@Fiendish-Beaver ah yeah thats a 100%. No one except Nintendo has the solid exclusives pipeline right now

@Fiendish-Beaver I dont think they will spend money on that because they already got impressive sales for ps5 and will get even more due to GTA hype.
At least I dont think it will be AAA project. Smaller ones - sure but MS does the same with games like subnautica 2

I think thats how MS can finally market the xbox - double down on BT, XPA, discs and game preservation. There is a decent market for that and they can lure some new players for sure.
Obviously exclusivity needs to be addressed as well ideally but not sure it will even happen

Not gonna lie, having disc and getting free digital licence + play anywhere (where possible) is probably peak pro-consumerism and game preservation: not only you have something tangible you also reap all rewards from digital copy and also its playable on any PC, series consoles (and likely Helix) and cloud (probably next gen it can be bigger).
just wow.

I will definitely support this and even buy discs even though I dont have them at all for xbox.

The only problem is of course limited XPA and disc-to-digital coverage.

Dont agree with selling off/cutting off all the studious but a 100% they need to make games faster. These 6-7 years development cycles are not needed and baloon the budgets too much as these extra 2 years of developemnt is a big hit on g&a

Its all coming to an end but xbox did not announce no discs for series consoles yet. So maybe life span will be longer for this gen and maybe optional disc drive for helix if we are lucky.

@Fiendish-Beaver I said it multiple times but I think instead of reinventing the wheel they could work in parallel: outsource these xbox-PC to ASUS and others and have a 3rd party gaming PC lineup booting to xbox mode on windows, while simultaneously release Helix or SX2 produced by themselves at a ps6 price point.

Dont they want to keep charging people for online and get 30% of all games sold thru xbox store? I dont understand this PC push AT ALL. The only reason I see is they just want to fully exit the consoles to save on R&D, production, logistics, etc - seems like this was Sarah's vision but its not Asha's vision now

@Fiendish-Beaver from what I know its been fully designed and costed a while ago. I dont think you can scale it back much espeically on the chipsets that are tied to long-term contracts. Sure they can cut a little here and there like get 24gb ram rather than 32 or so or what Sony did with 825gb ssd (cut from 1tb), maybe even controller sold separately - sure. But I dont think it will be the case of Helix being x1.5 weaker than planned or something like that.

@whmchrish not because of the price (rumored to be higher than ps6) and because so far it sounds to be working like a windows PC (that is opposite of a console experience).

@Fiendish-Beaver the thing is there is an enthusiast market and I understand who will buy ps6. With Helix, if it goes too far being a PC rather than console than even enthusiasts like us will skip it. It might fall into steam machine trap of being neither a proper PC nor the console. Whoever wanted a proper PC could get it at any time and starting from this year also to boot it into xbox mode. Whoever wants a console will be forced to go with PS6 and I am afraid it could be us lol

@Fiendish-Beaver "how they purchase their console" is key here and tells everything you need to know.

@Fiendish-Beaver I dont think they think in terms of competition with ps6 rather than keeping existing 30-40M audience as sure Helix will convert 5-10M but what about the rest?
I do agree that they might just say "here is the Helix but you dont need it" kinda thing and keep promoting series X.

However, its also weird if you are spending all this R&D and makreting money for years just so your hardware sells 3-5-10M max. WOuldnt be surprised if they beckpedal on all PC stuff on it.

I personally will be super dissapointed if they go asus rog ally way for Helix...

@Fiendish-Beaver also would it make sense to push for the return of a console, push so many changes with xbox OS to then just fully ditch it for a windows xbox app?

@Fiendish-Beaver I still dont believe they are willing to ditch 35-40M (by the time Helix launches) of users for the hypothetical 10M at best Helix.
Either Helix will be heavily subsidized and (that means running xbox OS to lock people in xbox console store) or maybe there will be another series X 2 separately and whole PC line up separate as well.

I wonder if they simply can somehow allow xbox app PC games on xbox OS and that would mean PC hybrid but still running xbox OS.

I just really hope they understand that xbox mode on windows no matter what they do is not the same as xbox console OS - not sure what would be the point of a windows gaming pc called helix aside from HDMI-cec.

@oopsiezz this will actually increase the cost to a consumer as ASUS and others cant subsidize. Helix wont be affordable, thats guaranteed and any 3rd party "xbox" will actually be even more expensive.
The only way to bring cost down for MS at this point is either subsidize more aggressively or postpone for years until component costs go down.

@Rimebreaker thats my thinking too. If all is true, there is more incentive to buy discs as you get benefits of both worlds. The only problem is its getting harder to find xbox discs to start with...

@FraserG sounds more like no disc drive in Helix sure, especially when all hate is absorbed by sony already so they will be just the ones following.
I do think optional disc drive could be a thing.

