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[viveks86]

But with them removing the multiplayer paywall, I'll assume the price of GP will go up again to $35 a month. Or PC GamePass, becomes GP Ultimate and becomes $30 a month too and there isn't anymore seperating PC Gamepass and GP Ultimate.

If this is the route they are going, PC gamepass will be sunset next gen.

But what happens to OEM built Xbox PCs that have no BC? Will gamepass show a partial list of games in their catalog?

 

[nial]

So basically the Ally X experience (improved over the next couple of years), but with BC?

Sounds to me that there won't be an Xbox console-specific game SKU next gen. The only difference between an Xbox console and OEM-built Xbox PC is going to be backwards compatibility.

nial if this is true, then this is indeed a "console" just in form factor and user experience.

Well, I can definitely not understimate Microsoft's idiocy. They went for the absolute worst route here.
BC is nice, I guess? But you're much better off with just buying an used or heavily discounted Series X down the line.

 

[Kazekage1981]

While this establishes Backwards compatibility for xbox consoles, it still leaves a lot of questions for NEXT-GENERATION:

1. Will NEXT-GEN games utilize the magnus APU and will it be a xbox CONSOLE game or PC game?
2. If the NEXT-GEN game is a xbox console game, is it limited to the magnus APU or can it run on NVIDIA hardware? (Granted that if its a PC game, then this question doesnt apply)
3. If the NEXT-GEN game is a PC game, will it have a console like gaming experience? Meaning instant loading, Xbox UI, instant resume?
4. Will the OS be a bloat, significantly hogging the RAM footprint, making less RAM available for games?
5. How will you be able to run next-generation games on future next-next generation hardware?

 

[lughnasadh123]

"The power of the spun in the palm of my hand"

 

[ByWatterson]

I'm gonna spend the next two years criticizing it and then I'm gonna buy one.

 

[mckmas8808]

You're just not getting that this stuff is better than nothing. Nothing is the alternative. Sega went from Dreamcast, to nothing but 3rd party sales. MS is going from Xbox Series, to PC store, boutique hardware, GP, and 3rd party sales, and cloud / firestick / TVs. They will just have to work it out. Not sure what you're not understanding.

I get the bolded. I'm trying to understand from "Microsoft's stand point" how this aligns with their 30% accountability margin goal and their goal to get to 80 million Game Pass subscribers by FY 2027.

I do not believe that that is what the future Xbox business would look like. This is a presentation from our devices organization to the gaming leadership team, so this is the view from the team that is chartered with building our hardware on what the future business would look like. I can fairly safely say that if we do not make more progress than this off of console, we would exit the gaming business. If this were the outcome, we would -- I don't believe we'd still be in the business.

A majority of our customers are found off of our own hardware, I would hope by earlier than 2030. So, when you asked me if I agreed with this chart that the light green and blue depending on what colors you see there would have to be much larger much earlier. I would say by FY26, '27 that we should be in that position, or we'd have to make a different decision with the business.

Microsoft May Exit Gaming Business If Game Pass Subscribers off Console Don't Increase Enough by 2027

Microsoft's Phil Spencer said in testimony that the company may exit its gaming business if GP subscribers off consoles don't increase a lot.

wccftech.com

I'm not saying they will leave the gaming business like Phil said in court in the FTC hearing, but this news doesn't line up with what they've been saying internally since 2023.

 

[memoryman3]

While this establishes Backwards compatibility for xbox consoles, it still leaves a lot of questions for NEXT-GENERATION:

1. Will NEXT-GEN games utilize the magnus APU and will it be a xbox CONSOLE game or PC game?
2. If the NEXT-GEN game is a xbox console game, is it limited to the magnus APU or can it run on NVIDIA hardware? (Granted that if its a PC game, then this question doesnt apply)
3. If the NEXT-GEN game is a PC game, will it have a console like gaming experience? Meaning instant loading, Xbox UI, instant resume?
4. Will the OS be a bloat, significantly hogging the RAM footprint, making less RAM available for games?
5. How will you be able to run next-generation games on future next-next generation hardware?

