WC/Jez: Microsoft's ambitious new Xbox: Your entire Xbox console library, the full power of Windows PC gaming, and no multiplayer paywall
- Thread starter RetroGamingUK
- Start date
Fbh
Member
It really depends on the price, performance and features.
My problem with this concept is that if the entire design is based around a specific AMD chip then it's likely it won't be upgradeable, which makes it less appealing than just a normal pre built PC IMO.
At that point the only thing that could make this concept compelling is a really competitive price that gives you way better performance than a similarly priced pre build PC. But if they are just going to let you buy games on steam and won't charge for multiplayer I don't see them going with a low profit margin approach like a traditional console.
My problem with this concept is that if the entire design is based around a specific AMD chip then it's likely it won't be upgradeable, which makes it less appealing than just a normal pre built PC IMO.
At that point the only thing that could make this concept compelling is a really competitive price that gives you way better performance than a similarly priced pre build PC. But if they are just going to let you buy games on steam and won't charge for multiplayer I don't see them going with a low profit margin approach like a traditional console.
Punished Miku
Gaslighter Pro: 16.7 Fireflops
It would only be multiplayer paywall for BC games so it's a bit pointless. People would just buy all future multiplayer games on Steam so they might as well drop it across the board.
ChorizoPicozo
Member
The current timeline is making the release of this… thing not only DOA, but such a "why even bother?":
by the time this comes out, the Xbox brand and division will have gone through about 3 more rounds of layoffs, game cancellations/ delays, and even more internal bullshit; not just a dead brand, but the most hated one in gaming, hatred only compared by the one windows gets on a daily basis.
So even if theoretically the margins improve a little bit (no way they will hit 30%) gaming will still be such a pain in the ass for MS that my bet is they will pull out of gaming entirely before this thing even comes out.
by the time this comes out, the Xbox brand and division will have gone through about 3 more rounds of layoffs, game cancellations/ delays, and even more internal bullshit; not just a dead brand, but the most hated one in gaming, hatred only compared by the one windows gets on a daily basis.
So even if theoretically the margins improve a little bit (no way they will hit 30%) gaming will still be such a pain in the ass for MS that my bet is they will pull out of gaming entirely before this thing even comes out.
DenchDeckard
Moderated wildly
This doesnt really make sense, or are you implying that the PS6 with a native released PS6 port of GTA VI is going to be released before the PC version of GTA VI?
Radical_3d
Member
Is it that weird?
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crackajack
Member
since Xbox 360 is Power PC, it can't be native on x86. And if it would be Power PC again than it could not be native to x86.
That there is a BC to 360 at all in One and current XBox is impressive work I guess.
No MP fee would be kinda funny, since it would again be another 180 from them.
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Kacho
Gold Member
I doubt it. I suspect the device will appeal to a fraction of their current console audience. I'm theoretically in because I have a huge library I don't want to lose access to, but I'm not exactly enthused about what they're doing.
Also, it's looking like Valve will beat Microsoft to the punch with a living room PC/console box. I fully expect Microsoft to lose that race just like they did with handhelds.
DenchDeckard
Moderated wildly
What? RDR2 has been on PC for yeeeears and it smokes the console versions.
memoryman3
Member
I mean, if the PS6 is going to be as powerful as a 4080 I don't see how it's going to be cheap even with Sony subsidising. Might be one of the reasons why Microsoft is taking this route in the first place.
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Mr Moose
Member
Probably easy for them to bypass for BC.
YeulEmeralda
Linux User
So it's a PC not a console. Like what Valve tried to do and failed.
Topher
Identifies as young
So Jez is saying it is actually a PC that can play your console library.
HeisenbergFX4
has maintained that it is a full fledge console that will have PC store fronts available.
K
KeplerL2
has said full Xbox BC on a PC is not feasible.
Jez is saying "this is what we know". Do we though? What he is describing has been theorized over and over from various sources based on the tidbits of information given by the same people who would have you believe a standard handheld PC is actually an Xbox because they put the name on it.
Jez isn't exactly the most trustworthy source. That much we do know. But if he is somehow right here then this would be, imo, a compelling product. And a damn expensive one. The problem I see here is that Xbox BC was never something that was able to make a difference in consoles, why does Microsoft think it will somehow be a factor with a PC?
HeisenbergFX4
has maintained that it is a full fledge console that will have PC store fronts available.
K
KeplerL2
has said full Xbox BC on a PC is not feasible.Jez is saying "this is what we know". Do we though? What he is describing has been theorized over and over from various sources based on the tidbits of information given by the same people who would have you believe a standard handheld PC is actually an Xbox because they put the name on it.
Jez isn't exactly the most trustworthy source. That much we do know. But if he is somehow right here then this would be, imo, a compelling product. And a damn expensive one. The problem I see here is that Xbox BC was never something that was able to make a difference in consoles, why does Microsoft think it will somehow be a factor with a PC?
Tiago Rodrigues
Member
So it's not an Xbox...
RoboFu
One of the green rats
well no shit there. xbox one and series use emulation for 360 .we are talking one and series games.
