After the best part of a quarter of a century in the shadow of Sony and the PlayStation, could the next generation Xbox be about to move the gaming dial by moving closer to Microsoft’s roots?
According to Windows Central, Microsoft is eyeing a major shift for the new Xbox, a shift that will blur the line between home PC and games console.
Plans for the new machine will see it function more like a Windows-based gaming PC, while still keeping the plug-and-play simplicity that consoles require.
The approach will allow users to play their entire Xbox catalog regardless of version, with no changes or compromises, perhaps without needing to store titles in the cloud and downloading.
They will also be able to use their Xbox to run games from Steam, Epic Games, and even PlayStation’s PC ports on the single system.
There is also talk of the online multiplayer functionality being free by removing the paywall, removing one of console gaming’s most controversial barriers and cutting micro-transactions that alienate gamers from platforms.
Microsoft’s vision is to merge console simplicity – easy setup, living-room friendly – with PC freedom – mods, storefront choice, broader software access – and launch the first truly unified console.
If this succeeds in redefining what a gaming console actually is, it could force competitors to follow to a place where neither Sony or Nintendo have much ability to compete without serious investment and strategic change.
Interesting times.
There is no official confirmation from Microsoft, but the rumors are strong.
