Not Having Xbox Series X Exclusives Right Away is Great for Consumers

Gamerheadquarters; "Recently it was announced that there will be no Xbox Series X pure exclusives for a year or so after the release of the next generation console. From a consumer stand point this is actually a great thing."

[2pacalypsenow]

I’m amazed how every selling point of PlayStation over Xbox is now “anti consumer” 😂

First is was power, then sales numbers, then exclusives, and now next gen games.

Gotta give it MS, they sure know how to spin, turn all their negatives into a positive great PR.

[AspiringProGenji]

It’s ridiculous

Dead Rising 3, Ryse, and KI were day one games that showed what the Xbone was capable of and got people excited to make the move. Over a million people bought the console and MS was proud to make sick notes for the fans so they skip work. How was that not “anti consumer” to not have those games on 360 and why is it anti consumer all of a sudden to have exclusives that showcase what new gen consoles are capable of?

It’s a good thing that they are not dropping support for the xbox one like they did their other consoles as soon as the new gen dropped, but waiting two years to bring a killer app for the new console? To me it sounds like they finally realized they can’t deliver the promise of forward compatibility. Anyone with a brain knows that can’t be done without serious compromise

[NeoGamer232]

You are assuming that the games will not take advantage of the next gen when played on next gen consoles. This is 2020. There are literally billions of PC combinations yet games can take fully advantage of the different hardware now. I am sure devts got this figured out.

You statement was true before 2010. We live in a much different time now.

[mkis007]

People really need to go look at how Star Citizen runs when not on a ssd... Sony's launch titles will have some mechanic that will be impossible to dumb down to hdd speeds. mark this. Think about traveling across the world map instantaneously over and over to solve a puzzle. How would a player deal with 30 second loading every 10 seconds?

[DJStotty]

@NeoGamer232

Common sense has no place on here for gamers with delusions that the Series X is gonna "hold back the games"

lol

[CoinOrc]

@NeoGamer and DJ
Digital foundry is already disproving what you stated.

https://www.reddit.com/r/xb...

[fiveby9]

It is great for consumers there are no Series X exclusives at launch. I don't have to consider a Series X purchase for a while. I'll buy the PS5 first.

[Christopher]

"@NeoGamer and DJ
Digital foundry is already disproving what you stated."

99% of games don't take advantage of new hardware for gameplay improvements, but they do it for graphics and physics. DF is really leaning on what they focus on, which is latest technologies. But, those technologies are, for the most part, related to graphics and physics, not actual gameplay.

I'm honestly not worried if there's two versions of graphics or they don't use the latest when what we need are improvements in gameplay with new hardware more than anything else.

[rdgneoz3]

"We live in a much different time now."

Yah, in 2010 MS was reporting game sales and console sales. Oh how times have changed... Now having a reason to buy a next gen system is a bump in graphics (and the people that want that already bought the One X), as those same games will be available on the base xbone...

[bouzebbal]

I think this is a dumb approach.. People expect something tailored for the new console they are about to buy... Not some cross gen for 2 years.
A few games could be cross gen, like TF back on x1 360.. All games cross gen when competition will go ask our2 with exclusives is suicide

[bouzebbal]

All out with exclusives. . Sorry for the typo in post above

[Unspoken]

PC already does it. Same issue with PS3 Cell and PS4 hardware. Same issue with Xbox One and Xbox One X. So basically a non issue. Still haven't heard anyone come up with a legitimate reason this is now a problem.

[rainslacker]

What MS is doing is consumer friendly. But that doesn't make everything else anti-consumer.

I've noticed that apparently no one really knows what the term means anymore. It's used so liberally to apply to so many things that it's meaning has become lost.

[Silly gameAr]

That's Ms's true power. PR. Oh, and software monopolies.

[nucky64]

so true. we're just lucky they can't force us to buy their game system the same way their forcing people to give up win7 for win10.

[Gunstar75]

Software monopolies... don't cry

[fathertime4464]

@nucky
If you don't like go buy a mac book or a chromebook ya cry baby

[Tross]

Xbox fans are also complicit in that spinning, or maybe MS has done so much spinning they've managed to put their fans in a hypnotic trance.

Xbox fans: "Power is the way to go!"
Also Xbox fans: "What's so important about power? Why do PlayStation fans keep moving the goal posts?"
PlayStation fans: "Um...we're not dignifying that with a response."

[Gunstar75]

But y'all bought Ps4 Pro's right ?

The hypocrisy is painfully delicious

[BlackTar187]

y'all as in who?

Y'all as in like 5% of the ps community play son pro and y'all means everyone?

What exactly are you saying Gunstar?

Also you "software monopolies... don't cry" like you have no idea why monopolies are bad for consumers in an article about how not releasing things are pro-consumer. Bro you're not the brightest.

[derek]

They spend all that money to spread their propaganda and still can't get the public in general interested in their XBOX apart from a few loyalists willing to go down with the sink ship.

[Muzikguy]

They know how to spin but it's not a good thing. These articles sure are getting annoying. I'm guessing they won't let up until the consoles release either.

[NeoGamer232]

So, saying that you can only play certain games only if you buy a specific console is pro-consumer? Please explain how this is pro for all video game consumers? It may be a pro for the people who buy the console. But, for me I bought all three consoles the last few gens because i like Mario, Halo, Gears, Uncharted, TLOU, Forza, GT, Zelda, Metroid, etc. It was not pro consumer telling me I had to spend $1,200 to buy three consoles plus accessories, and network subscriptions so I could enjoy all the best games. If I told you, you had to buy a blu-ray player for groups of movie publishers you would laugh. If I could only play certain record labels on certain CD players people would laugh... But for some reason this is totally fine in video games.

Sales numbers are neither pro or anti-consumer. But there is a strong argument that console sales numbers mean nothing. First, many people buy more then one console. Second, in the last generation the Wii was the number one selling console... But, people viewed it as least successful by the end of the generation because sales plummeted, and the attach rate for services, software, and accessories was lousy compared to PS3 and 360. Which is where these companies really make money.

As for next gen games how is making your games available on both current and next gen consoles anti-consumer? Gamers often complain MS does not support previous gen consoles well. Is this not the ultimate support? Making your next gen games available to the previous gen as well? As a consumer that allows me to decide when I want to goto the next gen console. No longer do I have to buy on day one to get the new games. I can buy a year or so out and then start playing my games on the next console. There is no consumer disadvantage to that.

As for power... To me more is better. XBO shipped inferior to PS4... Then, XOX shipped superior to PS4 Pro in power. We will wait and see how the next gen ships. But it is unlikely that there will be all that much difference between XSX and PS5. Or at least noticeable difference in power.

[sibyl1]

My goodness quit pretending to not understand the difference between graphical scaling and being able to use the CPU and SSD to do things that can’t be done on the old hardware. Even the xbox brown nosers at DF are telling you this decision will limit development. If you don’t want to believe me fine but how are you going to deny people who do nothing but analyze games.

[The Wood]

Dude.What industry that you know of that has more than one player that don't compete against each other. Have you ever heard of a unique selling point?

[fathertime4464]

@neo your right, problem is your talking about Microsoft. If Microsoft said the earth is round sony fans and the vast majority of n4g would call them assholes and chant that it was flat

[343_Guilty_Spark]

@sibyl1

It's not limiting PC GAMES that are spinning on 7200 RPM Platters.

[rainslacker]

Maybe explain why it's anti-consumer that we're expected to buy new systems in a new generation, to play next generation games.

This has been the norm for over 40 years. Why is it suddenly anti-consumer because MS is going to make their games for a year or two on both consoles.

[Muzikguy]

These are opinion articles for a reason. It's NOT a positive, unless we are talking Sony. They are going to have such a head start but I'm sure by then MS will probably try and say that next gen don't start until they say it does or something like that

[King_Noctis]

Think. If you’re a consumer, and you can play nextgen game without having to purchase a new next gen console, Why would you not happy with that? Why you you want to spend more money?

But I guess you’ll have to actually own an Xbox in order to have that opinion.

[Muzikguy]

Think. If you can play next gen games without getting a next gen system, then what makes it next gen? Is it not still current gen? Why are people wanting next gen to come if you can get next gen games without it coming at all? The spin these days is dizzying

[King_Noctis]

"If you can play next gen games without getting a next gen system, then what makes it next gen?"

Then why do developers still making games for GTX 1070, 1080, or GTX 1060? Why not just skip those and make your game only compatible with GTX 20XX series? And why don't you upgrade to a new GPU whenever the new one come out?

"Why are people wanting next gen to come if you can get next gen games without it coming at all? The spin these days is dizzying"

In case you haven't noticed, next gen is still coming. Third party games can remain on on gen console only, they are not forced to work on current gen. The only games that work on both are MS's games. And MS's games will fully take advantage of their next gen console. Also, if you don't own or don't have any intention to own an Xbox, please tell me this affect you how?

