I think I've used it twice. It's a nice feature to quickly demo a game on game pass, but that's about it.

@NishimaruX

I hear you, but I've been strictly digital for a long time. I still have my practically mint condition 3DS XL (along with everything included in the box) loaded with every game I've ever purchased. Same goes for my Switch 1&2, Xbox & Steam. I just add games to my wishlist and when I'm in the mood to try something new, if it's on sale for minimally 50% off, I might consider it. If it's 75% to 90%, I'll probably buy it, just to have it (though I'm slowing down in that capacity, because gaming in general, has become unoriginal, redundant and to be frank, uninspiring).

For me, I remember when my decision to go full digital was solidified, through the course of a couple of seasonal sales on Steam. At the time, I was able to purchase the entire THQ catalog for around $15. That was for 20 to 30 games. I still have access to those games today...even though I haven't played them in well over a decade.

I also used to work video game retail for a company called Funcoland (now Gamestop). I've never seen a deal like I mentioned above at a brick and mortar used retailer.

I also worked for a private, used video game retailer called Just Press Play. I would wheel & deal all day long, buying and selling video games at the market, without the constraints of a national corporation.

Those two experiences taught me a lot about supply and demand, pricing and negotiating. But even then, yeah, I might be able to find a used copy of a game and get a really great deal on it...but in all honesty, I don't want to accumulate all of that clutter; which can easily be lost as a result of a fire or water loss...whereas digital...even if my console was destroyed...all I would have to do, is buy a new console and re-download everything. Which, knock on wood, has never happened in my 40+ years of gaming.

Regarding buying keys online? I don't like taking the risk, as it could be a scam; though I have a couple a friends that do it and swear by it.

@GuyinPA75

I only buy my games on sale and really avoid trying to pay full price. And to be honest, I think I'm growing out of video games altogether.

And to your point about the price increase, you're right, if these companies can get away with it, they will. I mean, the price of construction materials shot up during covid because of supply chain issues. But even after covid was done & over and the supply chains were re-established; the prices never really went back down to where they were prior to covid. I have a feeling that it's going to be the exact same thing with the wars going on in the middle east and the "ram shortage".

@Scrubchub
You're right, I did come across as a punk. But in all fairness, I'm just really tired of people constantly chiming in, on how if there isn't a physical release, they're not going to purchase the game...so I just thought I'd pay devils advocate with a 'lil 'tude. Please forgive me.

I went 100% digital as soon as I could, on both PC and Xbox 360. It just doesn't make sense holding on to all that physical media....If I had kept all of those NES, Snes, Genesis, N64, PA and Xbox Games...it would take up an entire room.

But here's the thing, I grew up fast and no longer had the 'need' to surround myself with video games, action figures and all of that childish nonsense. So I sold it and went digital. The serveral times I've moved since then, all I had to do was put a console in a box. Simple. And now I have digital versions of those games and guess what? They take up ZERO space.

On the flip side, I knew some weird guy that still had all of his childish possessions in a room on display like a doll collection. Kicker is, he lost it all in a fire. I also met a guy who kept it all in his basement and lost it all to a flood.

And as far as I'm aware, I still own every single digital purchase I've even made.

When I hear the term rogue-like; what I immediately think is: the developer isn't very original; all they could come up with is an afternoon's worth of gameplay with an extremely difficult gameplay loop thrown on top.

For the simple fact that they want you playing that afternoon's worth of content for months so there game demo can now be called a 'game'.

I'm so tired of the gaming culture; everything comes across as an existential crisis. I've been gaming for about 40 years now and guess what....I went digital a long time ago and still have access to every single one of those games. Plus, you're going to grow up one day and odds are, your video games collection is going to come across as very immature.

Love it. Been playing since DooM's original release back in the 90's and used participated in the mod/level design community. Haven't been pleased with the series since they stepped away from traditional deathmatch, but Dark Age is a step in the right direction.

Also the talk of the expansion possibly adding metroidvania like mechanics....in my mind, could replace DooM 3 as the spiritual successor to DooM II as how the series should evolve. All that's missing is deathmatch.

I used to pay $19.99 for the Ultimate tier. When the price hiked to $29.99, I realized I wasn't actually using Game Pass for the library of titles (since I prefer buying my games on sale), but strictly for online multiplayer access.

​As a result, I downgraded to the Essential tier with no intention of ever upgrading again. Given the current corporate climate, I’m willing to bet their next move will be finding a way to charge me more for the exact same features I’m using now.

Sorry for being a grouch but, aside from VICE's review, the others read like word salad click bait articles. Maybe it's just me, but reviewers now a days come across as critics that like the smell of their own brand and it takes a short story before they actually get to the point.