Radical_3d
Member
My bad. Still, could happen if PS6 is very straight forward from PS5. But now I see it's more possible that you get GTA6 on Magnus before PS6 XDDD
Dr. Samuel Hayden
Member
lol
Hope it was worth it, Hermen
Sorcerer
Member
Valve may come out with a console, which will be great for gaming, but can you do your daily computing tasks on it? I think I saw one guy on Youtube who uses his Steam Deck in that way. Valve has said although you can switch to desktop mode in Steam OS, they don't actually recommend that you actually use that part of Steam OS. It's sort of just there because Steam OS is built on top of it.
For Valve to actually compete with actual Windows in anything but gaming would be a Herculean task. One I do not believe Valve is willing to undertake.
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DenchDeckard
Moderated wildly
Well, I think the confusing part is. Its actually going to be a console in hardware design but its going to be operated by a windows OS. I dont know if it works or not, but the last thing I am going to do is trust MS after recent events. I may buy one if its an awesome product but I need to see it in action and know a lot more before I commit.
Heisenberg007
Gold Journalism
So just a PC? lol.
RetroGamingUK
Member
Whichever specs they have, add about 30% to the price of this.
PS6 will use console business model.
This PC will use PC business model.
-A console-shaped box;
-with closed hardware to create a game optimization profile
-that lets you play the largest possible game catalog while maintaining genuine features (like BC with previous Xbox consoles, Quick Resume, etc.) and console services
-Very powerfull to play well for an entire generation and complete freedom...
-No pay for online (I find it hard to believe and I will only believe it when I see it)
Where to sign?
Until recently, whether a piece of hardware was an Xbox depended on whether it was manufactured directly by MS, whether you could play the game catalog from your previous consoles on that first-party hardware, your catalog of games purchased from XSeries, and play games in a console-like experience, with console features...
It's not that the discussion of whether it can be called a console or not is something that keeps me up at night like it is for others, but I certainly think what is described there more than meets the requirements that were required until recently.
-with closed hardware to create a game optimization profile
-that lets you play the largest possible game catalog while maintaining genuine features (like BC with previous Xbox consoles, Quick Resume, etc.) and console services
-Very powerfull to play well for an entire generation and complete freedom...
-No pay for online (I find it hard to believe and I will only believe it when I see it)
Where to sign?
Until recently, whether a piece of hardware was an Xbox depended on whether it was manufactured directly by MS, whether you could play the game catalog from your previous consoles on that first-party hardware, your catalog of games purchased from XSeries, and play games in a console-like experience, with console features...
It's not that the discussion of whether it can be called a console or not is something that keeps me up at night like it is for others, but I certainly think what is described there more than meets the requirements that were required until recently.
Topher
Identifies as young
Don't think the hardware will be subsidized. No closed ecosystem makes that difficult. That's why Sarah Bond is talking about how "premium" this thing is going to be. It will be expensive.
Kacho
Gold Member
It doesn't even matter. It's not a selling point. Those games came and went like any other games on Steam. There's nothing special about them. Console warriors (Tom Warren, Jez) keep mentioning it because they're retards.
lol
Hope it was worth it, Hermen
BlackTron
Member
The problem is that Xbox console games going forward are just PC/PS5/Switch games, and Xbox games going backward can be played on a used Series S which is enough power for the old library already.
If the thing is just going to become dated and need to be replaced, the price is too high. Same reason PS5 Pro isn't that interesting to me. At those numbers I want to be able to maintain it myself/change parts. I can get my slick console experience from all the more affordable consoles the PC gets surrounded with.
But at least PS5 Pro has a few exclusive games I want.
If the thing is just going to become dated and need to be replaced, the price is too high. Same reason PS5 Pro isn't that interesting to me. At those numbers I want to be able to maintain it myself/change parts. I can get my slick console experience from all the more affordable consoles the PC gets surrounded with.
But at least PS5 Pro has a few exclusive games I want.
DenchDeckard
Moderated wildly
But it is not a PC buy design. Thats what a lot of you guys seem to not be getting. Its literally Console designed hardware, that is clearly running a PC version of Windows. So, its going to be interesting to see how it sits in the market.
It is completely custom silicone, its not a PC.
DeltaPolarBear
Member
Xbox has to call the machine a console for 3rd party BC contract reasons. And as for WHY, it is the only thing that MS can add to the machine that differentiates it from regular PCs. What with it otherwise only running regular PC titles, the BC chip is the only marketable benefit.So Jez is saying it is actually a PC that can play your console library.
Jez is saying "this is what we know". Do we though? What he is describing has been theorized over and over from various sources based on the tidbits of information given by the same people who would have you believe a standard handheld PC is actually an Xbox because they put the name on it.
Jez isn't exactly the most trustworthy source. That much we do know. But if he is somehow right here then this would be, imo, a compelling product. And a damn expensive one. The problem I see here is that Xbox BC was never something that was able to make a difference in consoles, why does Microsoft think it will somehow be a factor with a PC?
