@Weebleman @Fiendish-Beaver @AI-Generation I think the core problem with xbox is identity crisis. Nintendo, Sony and Valve has their philosophy. Even windows PC has - its by far the most open and flexible system for gaming. But xbox has been in a weird spot since end of last gen. Xbox consoles - I think philosophy could be game preservation - so double down on backward compatibility, maybe use AI for fps/resolution boost, commit to physical media, release detachable disk drive. I was thinking they could do Xbox Series XL with Helix guts but on xbox console OS, also with physical drive and commit to consoles going forward not just xbox PC hybrids. Basically do the opposite of PS6 and win those 10-15% of PS audience that wants next gen console and discs. 10% of PS5 install base is like 33% of xbox series so its very significant.
I am 99% sure this is not happening but I think thats the only joker they can pull off right now.
@Fiendish-Beaver I am sure they are not convinced in anything so far and its all been "testing the waters" for half of this gen. I do believe some exclusivity is better than none at all. Not sure any drastic decision will benefit them so a balance approach of "some exclusivity" is ok. I do agree that Halo remake and Fable should have been exclusive over gears as those are purely single player experiences.
@Nic-Noc20th-C she did not lie. They are resetting xbox so now its a PC app & mode
the good news if you own already series X you should be fine for next 5-7+ years as adoption rate for next gen will be slower.
if you dont have it yet, probably no reason to get one today
If you dont own a current gen console I would consider xbox only if you want to deal with PC. I think they lost any proposition as a console - its hard to get, its expensive, barely any exclusives, GP is also a question mark. There are definitely a lot of arguments for windows gaming so Helix could tailor to some of this audience. They have a temporary advantage of having console + pc handheld combination with play anywhere but same is applicable to steamOS and reportedly Sony is doing their own handheld so I think next gen this continuity will also face a competition for MS.
@Weebleman @AI-Generation @Fiendish-Beaver I think when you start thinking of xbox as something that lives on PC & cloud, things start to make more sense. I just dont think there is anything at this point that would resurrect the console division. Its too late. Their last chance was the start of this gen with cheap GP, after they bought Bethesda and while Sony has supply issues with PS5. After 2023 or so its been done for xbox consoles.
Seeing lately all the backward compat stuff on PC and xbox mode rollout for all windows machines, it heavily hints on Helix being a pre-built windows PC - whether good or bad depends on a person. I think console folks should look at PS/N or for steamOS if they want PC + ease of use.
I am seriously considering PS6 vs steamOS PC next gen. Will definitely give a fair chance to Helix but what I am certain is I dont want a purely windows machine in its today's form - I enjoy my little xbox rog ally x but experience is subpar.
I think on a console your choice is PS5/6 vs S2. On a PC windows vs steamOS and both are good for its own reasons but as a said above I am very sceptical about having a windows device in a living room. Specifically xbox SX vs ps5 conversation just doesnt make sense anymore...
@MinervaX76 I 100% agree about xbox play anywhere. Moreover this is today the ONLY reason I am still with xbox. Earlier in the gen I praised GP alot and backwards compatibility. Now as I have less time to play but higher income I can afford to just buy what I want so GP is not the argument for me. I also beat most of games I wanted from original/360 and it was amazing but unfortunately they stopped this program and there are no new additions. However I do own xbox rog ally X and play anywhere is amazing. This is why I basically still play more on windows and xbox rather than ps5 pro that I also own.
Next gen I definitely will consider PC/Helix+ PC handheld whether windows or steamOS. The ability to play anywhere with cloud save is just too good as well as being able to buy newer tech any time is refreshing - the whole pc handheld market is very exciting to watch (although overpriced af). But sony is also doibg their own handheld and I will consider this as the windows xbox mode is very undercooked in my opinion…
Looks amazing to be honest. Really hyped about this one. Aside from forza probably the first real big AAA from MS that I am genuinely excited this gen. And the new mode looks cool so I might dabble into it as well
@MinervaX76 I dont know why but many people are obsessed with proving that sony does better and they "win" and xbox "lose" with news like this. Basically the best CONSOLE version is on ps5. It is conveniently omitted that its specifically better on the $900 PS5 PRO and that indeed the best version of any game will always be on a PC - but somehow its not into the equation of console wars.
@BossBE to be honest I feel like this is a merit of better optimization by devs because PS5 is outselling xbox 3:1. Xbox series X has better cooling system and is quiter - I would not say PS5 is better engineered.
@AI-Generation @PsBoxSwitchOwner its expected that most games run better on PS5 PRO - hardly a big xbox L that is being pictured. Overall I think who wanted one got one - I think it was 10-15% of PS userbase which is not bad. However, now at $900 its a very questionable proposition. I say is as PS5 PRO owner, I like it but I just cant recommend it to my non-enthusiast friends.
@Elbow yeah sounds like next gen is just a PRO version of this gen. Devs simply cant (and wont) ignore the existing ps5/SX/SS playerbase. Plus the S2 which is more or less on par with SS + PC handhelds are in the same nice in terms of power.
What is interesting is it also puts Sony in the very weird state. They only have a handfull of exclusives each year and I just dont see them doing PS6-only excsluives foregoing PS5 unless its a sackboy budget level game. They just cant afford spider man 3 to be only on ps6...