[dumahim]

Because if I'm buying a next-gen console, I want it playing games that can't run on previous-gen hardware.

[King_Noctis]

“ Because if I'm buying a next-gen console, I want it playing games that can't run on previous-gen hardware.”

So why did you buy this gen’s console? It could play games of past generations as well, with remastered and HD re-releases.

Also, why would it make you enjoy the games any less if it also run on current gen hardware On top of next gen?

[starchild]

@dumahim
Games running on an RTX 2080 Ti won't look or run the same on a GTX 1660 Ti. The same would be true of the Xbox Series X relative to lower end Xboxes.

But if you're talking about games on a new console that literally couldn't be scaled down to be run on previous gen hardware, well the truth is, it has never happened before. All this talk you guys are engaged in is nothing more than wishful thinking. There's nothing on the PS4 that couldn't have been scaled down to run on the PS3. Nothing. No new radically different gameplay systems or anything like that. Games wouldn't look nearly as good on the PS3, but they could have still worked. The same will be true this next generation too. There's even less difference between the PS4 Pro and the PS5.

[Chaos_Order]

*Releasing a console with exclusives in 2020*
"Bad, bad, very bad. Anti consumer. Doesn't matter if the games end up being incredible, or if PS4 support remains strong, everyone should hate this."

*Releasing a console that gets its exclusives in 2022*
"Wonderful! The two year wait has completely cleansed and completed me! Thank you, MS, for giving the gamers what they want and deserve! Praise be!"

Lunacy at its finest.

[The Wood]

Microsoft has really got their fans flip flopping. . They're more vocal on Sony not attending e3 than their console maker blatantly saying they'll be on sX specific exclusives for their new console. . . . . These guys are funny af

[The Wood]

Wow. . .another one

[Exvalos]

Funny thing is microsoft really is not spinning anything, it's the toxic fanbase doing Microsoft's pr for them for free.

[Gunstar75]

Please explain how xbox's move is anti-consumer instead of flipping it around an creating an argument that wasnt even made?

It's up to ms to deliver across generations, not yours or your precious demi-gods, Sony.

You were never gonna get a series X, so let xbox consumers worry about it.

[isarai]

Ok im going to make it as simple and neutral as i can. Yes, it can be considered pro-consumer to owners of current gen consoles. However, to me and apparently quite a few others here, it can also be considered anti-consumer for anyone buying or planning to buy the XSX. Why? Because the main point in buying a next gen console is to play games doing more advanced things the last gen console just cannot do. But if the XSX is going to ensure that their games have to also run on the XBO then you're not going to get that. Instead you're getting what is essentially remastered XBO games. Now why would i put up with that when i can just go the competition who WILL be providing experiencs defined and shapped by these new high speed SSDs and massively upgraded CPUs?

[BlackTar187]

Gunstar is a paid MS employee.

[starchild]

@isarai
What you're saying is nothing but a console fanboy myth. Please point me to the PS4 game that fundamentally couldn't have been done on the PC. (The PC is the ultimate example of multiple hardware configurations.) Or, hell, show me one that couldn't have run even on the PS3.

What some of you don't realize is almost everything is scalable within at least adjacent generations of hardware. Physics, advanced lighting, the number of NPCs, draw distance, and almost every other aspect of games is scalable.

Theoretically there could be some crazy puzzle game or something that fundamentally required new technology and couldn't easily be made to work on other platforms, but I can't think of a single example from previous generations. And even if such a game were made this next generation it would be the exception, not the rule.

I guarantee that the vast majority of games that will release on the PS5 would run just fine on the PC or contemporary Xbox hardware. So there's no excuse for any console maker to restrict all new games to their newest console. IF--and it's a pretty big if--a game comes along that truly couldn't work except by using some new hardware-based technology it should be the case that THAT game, and that game alone, should be restricted to the new console.

[isarai]

@starchild

Since i already did on a previous comment ill just copy paste it here:

Earliest example is Shadows of Mordor, had a last gen version but couldn't do the nemesis system so it was missing from the 360/ps3 version which is pretty much the main reason to play that game.

No way in hell you could do the crowds in Dayz or Days gone on PS3/360 which is pretty integral to those games. Pretty much any of the open exploration segments and the entire animation system of U4 is not possible on PS3. RDR2 would not even be the same game, the maps so damn big it has the entire 1st games map in it and thats only like 1/8th of the whole thing and yet its detailed af and full of stuff to find and discover.

I could go on but i'm getting tired of this whole subject. Bottom line is MS once again lost me as a potential fan/customer, and i know 1 person doesnt mean shit so im not saying that matters, just expressing my disappointment in the whole thing.

[Unspoken]

I agree they have gotten a lot better at turning all of the FUD thrown at them and correcting ignorance that comes from the haters.

[Christopher]

This is a Pro vs Con thing.

Pro: Gamers are being forced to move immediately and are given more time to move to the new generation.

Con: Microsoft loses potential to sell new hardware by making it optional, much like the Xbox One X.

[starchild]

Quit your spinning. Hardware power has never been anti-consumer. Neither are sales numbers. Sales numbers by themselves are usually just irrelevant.

Artificially restricting games to only the newest hardware IS bad for the consumer. The PC, and now Xbox, are more consumer friendly in that regard. Backwards and forwards compatibility have always been very good things for the consumer.

[The Wood]

What do you mean by artificially restricting. . .?

If Sony stated ghost of tsushima was going to be next gen only then that's artificially restricting as it was announced for the ps4. Anything that hasn't been announced for this gen that appears exclusively on the Ps5 is fair game. I've not seen any restrictive movements as of today.

[starchild]

That's a funny definition. No, artificially restricting means keeping games off other hardware that could reasonably run versions of those games just fine. I guarantee the vast majority of, if not all, games on the PS5 could run on the PS4 Pro and PS4 with little issue. Not at the same level of quality of course, but that is to be expected.

Now, hypothetically it's true that a game's gameplay could revolve so thoroughly around a new hardware-based technology that it would be difficult to make it work on hardware without such technology, but that's extremely rare and it wouldn't likely belong to most of the popular shooting, action or RPG genres. It would likely be a puzzle game that revolved around a very specific mechanic.

Think of a puzzle game that used ray tracing as part of its main gameplay loop. Such a game could be said to rely on ray tracing hardware, but even then there's the chance that it could be faked in some other way or that hardware without ray tracing acceleration could still run enough ray tracing to serve the mechanics of the game. In any case, most games would use that same ray tracing technology to create prettier, more immersive environments and that's the kind of situation you're going to see with most any new technology. It has certainly been the case in the past.

[343_Guilty_Spark]

@THE Wood

It's quite obvious. There is nothing fundamentally different aside from graphical quality between the current gen and last gen. Sony says buy a PS5....the gameplay isn't likely to be radically different than a PS4...so you'd be force to upgrade because?

Because Sony said so.

[The Wood]

ok.. makes sense. You pretty much covered bot sides of the coin but I do think using resources on both gens hardware isn't as simple as clicking a button. I would much prefer teams be working solely on a single platform. If this, the last year, was bereft of titles I would say its a little unfair but that's definitely not the case. Sony and Nintendo more so than MS are trying to sell hardware with incentives and gen exclusives will be a thing like it always has been. Rightly or wrongly these factors should be taken into account. I think a large portion to majority of adult gamers understand this and welcome making the jump. We may not see the true benefits for a couple years but that's not quelling my or many others desire at all. I want to see what these new hardware's I can drop my money on can do that the current cant. I think there will be some cross gen titles but I totally understand if some aren't

[NukeDaHippies]

Except no one is buying any of it

[isarai]

Ok, never, in the history of gaming, has not having next gen only games been seen as a good thing, how the hell is it suddenly a good thing?

[Muzikguy]

There are either some very gullible people out there or many new to gaming. I'm going to go with the former

[RpgSama]

Now NOT having next gen games for your next gen console is a good thing, I'm amazed at the stupidity of some people.

[starchild]

@RpgSama
The only stupidity is on the part of you fanatics that infest this site.

Using terms like "next gen" doesn't change the reality. Those so-called next gen games on Sony platforms are no different than high end games on other contemporary platforms. In fact, the games on PS4, PS3 and PS2 didn't even look as good as PC games from the same era, even though the PC platform has a very wide range of hardware configurations.

Supposedly having a range of hardware options keeps games from being "next gen", yet history proves this wrong.

[abstractel]

It really is a shame. They are tying developers' hands. I'm curious how most third party games will react. Of course Ubisoft's games this year are going to be cross generation but how many others will be?

"PC Settings" has too many people thinking you can just turn off and down settings and all is well. Doesn't work like that if you want to make a true general leap. I've done this for two decades, but you only have my word to believe that my statement is true which online doesn't account for much. Doesn't matter, time will tell. IMO Microsoft is teeing Sony up for a home run.