Microsoft wants to save face. They lost the console war but didn't want to declare a loss, the hybrid device is how they exit quietly. And ironically Xbox is becoming the Windows gaming machine that Bill Gate asked them to build, all these years ago.
Mr Moose
Member
It's literally a PC. A PC is not a console.-A console-shaped box;
-with closed hardware to create a game optimization profile
-that lets you play the largest possible game catalog while maintaining genuine features (like BC with previous Xbox consoles, Quick Resume, etc.) and console services
-Very powerfull to play well for an entire generation and complete freedom...
-No pay for online (I find it hard to believe and I will only believe it when I see it)
Where to sign?
Until recently, whether a piece of hardware was an Xbox depended on whether it was manufactured directly by MS, whether you could play the game catalog from your previous consoles on that first-party hardware, your catalog of games purchased from XSeries, and play games in a console-like experience, with console features...
It's not that the discussion of whether it can be called a console or not is something that keeps me up at night like it is for others, but I certainly think what is described there more than meets the requirements that were required until recently.
PC doesn't pay for MP.
Don't tell me you believe their dog shit "This is an Xbox" ads?
RetroGamingUK
Member
Instead of paying for a multiplayer paywall you the cost will be transferred to the upfront hardware price, as per all Windows PCs.
Unlike Xbox consoles, this "Xbox" PC will have no subsidies, as per any other PC. 30% profit margin, remember?
The PC business model is the way it is due to multiple storefronts, this will use the PC business model
Unlike Xbox consoles, this "Xbox" PC will have no subsidies, as per any other PC. 30% profit margin, remember?
The PC business model is the way it is due to multiple storefronts, this will use the PC business model
Cakeboxer
Member
But it would have to be better. Otherwise, you might as well build something yourself with the components and look you want, or just buy any prebuilt PC. There would need to be a price advantage of at least €200 for me to even consider it.
mayham2199
Member
-A console-shaped box;
-with closed hardware to create a game optimization profile
-that lets you play the largest possible game catalog while maintaining genuine features (like BC with previous Xbox consoles, Quick Resume, etc.) and console services
-Very powerfull to play well for an entire generation and complete freedom...
-No pay for online (I find it hard to believe and I will only believe it when I see it)
Where to sign?
Until recently, whether a piece of hardware was an Xbox depended on whether it was manufactured directly by MS, whether you could play the game catalog from your previous consoles on that first-party hardware, your catalog of games purchased from XSeries, and play games in a console-like experience, with console features...
It's not that the discussion of whether it can be called a console or not is something that keeps me up at night like it is for others, but I certainly think what is described there more than meets the requirements that were required until recently.
I don't really think it matters what we call it one way or the other. I don't get the obsession over that conversation honestly.
Holammer
Member
It's still a console, current Xbox system software OS is Windows with small changes and a shell made for controllers. Only difference you can press a button or button combination and get on the desktop. Being able to install all manner of applications, as long as they are signed. That's too much freedom for you?
SteamOS is a bigger long term threat to Microsoft than Sony & Nintendo.
DenchDeckard
Moderated wildly
Its not a PC though. We have all the specs on it. Its a console in hardware, a PC in software. so its some weird hybrid monstrosity by the sounds of it.
RetroGamingUK
Member
For an example of what Jez is describing in the article, here's how the ROG Xbox Ally works...
Topher
Identifies as young
What the heck is a "PC version of Windows"? If I can go into Windows and do whatever I want with this thing then it is a PC. If they made it so we could wipe the OS on Xbox and install Windows then that becomes a PC.
Mr Moose
Member
Guess why? Hint: It's a PC.
Punished Miku
Gaslighter Pro: 16.7 Fireflops
It'll be a Super Series X that also has full Windows.
Only real question is if any parts of the hardware can be upgraded. I'm thinking no. Its a console (or fixed spec pre-built PC) that has full Windows, and thus only PC games. Semantics at the end of the day. Doesnt really matter.
HeisenbergFX4
Member
Jez doesn't know shit, haven't that been proven countless times?So Jez is saying it is actually a PC that can play your console library.
Jez is saying "this is what we know". Do we though? What he is describing has been theorized over and over from various sources based on the tidbits of information given by the same people who would have you believe a standard handheld PC is actually an Xbox because they put the name on it.
Jez isn't exactly the most trustworthy source. That much we do know. But if he is somehow right here then this would be, imo, a compelling product. And a damn expensive one. The problem I see here is that Xbox BC was never something that was able to make a difference in consoles, why does Microsoft think it will somehow be a factor with a PC?
DeltaPolarBear
Member
One has to wonder how the Xbox Chip works. Microsoft is counting on people buying the hardware just for that chip.
I can imagine in the future, diehard Xbox fans would surgically remove the chip and transplanting it into future PCs just to keep compatability, long after Microsoft had given up maintaining the ecosystem.
Topher
Identifies as young
I agree. That's the question I keep asking and even
HeisenbergFX4
has said he doesn't have the answer. 
Kacho
Gold Member
You could use the Steambox as a PC...
Linux will never be the dominate OS for daily computing tasks. But it will dominate dedicated PC gaming devices.
