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[Geometric-Crusher]

In the last few days we were surprised by the announcement of a new line of products, the open Xboxes. Pessimism and cautious curiosity have been the thermometer of the discussions, semantics aside, it's clear to us that it is a PC with an 'Xbox' logo and design. This approach is not new to us, Valve did it in 2014 and some problems are unavoidable, such as the subsidy issue that weakens the price x performance balance compared to a traditional console and the lack of exclusive games.

The true test of fire for the Xbox brand was done in 2016 with Microsoft simultaneously launching its games on the Xbox One and PC. The result was incredible. It was confirmed that this has little influence because there is an audience that at the end of the day likes to play on a console, they are console guys, they only play on consoles
Before I conclude, I need to say the real problem with this model: it doesn't take into account the observation cited above the Xbox division's strategists are relying on pillars of sand and salt. They believe that the fact that a person has an Xbox account will keep them in their product base, and this is a naive mistake. People are free, and it won't be that amazing Xbox 360 games that will keep them on the platform automatically.

Therefore, we can assure with some degree of confidence that the transfer of people who are currently Xbox consumers to other consoles will accelerate. I can't see audience, you know, those who want a PC will opt for a traditional PC, and those who want a traditional console will migrate to the PS6, Switch 2.
And you, do you believe that the next Xbox will accelerate the transfer of consumers to other consoles?

 

[vaibhavpisal]

Some people will leave xbox.

Some will come to xbox to see how a lean console like system with open market feels like.

I think it will be a small success. Will generate good revenue and will help xbox ecosystem in a big way.

 

[Hero of Spielberg]

 

[DenchDeckard]

In the last few days we were surprised by the announcement of a new line of products, the open Xboxes. Pessimism and cautious curiosity have been the thermometer of the discussions, semantics aside, it's clear to us that it is a PC with an 'Xbox' logo and design. This approach is not new to us, Valve did it in 2014 and some problems are unavoidable, such as the subsidy issue that weakens the price x performance balance compared to a traditional console and the lack of exclusive games.

The true test of fire for the Xbox brand was done in 2016 with Microsoft simultaneously launching its games on the Xbox One and PC. The result was incredible. It was confirmed that this has little influence because there is an audience that at the end of the day likes to play on a console, they are console guys, they only play on consoles
Before I conclude, I need to say the real problem with this model: it doesn't take into account the observation cited above the Xbox division's strategists are relying on pillars of sand and salt. They believe that the fact that a person has an Xbox account will keep them in their product base, and this is a naive mistake. People are free, and it won't be that amazing Xbox 360 games that will keep them on the platform automatically.

Therefore, we can assure with some degree of confidence that the transfer of people who are currently Xbox consumers to other consoles will accelerate. I can't see audience, you know, those who want a PC will opt for a traditional PC, and those who want a traditional console will migrate to the PS6, Switch 2.
And you, do you believe that the next Xbox will accelerate the transfer of consumers to other consoles?

So, with this announcement. Is it confirmed there isnt a traditional console coming from MS, because i thought Sarah Bond insinuated that there would be an Xbox console?

 

[drganon]

Its already happened. The Xbox brand is fucked.

 

[ToadMan]

Xbox having it's Wii U moment?

Not sure about that - it more seems like Xbox will become one of those bloatware icons everyone uninstalls from new PCs, and then goes to steam

 

[RetroGamingUK]

Who is this thing for?

PC users like building and upgrading, so they're out

PlayStation users like the simplicity and keeping their library, so they're out

Switch users, well there's no one like Nintendo, so they're out

The only customer I see for this is the shrinking Xbox console user base. Some, when they look at the price will either just get a PC if they can afford it, or opt for the cheaper PS6.

The intent seems to be for Microsoft to transfer their existing user base over to "Xbox PC", but there's no guarantee that once they've brought their library across that they don't switch to Steam for new games

 

[Ozriel]

Therefore, we can assure with some degree of confidence that the transfer of people who are currently Xbox consumers to other consoles will accelerate. I can't see audience, you know, those who want a PC will opt for a traditional PC, and those who want a traditional console will migrate to the PS6, Switch 2.
And you, do you believe that the next Xbox will accelerate the transfer of consumers to other consoles?