I know Valve messed up with steam machine and partially its not their fault but I think among all they are probably the only 1 trustworthy. Sounds like a pre-built mini-PC with a steamOS on board is a solid choice for next gen. pair it with any PC handheld (and steamOS on it as well) seems like a very compelling combo. Basically you are getting kind of best of both worlds IF they can allow massive multiplayer games on it like Fortnite, COD and others.
If not for steamOS then I think for a living room PS6 unfortunately will be the only solid choice
@BacklogBrad I think the good balance is SteamOS. I definitely dont want window PC experience in its current state in the living room. Steam machine is good but underpowered and overpriced. If Valve solves the anti-cheat problem and partners with someone like Lenovo to build a PS6-level 3rd party steam machine - I will be in. I am curious to see what Helix does but have a lot of doubts. PS6 could be an option because at the bare minimum the experience will be great and it will support majority of games coming out these days.
@Fiendish-Beaver the name is ridiculously generic. I cant count how many times I called it "dawn of bloodwalker" haha. It indeed looks amazing although I have concerns on the polish level day 1...
@PsBoxSwitchOwner the problem I have with PS6 is its losing 2 biggest advantages of consoles: low price and disc support. Ps6 is rumoured to not be subsidized and we already have confirmation of no discs. This makes PS6 a weird locked PC where the only benefits are access to your Ps library and plug/play experience. The latter is solved by Valve already (they just need to add anti-cheat support for MP games) and is also being actively worked on by Ms.
@PsBoxSwitchOwner pretty sure its going to be same logic as steam machine - priced comparatively to other pre-builts on markets of same form factor and specs.
Price matters when its below 700 maybe 800, above that its de-facto an enthusiast device - which supposedly the case for both ps6 and helix. If helix is priced fair to its specs and more powerful than ps6, it will cost more than ps6 which is fine.
@PsBoxSwitchOwner to be honest PS6 starts to make less and less sense. Apparently sony just wants to take whales from ps5 and lock them in. And I highly doubt we will see PS6 only (no ps5) exclusives. This makes a strong case for ps5 + PC/Helix/Steamos PC next gen. Valve needs to solve anticheat issue and partner with Lenovo and likes for a more powerfull next gen machine. MS is very active with improving xbox mode, backward compat and stuff. There is a competition on PC market but Sony will have no competition at all in their niche
What a poor selection. Rather have 2 more or less decent games every month like ps plus and like gold back in a day. The only reason it exists to remove gold and inflate GP numbers. This is not Game pass at all. Hope this tier will be removed on Helix
@betterthings the problem I have is I dont want DIY SteamOS PC. If Valve partners with Lenovo and likes and they produce a pre-built PC in a small box with HDMI-CEC and stuff and it will be more powerful than steam machine (ideally on par with PS6) - then I will seriosuly consider them. There is no such problem with PC handhelds, so I can convert my rog ally into steamOs (which I already tried and it was solid experience).
For now steam machine is too expensive and performs worse than SX/PS5 so next gen if you dont want to be locked in PSN forever, your only real choice for living room streamlined gaming is Helix. I am confident that Helix will support bare minimum like xbox controller, CEC and will be fully operational with a controller, but probably will be laggy and carryover all the PC fuff with it.
Another issue with SteamOS is anti-cheat games like COD and GTA 6.
If Valve introduces the anti-cheat and then partners with 3rd party for a more powerful "Lenovo Steam machine" - I am in and will ditch everything MS in a heartbeat.
@Fiendish-Beaver the game does not have a multiplayer thats why its $50 and its called “campaign evolved” - kinda weird to mark it down based on absence of MP.
I think its a very solid remake that should be high 80s - 87 min or so. Unfortunately because its 81 on meta many people will skip it as somehow anything below 85 considered mediocre by many nowadays…
Dont even feel sad for those who pre-ordered the deluxe edition. You are paying more to be beta-testers so there you go. If you cant fight FOMO and wait several days for an official release and extra hot-fix its your problem
@Fiendish-Beaver with remakes/remasters there is never a clean rule. Some judge the game as if it would come out this year and then mark down if it feels dated. Others just judge the quality of the remaster. Original is 97 so seeing 81 is kinda low if I am honest
@MrStark series s/x is likely the last xbox console. Helix is a pc hybrid. but good news is current gen will live 5-7+ years easily with the crazy costs of next gen.
@betterthings notice how we hear 0 rumours about Helix having its own OS and how active is xbox mode on PC. So I am 80% certain thats the way to go. The only benefit will be I think absence of 3rd party stuff like Asus armory crate. Maybe there will be extra optimization similar to steam deck (aka optimized for Helix).
But they need to do so much to make this mode feel like a console that I am unsure its happening prior to Helix launch.
@BaldB3lper78 well xbox series and ps5 will be valid for a long while maybe for an entirety of next gen. So the current xbox series will be there anyways. As for gen after that yeah probably just PC but too early to tell if its bad or not. A lot of questions for PS7 too, as PS6 will be very controversial due to high price, likely cross-gen exclusives mostly, no disc drive, etc
@betterthings that was my suspicion since xbox rog ally launch. I became more convinced after xbox mode was released on all windows PC earlier this year. Today's news confirming it further - basically xbox one/series X were alrady on the PC architecture so it should be easier to enable your library (although they have not done it yet), but the 360/original was the question mark.