[BlackTar187]

Starchild with the metal gymnastic GOLD MEDAL

[Muzikguy]

Starchild

You can't play PS4 on PS3 or PS3 on PS2. That's how it is. Games don't scale that way. Console hardware is not the same as different graphics cards for a PC. You can't honestly think that's how it works. That's where the term "generation" comes in. It's talking about consoles NOT PC. I've seen a lot of level headed discussion and valid points made. Fanatics honestly would be more like you and those trying to downplay something that's good and changing the narrative because MS says so. Not having exclusive games is not a good thing. MS killed support for the 360 to create launch games for the X1. They did the same from OG to 360. They know, but they couldn't keep up so now they want to change the narrative. That doesn't mean what they say is correct

[KillBill]

Missing the point... having games for next gen that still have a playable option on older systems is far from a bad thing. Do you imagine it is bad for the gamers that they can buy said games for their XBSX with much better everything or simply purchase it for their current XB1S and still be able to play it later on their XBSX when they choose to upgrade. People keep imagining games will be gimped because of support of older systems but PC development has proven that simply is not a reality.

[Muzikguy]

Not true. If you game on PC you can't automatically play everything. Games scale but only so much.

[specialagent4532]

We are talking about consoles not PCs. LoL Consoles are closed platforms; therefore, it doesn't work the same as a Gaming PC. At this point just go with PC or PS5 or Nintendo console. The Gaming PC is as cheap as a console plus you don't need keyboard and mouse to play games. I was playing Draugen a PC exclusive but it is best played with a controller odd no

[OB1Biker]

From the beginning if this gen people have been whining about the Jaguar CPU but now should be happy they still dont want to let it go?

[KillBill]

@Muzikguy - the level of difference between last generation consoles and new generation consoles is far smaller than the variance in scaling for PC. It isn't like they are scaling from Next gen to OG Xbox.

@specialagent4532 - you are correct in that it doesn't work exactly as PC as it actually is much easier on console due the fact there aren't as many variations needed as the PC.

[FragMnTagM]

@KillBill

I just don't see how people aren't getting it. This is actually a great thing. Everyone gets to play the same games and don't have to buy a new version of a game when they upgrade. I predict that the Series X will enable features that are exclusive to that console, such as improved tessellation, hair physics, particle physics, and potentially much more. The core game will be the same but it will look much much better on the Series X.

Besides, most of the people complaining were never going to buy an Xbox anyway.

[Edito]

It's good now because it's convenient for Microsoft and all the media outlets that are being paid by them... But Sony will show the industry again what really matters.

[starchild]

Suuuure that's it. I'm sure you believe in the flat earth theory too. Take off your tin foil hat. Most people just have more common sense than you blind loyalists. You don't have to defend every little decision your favorite company makes, you know.

I'm not going to be buying any console this next generation. There's too few truly great exclusives to warrant spending hundreds of dollars on a console that does nothing else for me except play those few exclusives. The PC has a far bigger library of games and offers the most freedom and consumer friendly options. The industry is moving towards more freedom and open standards anyway. It's good that at least some of the console makers are moving in that direction.

[DJStotty]

the xbox one X did not have any exclusives, so....

[Unspoken]

PC has been doing it for generations. How are they still going strong?

[isarai]

PC doesn't have generations, try again

[FragMnTagM]

@isarai

Semantics, but point Unspoken's point is valid.

[isarai]

@FragMnTagM

No it isnt, PC games still have minimum requirements. Not everything is scaleable, if you want to push things forward you have to leave old hardware behind, which is why minimum requirements always change and are more demanding for more advanced games.

[starchild]

What the hell are you talking about? It was never a good thing. Millions of PC gamers have explained the backward and forward compatibility of the platform to be one of the things they love about it.

Furthermore, this is all wishful thinking in the first place. PS4 games could have run on the PS3 just fine after being scaled down. This idea that games are restricted to the new console hardware because they are "true next gen games" and couldn't run in any form on the previous hardware is a complete myth. They only do it because they want everyone to buy the new hardware, since the old hardware sales have slowed down so much. And, no, that isn't a positive thing for consumers.

[isarai]

So by your logic i should be able to take a $600 PC from 2006 and run RDR2 on it just fine by simply turning down some textures and resolution. Yeah get back to me when you pull that off

[starchild]

No, don't be silly. Eventually most people have moved on to newer hardware and the scaling becomes more difficult than it's worth. But we're talking about ajacent generations of hardware. The PS4 Pro has 4.2 teraflops and the PS5 is rumored to have 9.2 teraflops. Are you really saying that games can't be scaled for both consoles? That would be like making a game exclusive to the RTX 2070 Super and saying it would be impossible to run on the GTX 1060. Nobody does that on PC. Everyone would know it's bullsh!t.

Has Sony even confirmed that newer games will be restricted to the PS5 and support for the PS4 Pro will be dropped? If so, that's a crappy move and they would only be doing it to try to force people to buy their new console.

[343_Guilty_Spark]

You're stuck on this generation thing. New games will come to Xbox ...but it'll be for all Xboxes.

[sibyl1]

It's not great for consumers who are early adopters of the Series X.

[sampsonon]

it's bull$hit is what it is. these articles can talk and talk about how "it's a good thing" not to have exclusives for a yr or 2, UNTIL LAUNCH DAY AND SONY IS SHOWING OFF AMAZING AAA GAMES THAT YOU CAN ONLY PLAY ON PS5. then watch how the story changes. "what was MS thinking' not having any exclusives for the 1st and 2nd yr.
Sony still has three major titles coming out this yr, unbelievable.

i know where my money is being spent.

[starchild]

"AAA GAMES THAT YOU CAN ONLY PLAY ON PS5"

Yeah, because Sony artificially restricted them to the PS5, not because they couldn't have scaled down versions of those games for PS4 Pro and PS4. Especially for the PS4 Pro. There's no reason they couldn't do that except they want to force people to buy their new console.

[steven83r]

@starchild Actually that's a good thing they don't make the game for both consoles. Look at the waste of money the Xbox One X was. Games were made for Reg Xbox One and slightly upscaled for X. Now imagine if they had used the full power of the X. I buy next gen for new games with the power of the PS5 being used to it's full potential. Not coding on PS4 and transferring to PS5.

[sampsonon]

@starchild
and?

[343_Guilty_Spark]

@steven83r

How is 900p to 4K with super textures a slight upscale? Who is your weed man? Because you are high.

Not to mention nearly all 3rd party games looked and performances better on the X.

[sibyl1]

@sampsonon

These guys can say what they want, at the end of the day I think they know that Sony is going to be the leader next gen too.

I'm pretty sure Microsoft just isn't confident they can sell enough consoles to justify a full move to next gen especially when you look at how poorly the first X actually sold. Trying to sell an even more powerful console so close to that was too much for them, especially if they have to price it above $500.

Or perhaps Sony really caught them with their pants down and they just can't get any games to market in time that will capitalize on next gen tech sooner than 2022.

But really, the sad thing here is Microsoft is slowing industry growth and slowing creativity with this decision. It's up to the platform holders to lead the push into next gen.

[MagUk]

MS have just invested in xcloud servers, can you really believe there not going to make games that run on them servers right away.
I don’t think this will matter too much as the SX could have its own texture packs ect.. People have been critical of MS moves like cross play and Game Pass but they worked out well so far.

[CaptainHenry916]

I thought Microsoft said all their next gen games will be playable on Xbox one slim?

[Wikkid666]

How exactly is it a bad thing for Series X early adopters???? Please explain that...

They're getting the BEST console gaming experience without giving up anything. They're getting faster load times, better graphics, and better frame rates.

What's better... having millions Halo players or a few hundred thousand??? It's about giving the players the option of upgrading without forcing them to. Why should the online player community be split??? It's actually better for early adopter because it's more people to actually play the games with.

[StoneyYoshi]

@Wikkid666
"What's better... having millions Halo players or a few hundred thousand???"
Exactly, MS has no choice but to do this because they have less than 50 million current gen Xbox owners to work with.

Trying to get less than 50 mil to switch to next gen would make the Series X community look basically dead for the first year. But now doing this allows them to have 50+ million already playing with the next gen community of Xbox for the first 2 years at least. If they didn't screw this gen up they could have had millions more still in their ecosystem, Im almost certain that this strategy they are going with wouldn't even be a thing at that point.

Now with this strategy, its their way of keeping the Xbox one alive for a few years more to get more of those systems sold so when they stop supporting the Xbox one, they already have you invested in their ecosystem/community so its easier for them to sell you on their next gen system and games later into next gen which by then, hopefully the next gen system will already be discounted.

