sold 9.4 times more on Steam than on PS. Hi-Fi Rush has sold 697,200 on Steam and 137,300 on PS. Age of Mythology: Retold has sold 435,000 on Steam and 41,000 on PS. Pentiment has sold 261,300 on Steam and 14,000 on PS. All official figures. You get the picture.
Microsoft is doing the right thing and Sony is following because PC is the king of sales, but Microsoft owns Windows, that powers most gaming PCs, and they are developing a version/interface of Windows for multiple devices, including handheld computers, desktop computers and future Xbox consoles, that will not be sold at a loss and that will be optimised gaming PCs running that version of Windows and same game builds as every PC store on Windows. It makes total sense: they keep their console owner to subscriber high ratio. Their future is no doubt multiplatform, it is since Xbox One, but their strategy is wise and future-proof: PC, console and Cloud as part of the same environment and all powered by a gaming version of Windows.
Re: Assassin's Creed Shadows Next Major Update Includes Free Story Pack On Xbox
This game is another 2025 title that looks incredible and that I will play. It's just that I haven't yet!
Re: Xbox Announces Gears Of War: Reloaded, Releasing Summer 2025
@Millionski That's the opposite of what I wrote. No sensible person is expecting a full Windows console with Office and Microsoft Teams working on the background. You have Surface for that. Consoles don't need that and Windows is able to turn on and off unnecessary processes. They are developing a Windows version/interface for gaming on multiple devices. That's the future of Xbox. That and Cloud.
Re: Xbox Announces Gears Of War: Reloaded, Releasing Summer 2025
@Millionski They became PC-console multiplatform since Xbox One. The next Xbox console will likely run the same game builds as Windows, no reason for a walled garden with exclusives when it only works for Nintendo. Next Xbox being an optimised gaming PC is just the evolution of Xbox One. A gaming interface of Windows is currently being develop for handheld PCs and probably desktop PCs and future Xbox consoles. They will all be the same in different forms. If you believe in the Death of Xbox and want to move to PS, that's totally fine.
Re: Xbox Announces Gears Of War: Reloaded, Releasing Summer 2025
The Death of Xbox is a science fiction film from 2013.
Re: Poll: What Was Your Favourite Xbox Game Pass Title For April 2025?
For now, I would say Oblivion Remastered and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, but there are a few things I loved about South of Midnight. Blue Prince is quite random and frustrating even after a long while, the gameplay is not rewarding enough, but I have noticed that some enjoy the lottery ticket feeling it gives.
Re: Xbox Announces Gears Of War: Reloaded, Releasing Summer 2025
@donv2135 Actually, I don't think that selling fewer Xbox consoles is a problem for Microsoft. I bet that future Xbox consoles will be optimised gaming PC clones running the same game builds as Windows. The only downside for us would be not selling hardware at a loss, but both Microsoft and Sony have revealed that they no longer will be doing that.
Re: Gears Of War: Reloaded Is Getting The Free Upgrade Treatment On Xbox
I'll always say it because I feel it's true so far, Xbox is the best value in gaming. You might like their first-party games or not. Many of the games I buy and play are third-party, but Gears of War is one of my favourite series, excluding 5. PC is also excellent value in software terms, not so much in hardware terms. As long as there are Xbox consoles, I'd prefer to play on them. I bet that future Xbox consoles will be optimised gaming PC clones running the same game builds as Windows.
Re: Xbox Announces Gears Of War: Reloaded, Releasing Summer 2025
@Xboxian360 The PC market (desktop, hybrid, etc.) is the biggest by far. More now than ever before. The ultimate alternative for most people is probably that, looking at the numbers and considering that you'll also get Sony's games there (if you care). About Xbox, if Microsoft keeps making consoles that are PC clones that run Windows, why not keep playing them if you like them? The relatively weak power of consoles is much better optimised for gaming and the games themselves are better optimised for consoles, while PC players need additional brute force to get the same results. I just started Expedition 33 (ambitious Unreal Engine 5 game) on Series X in performance mode and it plays and looks incredibly well. Series X still is awesome in 2025!
Re: Xbox Announces Gears Of War: Reloaded, Releasing Summer 2025
Free for Gears of War: Ultimate Edition owners. Another reason why so many people consider Xbox the best value for gaming. It's worth being mentioned because these "tiny" details are often overlooked and only the negative trifles and rumours whether they are true or not seem to get attention.
Re: South Of Midnight Passes 1 Million Players With The Help Of Xbox Game Pass
Actually, the end is great. When you think you reached a formulaic conclusion, you did not.
Re: Reaction: GTA 6's Delay Could Be Great News For Xbox And Its Fall 2025 Lineup
@HonestHick I told you so LOL.
@OldGamer999 Yes, Avowed so far (100h), but Oblivion, Doom or Expedition 33 may change that. It's an excellent year for Xbox.
I agree with you about Switch 2. After watching many videos, I think I'd better wait for a revision with better chip and thus battery life and better screen since the 1080p 120Hz LCD screen is a weird choice when games never hit that target in handheld mode and show upscaling artifacts, 60fps in the best of the scenarios and underwhelming HDR on it, after a 720p OLED model that was the perfect choice for Nintendo's resolution target. Also, the current lineup being focused on overpriced last-gen ports, not just third-party but also first-party, means that nobody should be in a hurry.