The problem is I would not want a windows PC with xbox mode the way its done today as my primary setup so I hope Helix does not a step by a leap further
@Banjo- people make a point that investing in xbox ecosystem is risky because they can quit consoles and you will be stuck with it. While this possible, it does not apply to xbox play anywhere - this is the most pro-consumer program I have ever seen - pay once, get licence for xbox series s&x/PC/xcloud and sometimes xbox one. Its literally a no-brainer now if I see XPA game...
@Fiendish-Beaver there is no industry-wide definition of live service.
Following google definition ("incentives to continue playing, atop a promise of free content drops on a regular cadence") that you found, any game with post-launch content is a live service. Doom dark ages got new modes followed it launch and now dlc - so it got support with both free and paid content after launch for more than a year after release.
Cyberpunk 2077 was getting active updates for like 5 years. Even astrobot got free levels every month or so after release lol. are all 3 LS then?
Jokes aside, I think we can distinguish single player and fully multiplayer LS (such as Helldivers 2). If a game has both components then its a weird spot in between - basically "has LS elements".
as for gears franchise - many people just played campaign and called it a day. I know multiplayer was a cultural thing in US and UK but not in Europe for example.
@Fiendish-Beaver lets not fool ourselves - its the beginning of the great xbox exodus. Only gloom ahead. Next step is to cancel Helix and stop console production
@Fiendish-Beaver @IllusiveMan either day 1 gets nerfed one way or another or price goes up again but now still without COD. I dont see any other way.
I feel like drastically removing day 1 whatsover (basically scrapping GPU) will receive a big backlash from casuals that are majority anyways. While many people here are concerned about long-term health of the platform, I know that regular folks just dont think in these terms - they saw cheap GP with day 1 games - they got in, now if its nerfed significantly they can be out very quickly
With xbox getting a price hike to $750 for white digital model, is steam machine really that bad? $300 difference is definitely a lot upfront but down the line with steam sales and no need for any sub sounds not bad. Also, it will play gears e-day and clockwork and any other xbox exclusvies.
additional benefit is seamless sync with any pc handheld/steam deck - essentially play anywhere for every game not just 2-3k that MS has currently.
@FreasurePlanten I think Asha wanted a quick win. They removed COD that lost most money due to day 1 and that allowed a price drop. But overall what I was trying to say - MS needs to make day 1 an expensive privelege. So next year GPU could go up to 35 while premium could stay at 15. They would be pushing people to either pay for games or to pay an expensive sub - expensive for casuals I mean but still valuable for diehards. This approach allows them to not drop the day 1 promise.
We as fans can afford to forego day 1, but many casuals got into xbox speicifcally for GP and by extension its day 1 (otherwise they can go wth PS plus extra on PS5) => so MS cant really drop it completely. So pricing people out sounded not like the worst plan in my eyes if you think long-term - obviously in the moment it backfired a lot
Consoles arent going anywhere. I believe instead of a cross-gen PS5-PS6 we will just get continuation of PS5 mostly with PS6 being enthusiast device tied to PS5 anyways with some paid upgrades.
This gen most likely would be the longest and probably first to actually fully blur the lines between gens at all as I firmly believe PS6/Helix will be treated as PRO versions of current gen consoles. Netiher 3rd party publisher wants to publish only on ps6 omitting the ps5, nor Sony wants to publish SPider man 3 with 500M budget as a PS6 exclusive.
So you will get sackboy and ratchet level of exclusives on ps6 if lucky.
Plus there wont be GTA 7 in next 10 years or so. We are looking at easily 10-15 if not 20M of extra SX/pS5 sold just over the course of this and next year ONLY due to GTA.
It baffles me how for more than 13 years (since Sony bought gaikai) I have been hearing about mighty cloud and streaming but reality is almost NONE plays like that. It has latency issues, server issues, access to games issues, etc etc Yes technology improved but its very far from native hardware gaming.
Regarding the future of consoles, I think we are looking at the last traditional generation - PS5 and SX (and maybe SS). If you think prices will go down after AI Bubbles bursts - do not fool yourselves. Not only we dont know when (if) it bursts, none of these greedy corprs will drop prices as there will be people paying those $1k tag for a console. Moreover, next gen is designed in mind of such player.
Remember how Sarah said "premium" experience for Helix? Yes same is reportedly now for PS6. If true this means current gen basically will stay for another decade because most of the content is multiplat now. You an sell Helix/PS6 to whales but you also can release a COD 2032 on PS5/SX for a 150M combined auidence vs only on 40M Helix/PS6.
Hot take : GPU at 30 made sense. First of all, no half measures - COD is there and it means any other game is there. It has all subs/collabs/etc. People who actually play enough games still extract value from GPU even at 30 its equivalent of 4 full price games per year and GP had more than 8 or so (between 1st party and partners) in the past 3 years.
Secondly, sure many casuals, who were ok with $20 but 30 was a lot, unsubbed as we have seen but it could been offset by whoever stayed because revenue per user is increased. Also likely the price point was designed for GPU to break-even. Whoever unsubbed likely went with GP premium or core that were profitable for MS. So all 3 (+PC) tiers were likely profitable or break-even at worst.
