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[memoryman3]

Inb4 Jez writes an article that this isn't true.

Jez claimed what Sneakers was claiming about a year ago (that the Xbox SKU would be deprecated and Win32 would be the SKU used going forward). This is an expected thing with the transition to a new platform and Sony/Nintendo have done the same. Xbox One legacy ERA environment was dropped completely for GDK in 2023, and that caused the delay of certain Xbox One games like the Marvel vs Capcom collection.

 

[Fess]

If true, it is a "reach" to call this thing a gaming console.

If it can run standard Windows games it's a PC. That's my take. If not then what's the actual definition for the term "gaming console"?
You can already make a console-like PC box which you plug into a TV and use a console UI with a controller. So that can't be it.

 

[DeltaPolarBear]

True. And in that case, they may call it a console for all they like. We'd know the reality whether it is a PC or a console.

That is the funny thing about laws; as long as everyone agree that A = B then it is true regardless of the facts. It's like saying King Charles the 3rd currently rule Britain; it is technically true as long everyone don't break the illusion.

If it can run standard Windows games it's a PC. That's my take. If not then what's the actual definition for the term "gaming console"?
You can already make a console-like PC box which you plug into a TV and use a console UI with a controller. So that can't be it.

The definition is that Xbox games run on "dedicated hardware". Now i haven't seen a contract of this nature myself so I wouldn't know the precise wording. But it appears the loophole is that Xbox can keep Backwards Compatibility by running all Xbox games, from Series and before, through custom chips.

But that does bring the question of what about NEW games? And that is the crazy issue. Microsoft has two choices; (1) either giving it a custom console OS that meant you need to make games compatible with it, OR (2) just make the other half of the machine a regular Windows PC that runs PC games.

Option 1: It gets them in theory, day one launch windows like PlayStation does. But at risk of pissing off 3rd parties who are not interested in porting their titles to a tiny install base.

Option 2: They had to get their third party new games when the PC version comes out. This might be a delay 3 months, 6 months, a year? While Sony get a head start every time. But it does mean full PC compatibility and thus automatically accessing all PC titles.

Option 2 seemed bad but is a lot less bad than option 1. Then again, since GTA 6 currently doesn't have a launch date for the PC version, it might mean a LONG wait for Nextbox customers and for many other future titles...

 

[spookyfish]

We really need the Iraqi Information Minister meme on this one.

 

[Ebrietas]

If true, it is a "reach" to call this thing a gaming console.

It's literally a PC with an Xbox sticker.

Though I'm not sure how they can legally have it be BC with Xbox games outside of first party.

Regardless nobody is going to buy it with or without BC. Meaning the Xbox console platform has reached the end of the line. Series X was the final one.

 

[Sooner]

Every time you think they've hit rock bottom, they manage to dig a little deeper.

Just make it official, Microsoft. Xbox is dead.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

It's literally a PC with an Xbox sticker.

Though I'm not sure how they can legally have it be BC with Xbox games outside of first party.

Regardless nobody is going to buy it with or without BC. Meaning the Xbox console platform has reached the end of the line. Series X was the final one.

Almost like it would be a license nightmare to have BC with console games and "just be a PC"

 

[DeepEnigma]

Did Destin call his local MS Store to confirm?

 

[The_Mike]

Denmark still has some in stock, but for some reason it costs 950 euro here wtf lol.

You can get an equivalent priced PC or 2 steam decks lol.

 

[Humdinger]

From what i've heard, this is going to be a very niche, very expensive machine that puts the WindowsOS for Gaming push, similar to what you're seeing with the ASUS Ally and Ally X, front and center, just with built-in support for Xbox SKU BC.

Native Xbox SKU does not have a future. Its all WindowsOS SKU going forward.

Thank you, sir. Appreciate the clarity and information you provide.

If it can run standard Windows games it's a PC. That's my take. If not then what's the actual definition for the term "gaming console"?

My two cents. A "console" is hardware with two defining properties:

1. A closed ecosystem - meaning you are stuck inside a "walled garden" and cannot access other ecosystems, such as Steam.

2. Exclusives that you can only get on that hardware.

The hardware Sneakers describes does not seem to fit either of those criteria (except for some BC titles that would remain exclusive), so it would not (imo) be a console. Even describing it as a "hybrid" is somewhat misleading, because that makes it sound like it's half one thing and half another. This sounds like it is heavily titled in the PC direction - 90% PC and 10% accommodation for BC, something like that.

But I understand that people use the word "console" pretty loosely, almost automatically. There will be time for fussing over definitions later, once we actually see the thing. If we do.

 

[Fess]

That is the funny thing about laws; as long as everyone agree that A = B then it is true regardless of the facts. It's like saying King Charles the 3rd currently rule Britain; it is technically true as long everyone don't break the illusion.

The definition is that Xbox games run on "dedicated hardware". Now i haven't seen a contract of this nature myself so I wouldn't know the precise wording. But it appears the loophole is that Xbox can keep Backwards Compatibility by running all Xbox games, from Series and before, through custom chips.

But that does bring the question of what about NEW games? And that is the crazy issue. Microsoft has two choices; (1) either giving it a custom console OS that meant you need to make games compatible with it, OR (2) just make the other half of the machine a regular Windows PC that runs PC games.

Option 1: It gets them in theory, day one launch windows like PlayStation does. But at risk of pissing off 3rd parties who are not interested in porting their titles to a tiny install base.

Option 2: They had to get their third party new games when the PC version comes out. This might be a delay 3 months, 6 months, a year? While Sony get a head start every time. But it does mean full PC compatibility and thus automatically accessing all PC titles.