I don't care much about some Xbox games being available elsewhere either, because the best value remains on Xbox. Xbox is multiplatform since Xbox One, I don't know why a few games on PS should mean that Xbox is doomed, especially when PC sells a ton more than PS. It seems that only die-hard PS fans really think that.
I love some things about South of Midnight and I wrote a bit about it on Last Game You Beat.
https://www.purexbox.com/forums/px_other_gaming/last_game_you_beat?start=740#reply-745
Re: South Of Midnight Passes 1 Million Players With The Help Of Xbox Game Pass
I wrote a bit about it on Last Game You Beat.
https://www.purexbox.com/forums/px_other_gaming/last_game_you_beat?start=740#reply-745
Re: Talking Point: Would You Still Buy An Xbox At Microsoft's 2025 Prices?
Yes, because Quick Resume, backwards compatibility and Game Pass are too good and the price of games on all platforms has increased. Even Nintendo's simpler and cheaper to develop games are crazily expensive now, last-gen ports included. Basically, the software deals and the value of the subscriptions are more important than the price of the console. The price of the hardware is not as important and it's not that expensive either.
Re: Reaction: GTA 6's Delay Could Be Great News For Xbox And Its Fall 2025 Lineup
@fatpunkslim It's obvious that their focus is their own ecosystem, with Game Pass, Stream Your Own Game and Play Anywhere being the main things, more than ever before. Backwards compatible games are next. The PC and Xbox combo, cross-play, cross-buy and cross-save started with Xbox One, but now that they are seeing Game Pass growing 45% on PC and PC being the king of sales this generation, you can bet that they are surer than ever before about their strategy, which includes paying $1B yearly to third parties for Game Pass deals. Their future is Game Pass and PC-like Xbox consoles – where the subscriber ratio is so high – running the same version of Windows and the same game builds, and they are developing a Windows interface for PC-Xbox handhelds as well. That's the present and future of Xbox.
The thing with PS is that, like @Millionski said, they are releasing, like, one game per year, and that Sony's exclusives are not selling enough copies on PS5; not even mega-expensive Square Enix exclusives sell enough copies on PS5. Sea of Thieves and Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 are half business and half marketing and yes, they are relatively successful on PS5, but Sea of Thieves has 40 million players across Xbox and PC, it has sold 13.3M on Steam and 1.8M on PS. Grounded has sold 4.1M on Steam and 436,500 on PS. Sea of Thieves has sold 7.4 times more and Grounded has sold 9.4 times more on Steam than on PS. Hi-Fi Rush has sold 697,200 on Steam and 137,300 on PS. Age of Mythology: Retold has sold 435,000 on Steam and 41,000 on PS. Pentiment has sold 261,300 on Steam and 14,000 on PS.
Microsoft needs PC as a platform and probably Steam on top of their own PC shop, which they should overhaul and merge with Xbox, but they don't really need PS5 or Switch 2. However, why not release ports on other consoles and make the headlines? It's genius and part of their business and marketing, especially since some Sony and Nintendo fans are willing to wait five years before paying and playing an Xbox game anywhere else.
Re: Reaction: GTA 6's Delay Could Be Great News For Xbox And Its Fall 2025 Lineup
@OldGamer999 Yes, for years some people have been repeating daily that all Xbox games will be multiplatform on day one starting with Starfield etc., but it's like Microsoft said, on a case-by-case basis. Maybe in 2045 is finally true, but so far 99% of the Xbox exclusive catalogue still is not available on PS5. Their priority is Xbox, PC and Game Pass, not PS5 and Switch 2. It's literally like this, with Play Anywhere, something that started with Xbox One, getting a massive boost now, on top of the added Game Pass feature Play Your Own Game.
Re: Reaction: GTA 6's Delay Could Be Great News For Xbox And Its Fall 2025 Lineup
Somehow, service games from Xbox are working well on PS years after their release, so it's likely that Microsoft will keep their games on Xbox, PC and Game Pass for a while before the PS5 ports, except those games that have always been multiplatform. However, a multiplatform Gears of War collection makes sense because they're not available on PC yet and although E-Day looks amazing, the last entry was considered a disappointment by many fans, while the previous games are, well, excellent. Game Pass is a big business and they want to keep its good value on PC, where it is growing and on console, where the subscriber ratio is so high.
Regarding Switch 2, I think that it will get Xbox ports, but not as many as some people are thinking, because of its limited power. Every third-party game announced for Switch 2 has a last-gen version and they match what the last generation was able to deliver in terms of performance and graphics.
Delaying GTA VI might be good news for every publisher but Rockstar. Microsoft usually has their biggest game launches around October or November, e.g., Call of Duty. May 2026 won't have the same impact on their lineup. However, GTA V had infinite legs, so it doesn't really matter when VI launches. It will sell well regardless, just like Minecraft, Call of Duty, EA Sports FC... Those are always topping the charts.