Basically they were shifting audience from GPU to mid-tier premium, getting more sales from folks on premium AND getting enough monthly revenue from those on GPU. Motto is either sub for mid-tier and buy games or if you want day 1 be ready to pay a high premium for that.
They could go further of keeping the price of GP premium while increasing GPU price as necessary down the road making it a "hardcore fan" tier for those who play all 1st party games and overall plays a lot and specifically in GP.
MS went with short-win instead with $23 for GPU which is not bad. However, the problem is not fully resolved. Now fully removing day 1 (and likely GPU tier as it is) is a risky move now. Keeping it as is also sounds like a problem with these back-to-exclusives strategy
The problem is many people got into xbox consoles this gen (or stayed with xbox) because of GPU. This was evidenced by a very high attach rate of GP to consoles with only small % in cloud/PC. Day 1 is why GP stood out and became a force to be reckoned with.
Now as a fan I would say scrap it but millions of casuals who rely on GP wont like it for sure.
I think next gen, 1st important decision for gamers will be choosing between more closed system (PS6) vs more open (Helix or PC) and exclusives will be secondary. This is due to the price first and the whole digital content ownership/leasing.
We will have more competition on PC market which will push SteamOS to add anti-cheat support and become mainstream while Windows will be trying to catch up in terms of improving xbox mode experience on PC.
That said it seems like if you are ok with paying for PS plus sub and buying games at their MSRP, PS6 could be a more polished and convenient experience.
I think its important to have some exclusives going forward but seems like we are never getting and exact rule from xbox unfortunately.
Good news is due to high pricing of next gen we are likely to see cross-gen exclusives so it maybe even make sense for ps5+sx rather than a next gen console
@betterthings of course we are talking financials here. I am super interested in xbox making money otherwise they gonna spin off the whole thing or shut it down.
3% margin - they could ve put money in tbills lol and do nothing.
And that would be bad for industry first of all. We already has very strong player sony that is nearing monopoly in its niche. How everyone liked them this gen btw? They sell more boxes but they suck and becoming super anti consumer and more controlling.
MS needs to find a sustainable way. Most gaming cost is marketing and g&a - cutting or reducing headcount in studious is a needed move. Again I want to mention that I dont like it! But it needs to happen. Asha is doing everything right. People dont realise but xbox is in crisis right now - drastic measures needs to happen…
Comments 634
Re: Here's A Breakdown Of The New Prices For Xbox Series X|S Consoles As Of August 2026
@Weebleman @Fiendish-Beaver @AI-Generation I think the core problem with xbox is identity crisis. Nintendo, Sony and Valve has their philosophy. Even windows PC has - its by far the most open and flexible system for gaming.
But xbox has been in a weird spot since end of last gen.
Xbox consoles - I think philosophy could be game preservation - so double down on backward compatibility, maybe use AI for fps/resolution boost, commit to physical media, release detachable disk drive. I was thinking they could do Xbox Series XL with Helix guts but on xbox console OS, also with physical drive and commit to consoles going forward not just xbox PC hybrids.
Basically do the opposite of PS6 and win those 10-15% of PS audience that wants next gen console and discs. 10% of PS5 install base is like 33% of xbox series so its very significant.
I am 99% sure this is not happening but I think thats the only joker they can pull off right now.
Re: Halo: Campaign Evolved Is Getting Some Surprising Sales Estimates For Xbox, PC & PS5
@Fiendish-Beaver I am sure they are not convinced in anything so far and its all been "testing the waters" for half of this gen. I do believe some exclusivity is better than none at all. Not sure any drastic decision will benefit them so a balance approach of "some exclusivity" is ok.
I do agree that Halo remake and Fable should have been exclusive over gears as those are purely single player experiences.
Re: Here's A Breakdown Of The New Prices For Xbox Series X|S Consoles As Of August 2026
@Nic-Noc20th-C she did not lie. They are resetting xbox so now its a PC app & mode
the good news if you own already series X you should be fine for next 5-7+ years as adoption rate for next gen will be slower.
if you dont have it yet, probably no reason to get one today
Re: Here's A Breakdown Of The New Prices For Xbox Series X|S Consoles As Of August 2026
If you dont own a current gen console I would consider xbox only if you want to deal with PC. I think they lost any proposition as a console - its hard to get, its expensive, barely any exclusives, GP is also a question mark.
There are definitely a lot of arguments for windows gaming so Helix could tailor to some of this audience.
They have a temporary advantage of having console + pc handheld combination with play anywhere but same is applicable to steamOS and reportedly Sony is doing their own handheld so I think next gen this continuity will also face a competition for MS.
Re: Here's A Breakdown Of The New Prices For Xbox Series X|S Consoles As Of August 2026
@Weebleman @AI-Generation @Fiendish-Beaver I think when you start thinking of xbox as something that lives on PC & cloud, things start to make more sense. I just dont think there is anything at this point that would resurrect the console division. Its too late. Their last chance was the start of this gen with cheap GP, after they bought Bethesda and while Sony has supply issues with PS5. After 2023 or so its been done for xbox consoles.
Seeing lately all the backward compat stuff on PC and xbox mode rollout for all windows machines, it heavily hints on Helix being a pre-built windows PC - whether good or bad depends on a person. I think console folks should look at PS/N or for steamOS if they want PC + ease of use.
