Should Xbox End their Generation Early?

[Mnementh]

aTokenYeti said:

I was late to this thread, but IMO I think Xbox should jumpstart next gen early (I voted 2026) and I also think they should do basically a soft reboot of the entire brand.

This isn’t even because of the current console sales, but the simple fact that at this point Microsoft gaming is a radically, *radically* different company than it was at the start of 9th gen. Since the Series X was announced at the end of 2019, Microsoft has purchased 2 of the largest western publishers and become the largest employer of game developers in the world.

I think a big reboot of the brand to reflect these changes is in order. Keep calling it Xbox, and keep using the color green, but everything else is on the table to mix up

I agree. When Xbox initially released they targeted hardcore PC gamers, especially in the shooter area with Halo and Gears. And despite what people say, the original Xbox and the brand was successful - in a way. Xbox brought Achievements, Internet play (not entirely new, but for the first time on a broader scale on console), DLC, game updates. In a way PS5 now looks more like the original Xbox than the PS2. So Xbox was and is influential, yet it did not realize in numbers. But at this point PS has adapted everything the Xbox introduced and excels at it. No point in doubling down, Xbox need to change to be relevant.

My suggestion would be: go for a family console. I think that matches well with Gamepass. A family can have a box under the TV, that plays games, and Gamepass games. Each member can pick a game on a whim and either play it after a download or start right away with streaming. No need to purchase, as they have a Gamepass subscription. The kid comes home from school and plays some kid game (a new and good Viva Pinata, a new Spyro or Skylanders, Minecraft or a Minecraft spinoff, Grounded, a new Banjo, or some new IP). The whole family gets together to play together (MS needs some sort of Mario Kart or Mario Party game - best have both). The father plays something like Hellblade, Pentiment, Diablo, Starfield or Pillars of Eternity in the evening. The mother maybe some cozy farming sim or romantic visual novel (MS needs both). Both parents together play something in the style of It Takes Two. All of the games come off the Gamepass subscription, with streaming they can be played instantly after selecting a game on a whim.

That all doesn't mean they should abandon their current customers, they can have a second (more powerful) box for these and still have COD and Halo.

Also to mention: I think MS is also eyeing the mobile market, I think that was a big part of why they bought Activision. Currently the gaming on mobile is dominated by single breakout games, but what if that model changes? Netflix is already there, if you have the Netflix app and a subscription, you can play a catalogue of games right away. MS could have something similar with a Xbox app or a specific Gamepass app and a Gamepass sub (poossibly with a special mobile tier).