The problem is so far we dont know if Helix will feature xbox OS or will simply run the xbox mode off windows. If its basically a PC then probably no need for disc drive or it simply wont work in the same manner as of console

@Fiendish-Beaver I am very surpised because it basically sounds like they are giving you a digital copy of the game for free which makes discs now even more valuable. You can have your disc on the shelf but also reap benefits like play anywhere, not inserting discs, playing on several xboxes (like I do on 2 floors and thats why I only bought digitally).

@Gamecuber thats my understanding as well - you basically just getting a free digital copy as long as you dont trade in your physical game.
Which is kind of unexpectedly amazing I might say. I would even look for physical now as you are getting the best of both worlds.

@oopsiezz no sounds like more financing options, probably return of all access problem.
Xbox was costed and fully designed a while ago, so its too late to change anything.

I did not realize right away but basically you are getting a free digital copy of the physical game. THe thing is I have 2 xboxes and one of them is digital-only white X so discs did not make sense but now turns out I can use my black series X to secure the digital copy and then use it one white X.
Thats actually amazing and I will look for discs as well going forward.

I hope they can keep xbox OS in some form - I just dont want windows with xbox mode experience. And ideally the disc drive at least to be optional

I think I now understand what they gonna do - these are the keywords - "how they purchase their console".
Sounds like financing program or return of the "xbox all access" rather than cost being lowered.

No use case for me as I dont have any physical discs and been fully digital in last 7 years or so.
It is amazing pro-consumer move though.
I wonder if Sony follows

will probably get it on a PRO as my GPU lapses in feb 2027 anyways and I am not renewing it after that

@Fiendish-Beaver you are not loyal enough. Maybe after 2k hours in gears e-day in horde siege they will consider you have to pay for a mistake you did 17 years ago by changing the account.

One of the best games ever made and hits different in 2026 - such a unique game.
Now with better visuals and play anywhere for FREE - amazing job CD project

Sounds amazing. Cant wait!
This year my most anticipated games are gears eday and wolverine - definitely worth having both consoles haha

Not sure why would I play AAA big games on a small screen using low-mid settings at those insane prices.
I tend to spend more time with s2 than xrax because it has larger screen and OS runs flawlressly - ideal for those indies and fun games. Not sure why would I play big AAA on handheld that still cant handle it properly when you can get pc desktop or ps5/sx

300 for OLED was expected but still pricey. Will stick to xrax.

Overall, I cant recommend anyone a pc handhelds. Powerful ones now cost 1-2k and still struggle with AAA. Unless you specifically only play on pc handheld, it makes more sense to get ps5 pro/sx + switch 2 or budget pc handheld.

@cronogold nah gta 6 will sell alot on xbox as well. Take two are not into console warring anf they just want their buck - plus they did spend a lot of effort to optimize for series s.

Tbh There is hardly any impact of these leaks except from short term stock volatility.

Honestly its really hard to recommend xbox today at these prices:
1) Game pass? Hardly cheap at 23 and does anyone has a 100% certainty some big change wont happen with this sub in next months or year?
2) Starting price is higher than ps5. Series s pricing doesnt make any sense.
3) exclusives? 2 games so far and again no exact rule or commitment for long term
4) power? sX performs same as base ps5 because devs spend more time on optimization for ps5. Ps5 pro is now objectively most powerful console and given it 900 tag it seems like a better deal than sx at 800 because 100 for extra 1tb ssd and more power is pretty good deal.

Surely they are advantages like BC or quick resume but does it matter for a new casual player?

Dont get me wrong - I like my SX and I know why I have it as an enthusiast but when a friend asks me which one to pick for upcoming gta 6 (which happened to me last week) I just cant recommend xbox neither ss or sx unless you can find a good deal with open box or something

Its an interesting question whether 800 for a current gen console series x is worth it. Before you want to shout “absolutely not” we look at rumored next gen prices at 1200-1500 for ps6/helix which will play same games, then 800 for someone who doesnt own the console maybe still worth it.
Steam machine is weaker at 1050 and building a pc is more expensive than before, likely mid range costing closer to 2k now

Limited editions are more expensive which is a standard practice. Ps5 limited edition ps1 style was also more expensive.

@AI-Generation will it allow you to buy it though? I saw it on the canadian ms site at old price but when you try to purchase it results in an error

Will buy on sale. This news is a very big red flag that the game is undercooked and likely launching in a rough state. There is no excuse for the lack of 60fps - we have seen incredibly looking games running at 60fps.

@Fiendish-Beaver reportedly PS6 wont be subsidized either so I think 200-300 will be the max difference. Its still substantial but I dont think we are talking half the price difference.
I think enthusiast fanbase is more than 3M for xbox - good indication is series X console sales in first years over series s that attracted casuals only caring about price. I know difference is higher today but so the interest in anything PC as well.
Contrary to what you and me want, many people especially younger generation have high interest in PC and such pre-built PC in a nice mini case would be a very solid choice.
Obviosuly it wont solve in droves and I dont think it would even make sense to compare with PS6 given how different devices would be - it would be same as comparing S2 and PS5 now, which some people do but it doesnt make sense.