Weird post. You saw the last showcase, where MS openly announced their games are coming to PS5. The 'transfer to other consoles' was already set in stone as soon as MS pivoted to being a multiplatform dev. In a traditional console scenario, there's not that much reason for anyone to buy an Xbox next gen vs the PlayStation unless you're financially liquid and want the variety.

This 'PC' route is now actually relatively compelling. The prospect of very wide BC, compatibility with PC games across multiple stores, PCVR compatibility (likely), cheaper games from Steam keys, Xbox console games and GamePass looks quite interesting, especially if they land the price-value sweet spot.

MS may well have a shot with this, but everything depends on execution.

 

[Ozriel]

Who is this thing for?

PC users like building and upgrading, so they're out

Only a fraction of PC users like 'building and upgrading'.
A lot of PC gamers buy prebuilts that they never upgrade, or gaming laptops. Or stuff like the Steamdeck

PlayStation users like the simplicity and keeping their library, so they're out

This will end up being a device that's suitable for hooking up to your living room TV, with a controller friendly interface.
The assumption that console users hate PCs is quite illogical.

The intent seems to be for Microsoft to transfer their existing user base over to "Xbox PC", but there's no guarantee that once they've brought their library across that they don't switch to Steam for new games

Selling the next gen hardware unsubsidized means this isn't a losing proposition.

 

[RetroGamingUK]

This will end up being a device that's suitable for hooking up to your living room TV, with a controller friendly interface.
The assumption that console users hate PCs is quite illogical.

Microsoft have been providing that for nearly 25 years though, for the average console users what's new here?

 

[Parazels]

Xbox has been my only platform since 2009. Not a single console has broken in all these years! I do love my huge library of modern and classic titles!

Nevertheless, every single day some provokers are convincing me that Xbox is doomed!
Oh, let Jehovah open their blind eyes!

 

[Ozriel]

Microsoft have been providing that for nearly 25 years though, for the average console users what's new here?

try hooking up your laptop to your TV. You're not getting a console like experience.

Steam Big Picture helps a bit with that, but even there the desktop is inescapable.

 

[RetroGamingUK]

try hooking up your laptop to your TV. You're not getting a console like experience.

Steam Big Picture helps a bit with that, but even there the desktop is inescapable.

When I meant Microsoft had been providing this for 25 years I meant via Xbox consoles.

 

[MarV0]

PlayStation users like the simplicity and keeping their library, so they're out

Sony owns your library not you.

 

[DavidGzz]

It will be a hybrid that is also plug and play like a console. It will have a controller interface that will not require mouse and keyboard but will be flexible for those who want to. It won't be cheap so it will not sell like a PS6 and MS will be fine with that. They will make money from PS gamers too with their 3rd party plan. They really can't lose. It's a console with access to Steam and maybe Epic stores. I have an insane amount of games on both combined and also with Xbox so day 1 my library will be ridiculous. What's not to love?

 

[jm89]

In the last few days we were surprised by the announcement of a new line of products, the open Xboxes. Pessimism and cautious curiosity have been the thermometer of the discussions, semantics aside, it's clear to us that it is a PC with an 'Xbox' logo and design. This approach is not new to us, Valve did it in 2014 and some problems are unavoidable, such as the subsidy issue that weakens the price x performance balance compared to a traditional console and the lack of exclusive games.

The true test of fire for the Xbox brand was done in 2016 with Microsoft simultaneously launching its games on the Xbox One and PC. The result was incredible. It was confirmed that this has little influence because there is an audience that at the end of the day likes to play on a console, they are console guys, they only play on consoles
Before I conclude, I need to say the real problem with this model: it doesn't take into account the observation cited above the Xbox division's strategists are relying on pillars of sand and salt. They believe that the fact that a person has an Xbox account will keep them in their product base, and this is a naive mistake. People are free, and it won't be that amazing Xbox 360 games that will keep them on the platform automatically.

