Microsoft Closing Some Beloved Studios

Think the handleheld is the safer option still, people do not like rapid changes to their investment and a handleheld could be the best way to integrate that change in a more baby step way. Sorry if i disagree with you opinion.

As long as they don’t just make a handheld, although I doubt they would.

I’m not wanting a Series-S power-level handheld for my next generation console lol, I want something that’s actually an upgrade on my Series X.

If they make a handheld as well though, that can play the same games but reduced in scope for the smaller screen (in the same way a Steam Deck can play most of the same games as a high-end gaming PC) then I might double dip

5 Likes

They already said that they will have the biggest leap in power next Gen. if they only do a handheld they are basically defeated as they would lose all credibility against Sony.

Their best best is to have a home console as well as a handheld, as Xbox fans will most likely buy both in order to have the best experience and play on the go, and the more casuals will either get the main console or handheld with a dock for the convenience.

Going handheld only is suicide, and current Xbox hardware probably cannot be fitted inside a handheld so they might need to have a change of architecture. Either they go ARM based or AMD has something up its sleeves for next gen.

It’s basically the current S/X approach but the lower tier would also have a different form factor while doubling as a home console as well.

If MS can get that + PC stores, I think they have a real chance of gaining lots of market share. It’s also why I think if a change is possible right now on Series consoles in terms of 3rd party stores then they should go for it as they could drive that momentum towards next gen.

3 Likes

Okay, i can see your thoughts on this. However my hope is that the focus on the hardware on both sides have an equal amount of power on both ends to play on high quality resolution. Cause that would be a game changer and folks could flock to either one without missing out on anything.

Although they would need to deliver really good exclusives games on the release to really get the ball rollin so the audience gets going.

I really wonder how long until PS games become day and date for PC, apparently with Hulst in the new position he will be pushing for it, according to Social media.

But then I wonder, how long until they actually start to consider shipping their games to Xbox too. If I had to guess it won’t be anytime soon, because they probably don’t need to, but still.

Sarah Bond actually said the “Biggest technological leap”, which could realistically mean anything.

2 Likes

With the way that tech progresses, this will be the smallest leap in terms of % gain, but the largest in terms of the absolute gain in raw computing power. It will also feature a massive boost in RT capability, as well as possibly some NPU incorperation.

True that. If AI upscaling + frame generation is there is could have a huge impact. Wonder if we will get some custom MS processor like they’d have in their AI stack. I think Satya alluded to how the 2 markets can impact each other or have some kind of synergy (AI and gaming). Might be more developer oriented but you never know.

Unless the handheld and home console have the exact same CPU and the handheld comes with a dock that has the GPU so that when you are home you get the full capability. Or the handheld is the only console but you can buy it separately or in a bundle with the dock and extra GPU capabilities.

Could be confusing for consumers though and all the grandmas buying for little Timmy at Christmas :wink:, but as long as they stay close to Sony in terms of power I honk it could work if it’s technologically possible. But since a handheld has extra components that add to the cost, I think having 2 solutions is probably best due to consumers maybe not wanting to pay extra and only wanting a home console.

I just don’t know how much R&D and money MS is willing to commit due to their consoles being much lower than before.

1 Like

https://x.com/hazzadorgamin/status/1790393557720654270?s=46&t=O_AGT9SEnlptKOF_2SxtqQ

I was told sales is the only way to survive.

4 Likes

No no, the three trillion-dollar company that has been around for nearly 50 years doesn’t know what its talking about.

3 Likes

I’d say they are probably working on their own PC app right now. Hell divers is the highest selling PS5/PC game they have released this gen. Most of their other big sellers have been crossgen. They need to move unto PC and fast. They have said they expect console sales to fall even more next quarter, so I won’t be surprised if they sell or ship between 2 to 3 million next quarter maybe even less.

I doubt a PS app would gain much traction though, people won’t leave steam.

1 Like

And on Xbox, your guess? It’s hard to say, but who knows. I wouldn’t be against such a scenario. If it ever happens, it’ll probably be quite a while for that. Xbox will be first, obviously.

Yes, I do think they will come to Xbox eventually. Phil Spencer said in the Polygon interview that the industry is projected to be smaller next year in terms of players and dollars which is hard to imagine. Right now, Xbox is also the one in control of the biggest games like COD and Fallout. My guess is what Xbox is proposing with the opening of their platform will extend to Sony. I won’t be surprised if Sony decides not to release games on the windows store for PC just not Xbox.

I think it depends if Sony decides to go full on PC and bring all their library of games from PS1 to ps5. I think Steam lacks any real competitor but if Sony and Xbox do bring all their library over and make PC their default console, I think they’d give Steam a run for their money and might even come out on top.

Each time I hear this I do wonder how realistic it is from a hardware perspective, it also sounds quite risky IMO.

Going early with the next-gen upgrade could mean they don’t have as much time to ‘cook’ and develop the features they need, which could have significant impact by the end of the generation.

Aiming for the best hardware may also result in a very expensive ‘console/PC’ that would not be appealing to the masses.

It could also provide PS an opportunity to leapfrog their hardware specs for the remainder of the generation as they will have more time to bring the ‘PS6’ to market and materials could be cheaper within another 1-2 years.

Because of this I don’t think it will necessarily be what everyone thinks it is (super powerful hardware).

2 Likes

I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if they started treating their gaming hardware the same way they treat other hardware and starting releasing new versions every few years, especially if they go the hybrid route.

1 Like

Yeah it would make sense, the PC route would really lend itself to that model with regular upgrades.

Technically they might be able to sell more hardware too as people might decide to upgrade more often.

We already see how often people upgrade their mobile phones with new models releasing every year.

They could even extend their “All Access” subscription to include hardware upgrades.

1 Like

Man, miss me with all this hybrid talk. I’m fine with them making one, but please let us have a powerful console too. No compromises, please.

1 Like

Relax, am sure they will do that. Its kinda needed for competition to grow.