Where I dont agree with you at all is I dont believe MS ever pulls the plug on its hardware until everyone is fully comfortable with the cloud-only gaming meaning when cloud experience is indistinguishable from local hardware but it is very far in the future, at least couple of gens more.

That said, I think they will go Valve way of producing very limited quantities and basically you will need to haunt down Helix and its successors after several years of Helix in the market.
To be fair its already happening with xbox consoles in select markets such as Europe or Canada - you can get xbox series X if you want but you need to order it and wait or get it in a different region.

Nothing will happen. Surely they wasted money on this netflix deal, stock price will fall a little then rebound after all the hype starts again in november and after they will beat quarter after quarter in terms of financials

@Stoned_Patrol problem is such device will be essentially a windows PC with hdmi-cec as the only feature. And we have seen what happens with devices without unique features or content.

Id say they scrap the whole steam idea at all and install xbox OS console on Helix and subsidize the price.
People underestimate how quickly steam will eat MS on a PC market...just look at what games are available on xbox app pc and you will be very surprised of the poor selection it has vs steam and even vs its own xbox console store

@Fiendish-Beaver @oopsiezz next gen will show how big enthusiast market is. I dont think its more than 40M lifetime PS6 assuming cost wont go down thru the gen. Helix probably 10M.

Also seeing how slow was ps5/series adoption, it seems like as long as games are released on those systems people just wont upgrade. And if next gen sales are slow, then devs are dis-incentivised to abandon current systems. So we might be first time ever in a situation when generations are done per se and next gen is treated as PRO version. Thats all until components costs go down and industry figures itself out - specifically the infinitely-increasing budgets.
For example, I dont believe spider man 3 can come anytime in next 5 years as a PS6-exclusive (meaning no ps5 version).

At least with hardware manufacturers can just target fans - a see it with PC handheld market. Asus dont need to sell rog ally in droves. However, with games costing 200-500M they need to sell millions of copies which is not possible if casuals drop out of consoles. Or we will see a dramatic price increase in cost of base versions of games...

I'd like to be able to fully remove any ads and GP from the main dashboard although I dont think its ever happening. And would like to have the ability to pin folders right away, not after scrolling 3 screens of ads down.

What I know about next gen is that it will be first time when I won't be getting all 3 consoles. I just cant justify having both PS and xbox as they play same games and barely have exclusvies. S2 is unique and I already own it so its out of question.

This gen I main xbox series X. Next gen, if Helix runs regular windows with some layer on top - its not for me.
I noticed I started to spend more time with S2 rather than far more capable xbox rog ally x because experience is just miles better - you pick up, push a button and instantly play. No battle net off-sync issue, no 20s boot time with hiberantion or game crash with windows sleep mode, no any weird glitch or anything...
I realized that is simply not the experience I want regardless of the power or any features. Hence, unless Helix properly boots into designated xbox os, I have no interest in it.
Despite all the Sony backlash I might end up with PS6 next gen as a main platform.

I might be wrong but I dont remember such obsession with "next gen" during ps4/xbone era. We have been theorycrafting since 2023-2024 already and next gen is not even exciting. It is very exhausting and takes away the enjoyment of current very capable devices that we have - PS5 and SX.

Seems like a loophole to get more digital sales on the release. Probably going to be adopted by many

Resonance is a $70 anticipated AAA and its alone makes the month worth it.

Kudos to Coalition for trying to evolve the series and not just doing sony style “safe sequel”. Rather criticize the new decisions than play same game again with better graphics.
And much respect to Asha for making a tentpole franchise exclusive - at least I wont hear from folks how they are playing “best” vsrsion on PS5 PRO.
Overall having only one console on the market that is just superior is not good for the industry - they got very anticipated wolverine so at least we have something to look forward made for this community.

I have 2 xbox SX so I would be fine. Overall, I would buy another one but since I dont like second hand I would do refurbished.

If it would break after ps6/helix are announced and lets say 3-6 months before release I would wait it out.

Currently I am on the fence next gen - either I would have helix + SX or ps6 + ps5 pro. I game on 2 floors so I always need my main ecocystem to have 2 devices.
Not feeling the pc handhelds recently and been using my s2 surprisingly more than rog ally x. Would probably sell it or keep as a desktop pc mostly

@Fiendish-Beaver just so we clear - if I did not commit years and thousands hours into the game my opinion does not matter and I am not a real fan?
What if someone only plays campaign?

Seems like you just want 99% of players to be like this 1% ultra hardcore auddience you are proud to be part of…

@Fiendish-Beaver I think if new mode fails they can always port old horde mode and then build upon this.
I am just not sure why are we burowing game so fast. I did not also see a big negative feedback on it - many liked the new modes and new feel of the game.
Also if the game fails it does not mean MS will kill the franchise. Look at 343 and halo infinite for example - it kind of failed and yet they are doing remakes and new games. I feel like half of your fears wont materialize lol