[sibyl1]

One would hope a new Halo game could sell a few million consoles in the first 2 years...

I mean if you think Microsoft can't sell more than a few hundred thousand consoles just in the launch month then you should be worried about other aspects of your favorite brand.

[sampsonon]

I feel your pain.

[343_Guilty_Spark]

Oh you mean like the early adopters of the Xbox One X That were greeted with definitive console versions of all 3rd party games at 4K/30 and the best versions of all Xbox One games.

What a dumb comment. Were you cryin for PS4 Pro users?

[masterfox]

https://media3.giphy.com/me...

[TheColbertinator]

Microsoft will lead us all to glory in 2020 and beyond

[zsquaresoff]

They will lead you to a glory hole instead.

[Rachel_Alucard]

I think anyone making comments like this after this gen is already there.

[SmielmaN]

XD. I’m dead.... BAHAHAHAHAHA

[Dovergamer]

"They will lead you (TheColbertinator) to a glory hole instead."

This is one of the best comments written in this forum. No, THIS IS JUSTICE, well served. Zsquare, that comment worth GOLD.

[Atticus_finch]

Glorious failure. Like only Xbox can.

[MrVux000]

Yea...like usual.

[Rimeskeem]

They can only lead if people follow.

[Exvalos]

Imagine back in the day you upgraded from Nintendo to Super Nintendo and you where told there would be no new games and its actually a great thing that you still can play mario.and duck hunt. But no new experiences.

[porkChop]

No new games? What? There will be new games, but they'll also release for the Xbox One. Microsoft didn't say they're not releasing any games at all, they said that they'll release cross gen games for the first year or so.

[ssj27]

Yeah mean what this other guy is say its not fair there will be new games they will just be made for a 2013 weak console in mind. That's good!!! Only means they can push 120fps and 8k how cool!!! Lol this xbox fans dont mind waiting for 2023 for a true exclusive game what the hurry? Lol by 2023 ps5 will atleast have a got a gow, spiderman, socom demonsouls, Horizon or killzone, days gone II, last of us remastered & online portion of the game and that before the xboxsx gets any true exclusive. Who care right?

[porkChop]

@ssj27

I never said this is a good thing, so I don't know why you're assuming that. It isn't good. But saying there won't be any new games just is not true.

[Thundercat77]

Only a fool would be ok with something like that.

[gamer7804]

but the games looked like next gen on the other console at least for a year, sure thing, sign me up! PC's have been doing this for decades

[Sophisticated_Chap]

The brain power from commenters in this thread is weak beyond belief. It's clear why most people commenting on this article aren't PC gamers, and why you need a device which only has an off and on button, and is never meant to be opened up or upgraded. Essentially, consoles are PCs with training wheels, which is perfect for most of you.

People who purchase the Xbox Series X, will get the best visual experience, along side high end gaming PCs. People who don't buy the Xbox Series X, will play new games at lower quality graphics settings, and in many cases, the graphics settings will be far lower (and so will the frame rates).

It's the same reason why you would purchase a GeForce RTX 2080 TI (13.4 Tflops), verses a GeForce GTX 1660 TI (5.4 Tflops). The RTX 2080 TI allows for 4K gaming on ultra settings at or around 60 FPS, while the GTX 1660 TI is a 1080p GPU, which would play games at 10 FPS on ultra 4K settings if you're lucky.

So if you want 4K visuals with the best lighting effects (Ray Tracing), the best textures, the best physics, and the highest frame rates, then you buy an Xbox Series X. However, if you don't want to play games in native 4K, don't care about texture detail, Ray Tracing, or frame rates, and only care about playing games on your 1080p resolution TV, then don't buy a new console.

Xbox Series X will cater to enthusiast gamers, which eliminates most of the commenters in this thread anyway. In the mean time, Microsoft still gets all of the software sales from the people who are interested in their games, no matter what platform they're playing on.

[Gaming4Life1981]

Completely agree and I dont know why so many people cant understand this. The games are still being built up on xbox series x and will be downgraded to run on xbox one without the features next gen has to offer.

[isarai]

You're the ones who cant seem to understand that as the software advances, not all hardware will be able to handle it and will need to be left behind out of necessity. Whether that be physics, number of elements on screen, etc.

Well, if one piece of hardware can't handle an aspect of a piece of software, and there's a mandate that the software work on it, guess what happens? The software becomes limited - held back by old, inferior hardware.

People seem to think you can just turn down texture quality or resolution and the software will just work. That's not the case, and it never has been.

[ssj27]

You are the one who doesn't understand that the game is been build for the basic xbone and been added silly features using xbsx raw power to enhance the game. It's very different. Stop acting like tou are stupid and dont understand this

[ziggurcat]

"The games are still being built up on xbox series x and will be downgraded to run on xbox one..."

No. It'll be the other way around until they release Series X-specific games.

[Kabaneri]

Having to make games playable on a 1.3 Terabyte console might not affect the textures/resolution/frame rates/draw distance etc. on next gen consoles but it will probably limit the scope and complexity of games.

[Gaming4Life1981]

I dont think that will be the case but hey I could be wrong but we will see. Halo Infinite, Hellblade, and Forza will be the test.

[Sophisticated_Chap]

Developers will make that call. Microsoft is the only one that is saying that they'll support their older consoles with new games from their own studios for at least 2 years after the launch of the Xbox Series X. There's no reason why other developers from EA, Ubisoft or wherever, couldn't raise the concern that you just mentioned, and say that the minimum spec that they need for their new game to work properly, is the Xbox One X, leaving the OG Xbox One and Xbox One S out of the picture.

The Xbox One X is still a powerful 4K console, which at 6 Tflops, plays a large percentage of current games at native 4K resolution, without checkerboard rendering. The Xbox One X is comparative to a Radeon RX 580 (6.1 Tflops), and it will probably be a while yet before we start to see the RX 580 become the minimum specification for most PC games. It would also be a shame to dump the Xbox One X, since it has only been out for just over 2 years. If I were a PS4 Pro owner, I would not be too happy with Sony's strategy.

[gamer7804]

eventually perhaps, but not within the first year, this is a smart move by MS imo.

[isarai]

For someone trying to wear "owning a gaming pc" as some sort of badge of honor you sure do seem to have no grasp on minimum requirements.

[ssj27]

Explain me how a 1tf game won best graphics ever in a game this year? And you are lucky enough sony is nice enough that will allow you to play the game on that 13tf raw power machine you got. You will be nind blowed but the game is not for all. Some love it some doesn't like it. Hopefully you enjoy it. I will get it for the ps5 myself

[r2oB]

@ sophisticated_chap

Since you are an all knowing PC elitist, tell me, is the GPU all that matters? Is there a reason people wouldn’t pair a RTX 2080 with a 10 year old CPU? Perhaps to avoid bottlenecks? Because that’s what Microsoft is doing by keeping their games tethered to a console that launched in 2013 with an already weak CPU, creating their own bottleneck. Sure the games will look great because of the Series X GPU, but anything CPU related will be held back to lessen the disparity between consoles (not saying they are aiming for complete parity).

Do you really think Microsoft is going to release Halo Infinite for the Series X with huge maps, destructible environments, smart AI, dozens of enemies on screen simultaneously, everything the beastly CPU is capable of; while releasing it for the Xbox One S with a fraction of it? No, they will scale back things that the Xbox One S can’t handle. And I’m not talking about graphics, I’m talking about CPU related things that could take Xbox Series X games to the next level.

[Sophisticated_Chap]

Except that Microsoft is using a Zen 2 processor in the Xbox Series X, which should be able to handle everything the GPU throws at it. If Microsoft were to have designed this console using the old AMD FX CPUs, which they used in the Xbox One, and paired it with a new 12 Tflop GPU, then you might have a point.

[r2oB]

My point is that the Xbox Series X is being held back by the Xbox One S CPU, which you just admitted is a bottleneck. It doesn’t matter what CPU the Series X has if the developers have to be tethered to the antiquated CPU inside the Xbox One S.

[AnubisG]

You are a very silly person who takes themselves way too seriously. Even with PC's at some point, you have to move on. Have you ever looked at minimum requirements for a game? Are they the same as 5 years ago or 10 years ago? No. Yes, you can play the original Doom on your 2020 PC build but when Doom Eternal comes around PC's from 2014 will have an issue with it.

Also, with consoles things are different as a PC only gamer yourself don't understand that. When we get a new gen of consoles, we want to see games made for that system that utilizes that specific system so we can see what it can do. That is very important with consoles and you just clearly don't know that. Xbox will fail this gen and this will be their last console. They will transission into a virtual platform because they make poor decisions. They don't understand consoles either because they think it's a PC like you. It is not.