Therefore, we can assure with some degree of confidence that the transfer of people who are currently Xbox consumers to other consoles will accelerate. I can't see audience, you know, those who want a PC will opt for a traditional PC, and those who want a traditional console will migrate to the PS6, Switch 2.
And you, do you believe that the next Xbox will accelerate the transfer of consumers to other consoles?

 

[SRTtoZ]

It's already happened and has been happening for quite a while. I really started noticing it when I sold my Series X a few weeks before the PS5 Pro came out. I was trying to free up some cash for the Pro and I wasn't using my Series X anymore. I already have a PC with a 4070 Ti so it made the Series X redundant unless I wanted to play old BC Xbox games that aren't on PC but I'm not keeping that system around for THAT. In any case, I haven't missed the Series X one bit. I thought I would miss achievement hunting but trophy hunting has been more than enough for me and I can still earn achievements on PC using the GP app. I know anecdotal evidence isn't super useful in these situations but I noticed a HUGE leap to PS5 and PS5 Pro back when Sony was running the PlayStation Days of Play Event where they discounted hardware and software pretty significantly. I am subbed to all the major console subreddits and every day when I scrolled through my home feed on reddit, all I would see are "made the switch" posts from Xbox fans to PS5 and even more shockingly, PS5 Pro. I saw SOOOO many PS5 Pro first time buyers more than anything. It makes sense when you think about it b/c Microsoft increased the price of their Xbox hardware making the Pro the best option out there for the price (bang for buck). I think it was on sale for $625? Keep in mind the Series X 1TB console is $600 and the 2tb model is $729.99. LIKE WHAT? Is Microsoft waving the white flag here??? The PS5 Pro is $100 cheaper than the Series X!!! That's wild. It feels like MS is like, okay well we've clearly lost this one so we might as well jack up our prices so that when we sell a console, we are at least making some profit from it. I would be stunned if this next generation is NOT the last generation of Xbox hardware. I think after that Xbox becomes a full on service and putting Game Pass everywhere and on the side they will do what they are doing with the Rog Ally handheld and just partner with Desktop and Laptop PC companies to have an "Xbox" version of their machines that run a lighter version of windows for gaming etc. Save this post for 5 years from now!

 

[jm89]

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Xbox has been bleeding customers for quite awhile now and doubt this new strat changes that but I do applaud them for at least trying something different because going head to head with PS wasn't working

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result"

 

[Punished Miku]

I went the other way. Started this gen with PS5 at launch, and Switch with hundreds of indies and 3rd party games. Ended up moving everything over to Xbox, and now seemingly transitioning to PC. I still got a Switch 2 but will only play 1st party titles on it.

Assuming the rumors are true about a chip for BC, that's great news. About the only thing better than that would be an emulation solution built into Windows that can be used on any PC, period. Still though, pretty much 99% of what I wanted. PC just has more of what I'm interested in now that Xbox is phasing out. The future is all digital so I want to be on a device that has multiple stores that can compete. I want to play old games including Xbox BC and all the GOG stuff as well. I want all the Epic free games and bundles. I want GP. I want a simplified PC experience that is as close to plug and play console as possible. Pretty much getting everything, literally everything I wanted. I don't even want the Sony games much at all but even those are on PC now.

Sony would really have to have an output like Nintendo to get me to ever buy a PS6 at this point since the whole system would literally only be used for 1st party and that's it. I just don't see that happening for the next decade. I just can't imagine buying another Sony system right now after how little I even turned on my PS5. Feels like I made the right call this gen, and making the right call next gen.

 

[Kacho]

Save this post for 5 years from now!

Bro, no one is reading that wall of text.

 

[mrBarrelNut]

Why exactly would any Xbox gamer migrate to PS6? And lose their library of Xbox games?

Rather than migrate to the next gen Xbox, and be able to play not only their existing Xbox games (with improvements like AI upscaling to all OG Xbox & 360 games) but all PC games as well? Sony first party PC releases included.

Does not compute.

 

[Majima Everywhere System]

Some people will leave xbox.