I am seriously considering PS6 vs steamOS PC next gen. Will definitely give a fair chance to Helix but what I am certain is I dont want a purely windows machine in its today's form - I enjoy my little xbox rog ally x but experience is subpar.
I think on a console your choice is PS5/6 vs S2. On a PC windows vs steamOS and both are good for its own reasons but as a said above I am very sceptical about having a windows device in a living room. Specifically xbox SX vs ps5 conversation just doesnt make sense anymore...
Re: Not A Good Look For Xbox As Halo: Campaign Evolved Plays Best On PlayStation
@MinervaX76 I 100% agree about xbox play anywhere. Moreover this is today the ONLY reason I am still with xbox. Earlier in the gen I praised GP alot and backwards compatibility. Now as I have less time to play but higher income I can afford to just buy what I want so GP is not the argument for me. I also beat most of games I wanted from original/360 and it was amazing but unfortunately they stopped this program and there are no new additions.
However I do own xbox rog ally X and play anywhere is amazing. This is why I basically still play more on windows and xbox rather than ps5 pro that I also own.
Next gen I definitely will consider PC/Helix+ PC handheld whether windows or steamOS. The ability to play anywhere with cloud save is just too good as well as being able to buy newer tech any time is refreshing - the whole pc handheld market is very exciting to watch (although overpriced af).
But sony is also doibg their own handheld and I will consider this as the windows xbox mode is very undercooked in my opinion…
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Previews Are Saying About Gears Of War: E-Day
Looks amazing to be honest. Really hyped about this one. Aside from forza probably the first real big AAA from MS that I am genuinely excited this gen.
And the new mode looks cool so I might dabble into it as well
Re: Not A Good Look For Xbox As Halo: Campaign Evolved Plays Best On PlayStation
@lacerz most start with base ps5 apparently - it sold the most units among all other consoles of this gen and basically is the mid level.
Re: Not A Good Look For Xbox As Halo: Campaign Evolved Plays Best On PlayStation
@MinervaX76 I dont know why but many people are obsessed with proving that sony does better and they "win" and xbox "lose" with news like this.
Basically the best CONSOLE version is on ps5. It is conveniently omitted that its specifically better on the $900 PS5 PRO and that indeed the best version of any game will always be on a PC - but somehow its not into the equation of console wars.
Re: Not A Good Look For Xbox As Halo: Campaign Evolved Plays Best On PlayStation
@BossBE to be honest I feel like this is a merit of better optimization by devs because PS5 is outselling xbox 3:1.
Xbox series X has better cooling system and is quiter - I would not say PS5 is better engineered.
Re: Not A Good Look For Xbox As Halo: Campaign Evolved Plays Best On PlayStation
@AI-Generation @PsBoxSwitchOwner its expected that most games run better on PS5 PRO - hardly a big xbox L that is being pictured. Overall I think who wanted one got one - I think it was 10-15% of PS userbase which is not bad. However, now at $900 its a very questionable proposition.
I say is as PS5 PRO owner, I like it but I just cant recommend it to my non-enthusiast friends.
Re: Xbox Could Still Lose Money On Series X|S Console Sales Despite Price Hike, Sources Claim
@Elbow yeah sounds like next gen is just a PRO version of this gen. Devs simply cant (and wont) ignore the existing ps5/SX/SS playerbase. Plus the S2 which is more or less on par with SS + PC handhelds are in the same nice in terms of power.
What is interesting is it also puts Sony in the very weird state. They only have a handfull of exclusives each year and I just dont see them doing PS6-only excsluives foregoing PS5 unless its a sackboy budget level game. They just cant afford spider man 3 to be only on ps6...
Re: Xbox Could Still Lose Money On Series X|S Console Sales Despite Price Hike, Sources Claim
@Fiendish-Beaver what is your projection on PS6? last time I heard its nearing $1k+ as well...
Re: Xbox Could Still Lose Money On Series X|S Console Sales Despite Price Hike, Sources Claim
I know Valve messed up with steam machine and partially its not their fault but I think among all they are probably the only 1 trustworthy.
Sounds like a pre-built mini-PC with a steamOS on board is a solid choice for next gen. pair it with any PC handheld (and steamOS on it as well) seems like a very compelling combo.
Basically you are getting kind of best of both worlds IF they can allow massive multiplayer games on it like Fortnite, COD and others.
If not for steamOS then I think for a living room PS6 unfortunately will be the only solid choice
Re: Xbox Could Still Lose Money On Series X|S Console Sales Despite Price Hike, Sources Claim
@BacklogBrad I think the good balance is SteamOS. I definitely dont want window PC experience in its current state in the living room.
Steam machine is good but underpowered and overpriced.
If Valve solves the anti-cheat problem and partners with someone like Lenovo to build a PS6-level 3rd party steam machine - I will be in.
I am curious to see what Helix does but have a lot of doubts.
PS6 could be an option because at the bare minimum the experience will be great and it will support majority of games coming out these days.
Re: Xbox Announces Big List Of Games And Broadcast Schedule For Gamescom 2026
@Fiendish-Beaver the name is ridiculously generic. I cant count how many times I called it "dawn of bloodwalker" haha.
It indeed looks amazing although I have concerns on the polish level day 1...
Re: It Sure Sounds Like Xbox 360 Games Are Coming To Backwards Compatibility On PC
@PsBoxSwitchOwner the problem I have with PS6 is its losing 2 biggest advantages of consoles: low price and disc support.