[Sophisticated_Chap]

Most games that will be released on consoles, will also be released on PC, so virtually every game will be built to be scalable among a wide range of hardware. Yes, you are correct that as the games become more complicated over time, the minimum specifications go up, but if you go into the Steam store, and look at the minimum specs for a number of fairly recent big games, you will see that much of these minimum specifications are actually quite old.

[Rimeskeem]

Or I can just buy a PS5 and get high end graphics quality with high end exclusives.

[Da_Ocsta]

Hey. Moron. If a game is made to use the Series X GPU, CPU and SSD it will DESTROY anything seen on the last gen. Because of Microsofts greed this wont happen for almost 2 years. If you believe this is a good thing you need a checkup from the neck up.

[i3eyond the Circle]

The companies opened this gate with the Mid gen upgrades.

Stop saying “oh well when this happened last gen it was durr durr..” it’s not the same... technology is not the same... the landscape has changed and most are stuck in the past.

It would be a dick move to alienate when you can Supply especially considering theres an under 3 teraflop difference between the ps5 and One X.

Next level CPU intensive games will come but not yet on each side.

[sushimama]

Just keep on eating that Phil excrement. I'm sure the more you shovel it in, the more it starts to taste like Strawberries..

[i3eyond the Circle]

Ok.

[sibyl1]

I feel like this whole comment was just made to spread the rumor about power...

If the Series X is more powerful than the PS5 wouldn't that be even more reason to show it off with next gen games?

[i3eyond the Circle]

What next gen game do you think will look better than an ultra 4K/60 Cyberpunk 2077 in its first year?

What kind of games do you think will be showcased at launch like that? You guys... are....sigh...

They will show it off and have superior quality while scaling all the way down to 1.18tf and it will make you sick.... you really think Sony has some next level mind blowing impossible to scale games ready for launch and that Xbox titles will be night and day different... that’s sad my man,

XSX will be able to amplify the SAME assets launch exclusive ps5 games will use but actually better. The difference here is my mates who cant afford at launch will still be able to play with me.

[sibyl1]

There is a difference between graphical scaling and using the cpu and ssd to do things the old hardware couldn’t. 1000 npcs vs 100 a huge seamless world with out hdd loading screens and so much more.

[ssj27]

My friend Microsoft is fooling you huge time. Keep your xbox if you wish and buy a ps5 st lesst for the first 2 or 3 year when you see Microsoft getting serious about the xbsx sale your old xbox and ps5 and get the xbsx otherwise you will have a boring next few years of game been created for outdated technology. Please do it for your gaming health

[i3eyond the Circle]

Sure.

[froy402]

That's great advice, take it.

[ssj27]

1. If you truly want power spend on a powerful pc. You will be able to play any xbox game on it at best performance.

2. If the playstation 5 is more powerful thab the xboxsex will you get a playstation 5 instead?
Because let be honest so far playstation has always had the most powerful console every generation and sure the xbonex was more powerful but it came after and its doesn't have any exclusive games since the devs had to develop with xbone in mind first and enhancements apply after. So it's not using its power for the game but only for enhancements.
So dont be surprised if the ps5 is more powerful so far i have only seen real devs say it's faster an more powerful console and only youtuvers who doesn't know anything claim xbox is more powerful without proof and only to gain like and views from xbox community in other words they using your feeling to gain popularity. So pay attention to the devs not fanboy rumors.

3. Cd project are know for their game not visual not saying their games don't look good but i have seen videos and the game look normal visually the only game that already looks nextgen visually it's last of us II and that is a curren gen game. Saying a current game that doesn't look best visually wont look much better next gen cyberpunk will be a cool game but visually it's not impressive. You must not seen last of us II or death stranding. And wait for sony to show the next gen games or other's and decide. All upgrades can do in add more pixels frames textures but the core game will be the same and next gen power goes beyond core basic enhancements. Idk if you understand this?

[i3eyond the Circle]

Riiight.. name these “core basic enhancements” that will flourish across the entire first party the first year of next gen.

You guys aren’t using your brains... you REALLY think there will be next gen “core basic enhancements” titles ready for games at launch that have most likely been in development since before silicon was finalized?

Or let me guess.... years in advance while these developers were making PS4 titles that have taken them YEARS to release they were also creating new engines built around “core basic enhancements” totally incompatible With what they’ve been doing specifically for an
“In the ball park” range of specs??? That’s sounds almost as dumb as these comments.

So apologies but In your own words “all upgrades can do in add more pixels frames textures” lmaooo is all you’ll be getting year one on ps5 thinking it’s impossible.. lol

Get some rest...and if you truly want power you’ll get an XSX. The PC argument is dead no one hears you for years now. PC has their market.. there’s tens of millions of console only players who don’t have the time, patience, knowledge, money to conveniently just build one like every member on N4G apparently can...

[ssj27]

It does truly depends on the developers i agree and sure more time better games will be that's a fact. But next gen ganes will feel different this times with the newly tech we can get more AI huge difference better AI more animations and Ai will have more patterns to follow and things to do so worlds will look more dense and alive than last gen that different will be noticeable. For example spiderman 2 will show this hugely. Physics will have huge enhancements and environments particle density. Draw distance and worlds. It not the same designing a game for a ssd memory speed than a hdd. I am not a designer but i have heard the difference and they seem pretty huge. The cpu different that i talk about the world's will feel more dense in desing and AI so open worlds will look hugely more active. You think cyberpunk look good? Wait for witcher 4 or cyberpunk sequel and compare that to the first one. You will be amazed and that's what you will be missing. For at least 3 year's.

While xbox devs starts dropping their exclusives in 3 year from lunch. And starts getting familiar with the next gen possibility.

If you get the ps5 you will already have options to play spiderman 2 GOW2 Socom Daysgone2 and year 3 when Microsoft starts dropping their first next gen games. Sony studios will start bottle necking next gen naughty dogs with their truly girst next gen new ip after last of us II port. Sony santa monica with their new IP space related. Horizon 2. Insomiac new ip or reboot of Resistance or ranchenclark . Fromsofware new exclusive for sony. Ico creator new masterpiece. Sony San diego new studio uncharted continuation. Kojima new horror thriller game. David cage new game. Nioh 3. Wow plus more.. for year 3 and 4. The first 5 years on playstation 5 will be amazing it couldn't be better timing. Sony has nailed and are very organized. Ending this gen with 6 huge exclusives one timed and another mlb may not count but for many it does.

[FGHFGHFGH]

I'm pretty sure you were saying the same thing before ps4 and xbox one launched. Did you think playing games at 720p vs 1080p was not noticable? After the xbox was proven weaker.

[HurstDarkStar]

Aye, I remember.The power of the cloud!@.@

[The_Sage]

This is one of the most pathetic things I've ever seen.

[Silly gameAr]

So, this gen was great for consumers. Is that what you're saying?

[Question_Mark]

Well, this will be great for this consumer. If there are no exclusives, it’ll save me hundreds of dollars when I don’t buy it.

[IRetrouk]

🤦‍♂️

[GameBoyColor]

"no games" was a thing passed around at the start of this gen if i recall.

[Strange_Evil]

Then why even care about releasing a next gen console now? Release it in a year or two when you actually can sunset the Xbox One X. Who in their right mind thinks this is a good idea? The whole point of a 'next' gen console is to have games that aren't possible on previous gen hardware.

Imagine if games like God of War or Horizon Zero Dawn were forced to be built using PS3 hardware? That would have watered down the PS4 versions a lot. The whole point of exclusives is to showcase the hardware. I hope Sony doesn't follow the same trend. I don't care if I cannot play HZD2 on a PS4 if it means I get an amazing showcase of what the next hardware is capable of.

[i3eyond the Circle]

Those games didn’t come out the first year and again..

We are jumping from AMD apu... to AMD apu..

Last gen was NVIDIA rsx and the cell , xenon and xenos.. To architecture PC gaming made the standard in development.

It’s not the same anymore... it’s not hard to think these people who invest millions into engines have assets available for all levels of power.

Technology has advanced and intelligence has declined lol..

[StoneyYoshi]

"Then why even care about releasing a next gen console now? Release it in a year or two when you actually can sunset the Xbox One X."

MS cannot afford to launch their next gen even a year after Sony. That would practically kill the Xbox division if they were to do that.

[capjacksparrow]

Wait how? If I’m buying a new console, I want a game that was worked on specifically for that console to show off its power.

[froy402]

Exactly that's how it's always been, they are treating xbox sx like if it were console late gen refresh instead of a whole new gen with a huge leap in the way we've ever seen games on consoles.

I ain't even mad about it because I'm buying a ps5, but I am truly disappointed with the way xbox has been managing their business strategy even more than before. At least give playstation a little bit of a competition, talk about just throwing the towel before the fight has even begun.

[sushimama]

WOW lol. Ok sure

[Smokehouse]

Yeah it’s great news. I’m getting a ps5 regardless so that means I can get the Xbox I want later on. I will probably make the jump with a fable special edition. I hope it’s good, fable 1 is my favorite Xbox game.