Some will come to xbox to see how a lean console like system with open market feels like.

I think it will be a small success. Will generate good revenue and will help xbox ecosystem in a big way.

We will all leave Xbox and play Microsoft games fairly frequently. They turned the entire brand and ecosystem into the EA play store.

We all play EA games, but not on their platform. Low energy brands.

 

[Sanepar]

Only if they are stupid because they will have access to the 7-8 exclusives Sony will release during ps6 era by steam.

 

[Ar¢tos]

Why exactly would any Xbox gamer migrate to PS6? And lose their library of Xbox games?

Rather than migrate to the next gen Xbox, and be able to play not only their existing Xbox games (with improvements like AI upscaling to all OG Xbox & 360 games) but all PC games as well? Sony first party PC releases included.

Does not compute.

By then MS will consider the PS6 a Xbox too and add PSN MAU numbers to Xbox MAU.
The more successful PlayStation is the higher Xbox engagement gets.

 

[Topher]

Xbox has been bleeding customers for quite awhile now and doubt this new strat changes that but I do applaud them for at least trying something different because going head to head with PS wasn't working

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result"

Yeah, we have been hammering that point for a while now. MS can't just keep doing the same thing over and over again. Is this the turn around for "Xbox" some claim it is? Nah, I don't see it. It will just confuse customers with multiple OEM choices and folks will end up going with the simplicity of PlayStation. I don't know that this will siphon off existing Xbox customers, but I don't think it will bring in many new ones either. Of course, price of next gen is still unknown and that is always going to be a huge factor.

 

[Kacho]

It will be a hybrid that is also plug and play like a console. It will have a controller interface that will not require mouse and keyboard but will be flexible for those who want to. It won't be cheap so it will not sell like a PS6 and MS will be fine with that. They will make money from PS gamers too with their 3rd party plan. They really can't lose. It's a console with access to Steam and maybe Epic stores. I have an insane amount of games on both combined and also with Xbox so day 1 my library will be ridiculous. What's not to love?

Yeah, if you have a decent Xbox game library, and also game on PC, this is a no-brainer. They really need to nail the execution though.

 

[PauloRoberto]

Xbox today is AS IMPORTANT to the market as Surface. Only game foruns and some internet users still believe this brand is as important as once was...

 

[Punished Miku]

Yeah, we have been hammering that point for a while now. MS can't just keep doing the same thing over and over again. Is this the turn around for "Xbox" some claim it is? Nah, I don't see it. It will just confuse customers with multiple OEM choices and folks will end up going with the simplicity of PlayStation. I don't know that this will siphon off existing Xbox customers, but I don't think it will bring in many new ones either. Of course, price of next gen is still unknown and that is always going to be a huge factor.

This was never about bringing in new customers. They are 3rd party publisher now. Their new customers are the 200+ million PS and Switch customers. This is just about taking care of the people who bought into their system for years. And it seems to be doing that well based on the rumors. If people want it, cool. If not, play on whatever system you want.

 

[BlackTron]

The true test of fire for the Xbox brand was done in 2016 with Microsoft simultaneously launching its games on the Xbox One and PC. The result was incredible.

I couldn't keep reading...

 

[vaibhavpisal]

We will all leave Xbox and play Microsoft games fairly frequently. They turned the entire brand and ecosystem into the EA play store.

We all play EA games, but not on their platform. Low energy brands.

EA is low energy brand.

Xbox is not.

 

[memoryman3]

So how much do we think the PS6 will cost, based on the costs of the 9070xt and similar graphics cards?

 

[clarky]

Hey I'm famous.

 

[GHG]

EA is low energy brand.

Xbox is not.

Exactly.

Xbox is high energy, the best energy.

 

[Topher]

This was never about bringing in new customers. They are 3rd party publisher now. Their new customers are the 200+ million PS and Switch customers. This is just about taking care of the people who bought into their system for years. And it seems to be doing that well based on the rumors. If people want it, cool. If not, play on whatever system you want.

That's fair. And it makes sense to offload the hardware to OEMs in that case.