1. Yes, it will be a "PC game". Expect games such as DOOM the Dark Ages, Halo Campaign Evolved, Gears E-Day, Fable, and Forza Horizon 6 to use the full power of Magnus. DOOM in particular will have path tracing on this console, but not PS6 unless Microsoft makes a new version.

2. The "Xbox console" game will just be a PC game, so it will run on Nvidia hardware.

3. As Microsoft control the Windows kernel they can implement those features if they wish to for any PC game.

4. "Windows bloat" doesn't meaningfully affect performance and this has been tested extensively by enthusiasts such as The Phawx. The problem lies in CPU scheduling. Microsoft have already made RAM savings with their full screen experience, but the next console is going to have so much memory that it won't even matter.

5. As this is Windows, next-next gen hardware will run the "Magnus" games at enhanced settings, with better resolutions and higher framerates.

BONUS. You will be able to run Nintendo Switch games on this console.

 

[SNG32]

So will the backwards compatibility work on gaming laptops and desktops using Window 11 or is this only exclusive to the new Xbox console?

 

[GoldenEye98]

There's one positive thing about all this: if Microsoft removes the paywall for online gaming, that means Sony will too.

Otherwise, for me, this isn't a console, it's a PC. End of discussion

I don't think it's that straightforward for Sony. They would be giving up a lot of revenue....more than Microsoft.

My guess is they don't unless they think they really have to.

 

[ByWatterson]

I think the main issue is upgradability, modularity, refreshes. They'll need to introduce a new one of these every 2-3 years to keep up with PC builds. There's no real reason to own an Xbox proper anymore, so it's more about competing with actual rigs.

 

[Topher]

Voted no in the poll because this thing is going to cost close to $1500, imo. Looking at gaming mini PCs (which this will be if it is in console form factor) with 5070 gpu coming in at over $2000 and this thing is "supposed" to outpace all of those? Remember, Amy Hood wants 30% profit margin.

So will the backwards compatibility work on gaming laptops and desktops using Window 11 or is this only exclusive to the new Xbox console?

They don't say, but my guess is that the BC part of this thing will be exclusive to first party Xbox hardware.

 

[Jaybe]

This seems like an unserious Frankendevice, like Homer's car

 

[Punished Miku]

I get the bolded. I'm trying to understand from "Microsoft's stand point" how this aligns with their 30% accountability margin goal and their goal to get to 80 million Game Pass subscribers by FY 2027.

Microsoft May Exit Gaming Business If Game Pass Subscribers off Console Don't Increase Enough by 2027

Microsoft's Phil Spencer said in testimony that the company may exit its gaming business if GP subscribers off consoles don't increase a lot.

wccftech.com

I'm not saying they will leave the gaming business like Phil said in court in the FTC hearing, but this news doesn't line up with what they've been saying internally since 2023.

Well, all we can really do is guess. As I said already, Bethesda and Activision were already 3rd party publishers. They could literally make redundant all staff from MS publishing, Bethesda publishing and just use Activision only for all publishing. They could just use 1 marketing team instead of having 4. They are leaning into digital only that has higher margins. They're possibly starting a free ad-tier GP for growth. They raised the price of GP. They are putting stuff on Switch 2 that never was on there, just Call of Duty alone is a big opportunity there. They will be using AI I'm sure. They're not losing money on hardware anymore, and increasing the available consumers to sell games to by 200 million with PS and Switch and another 200 million on fire stick. The list goes on. It's really up to them to figure it out. And accountability margin is not the same as profit margin.

 

[MisterXDTV]

They don't say, but my guess is that the BC part of this thing will be exclusive to first party Xbox hardware.

If it's pure emulation (software) then it will be ported in no-time to any PC

If it requires specific hardware obviously not

 

[digoutyoursoul]

What a surprise, they release something like this after the Halo news. Subservient to its core.

 

[MisterXDTV]

There's one positive thing about all this: if Microsoft removes the paywall for online gaming, that means Sony will too.