That being said, I've always appreciated reviews from Pure Xbox & Nintendo Life, but recently, it seems like instead of writing their own reviews, they just report what others have written. What's up with that?!

I would consider myself a devoted fan; seeing as I've been using Microsoft products since MS DOS and the first Xbox.

One of my major concerns is the implementation of AI, especially when when no one's asking for it.

Just recently, I bought a high-end smart TV, that includes voice operated AI. At first, I thought it would be a nice feature to have, but after a couple weeks I have to say, I'm far from impressed.

Regardless of what I ask the TV to do, it almost always gets it wrong; whether it's changing inputs or channels, adjusting settings or simply asking for additional info about whatever is on screen. It gets it wrong 99% of the time, to the point that it's much faster and accurate to do it myself, while eliminating my having to repeat myself over and over again, because the AI fails to comprehend.

In my humble opinion, all Microsoft/Xbox has to do, is keep their consoles optimized, customizable and bare bones (no bloatware). Features like AI should be seen as an addon/optional feature and not shoved in our faces like it's a selling point.

I'm optimistic...but I wonder, when they say going back to their roots...does that include a new version of the game genie that's built into the console? Now that would be awesome.

If only they would implement some sort of of extreme racing that takes place during the night on the highways of Tokyo, where you flash your headlights to initiate a race with other players....just like Tokyo Extreme Racer!

I buy what I like, if I can afford it. I have no console bias and personally, I don't care for this consumer speculation. It serves no other purpose than taking the fun out of gaming.

Why do I get the feeling that this article is meant to upset me? Am I really supposed to have an opinion on everything?

No thanks. All I'm looking for is handheld dedicated to playing console games.

I'm looking for a dedicated gaming device, not a handheld PC. If you ask me, this is born to fail. It's also the reason the Nintendo switch outsells the Steam Deck.

This reminds me of that alarm clock 'game' that keeps showing up under new releases in the Nintendo Switch store.

I wonder if new purchases through Movies Anywhere will still be added to my library.

Over thinking won't change anything.

I want to see them bring back Project Gotham. Kudos, if they do.

Life long gamer here. Built my own PC's, modded consoles, and owned every single console out there, at one time or another.

Currently, I'm done with PC gaming, as I'm tired of having to spend thousands of dollars to keep my PC on the cutting edge. I'm tired of configuring, overheating and crashing.

For this reason, I own an Xbox Series X and a Nintendo Switch. The switch is for Nintendo's polished, pick up and go sorta games and my Xbox is for the PC equivalent of high end graphics with optimal FPS.

I will be buying a Switch 2. I will not be buying a handheld Windows PC, disguised as a console. What Microsoft is doing...it's a bad move. If they're not going to release a dedicated handheld console, they shouldn't release one at all.

Can you run AND jump at the same time in the remaster?

@Valhura Yes, just like I still remember how to beat the first Super Mario Bro's.

It's not really a shadow drop if everyone's been talking about for weeks, now is it?

Either way, I may pick it up, but I'm too the point, as an older gamer, where I'm getting tired of playing the same games over and over again (on all platforms).

It kind of reminds me of the movie scene in the early 2000's, where everything was a reboot of something done 10 - 20 years early. It's great for the younger audience, but a real turn off for the fans that want to see something new.

@Medic_alert I don't have time to leave a thoughtful, well constructed point, so I'll just say this. Sony manufactures all sorts of electronics, not just video games. Nintendo makes toys, playing card and collectibles, so if the argument against Microsoft's decision is that they're spread too thin...

If it's exclusives, well for me, I don't care about a the handful of games on Nintendo and Sony's platforms...I'd much rather have a console with the largest library AND the ability to play anywhere. It's for this very reason that I own Switch and an Xbox.

@FraserG Sorry, you're right. I guess I just half expect to see the comment section filled with hundreds of short sighted reactions again. That's usually what I've seen in the past, with headlines similar to this one.

Not sure why pure Xbox tries so hard, to keep a certain, small town, small mind perspective alive, where playing a game on any console, anywhere, is a bad thing...

But yeah, keep catering to the fear of the children that can only afford to buy one console...

@donv2135 Exactly. Getting all worked up over rumors is pointless and whether people like it or not, Microsoft's Xbox is here to stay.

I don't see the problem with playing games on your console and then with cloud saves, being able to pick up and play on a mobile device. Unlike Sony, Nintendo and Steam, Microsoft already has the hardware and the infrastructure to make it happen.

@themightyant That may be true, but anyone can make up a rumor. And in all honesty, the rumor sounds like it was created by some kid that doesn't know any better and likes to play console wars.

It's short sighted and lacks any sort of logic. It's like saying Nintendo or Playstation are going to move away from consoles, into cloud gaming...which doesn't sound like a very good business strategy for any company in the market of selling consoles..