Ps6 is rumoured to not be subsidized and we already have confirmation of no discs.
This makes PS6 a weird locked PC where the only benefits are access to your Ps library and plug/play experience. The latter is solved by Valve already (they just need to add anti-cheat support for MP games) and is also being actively worked on by Ms.
Re: It Sure Sounds Like Xbox 360 Games Are Coming To Backwards Compatibility On PC
@PsBoxSwitchOwner pretty sure its going to be same logic as steam machine - priced comparatively to other pre-builts on markets of same form factor and specs.
Price matters when its below 700 maybe 800, above that its de-facto an enthusiast device - which supposedly the case for both ps6 and helix.
If helix is priced fair to its specs and more powerful than ps6, it will cost more than ps6 which is fine.
Re: It Sure Sounds Like Xbox 360 Games Are Coming To Backwards Compatibility On PC
@PsBoxSwitchOwner to be honest PS6 starts to make less and less sense. Apparently sony just wants to take whales from ps5 and lock them in. And I highly doubt we will see PS6 only (no ps5) exclusives.
This makes a strong case for ps5 + PC/Helix/Steamos PC next gen.
Valve needs to solve anticheat issue and partner with Lenovo and likes for a more powerfull next gen machine.
MS is very active with improving xbox mode, backward compat and stuff.
There is a competition on PC market but Sony will have no competition at all in their niche
Re: Xbox Game Pass Essential: Full List Of Games (July 2026 Update)
What a poor selection. Rather have 2 more or less decent games every month like ps plus and like gold back in a day.
The only reason it exists to remove gold and inflate GP numbers.
This is not Game pass at all. Hope this tier will be removed on Helix
Re: Talking Point: How Much Noise Do Your Xbox Consoles Make After All These Years?
Series X is the best engineered console ever made. PS5 PRO is not even close
Re: Xbox Announces Backwards Compatibility For PC, First Four Games Revealed
@betterthings the problem I have is I dont want DIY SteamOS PC. If Valve partners with Lenovo and likes and they produce a pre-built PC in a small box with HDMI-CEC and stuff and it will be more powerful than steam machine (ideally on par with PS6) - then I will seriosuly consider them. There is no such problem with PC handhelds, so I can convert my rog ally into steamOs (which I already tried and it was solid experience).
For now steam machine is too expensive and performs worse than SX/PS5 so next gen if you dont want to be locked in PSN forever, your only real choice for living room streamlined gaming is Helix. I am confident that Helix will support bare minimum like xbox controller, CEC and will be fully operational with a controller, but probably will be laggy and carryover all the PC fuff with it.
Another issue with SteamOS is anti-cheat games like COD and GTA 6.
If Valve introduces the anti-cheat and then partners with 3rd party for a more powerful "Lenovo Steam machine" - I am in and will ditch everything MS in a heartbeat.
Re: Review: Halo: Campaign Evolved (Xbox) - A Stunning Remake That Becomes The Definitive Master Chief Campaign
@Fiendish-Beaver the game does not have a multiplayer thats why its $50 and its called “campaign evolved” - kinda weird to mark it down based on absence of MP.
I think its a very solid remake that should be high 80s - 87 min or so. Unfortunately because its 81 on meta many people will skip it as somehow anything below 85 considered mediocre by many nowadays…
Re: Halo Support 'Investigating' Issues With Premium Upgrade For Campaign Evolved
Dont even feel sad for those who pre-ordered the deluxe edition. You are paying more to be beta-testers so there you go. If you cant fight FOMO and wait several days for an official release and extra hot-fix its your problem
Re: Halo: Campaign Evolved Comparison Shows Difference Between Xbox Series X And Series S
I hope series s parity requirement is dropped in 2027-2028 with a Helix release. Series X can stay as a baseline for next gen, but please no series s
Re: Review: Halo: Campaign Evolved (Xbox) - A Stunning Remake That Becomes The Definitive Master Chief Campaign
81 on meta seems low. Even push gave it 9/10
Re: Review: Halo: Campaign Evolved (Xbox) - A Stunning Remake That Becomes The Definitive Master Chief Campaign
@Fiendish-Beaver with remakes/remasters there is never a clean rule. Some judge the game as if it would come out this year and then mark down if it feels dated. Others just judge the quality of the remaster.
Original is 97 so seeing 81 is kinda low if I am honest
Re: Xbox Announces Backwards Compatibility For PC, First Four Games Revealed
@Jenkinss its not useless because its a PC.
Re: Xbox Announces Backwards Compatibility For PC, First Four Games Revealed
@Katiecooh2313 anything ps3 is streaming only tho. and gatekept after the most expensive sub. MS did it better
Re: Xbox Achieves Its Biggest Month For US Console Sales In 2026 So Far
@MrStark series s/x is likely the last xbox console. Helix is a pc hybrid. but good news is current gen will live 5-7+ years easily with the crazy costs of next gen.
Re: Xbox Achieves Its Biggest Month For US Console Sales In 2026 So Far
Great news but I am sure sales will drop after aug 1
Re: Microsoft Is Officially Bringing Achievements To 'Select' Original Xbox Games
@betterthings notice how we hear 0 rumours about Helix having its own OS and how active is xbox mode on PC. So I am 80% certain thats the way to go.