Otherwise, for me, this isn't a console, it's a PC. End of discussion.

PC never had online paywall

Sony doesn't care

 

[viveks86]

They don't say, but my guess is that the BC part of this thing will be exclusive to first party Xbox hardware.

I'm not sure what would stop other Magnus-based RDNA 5 PCs from running it though. Unless MS is introducing some kind of proprietary DRM that locks BC to just first party hardware.

 

[digoutyoursoul]

You always know who the lackeys are, timing is everything.

 

[Topher]

If it's pure emulation (software) then it will be ported in no-time to any PC

If it requires specific hardware obviously not

That's why I think it is tied to hardware, not for processing and such, but for security/encryption to ensure the device is an Xbox. Just me guessing obviously, but this may be in the requirements from the various publishers to allow their games to be emulated on this device. I don't think for a minute that Microsoft wants Xbox BC to extend to all Windows devices.

I'm not sure what would stop other Magnus-based RDNA 5 PCs from running it though. Unless MS is introducing some kind of proprietary DRM that locks BC to just first party hardware.

This won't be off the shelf parts so they could customize this at the hardware level so that only their hardware can unlock the encryrption for emulation. And if that is the case, I'm thinking you wont be able to access the bios or install other operating systems on it. It will have to be highly locked down if this is the case.

 

[Horseganador]

So a pre-built PC with Windows and backwards compatibility with previous Xbox for over $1000-1200 or more, good luck I guess, is a niche product.

 

[KINGMOKU]

Now the console cheaters don't have to buy some fancy, expensive dongle to cheat, they just boot up whatever Microsoft slaps an Xbox label onto.

Cannot wait. Select cross console play with: Nintendo Switch. Playstation. Wolf in sheep's clothing.(Xbox)

Yay!

 

[Danny Dudekisser]

Literally the only thing I want from Microsoft/Xbox is a gaming enthusiast version of Windows that gets rid of all the bullshit - Copilot included, obviously. I've heard rumblings about that happening in relation to all of this current stuff they're working on, but I don't have any details.

I have literally no interest in a new Xbox, nor in (no doubt shoddy) backwards compatibility. I have my original Xbox, my Xbox 360, and a Series X for the scant few games that were better on the Xbox One/Series than PC for whatever reason (usually just a bad PC port). I'm good, MS.

 

[LavitzSlambert]

??
On Xbox, for cloud saves, you never needed a subscription and paid online....

I hope that remains, but would be very surprised if it does. Microsoft will want to meet those high margin metrics being handed down, making it a part of the ad supported Game Pass sub is my guess. They probably won't do it until they see how their new strategy is working to avoid scaring people off. I just don't see them continuing to eat that cost for long.

 

[sncvsrtoip]

Imo good move, cant compete as classic console so move up price but will be more powerful, can play majority of ps5/ps4 games and later ps6 with being more user friendly than classic pc. For sure will find some market but defenitly is no longer 100m+ potential buyers.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Voted no in the poll because this thing is going to cost close to $1500, imo. Looking at gaming mini PCs (which this will be if it is in console form factor) with 5070 gpu coming in at over $2000 and this thing is "supposed" to outpace all of those? Remember, Amy Hood wants 30% profit margin.



They don't say, but my guess is that the BC part of this thing will be exclusive to first party Xbox hardware.

It's going to be lucky if its even $1500

I said this a few days ago that I heard this first party machine with BC is going to be the expensive one and its up to the likes of Asus to make the cheaper OEM machines

 

[Darsxx82]

I'm not sure what would stop other Magnus-based RDNA 5 PCs from running it though. Unless MS is introducing some kind of proprietary DRM that locks BC to just first party hardware.

Third-party licenses? The studios and publishers with the rights are going to have something to say, and they probably won't be happy if there's a way to avoid having to buy games twice.

Hardware wise should not be a problem.

 

[Elginer]

Day one for me. Having the ability to play all
My games on one console hybrid system sounds great to me. Just hope the software experience is there with stuff like quick resume. May not be for everyone but I dig it.