[Tross]

I agree. It makes choosing which new console to pre-order even easier.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Great for [Xbox One] consumers. There I fixed it.

[Thundercat77]

Great for Xbox one consumers because they won't need to spend money on a new console.

[Sciurus_vulgaris]

I think generational jumps due to diminishing hardware to graphics returns, don’t offer the same kind of graphics and performance disparity that they used too. I expect games on Xbox Series X (and PS5) to look similar (albeit enhanced) to their PS4 and Xbox One counterparts.

I think the main differences will be resolution, filtering draw distances, frame-rates and the presence of ray tracing on the newer consoles. Since game engines have become more scalable, consumers can more freely invest in the type of performance they want.

[sibyl1]

It’s not just about graphics...

[timotim]

How many times will this topic be covered???

Of course its great for consumers...thats the whole point of this move!

Microsoft announced the "end of console generations" as far back as E3 2016 and they have been proving that they intend to do just that with these moves. They do this by allowing all Xbox One accessories, accolades and game services to be forward compatible with SX. They do this by allowing SX to play all Xbox One games, including many 360 and original Xbox games through backwards compatibility. And, they do this by allowing all new XGS titles to be played on previous gen hardware even once SX launches...at least for the launch window.
https://www.gamespot.com/ar...
This is very pro consumer because it puts all gamers in their ecosystem at the forefront, instead of forcibly trying to get them to upgrade by withholding games from your userbase.

Some of those invested in the console wars will attempt to tell you this is a bad idea due to some gamers not upgrading at launch...well ok...but it also means by them doing that, that Microsoft keeps those gamers in their ecosystem. It means that more SOFTWARE can be sold and played. It means that when those gamers are ready, they will upgrade to SX in time. Whoever says all console sales come within the first year of release is lying to you. Microsoft doesn't need to rush to get everyone on an SX...whats important for Microsoft is that they keep gamers in their ecosystem...retail, XGP, xCloud, PC...thats what these moves promote.

EDIT: @Rice
That concern is even more laughable. 🥱

[Ricegum]

Oh wow. That defense 😂

[froy402]

Xbox crooked lawyer...

[SolidGamerX]

Defending Microsoft's choice to devalue their new console and make it utterly irrelevant at launch is baffling. These moves promote a lack of faith by Microsoft and interest by its fan base in the new hardware. I expect we will see similar sales numbers next gen as we did this gen with PS5 leading by miles and miles.

[ssj27]

Microsoft ask they devs to have AAA games ready for late 2020.
Microsoft devs all of them say they are not ready until 2023. Specially the 3 new big studios the others are A or AA games.

halo dev say they are ready for the beginning of 2020
.
Microsoft delays halo to make it a multiplatform game and call it a lunch game because it will be sold the day the new console comes out. Spind timing and words to make costumers forget that the game is been made with xbone weakness in mind.

Tells the wold that they wont have exclusive xboxsx games at lunch or any game that uses it power.

Announce xboxsx for the second time first time was with halo, and shows a AA game that has AAA animations doesn't show gameplay or anything and its a game that didn't even sold a million and a ip that nobody cares. By a good dev but always falls short some how.

Xbox fans get wild hyoe it as if its the last of us III lol without gameplay a d knowing that it will come by 2023 the least if they are lucky.

Playstation shows the logo everyone forgets about the xbox.

Everyone remembers that the xboxsx wont have exclusive at lunch and to make it worse the confirm that it will take at least 2 year.

Microsoft pr say they are doing it because they dont want they low count user base to be left behind.

The pr that every Microsoft fan are super upset and very serious in not buying it and getting a ps5 instead. With few exceptions.

Sony fans laughing on how Microsoft once again shoot themself and lost the gen before it even started.

[Godmars290]

Can I call this "extinction level stupid"?

"Extinction level denial"?

[S2Killinit]

Oh thanks for letting us know!

[derek]

Microsoft wants all xbox owners, no matter what box they purchase to share in the same lack of quality games across multiple generations.

[Chaos_Order]

You're missing the point, dude. Sony can release all the critically acclaimed, peerless, award-winning, beloved, incredible exclusives they want, but that's evil and bad for gamers! We should be supporting MS so we can play Crackdown 4 on old hardwar- ahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

[BlackIceJoe]

I'm going to be blunt, if anyone believes this they are an idiot.

[bluefox755]

Lol, this is some real mental gymnastics.

[ziggurcat]

No it isn't.

[bellome]

This is crazy

[Tedakin]

People forget that basically all third party titles, which are 98% of games released, are not next gen exclusive for the first year or 2, and never have been. This isn't some wild new concept. I'm positive I heard months ago that Halo Infinite was going to be on all current XBox systems. This wasn't news to me.

[Godmars290]

Only we're not talking 3rd party games - also calling BS on the 98%.

More accurate to say that while most 1st party launch titles suck, they do try to use system hardware.

[tontontam0]

xbox fanboys does not agree, according to them everyone upgraded to xbox one x because they want the best, they often bash how inferior the ps4 and ps4 pro is, they intentionally removed the existence of the original xbox one the original inferior console from their mind. I assure you these people will upgrade to xbox series x because they want power why the hell would they play on an inferior system.

[leejohnson222]

Who keeps pushing this nonsense narrative, it's beyond belief. No exclusives means no identity, no reason to upgrade. Anti or pro consumer is a retarded statement. These companies want your money, it's s capitalist system, nothing to do with pro consumer.
Stop pandering and running with propoganda, it sounds desperate and false. This is the 3rd article with the same take, it's like they are all coming from the same outlet

[AnotherGamer]

What's with this tone shift about exclusives lately?

[PCgamer98]

This gives no reason for people to upgrade and buy an xbox day one. Also imagine if the ps5 comes out cheaper and with exclusives.

[Chaos_Order]

That's the thing. People who currently own just the XO have a choice to either buy a system that doesn't play new games or one that does, and if the rumours about PS5 backwards compatibility are true, then that's even MORE new games.

MS are handing this to Sony on a platter.

[Saranya]

The best experience will be on Series X, That is all. So, customers still have a choice to enjoy Microsoft games with all Xbox family devices. It's great for customers. I want to see how is difference between XB1(or One S), XB1X and XBSX.

[froy402]

So you are wanting another gen refresh, ok cool I guess.

I am on the other jumping into next gen as soon as the Ps5 releases. Good luck, see you on the other side in 2 years or so.

[specialagent4532]

Looks like I am sticking with PC gaming. Get to play Xbox games plus PC exclusives you can't beat that. Yes most PC exclusives are rts, mmo, there is also Draugen. Also indie games like To the Moon or games like Mechwarrior 5 ....

[Elda]

If a new console releases without any interesting exclusives to showcase the power of the console then there's no need for me to buy it`right away especially if they're still releasing games on previous consoles.

[Knightofelemia]

No exclusives to excite a person to buy your product is the dumbest idea ever well Playstation is getting my money now.

[Profchaos]

Is it though because as digital foundry point out gameplay designs will be made to allow the game to play on base X1 hardware meaning you won't know what you're new console is capable of until 2022

The decision works just fine for me I'll be playing the latest and greatest games on my ps5 and Xbox one at a lower resolution but it's obvious that early adopters will suffer

[Plagasx]

Nah, look how that worked out for Xbox One and PS4.. The best reason to own a PS4 is for the high quality AAA exclusives.. What's the point of having an Xbox?

[Father__Merrin]

Less and less reason to rush out and buy one day one. This is going to backfire bigtime

[Yourewrong]

MS then went on to say all exclusives are bad, and that's why we haven't had any worth playing in years. It's for the consumers benefit guys duh

[Stanjara]

Yeah, like giving MS 500$ ( or whatever) 2 years in advance is good for the consumers.

[DJStotty]

These articles are thick and fast today to try and spin positives.

No-one has announced "No xbox series X exclusives for 1 year or so"

Microsoft do not do console exclusives anymore, and have not for a while. Why limit the playerbase on games to 1 single platform. Cross-platform play is the future, and personally i like the fact i can buy a new console and all my games and accessories work straight off the bat. I do not have to re-buy the games i love, or buy new accessories to play them.

[CBaoth]

"Why limit the player base on games to one single platform?"

Why sell a new console at all when you've just introduced a console two years ago? Ironic one company near bankruptcy 7 years ago can fully support two gens yet a trillon dollar one can't?

"Crossplatform play is the future..."

Ok when did Sony announce the PS5 won't support crossplay?

"I like the fact I can buy a new console and all my games and accessories work straight off the bat."

Again you just described the PS5. Big 1st party games like tLOU2 and Ghost will at most receive a patch. If they announce any PS4 remasters I'll be right there with ya with the pitchforks out.