The only benefit will be I think absence of 3rd party stuff like Asus armory crate. Maybe there will be extra optimization similar to steam deck (aka optimized for Helix).
But they need to do so much to make this mode feel like a console that I am unsure its happening prior to Helix launch.
Re: Xbox Announces Backwards Compatibility For PC, First Four Games Revealed
@BaldB3lper78 well xbox series and ps5 will be valid for a long while maybe for an entirety of next gen. So the current xbox series will be there anyways. As for gen after that yeah probably just PC but too early to tell if its bad or not.
A lot of questions for PS7 too, as PS6 will be very controversial due to high price, likely cross-gen exclusives mostly, no disc drive, etc
Re: Xbox Announces Backwards Compatibility For PC, First Four Games Revealed
@Sindayl I would take 4k60 patch on the nsane trilogy and spyro trilogy from xbox one instead.
Re: Xbox Announces Backwards Compatibility For PC, First Four Games Revealed
@betterthings that was my suspicion since xbox rog ally launch. I became more convinced after xbox mode was released on all windows PC earlier this year. Today's news confirming it further - basically xbox one/series X were alrady on the PC architecture so it should be easier to enable your library (although they have not done it yet), but the 360/original was the question mark.
The problem is I would not want a windows PC with xbox mode the way its done today as my primary setup so I hope Helix does not a step by a leap further
Re: Xbox Announces Backwards Compatibility For PC, First Four Games Revealed
@Banjo- people make a point that investing in xbox ecosystem is risky because they can quit consoles and you will be stuck with it. While this possible, it does not apply to xbox play anywhere - this is the most pro-consumer program I have ever seen - pay once, get licence for xbox series s&x/PC/xcloud and sometimes xbox one.
Its literally a no-brainer now if I see XPA game...
Re: 80+ Ubisoft Games Have Suddenly Been Added To The Xbox Store On PC
so will it launch the ubi connect on the side? what's the point then. ideally to bypass all these launchers as they work bad on ally
Re: Xbox CCO Says Not To 'Overly Fixate' On All Single-Player Games Being Exclusives
@Fiendish-Beaver there is no industry-wide definition of live service.
Following google definition ("incentives to continue playing, atop a promise of free content drops on a regular cadence") that you found, any game with post-launch content is a live service. Doom dark ages got new modes followed it launch and now dlc - so it got support with both free and paid content after launch for more than a year after release.
Cyberpunk 2077 was getting active updates for like 5 years. Even astrobot got free levels every month or so after release lol. are all 3 LS then?
Jokes aside, I think we can distinguish single player and fully multiplayer LS (such as Helldivers 2). If a game has both components then its a weird spot in between - basically "has LS elements".
as for gears franchise - many people just played campaign and called it a day. I know multiplayer was a cultural thing in US and UK but not in Europe for example.
Re: Key New Xbox Employee Leaves After Three Months, But Reporter Argues It's A 'Non-Story'
@Fiendish-Beaver lets not fool ourselves - its the beginning of the great xbox exodus. Only gloom ahead. Next step is to cancel Helix and stop console production
Re: Reporter Claims Game Pass Is 'Absolutely Detested' By Some Xbox Studio Leaders
@Fiendish-Beaver @IllusiveMan either day 1 gets nerfed one way or another or price goes up again but now still without COD. I dont see any other way.
I feel like drastically removing day 1 whatsover (basically scrapping GPU) will receive a big backlash from casuals that are majority anyways. While many people here are concerned about long-term health of the platform, I know that regular folks just dont think in these terms - they saw cheap GP with day 1 games - they got in, now if its nerfed significantly they can be out very quickly
Re: Reporter Claims Game Pass Is 'Absolutely Detested' By Some Xbox Studio Leaders
With xbox getting a price hike to $750 for white digital model, is steam machine really that bad? $300 difference is definitely a lot upfront but down the line with steam sales and no need for any sub sounds not bad. Also, it will play gears e-day and clockwork and any other xbox exclusvies.
additional benefit is seamless sync with any pc handheld/steam deck - essentially play anywhere for every game not just 2-3k that MS has currently.
Re: Reporter Claims Game Pass Is 'Absolutely Detested' By Some Xbox Studio Leaders
@FreasurePlanten I think Asha wanted a quick win. They removed COD that lost most money due to day 1 and that allowed a price drop.
But overall what I was trying to say - MS needs to make day 1 an expensive privelege. So next year GPU could go up to 35 while premium could stay at 15. They would be pushing people to either pay for games or to pay an expensive sub - expensive for casuals I mean but still valuable for diehards.
This approach allows them to not drop the day 1 promise.
We as fans can afford to forego day 1, but many casuals got into xbox speicifcally for GP and by extension its day 1 (otherwise they can go wth PS plus extra on PS5) => so MS cant really drop it completely. So pricing people out sounded not like the worst plan in my eyes if you think long-term - obviously in the moment it backfired a lot
Re: The Validity Of Consoles May Face A 'Real Test' Amid Rising Prices, Says Ex-Xbox Boss
Consoles arent going anywhere. I believe instead of a cross-gen PS5-PS6 we will just get continuation of PS5 mostly with PS6 being enthusiast device tied to PS5 anyways with some paid upgrades.