 

[neocycle]

"No multiplayer paywall" would be amazing. But MS will fail and Sony won't be forced to do it too.

 

[Topher]

It's going to be lucky if its even $1500

I said this a few days ago that I heard this first party machine with BC is going to be the expensive one and its up to the likes of Asus to make the cheaper OEM machines

I was just thinking right after I posted that "$1500 may be too low". This Asus mini PC is almost $2.5k

https://www.amazon.com/NVIDIA%C2%AE-MobileGPU-ThunderboltTM-Triple-Fan-Lighting/dp/B0FLBYKK6Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XLWT6CC3OB4B&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.p3E0DKnOyQEnZqBlIOk6ICYh0fkszS4rruM33XauUi-JibaLjWg2uF0BmQBOH-Z8NS5xcGw1wC23VihFevcGf9IEMrLubntz9JQq6OrHJYAHFpNgXmjeisKAVxYwQgBAUiZxdkSGPOwNakQ4PmcJZiFYfMKCyEdu_29rFZbSvIpQzWfO4B02eYbak5iE5Qgl0Q1VjMvfn1HvoUXJJKXH5GmSFmdvNwiCP36jrhtbFAQ.WF9_6eEWJt1SSXJNNXjSGOAcl0-O6YSpiq1sNb7W_Tc&dib_tag=se&keywords=asus%2Bnuc&qid=1761585281&sprefix=asus%2Bnu%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1&th=1

 

[cebri.one]

So, a PC with an emulator.

 

[DForce]

I have been saying this for years. It was obvious this is how MS intends to get competitive advantage over Sony. It was also one of the reasons why they decided to release all their games on PC.
I am looking forward to competition between MS PC, Valve PC and Sony console.

The next gen xbox is going to sell worse than the Xbox Series X|S.

It's over.

 

[Salty Pickle]

Dat overhead. Bloated Windows with another layer on top.

 

[xrnzaaas]

If this is the route they are going, PC gamepass will be sunset next gen.

More likely it'll get a refreshed price to match 30 dollars. Current gen consoles are actually an obstacle for MS to raise PC Game Pass prices since part of the Ultimate sub is online gaming.

 

[reinking]

…its up to the likes of Asus to make the cheaper OEM machines

 

[Buggy Loop]

Just in time when everybody's abandoning W11 for all the bullshitt they pull in favor of Linux. They really think we're all stupid. Like if you're dangling an Xbox themed UI layer over W11, we'll think it somehow isn't W11 anymore and Copilot stopped spying on you.

Lol sure jan

Everybody's abandoning W11

 

[GHG]

Do timdog next

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Just waitI was just thinking right after I posted that "$1500 may be too low". This Asus mini PC is almost $2.5k

https://www.amazon.com/NVIDIA%C2%AE-MobileGPU-ThunderboltTM-Triple-Fan-Lighting/dp/B0FLBYKK6Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XLWT6CC3OB4B&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.p3E0DKnOyQEnZqBlIOk6ICYh0fkszS4rruM33XauUi-JibaLjWg2uF0BmQBOH-Z8NS5xcGw1wC23VihFevcGf9IEMrLubntz9JQq6OrHJYAHFpNgXmjeisKAVxYwQgBAUiZxdkSGPOwNakQ4PmcJZiFYfMKCyEdu_29rFZbSvIpQzWfO4B02eYbak5iE5Qgl0Q1VjMvfn1HvoUXJJKXH5GmSFmdvNwiCP36jrhtbFAQ.WF9_6eEWJt1SSXJNNXjSGOAcl0-O6YSpiq1sNb7W_Tc&dib_tag=se&keywords=asus%2Bnuc&qid=1761585281&sprefix=asus%2Bnu%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1&th=1

Remember the sticker shock for the fat PS3 having onboard BC chip?

 

[cireza]

RetroGamingUK bro can you add a pool option "Not decided yet" ?

