(Business Perspective) Does MS really need Xbox Hardware?

[Azzanation]

Hiku said:

Azzanation said:

This also falls on the individuals who disagree with that statement, if you cannot trust the company you invest in than you are investing in the wrong company. 

Well this goes for any company. Without competition, they may be more likely to steer down the wrong path.

I don't think Xbox needs to outsell Playstation or Nintendo to be successful.
While I do agree that 3 consoles, from my personal point of view, always felt like at least one too many. But for others it's not an issue.

I think it's too early to determine if MS will drop out of the hardware business next gen since that's likely 5+ years away.
I think they'll try to continue even if they don't set any sales records or don't make too much money from it vs going full service mode, because there will be players who prefer their controlers, etc.

Hiko, i have been a Steam user for decades and to this day, with or without competition, they have done everything that supports me as a customer. You don't need competition if you can have faith with the company. Sounds weird I know, same can be said for Nintendo. The issue is MS and Sony clearly cannot be trusted and will run away with everything if they can. As a business standpoint, I don't see the need for a 3rd platform and to MS it's only a money drain just to sell subs. 

Xbox will still make controllers and still make games, its just the dedicated hardware the business needs to justify.