This gen most likely would be the longest and probably first to actually fully blur the lines between gens at all as I firmly believe PS6/Helix will be treated as PRO versions of current gen consoles. Netiher 3rd party publisher wants to publish only on ps6 omitting the ps5, nor Sony wants to publish SPider man 3 with 500M budget as a PS6 exclusive.
So you will get sackboy and ratchet level of exclusives on ps6 if lucky.
Plus there wont be GTA 7 in next 10 years or so. We are looking at easily 10-15 if not 20M of extra SX/pS5 sold just over the course of this and next year ONLY due to GTA.
Re: The Validity Of Consoles May Face A 'Real Test' Amid Rising Prices, Says Ex-Xbox Boss
It baffles me how for more than 13 years (since Sony bought gaikai) I have been hearing about mighty cloud and streaming but reality is almost NONE plays like that. It has latency issues, server issues, access to games issues, etc etc
Yes technology improved but its very far from native hardware gaming.
Regarding the future of consoles, I think we are looking at the last traditional generation - PS5 and SX (and maybe SS). If you think prices will go down after AI Bubbles bursts - do not fool yourselves. Not only we dont know when (if) it bursts, none of these greedy corprs will drop prices as there will be people paying those $1k tag for a console. Moreover, next gen is designed in mind of such player.
Remember how Sarah said "premium" experience for Helix? Yes same is reportedly now for PS6. If true this means current gen basically will stay for another decade because most of the content is multiplat now. You an sell Helix/PS6 to whales but you also can release a COD 2032 on PS5/SX for a 150M combined auidence vs only on 40M Helix/PS6.
Re: Reporter Claims Game Pass Is 'Absolutely Detested' By Some Xbox Studio Leaders
Hot take : GPU at 30 made sense. First of all, no half measures - COD is there and it means any other game is there. It has all subs/collabs/etc. People who actually play enough games still extract value from GPU even at 30 its equivalent of 4 full price games per year and GP had more than 8 or so (between 1st party and partners) in the past 3 years.
Secondly, sure many casuals, who were ok with $20 but 30 was a lot, unsubbed as we have seen but it could been offset by whoever stayed because revenue per user is increased. Also likely the price point was designed for GPU to break-even. Whoever unsubbed likely went with GP premium or core that were profitable for MS. So all 3 (+PC) tiers were likely profitable or break-even at worst.
Basically they were shifting audience from GPU to mid-tier premium, getting more sales from folks on premium AND getting enough monthly revenue from those on GPU. Motto is either sub for mid-tier and buy games or if you want day 1 be ready to pay a high premium for that.
They could go further of keeping the price of GP premium while increasing GPU price as necessary down the road making it a "hardcore fan" tier for those who play all 1st party games and overall plays a lot and specifically in GP.
MS went with short-win instead with $23 for GPU which is not bad. However, the problem is not fully resolved. Now fully removing day 1 (and likely GPU tier as it is) is a risky move now. Keeping it as is also sounds like a problem with these back-to-exclusives strategy
Re: Reporter Claims Game Pass Is 'Absolutely Detested' By Some Xbox Studio Leaders
The problem is many people got into xbox consoles this gen (or stayed with xbox) because of GPU. This was evidenced by a very high attach rate of GP to consoles with only small % in cloud/PC.
Day 1 is why GP stood out and became a force to be reckoned with.
Now as a fan I would say scrap it but millions of casuals who rely on GP wont like it for sure.
Re: Xbox CCO Says Not To 'Overly Fixate' On All Single-Player Games Being Exclusives
@awp69 I feel like he just repeats after his higher ups and is always vague on topics he did not discuss with those higher-ups…
Re: Xbox CCO Says Not To 'Overly Fixate' On All Single-Player Games Being Exclusives
I think next gen, 1st important decision for gamers will be choosing between more closed system (PS6) vs more open (Helix or PC) and exclusives will be secondary. This is due to the price first and the whole digital content ownership/leasing.
We will have more competition on PC market which will push SteamOS to add anti-cheat support and become mainstream while Windows will be trying to catch up in terms of improving xbox mode experience on PC.
That said it seems like if you are ok with paying for PS plus sub and buying games at their MSRP, PS6 could be a more polished and convenient experience.
Re: Xbox CCO Says Not To 'Overly Fixate' On All Single-Player Games Being Exclusives
I think its important to have some exclusives going forward but seems like we are never getting and exact rule from xbox unfortunately.
Good news is due to high pricing of next gen we are likely to see cross-gen exclusives so it maybe even make sense for ps5+sx rather than a next gen console
Re: DOOM Director Elaborates On The State Of The Studio Going Forward
@betterthings of course we are talking financials here. I am super interested in xbox making money otherwise they gonna spin off the whole thing or shut it down.
3% margin - they could ve put money in tbills lol and do nothing.
And that would be bad for industry first of all. We already has very strong player sony that is nearing monopoly in its niche. How everyone liked them this gen btw? They sell more boxes but they suck and becoming super anti consumer and more controlling.
MS needs to find a sustainable way. Most gaming cost is marketing and g&a - cutting or reducing headcount in studious is a needed move. Again I want to mention that I dont like it! But it needs to happen. Asha is doing everything right. People dont realise but xbox is in crisis right now - drastic measures needs to happen…