At this point, being able to decide is difficult. Even though I don't like the direction taken by Microsoft at all, I still have a shit-ton of games on Xbox. So I need to see exactly where we are headed in terms of hardware, features and price to decide.

Basically, this is too soon for me.

 

[semiconscious]

If the UI experience is anything like I've seen from the Xbox Ally X, then expect this to be DOA.

Lots of work needed to even make this a workable concept, let alone something people will actually buy.

yep. 'this's an xbox' 2.0...

 

[RoadHazard]

So this is how they finally get PlayStation games on "Xbox".

 

[Mister Wolf]

Looking forward to seeing it's reveal.

 

[Boo Who?]

The leaked specs make it seem like this is top end for a "prebuilt". Plus it will run Xbox console games, which prebuilts cannot do. Microsoft are also going to allow this chip to run in actual prebuilt PCs.

Forgot to add this after the bolded part.

 

[Darsxx82]

I hope that remains, but would be very surprised if it does. Microsoft will want to meet those high margin metrics being handed down, making it a part of the ad supported Game Pass sub is my guess. They probably won't do it until they see how their new strategy is working to avoid scaring people off. I just don't see them continuing to eat that cost for long.

MS hasn't charged for cloud saves on consoles since its inception. There's no charge for the Xbox Store on PC either, and it applies to all your devices, even when you play from XCloud.

It makes no sense for them to change this now, especially when, within the same hardware, they're going to compete with third-party stores that don't require it either. It would also go against the way the XBOX ecosystem works, and the connection between multiple and different devices, which is supposed to be its foundation.

 

[ExtendEmbraceExtinguish]

I get the bolded. I'm trying to understand from "Microsoft's stand point" how this aligns with their 30% accountability margin goal and their goal to get to 80 million Game Pass subscribers by FY 2027.

Microsoft May Exit Gaming Business If Game Pass Subscribers off Console Don't Increase Enough by 2027

Microsoft's Phil Spencer said in testimony that the company may exit its gaming business if GP subscribers off consoles don't increase a lot.

wccftech.com

I'm not saying they will leave the gaming business like Phil said in court in the FTC hearing, but this news doesn't line up with what they've been saying internally since 2023.

My interpretation; stop trying to grow the market via b games and utilize scale for AAA IPs. This would mean fewer titles but the talent goes into making the important franchises juggernauts. Less risk but there may be a large gulf between AA & AAA in the graphics department.

 

[PhillMeCream]

if it can play all of the console games from the previous generation without having to be online then its a instant buy for me

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Looking forward to seeing it's reveal.

Pretty interested in it myself honestly

5080 ish levels of power, let's me play all my Xbox library?

Big question for me is games like BF6, will it be in the console pool of players or PC?

 

[Chittagong]

This sounds like a hot mess, kinda like a hardware version of the branding mess that calling your console generation "Series" is.

Why is this such a bad plan? Well, the console interface is limited to Xbox game releases - which ostensibly is broadened to include also Microsoft Store PC games. But few games will be released to that store in the future, and certainly no exclusives. So to play most things you would want to play with this box you need to back out to bog standard Windows interface to access Steam, Epic or Battle.net. Which makes this a stupidly expensive PC case with some bonus BC with an aging library of Xbox releases.

The correct way to do this would have been to build a standard for Steam, Epic and Battle.net content to be launched and purchased on the Xbox interface. Windows available for those who want to tweak their ini files, but out of sight for most. That would have made this a console that has LoL, WoW, Dota and all.

 

[P:axMagellanic]

And can see him talking about it here.

Timestamped

That's exactly what I expected from Microsoft, absolutely pathetic company.

 

[ExtendEmbraceExtinguish]

"No multiplayer paywall" would be amazing. But MS will fail and Sony won't be forced to do it too.

If Sony wants to grow their Mau then they will have to ensure ps6 or portable is inexpensive. That delay in releasing day1 on pc will be examined if there is no growth.

 

[asdasdasdbb]

To me it seems simple about the MP Paywall.

Have a separate console interface and XBoxPC interface. When using XBoxPC, you get Free MP; when using console, you don't.