This seems like an obvious strategy. Xbox's are basically high-end PCs already, they just need the software and more usb ports. Microsoft could corner the PC market even more than it does already.
Some people would still build their own PCs but I'm sure plenty of people would love a pre-built that doesn't suck.
That would not make any sense to Microsoft. Xbox consoles are sold at or close to manufacturing cost but it's worth it to MS because it locks consumers into their ecosystem that generates a lot of after-purchase revenue. Allowing windows on the Xbox would be equivalent to subsidizing a PC to consumers.
100% agree. Microsoft owns the de facto premium gaming platform, but has never been able to execute on a strategy that takes advantage of it. The money snapping up studios would have been much better spent putting in an aggressive offer to buy up Valve.
That would be one of the worst ideas for the future of PC gaming imaginable. Would it benefit Microsoft? Maybe. But it's not the future that platform independence is needing right now. It's impossible to trust them to execute Valve's vision. The only benefits in the purchase would be making Xbox a primary platform and killing Proton development for Linux.
The problem for Xbox is that PS5 has exclusive games, so from the consumer standpoint if you can get the Xbox games on PS5, but can’t get the important PS5 games on Xbox, then why would you buy the Xbox?
Buying an Xbox means no Final Fantasy or Gran Turismo, etc.
MS has absolutely squandered the potential of the XBOX with their mismanagement of exclusive IP.
Sunset Overdrive was incredible but they let Sony buy the IP and the sequel was scrapped in favor of Spider Man.
Halo is a shell of what it once was, having abandoned split-screen co-op (after promising it post-launch).
Gears of War has run it's course.
MS have failed to innovate or effectively manage studio/publisher acquisitions so what they're left with is a PS5 that can't play a lot of PS5 games. I don't see how they rebound without a massive shift in strategy.
The question is also: why would they sell consoles when they are loss leaders usually?
I guess the 30% off the store, but if people are already either 1) buying it on PC cuz they release on both XBox and PC or 2) buy on PS, what's the point in it anymore?
I recently cancelled my gamepass subscription as well. They keep raising prices and I wasn't playing any of the games offered. It's honestly a lot cheaper in the long run to just buy games on sale than pay a subscription.
As a casual gamer with kids I find gamepass very good value for money. New games every month keeps kids happy and I always find something I want to play when I have time to. I guess gamepass may not be ideal for hardcore gamers.
