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Microsoft also just landedPalworld, the world’s hottest game right now, as a timed console exclusive.
It’s hard to imagine that this isn’t at least having some impact on console sales right now.
Microsoft is putting Xbox Game Pass everywhere and anywhere it can to try and find new users, including the Meta Quest.
Either way, what about the future?
But Xbox console hardware, and the Xbox console ecosystem remains the core of the Microsoft Gaming umbrella.
On PC, Microsoft has to compete with Steam.
Microsoft is putting Xbox Game Pass everywhere and anywhere it can to try and find new users, including the Meta Quest.
Xbox Cloud Gaming is also insanely expensive to run.
It’s only really within Xbox console hardware that Microsoft can offer a complete experience right now.
But let’s disregard my pessimism for Microsoft’s activities on competing platforms.
The ASUS ROG Ally is the closest thing we have to an Xbox handheld right now, but it’s missing the vast majority of my Xbox games, and my Xbox games' progress.
Meta is wholly constrained by Apple and Google’s app store rules.
Right now, Microsoft (and PlayStation for that matter) have a similar barrier to further growth.
Let’s presume that PlayStation does succeed in completely killing Xbox, where would they go from there?
But what if there was another way to find new users?
We’ve certainly seen chips that are approaching these kinds of capabilities.
It’s not quite a PS4, but it’s thoroughly playable, and thoroughlyportabletoo.
The ASUS ROG Ally is a great device, but the Windows 11 experience on handhelds leaves a lot to be desired.
With the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam, PlayStation has turned me into a customer.
Now what if PlayStation could preclude Steam (and its cut) from the process entirely?
Microsoft is working with third-parties on handhelds, with devices like theASUS ROG AllyandLenovo Legion Go.
It really is theSteam Deckthat has changed the game here.
Steam is essentially using Microsoft and PlayStation’sown gamesas a vessel to grow itsconsoleplatform.
A gaming-focused, handheld gamingconsolewith none of the annoyances that come with PC gaming.
Both companies have industry-leading hardware teams, and both have been incredibly late to this incredibly exciting handheld party.
Of course, he wants to make money, but he’s also not wrong.
ambitions on mobile platforms.
You know, like Windows does, and has, for the past several decades.
Steam couldn’t exist if Windows was closed like iOS is, and potentially neither would Google itself.
So while Microsoft’s arguments aren’t necessarily altruistic, they’re also true.
They also hurt Microsoft’s A.I.
ambitions, their cloud ambitions, they also hurt Microsoft’s Office and business ambitions.
And of course, they hurt Microsoft’s gaming ambitions.
We believe constructive conversations drive change and progress towards open platforms and greater competition.
Apple’s new policy is a step in the wrong direction.
We hope they listen to feedback on their proposed plan and work towards a more inclusive future for all.
Or, they could spend far less money developing handheld hardware endpoints that they can fully control.
Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and others have more than proven the concept.
Handhelds can be stronger as companion devices, owing to their smaller footprint.
They are also portable, allowing users to play away from their TV.
It just makes sense, no matter how you look at it.
And I’m here for it.
