I don’t understand the naming convention. It’s not clear to me which is supposed to be the new console, as someone who is not thoroughly informed on the matter, and I think that is a marketing mistake.
100%, someone who used to sell the units the amount of confusion we would get from Grandma’s coming in wanting to buy their grandkids a new console and having both the One X and the Series X out was tough to explain. It was always the same puzzled look of “who the hell greenlit that naming choice”
It started because they would be on the Xbox 2 when PlayStation was on the PlayStation 3 and they didn’t want to seem lesser so they started making up stupid bullshit for every console
I’d argue it all started, because Microsoft is Microsoft: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Microsoft_Windows_versions#Personal_computer_versions
360 wasnt horrible but halfway through that gen Xbox just went full fuck up and kept that trend going
It’s so dumb. I haven’t bothered with Xbox since the 360, but anything afterwards is confusing to me.
They should have just gone from Xbox 2 to Xbox 4 to keep up. Or start making after the year of release or something. Or even following anything sequential (like letters of the alphabet with what Android used to do). Anything that made logical sense.
I’d like an X but also haven’t really seen much to push me to upgrade from the One X I currently have. The only thing I haven’t been able to play is Flight Simulator and I’d kind of rather be on PC for that. It’s probably cheaper to get the console than build a PC, but my wife got me a Quest 2 a couple years ago and VR seems like it would be pretty fun in Flight Simulator.
As someone who went from an Xbox One X to a Series X, I can say the load screens are noticeably faster now. I only have so much time to spend gaming these days and I’m happy with the upgrade.
Better than expected although it’s mostly Series S behind those numbers. I don’t think Microsoft is about to pull a PS3-level comeback but they might catch a breath thanks to how good this year’s lineup is.
they might catch a breath thanks to how good this year’s lineup is
The lineup Microsoft’s higher ups and/or shareholders make them release on PlayStation and Switch 2 as well because the takeover of ABK sunk too much money and Xbox alone cannot recuperate it. The games that don’t get released on Sony and Nintendo consoles usually work better on PC, even though they add artificial and ridiculous raytracing demands in Indiana Jones and Doom Dark Ages (the PS5 are less demanding versions, so that alternative exists).
There is less reason than ever to get an Xbox console.
I got it for backwards compatibility since there’s so little worthwhile stuff being released these days. Game Pass is a good bang for the buck so people will keep buying Series S for their kids, otherwise MS would be toast. With titles as good as upcoming ones timed exclusivity might be enough to get some market share.
People invested in the Xbox ecosystem probably already have one, though.
I usually see Series S as a sole or secondary system so that your kids can game on a budget. When you’re gaming on subscription service you’re not really invested in the ecosystem and I think Microsoft is banking on a low barrier of entry. Unfortunately for them that also means it’s rather hard to retain those people. They might achieve a spectacular success in 2025 and have nothing to show next year.