 

[S0ULZB0URNE]

So, with this announcement. Is it confirmed there isnt a traditional console coming from MS, because i thought Sarah Bond insinuated that there would be an Xbox console?

This won't be a traditional console.
You can bookmark it you like.

 

[S0ULZB0URNE]

try hooking up your laptop to your TV. You're not getting a console like experience.

Steam Big Picture helps a bit with that, but even there the desktop is inescapable.

With windows involved it will never be this smooth.

 

[Insanemaelstrom]

Involving Oems will make the thing costly. Unlike console manufacturers who sell at a loss or minimal profits, OeMs main source of income is hardware itself. They will want a good enough income from this.

Personally I think this is a prelude to a better Xbox app/mode integration with windows. Kind of like a trial run for creating console like experience on a windows pc

 

[Gameplay Gods Bless]

In the last few days we were surprised by the announcement of a new line of products, the open Xboxes. Pessimism and cautious curiosity have been the thermometer of the discussions, semantics aside, it's clear to us that it is a PC with an 'Xbox' logo and design. This approach is not new to us, Valve did it in 2014 and some problems are unavoidable, such as the subsidy issue that weakens the price x performance balance compared to a traditional console and the lack of exclusive games.

The true test of fire for the Xbox brand was done in 2016 with Microsoft simultaneously launching its games on the Xbox One and PC. The result was incredible. It was confirmed that this has little influence because there is an audience that at the end of the day likes to play on a console, they are console guys, they only play on consoles
Before I conclude, I need to say the real problem with this model: it doesn't take into account the observation cited above the Xbox division's strategists are relying on pillars of sand and salt. They believe that the fact that a person has an Xbox account will keep them in their product base, and this is a naive mistake. People are free, and it won't be that amazing Xbox 360 games that will keep them on the platform automatically.

Therefore, we can assure with some degree of confidence that the transfer of people who are currently Xbox consumers to other consoles will accelerate. I can't see audience, you know, those who want a PC will opt for a traditional PC, and those who want a traditional console will migrate to the PS6, Switch 2.
And you, do you believe that the next Xbox will accelerate the transfer of consumers to other consoles?

PS5 isn't being adopted more than the PS4 was after the first Exodus of Xbox 360 players buying PS4s instead of Xbox Ones. I don't think the Exodus is significantly in Sony's direction these days.

 

[MH3M3D]

Its probably for someone like me, who will 100% get a PS6 to keep my current library and get all exclusives. Then instead of getting a PC for everything else, get this xbox PC thingy because I still want PC games with the console experience.

 

[Steve Holt]

All their recent decisions have been a big FU to gamers, price rises across the board. $80 games, going multi platform and speeding up the death of physical games.

They really need a change of leadership, even when they have a decent system (XSX) they don't market it and after a couple of years the demand totally ceases up and they go back to the drawing board.

 

[adamsapple]

Yeah, if you have a decent Xbox game library, and also game on PC, this is a no-brainer. They really need to nail the execution though.

Not only would I like to continue my existing library going on future devices that get then-current games, but if it also masquerades as a decent PC launcher, I can finally put my 1060 laptop to rest.

Win win.

 

[Kacho]

Its probably for someone like me, who will 100% get a PS6 to keep my current library and get all exclusives. Then instead of getting a PC for everything else, get this xbox PC thingy because I still want PC games with the console experience.

Should be a good option for existing PC owners as well. Bring your games to the TV with an easy to use box. No more snaking a 50ft HDMI cable or keeping a keyboard+mouse nearby to deal with Windows bullshit.

I dock my Steam Deck to the TV and it's great, but it's also very limited due to the lack of power. This is the upgrade I've been wanting for. I kept hoping Valve would put out a new Steambox, but MS is beating them to the punch here.

This won't have the compatibility issues that SteamOS has either, so that's a huge plus.