I'm not telling you to buy a PS5 over SeriesX, I'm just saying none of your reasons for doing so make sense. I'll continue to support MS with my 1X and PC moving forward. But they've given me zero reason to purchase new hardware; especially after doing nothing with the X the last 2 years (unless we count the smattering of 4K enhanced 360 titles). You actually think 2 more years of higher rez for Xbox one S games over next gen IPs are better for the fanbase?

[DJStotty]

Ok....

I did not mention Sony at all, i did not state what i was buying. I did not say Sony wasn't supporting crossplay, i dont know if they are.

You have just jumped on the defensive bandwagon, when all i was doing was describing what series X is doing?

It has nothing to do with Sony.

My comment was solely about the Series X, and the microsoft family of consoles, enforcing the fact that i will not need to buy ANY game or accessory again, if i buy the Series X.

Do not try and make this to do with Sony and what they may be doing.

[CBaoth]

I agree with you not having to buy any additional accessories is a good thing. What's the enticement though to buy new hardware? It can't be just the savings of peripherals, that's a fool's argument. How is this model going to attract new customers when you're currently selling the least amount of hardware? Surely not with subscription services, right? Are we even sure MS is content trying to sell GP to existing customers? If they determine GP is far more successful than their hardware endeavors, is it possible they jettison xbox altogether in favor of putting the service on Switch Too and PS6? Or do they go after the mobile crowd with GP, Xcloud, & Lockhart? Either way I don't see how this "no child left behind" approach benefits us enthusiast gamers.

[Thundercat77]

It is not and the only reason you say it is to spin this in favor to Microsoft. People are not fools. There is a reason Xbox is last in the market loosing to Sony and Nintendo.

With this attitude you will ensure, once again, that Xbox remains loosing against its competitors.

The thumbnail picture, Senua, is a character who have dementia and mental health problems. Very fitting for this article.

[Elda]

LOL!! Pretty much.

[GordyNYC]

Way to turn a negative into a positive! If Sony shows a game that just wouldn’t be possible on current gen hardware it’s going to be hard for us gamers to resist choosing the PS5 over XSX.

[william_cade]

The writer had to take a shower after writing this article. lol

[gamer7804]

personally it will be nice to be able to play everything on my X as well if I want to play upstairs until I buy another console, I don't see what the big deal is, third parties do this every generation, sometimes even first parties, the way consoles and games are designed now is to scale, just like its always been on PC. its 2020 now , lets get with the times already.

[CrimsonWing69]

Sure, consumers don’t need to go out and buy a new console. Can’t see how that’s a positive for a business.

[gold_drake]

i totally agree, CaUsE you dont have to buy the console until there are games for it haha /s

[Exvalos]

This is a horrible idea, and I worry where this will lead, games are now going to be held back, because they have to work on hardware from 2013. This is bad......Really bad.

[iplay1up2]

3rd party developers will build 2 versions of games next year and the year after. One version for current gen, and one for next gen. Microsoft is just doing the same thing. The games that come out for Xbox One and Series X will be patched with Series X assets. Big deal! They will look and play best on Series X.

I still am.on the fence with my next gen purchase. I love my PS4 that I just finally got. The VR headset is super cool, but I have 100s of Xbox One games. Wait and see I guess.

[Da_Ocsta]

Wow, Sony would love to have this kind of spin on their side...

[Fraggle1987]

Spin it all you want...

[3-4-5]

They can make it work by consulting PC dev's to see how they handle optimising for different specs.

It's like making a game with minimum Pc requirements and vs recommended specs.

* So for PC gamers this is nothing new, it's just shifting into the world of consoles.

I'm not crazy about it as a Microsoft fan, but I'll wait to see what we get before I start getting mad about nothing.

[HannibalLecter]

If your a Microsoft fan and are not mad by an entire generation of PR promises and cloud dreams. I don't think anything will faze you. They spin and you guys just keep turning in stride to not notice said spin cause your spinning right along. Ahahahaha

[rainslacker]

Unfortunately in this case it's about equivalent to making a game on an Pentium 4 versus an i3 or above. It's equivalent to making games for DDR2, without much benefit to moving to DDR3. It's like using a CD-ROM for transfer speed, instead of a bleeding edge high bandwidth SSD drive.

[Da_Ocsta]

This only indicates that MS no longer cares about games, only extending their network of systems and services.

[Dovergamer]

2pacalypsenow:

"I’m amazed how every selling point of PlayStation over Xbox is now “anti consumer” 😂

First it was power, then sales numbers, then exclusives, and now next gen games.

Gotta give it MS, they sure know how to spin, turn all their negatives into a positive great PR."

This is an instant MEME. Microsoft is going to get roasted, mocked, owned, outsold, ignored, satirized and even humiliated in every corner of this third solar rock.

Microsoft doesn't know what else to do. They know that Sony is going to send them directly towards "publisher only " once the PS5 launches. Microsoft game division knows what exactly is coming directly to their asses. The console sales could be 4:1 in favor of PS5. I will not be surprised if they end up being 5:1.

[StormSailor]

That's a big deal, yes, consumers will no longer have difficulty choosing which nex gen console to buy.

Choosing the console becomes an even easier decision over the next 2 years for those looking for a new gen experience not tied to the old one.

Thanks for being so "pro-consumer" Microsoft letting us get the PS5 with no other seductive options along the way. You guys are amazing!

[shiva1]

But din you assholes own the most powerful PCs to get the fix of MS games....as if you are going to buy xbox console....just give up. Pro-consumer comment....my ass

[FernDiggidy]

What???? GTFOH

[rob-GP]

What happens in 2022 if the companies decide they want to push 8k further and release an updated console with a smaller design, improved technology, or increased power? Will those who bought the SX purely to play remastered Xbox One games (as that's all they're getting for two years) go out and buy the new console in time for the SX-only games?

Also, if MS stick to what they say and replace the Xbox one S blades in the servers for SX blades, then allow streaming SX-only games on the OG, S and X in 2021/2, will people even bother to buy the new console?

[jwillj2k4]

Steambox One
Steambox one x
Steambox S
Steambox S X

[SolidGamerX]

"Great for Consumers" LOL, BS!

[spambot0815]

dementia/alzheimer is great for consumers too because they can get stuff they haven't experienced before every day. ;-)

[shiva1]

I still think im gonna play on my xbox one until i decide to go out for series x or other option which microsoft puts up....i will for sure analyze on gameplay revelas and comparisions of series x or series ?? With xbox one.

[nowitzki2004]

Wow! No games? I cant wait.

[HannibalLecter]

Xbox fans should be used to it. They were complacent this gen so why not next right?

[Xx_Pistol_xX]

For the consumers of the Series X it's bad. Since the games aren't going to take advantage of the hardware. It's also going to hold back 3rd party games.

[esherwood]

It’s stupid, I’m buing a next gen console for next gen games

[hiawa23]

Wait, but the games are exclusive if they don't appear on a Nintendo or Playstation console. I am fine with MS supporting previous gen Xbox consoles and tailoring the games to run on each system, like they did with the Xbox 1, X1X, and Win 10 PCs. Am I missing something?

[st_vex]

Ok

[battlegrog]

when will people learn the strategy of selling games.Console cycles are dead and its about time. PC strategy is the path for all business now

[rainslacker]

Weird, because almost all of Sony's high profile games this gen have sold more than almost all games on PC, despite having a smaller install base.

Somehow, i don't think Sony is the one that doesn't understand the strategy of selling games.

You can't claim MS has now figured it out after a few days of them making a rather innocuous comment that didn't even go as far with it's implication as most people are suggesting it did. To date, what MS is doing has in no way been proven to be a successful paradigm, or better than other things out there. It's the same thing as people claiming MS has now won something because they announced xCloud, or because they came up with Game Pass. The numbers aren't there to prove it works.

[maskyy]

I mean, they have to make first party games available to current gen. Otherwise current gen Xbox won't have any big title first party games. They're lacking as it is.

[akaFullMetal]

Bold move, I do fear that certian things will be held back to accommodate the older systems with slow hdd compared to sad and way more powerful cpu.
Hopefully it works out for Microsoft and the players .

[waverider]

Some still dont understand. Microsoft studios start building a game with the lower spec machine and not way around, because its much more difficult to do that.

The diference is so huge that this is the only way.

[SharnOfTheDEAD]

Then what would the point of owning one at launch? Without something new and shiny that can truly show off what it can do.

Fact is, when it comes to 1st party exclusives Microsoft is a fricken let down. Imagine if it was launching with Fable, something to give you a reason to own it

[xander70769]

Lol.

"It's actually great for consumers that the Xbox will lack _______!"

No, no it's not. And quite frankly, healthy competition in the industry is what leads to better innovations and better games, so even as a Sony fan boy I am disappointed in Microsoft here. Step up your game MS.