Option 2 seemed bad but is a lot less bad than option 1. Then again, since GTA 6 currently doesn't have a launch date for the PC version, it might mean a LONG wait for Nextbox customers and for many other future titles...

Going by rumours they want to do both. No?
A PC (option 2) with Windows 11 but also dedicated extra console hardware (option 1). So, in theory, they can get GTA6 at launch, from the BC XSX version, and also great third party support, from having PC Steam and Windows Store and other regular PC stores.

The problem, as I see it, is having PC hardware that is good enough to not struggle without hardware specific optimization without getting into way higher cost than basically any console in history.

I can easily see them get into PC performance issues with no console settings available, at that point it doesn't matter that it's theoretically a high power device for a "console", it'll still be the worst place to play if it can't keep the fps as stable and visuals as detailed as tightly hardware optimized PlayStation versions.

 

[Baemono]

Denmark still has some in stock, but for some reason it costs 950 euro here wtf lol.

You can get an equivalent priced PC or 2 steam decks lol.

Damn Danes, they ruined Dannemark

 

[MacReady13]

Because the cost of production far, far exceeds the price the market is willing to pay and there is no demand. Therefore, there's no point in continuing to pour money behind the Series consoles this late in the cycle for Microsoft given its not a major revenue source and the rest of the company is printing money.

Meanwhile, just milk the consumers you do have until you reset in 2027 and add to Microsoft's quarterly reports. All they care about is XBOX being in the black in the meantime.

So you're saying it's fine to not produce any more consoles until 2027, meaning there will effectively be no consoles for 2 years on retail shelves until BANG, out of nowhere their new console is released and consumers should buy it cause it's an Xbox?

Microsoft, in trying to be everything to everyone everywhere have basically become a nothing brand that only die hard fans of theirs will celebrate cause "Xbox" is releasing 4 games this month!!! I mean, they're that delusional that the Phil lovers will bang on about Xbox releasing games when in actual fact Xbox is a console and Microsoft are producing these games cause they spend countless billions buying the companies that make these games.

 

[MacReady13]

Haven't you heard?

Everything but the actual console, which is what an Xbox truly is. These morons have forgotten how the Xbox brand actual started out. Cannot believe how they have ruined the Xbox brand so easily...

 

[Plague Doctor]

Maybe it wasn't a right fit?

It is a Microsoft Store, so why would they want the Microsoft Xbox hardware? Doesn't make sense.

Fake news.

Paging Jez for even more disinformation.

Also stop with all the doom and gloom. Shouldn't we be talking about video games on a video game forum?! Not what the Microsoft store has or has not in stock.

Besides it's Europe! Not a real place.

 

[Unfortunatecookie]

So you're saying it's fine to not produce any more consoles until 2027, meaning there will effectively be no consoles for 2 years on retail shelves until BANG, out of nowhere their new console is released and consumers should buy it cause it's an Xbox?

Microsoft, in trying to be everything to everyone everywhere have basically become a nothing brand that only die hard fans of theirs will celebrate cause "Xbox" is releasing 4 games this month!!! I mean, they're that delusional that the Phil lovers will bang on about Xbox releasing games when in actual fact Xbox is a console and Microsoft are producing these games cause they spend countless billions buying the companies that make these games.

You hit the nail right on the head: they've become a nothing brand.

Xbox consoles are dead. What Microsoft are doing now is slowly trying to transition their 20-something million Xbox Series users (myself included) into PC users.

They will fail. Unless they buy Steam, they will have the worst PC store and offering. Tough nut to crack.

 

[Sooner]

Microsoft has finally responded.

"Target and Walmart, among other retailers, remain committed partners for Xbox consoles, accessories, and games.

Those stores are pulling just four games from shelves and none of the titles are Starfield or Indiana Jones."

Renown journalist Jez Corden further explains the misinformation was spread via pure fanboy hopium.

 

[JayK47]

JFC. Let's consolidate all these Xbox doom threads into one mega thread. We get 1 or more new threads a day.

 

[adamsapple]

Almost like it would be a license nightmare to have BC with console games and "just be a PC"

"Native Xbox SKU for BC".

Re-iterating what I said back in August.

 

[Black_Stride]

It's a very bizarre situation overall.

Were Dreamcast units discounted and cleared out that way? I can't remember.

I vaguely remember the games being heavily discounted at Walmart. I'd still see the games year later in an endcap at the back of the video game section next to automotive parts.

I cant remember if consoles were pocket change, my Dad got my whole extended family DCs(that they never used(more spares for me)) but games brand new ones were in bins at HMV and basically my whole Dreamcast collection was built by HMV trying to get rid Dreamcast games and all the peripherals.
And I got everything.


The Xbox came out shortly after all these super sales, and their advertising was a bunch of Dreamcast 2 games............I was destined to be in this position.

 

[cireza]

Probably a Rog Xbox Ally situation.

 

[YeulEmeralda]

Everything but the actual console, which is what an Xbox truly is. These morons have forgotten how the Xbox brand actual started out. Cannot believe how they have ruined the Xbox brand so easily...

You can play Sony games on PC so I guess it's a PlayStation?

 

[MacReady13]

Xbox consoles are dead. What Microsoft are doing now is slowly trying to transition their 20-something million Xbox Series users (myself included) into PC users.

I transferred across to PC. Packed up the Series X as I am quite confident that Microsoft will not support the over 700 games I have purchased in the future. I now play primarily on PC and my PS5 pro and Switch 2 get the rest of the love. I don't buy anything on the Xbox store on PC as it's a worse experience there as opposed to Steam so why would I waste my time?

Microsoft have fucked this up so badly it's not funny. I was a very loyal (stupid) customer to Xbox consoles until they started the gamepass push. I could read the writing on the walls and left to go PC gaming. Zero regrets here.