 

[Kacho]

1060 laptop

 

[Geometric-Crusher]

It's already happened and has been happening for quite a while. I really started noticing it when I sold my Series X a few weeks before the PS5 Pro came out. I was trying to free up some cash for the Pro and I wasn't using my Series X anymore. I already have a PC with a 4070 Ti so it made the Series X redundant unless I wanted to play old BC Xbox games that aren't on PC but I'm not keeping that system around for THAT. In any case, I haven't missed the Series X one bit. I thought I would miss achievement hunting but trophy hunting has been more than enough for me and I can still earn achievements on PC using the GP app. I know anecdotal evidence isn't super useful in these situations but I noticed a HUGE leap to PS5 and PS5 Pro back when Sony was running the PlayStation Days of Play Event where they discounted hardware and software pretty significantly. I am subbed to all the major console subreddits and every day when I scrolled through my home feed on reddit, all I would see are "made the switch" posts from Xbox fans to PS5 and even more shockingly, PS5 Pro. I saw SOOOO many PS5 Pro first time buyers more than anything. It makes sense when you think about it b/c Microsoft increased the price of their Xbox hardware making the Pro the best option out there for the price (bang for buck). I think it was on sale for $625? Keep in mind the Series X 1TB console is $600 and the 2tb model is $729.99. LIKE WHAT? Is Microsoft waving the white flag here??? The PS5 Pro is $100 cheaper than the Series X!!! That's wild. It feels like MS is like, okay well we've clearly lost this one so we might as well jack up our prices so that when we sell a console, we are at least making some profit from it. I would be stunned if this next generation is NOT the last generation of Xbox hardware. I think after that Xbox becomes a full on service and putting Game Pass everywhere and on the side they will do what they are doing with the Rog Ally handheld and just partner with Desktop and Laptop PC companies to have an "Xbox" version of their machines that run a lighter version of windows for gaming etc. Save this post for 5 years from now!

This kind of phenomenon will continue to occur. If I were a Nintendo executive, I would order more games like Cyberpunk 2077 (which was a relative success, showing that Nintendo fans want games like this) now there are many console fans who don't want to buy a Playstation are looking for a new platform and Nintendo could take advantage of that.

 

[Bernardougf]

So, with this announcement. Is it confirmed there isnt a traditional console coming from MS, because i thought Sarah Bond insinuated that there would be an Xbox console?

Xbox team shady pr/messaging and/or flat out lying.... thats like.. unheard and shocking.


Cmon bro

 

[adamsapple]

 

[Geometric-Crusher]

So how much to we think the PS6 will cost, based on the costs of the 9070xt and similar graphics cards?

Unfortunately, we cannot predict prices based on current hardware, I made that mistake in past generations. The ideal is to wait, but the trend is that it will cost the price of the PS5 (2020) corrected inflation + $50.

 

[POKEYCLYDE]

I only have a laptop, which becomes an oven when playing the most basic of games like Loop Hero.

I don't want to spend upwards of $2k to be able to experience higher end games. I want to be able to sit on my couch and not in my at home cubicle/desk area.

The handful of friends that I game with aren't into PC gaming either. Half of them waited until last year to get the new Xbox, so asking them to plop down $2k on a gaming PC is out of the question.

But there are PC exclusive games I'd love to play by myself and with my friends. Tiny Glade. REPO. Lethal Company. And there are even Playstation games that I'd like to play with friends but getting them to drop $600+ for a game or two isn't realistic.

As long as I can brush my FOMO aside for games like Spiderman, I'll be able to experience them a year or two after when they come to Steam. And games like Helldivers 2 are day and date on Steam.

Seemingly the most cost effective way of playing the most "exclusive" games will be getting the next open store Xbox and whatever Nintendo hardware is out.

 

[Fess]

Depends what the Xbox cost and the hardware and performance. All things considered it could be an amazing device if it gives you access to Xbox and PlayStation games and Steam and Gamepass.

I think it's more likely that it push people over to PC than PlayStation 6.

Getting a taste of Steam can be transformative.

This is where it started for me:
June 21, 2014
Marlow Briggs $0.99 on Steam

I think I've done my part, bought the game without even owning a gaming PC lol $0.99 is too cheap for a game like this, maybe I becomes a PC gamer some day

11 years and several PCs later I barely use consoles, except Nintendo's.