[BadElf]

Consumers? I get it. I bought the One X thinking Great games would release on it(3rd parties I've enjoyed a good amount). In that mindset I could have the ONe X for another year or two. But I also buy new generations.
I dont want it to feel like a "filler" generation again, like the One felt.

So what are we doing here?

[ravens52]

Not really. Definitely not great for XSX. So all their games are on Sony or PC why get an XSX if the PS5 or PC has all those games + exclusives...

[PCpower]

You console fanboys keep on talking about closed systems and optimizations this or that, blah, blah..., but what you guys fail to realize is that the CPU's in these new consoles and previous consoles (ps4 and xbox one) are X86, which IS THE PC. It's been the PC cpu architecture since the 1970's.There is no optimizations you can do to something that has been optimized since the 70's!! I don't care if it's closed or not, the X86 cpu is what all PC's use and it's what all PC software has been optimized on for. It's like if the cell processor kept getting used instead of abandoned, then the performance you can get out of it would have been maxed out because all the little details and learning experiences will be known in 40 years of its usage like X86. The only area where the console could possible get optimizations on is the graphics processing unit.

I think Sony is messing up by continue usage of X86 as it does not set them apart anymore from other competitors for high performance consoles and technology as it's basically just PC parts that either have higher cores or frequency like buying higher performance PC parts. I think Sony should go back to designing their own CPU's and GPU's. Apple designs their own ARM CPU and the GPU that is called A13 Bionic, and it literally destroys all other smart phones on the market in performance. Sony should try to be like apple and design their own CPU based off ARM architecture with their own special sauce in the hardware that sets them apart from other competitors. I miss the PS2 days back when the the EE Chip was a Sony design that really set them apart from everyone else in that Era.

[rainslacker]

No. The PC isn't what makes a PC. Even macs are PC's. PowerPC can be PC. Consoles are consoles because they used set hardware, and you can program directly to the hardware. Some PC's are closed hardware, like Mac, but Windows PC's aren't, and in Windows PC's, you do not code to the hardware. Even the low level API's on PC are not as low level as the consoles.

If we wanted PC paradigms on console, then we'd just just PC's. I want the features of new consoles to be used to the best of their ability. It was disappointing this gen that the consoles were just graphical upgrades for the most part, and I don't want a repeat of that next gen.

[TheHan]

Anyone with a brain can tell this is a good choice. Games will be upscaled just like their predecessors that got Xbox one X enhanced. I don’t mind games not being exclusive for a year. Just goes to show that Microsoft is still investing in their community. This won’t have any affect on new games or old. Those people who can’t see this are clearly blind by the fan boy googles they wear.

[frostypants]

"I just bought this awesome new console and I'm SO EXCITED it has no exclusives!!!" - nobody

[starchild]

My God, what stupidity. You guys really think you're clever, but you sound moronic. When I buy a new graphics card I don't need games to be exclusive to it in order to get excited. I buy it to achieve new levels of graphical fidelity and performance in my current and future games. You can overhype exclusivity to death, but games on my PC still look much better than on my PS4 Pro.

I think it's great that at least one of the console makers is taking a more open approach and supporting backwards and forwards compatibility. I'm probably sticking to just PC going forward, but it's nice to see that the industry is moving toward more open, pro-consumer approaches.

[rainslacker]

It has no games!!!! Unless it's an Xbox, then it has games and it's pro-consumer.

[Harryvok]

Personally i just think that means any Xbox exclusive games won't be the best they can be. If they're being made to also work on Xbox One, it means certain things will be cut back to make sure it works on both systems. Yes the series X version will probably have higher quality textures and load faster, but compromises will need to be made somewhere as the game is developed to ensure it can be scaled to run on Xbox One. I don't think that's a good thing.

I guess i'll just use my Xbox One X for a year or so before i upgrade. Will get a PS5 on launch still.

[joeynox]

Are you people retarded? Xbox will have exclusives. Just because games will also appear on xbx1 doesn't mean they r gonna hurt or nerf the series X. Sometimes I feel half of y'all don't know ish about ish. Let's see.. develope a multimillion game and release it to a platform with no install base in the first year or release it to the new platform and the previous with a 40 million install base. You make it like everyone will run out and buy series X week or yr 1.

[steven83r]

People must be stupid to buy this console day 1. No new games with the powerful new hardware? No thanks. That's like buying a 5G phone and being told your carrier won't have 5G until 2023. This is great news for those who want both consoles. PS5 first and then 2022 Xbox.

[rainslacker]

On the plus side, we can hear how it doesn't matter that XSX sales aren't that great, because all those people are still playing on their old hardware. Kind of similar to how "its still a win for MS" when people brought a game on PC, because Windows was a MS platform.

[FreeFallFrenzy]

The next question is: which physical format are they going to use? Are they now going to stick with regular Bluray discs for the Series X? A UHD Bluray won't be "forward compatible" on half of the XBox Ones out there since they don't have the disc drive to support it. And if they stick with regular Blurays for everything then the game most likely won't have the beefed up settings needed to take advantage of the Series X unless they make the game with four discs in the packaging. So truly, there will technically be no actual "forward compatibility" with the physical discs because there will ultimately be a disadvantage no matter which direction MS decides to go. Unfortunate really.

[rainslacker]

UHD blu-ray is just regular blu-ray. UHD is a video format. Blu-Ray is both a delivery format, and a video format.

Unless you mean if it will support multi-layer discs, which would allow up to 200GB. In which case, it's likely they will, as those lasers can still read older blu-ray discs. Most newer blu-ray lasers can already read 200GB discs.

[LandoCalrissiano]

I don't get people saying no "new exclusives or experiences" as if hellblade 2 is already hot garbage but nothing could be further from the truth. If hellblade 2 looks and plays as good as it seems then this argument is moot.

[rainslacker]

How does it play?

But, anyhow, it's more about if you expect more than graphics upgrades. I do, and the new features of next gen consoles can cause some good changes to the actual core of the game design, which is usually everything other than the graphics.

Remember when people complained about that Assassins Creed game having frame rate problems? Well, that was because of the CPU. The game was designed to work on that hardware, and anything more complex was left out. It worked on PC, because the CPU power was there. Yes, that is a scaling thing, but it could have been more complex in the design, so in that case, they didn't work harder to make it better, because the lowest common denominator was the console.

[VTKC]

Because most of them own any other console?

[DOOMZ]

I would love some!

[mandingo]

Can’t say I understand this notion that games will be held back just cause they’re on the older iterations. These games will be designed for series x first then scaled down for the rest. As if there’s gonna be any games utilizing the full power of these systems in the first year anyway. Please downvote now

[343_Guilty_Spark]

If you don't think Hellblade 2 will push the Series X because it's not exclusive to the Series X you are a legitimately slow.

[Silly gameAr]

Yeah, Hellblade 1 was for sure a system seller for the ps4, right? foh.

[343_Guilty_Spark]

That has nothing to do with what I said

[rainslacker]

It wasn't going to push the XSX anyways. NT isn't known to push hardware limits. It was going to look good, and already Xbox fans are using it to say just how awesome the XSX will be. But it's just graphics. If that's all you care about, then no problem for you. For anyone that cares about more than just graphics, which I assume would be anyone who had anything bad to say about the CPU's of this gen, then this idea is bad for them, and if it's mandated, it means everyone has to live with it.

Maybe it'll make more sense to all those who seem really confused over the idea of games being held back, when something is shown that is truly next gen.

[LucidIllusion]

Drugs are bad mmm kay

[SlagWolf]

So is your next article why having cancer is a good thing and you should be grateful to have it.

[toyzombie]

I guess its good for Sony as more people gonna buy the PS5. No one wants to buy a console at launch and have to wait a year to play an exclusive bad ass game.

[Vengeance1138]

By far the most anti-consumer move MS could make.

[moomoo319]

This makes sense. The one x is a powerful peice of tech and should play next gen games just fine. Literally bought one for this very reason, so i can invest in ps5 and still play next gen xbox games on the x.

[RoseSapphire]

Wowee. Someone needs clicks for their website or is a Microsoft shill.

While I guess they could just have a shitty opinion, I can't believe anyone is stupid enough to actually think not having exclusives for a full year at the initial release of a console is a good thing.

[Ratchet75]

Not having xbox sx exclusive games at launch is bad for consumers and give absolutely no incentive to purchase a new console.
I bought an xbox One at launch because of titanfall , ryse and sunset overdrice.
I would not have forked €400 just to play cross gen like Cod, fifa...etc.

[Silly gameAr]

Can you be anti-consumer and pro-consumer at the same time? Seems like MS has found a way.

[leoms]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. I swear you xbox fanboys are killing your brand it's hilarious.

[SourtreeDing]

welll.... Xbox got no games 2020