In regard to the first two posts here, why does this keep coming up?

It's as if the video game media keeps making up their own stories, just for the headline...aka, click bait.

If none of this happens, what would be the point of this article? Pretending to be busy?

Who cares? Microsoft is going to do just fine, because after all, most, if not all games are developed on their operating systems. Despite all of the haters and amateur opinionaters out there, Microsoft is in it for the long haul.

Sony on the other hand...has the long term disadvantage.

But hey, if tracking sales day to day, playing corporate exec is your thing, do you!

Trust me, if the games are good enough, you'll see them again. Hoarding, for the sake of hoarding...it's mental.

Looks like all the crying about console exclusives a couple months ago, was for nothing.

This is good news, but seriously, 50 negative comments in a row. Can nothing please you people?

Seriously. I heard a joke the other day and it made me think of the gamers now a days, "You play fantasy football and what, you think that makes you the general manager of a professional team"?

@HonestHick I've been playing ID's games since Wolfenstien 3D on DOS. I love Quake & DooM equally. So much, I used to design and share levels for them and hosted a server specifically for multiplayer. I was also a part of the DooM Legacy community, which once ID released the source code, a couple of fans modified the engine, so you could look up & down and jump. Used to have a blast rocket jumping so I could rain down punishment on my opponents.

I miss the good old days of run and gun death match. And yeah, to date, Quake III Arena was my favorite multiplayer. I've even considered buying the 360 version..and according to some of the recent reviews, the servers are still active, but no one's playing.

I can't wait to play it again. Like the first time, I'll probably binge it until completion.

@HonestHick I'm all about Quake & DooM and hope they bring back the old multiplayer modes because I'm not a fan of the new mode they introduced in Eternal.

"Nothing lasts forever." "When one for closes, another opens."

Why has the video game industry turned into a bunch of melodramatic crybabies? It's been a real turn off lately...to the point, I no longer want to have any part in the culture. From gamers crying about woke and censorship, to their entitled opinions about every little thing. It's like people are addicted to sharing their opinions on social media.

Good riddance to all of it.

@PeteW Not that I'd recommend it, but I have a simple wireless Logitech mouse and keyboard (M185 & K270 (not for gaming)) that works.

I'm guessing any name brands that are plug and play for windows and don't require special software, should work with your Xbox.

This is my all time favorite puzzle platformer. It's so good, that when I bought it, I beat it in one sitting while my girlfriend watched and cheered!

I'm buying this without hesitation, even though I have the 360 version currently installed on my XBOX Series X. This is a game worth owning twice.

This is my new favorite game. Regardless of some of the technical shortcomings(that I'm sure they'll iron out), I haven't been this excited to play a game in decades.

This story again? Where's Microsoft's official press release on the matter? "What's that? There isn't one"?

Nope, like always, "I got nothing better to do than run my mouth for clicks" fanboy speculation. If any of you were alive back when Sega Dreamcast flopped, you'd realize that Microsoft has nothing in common.

But nonetheless, some of you love to act like old grumpy people..."feeling good, when others are down"... so, enjoy yourselves, with your childish speculation. But hey, maybe you'll be right in 70 years, after the world government collapses! Keep dreaming!

Some of you aren't even answering the poll, but rather read like you're projecting you're fanboyism and secret desire for one console to "win" and the other to "lose". It's almost as of you have zero ideas of what gaming is really about. So cringe.

@rustyduck Have you tried the new DooM? The online multiplayer stinks and is nothing like what the series was known for...but the solo experience...once you get the new chainsaw, flamethrower rotation down (to keep your health/armor/ammo filled); it's a fast paced 1st person shooter, with great graphics, gameplay and level design. I recommend you give it a try, if you haven't already.

It's funny, games are developed around computer hardware, not consoles. Emotion Engine, anyone?

Microsoft, an American company getting bad press and hatred from its American fans? Who would have thought?! *sarcasm

Microsoft is dominating in the operating system market. They have a powerful console that's the equivalent of a decent gaming rig. They have a huge infrastructure to support streaming, downloads and cloud saves. What's the benefit?

They're going to offer their games, so they can be played on PC's, consoles and eventually handheld devices. So you can intensely play a game on your gaming PC, then sit down in your living room, with your FAMILY and play casually. And eventually take it on the go. One game, one save on all of those devices. That's where this is going. Nintendo and Sony will never offer that.

Currently, I own Halo the Master Cheif Edition and guess what? I bought it for my pc AND I can play in on my Xbox. That's going to be Microsoft's advantage. I wouldn't be surprised if Steam and Microsoft eventually team up and blow Nintendo and Sony into the permanent 3rd party software realm.

Wow, looks like there's a whole new generation of conspiracy theorists coming up in the world!