| Wman1996 said: Cutting the cord on a home console would seem wise if the fifth Xbox does similar numbers (or especially worse) than the Xbox Series X/S. However, Microsoft has nearly endless coffers. They can lose billions on Xbox and still want to keep pumping out hardware. Unless the next system sells 50 million units (or especially 60 million and up), I see Microsoft going third-party with most software and licensing out certain SKUs of PCs with the Xbox branding, an included Xbox controller, and a subscription to Game Pass in the box. |
The thing about the Xbox ecosystem is that... It's more than just hardware. It's more than just the consumer-facing side of the business.
Microsoft does not need to sell 50-60+ million hardware units to be a success.
It's an ecosystem.
That means if a developer makes and releases a game on Xbox, chances are they are using Microsoft's Azure and Microsoft's Content Delivery Network (CDN).
Chances are they are porting that over to PC, continuing to keep Windows marketshare relevant.
Chances are they are buying into Microsoft's development tools and support networks.
Xbox is NOT just the Gamepass subscription or boxed copy sale.
And that is why Microsoft is valued at $3 trillion dollars, because all of Microsoft's businesses support and leverage each other to drive revenue and profits.
--::{PC Gaming Master Race}::--
