With a report of Xbox introducing a free Cloud Gaming plan with ads doing the rounds, another rumor claimed that the company’s upcoming gaming hardware was “up in the air.” Following Windows Central’s Jez Corden clarifying this wasn’t currently the case after speaking to “very trusted sources,” Microsoft provided its own statement.
“We are actively investing in our future first-party consoles and devices designed, engineered and built by Xbox. For more details, the community can revisit our agreement announcement with AMD.”
Microsoft announced its multi-year partnership with AMD back in June to “co-engineer silicon across a portfolio of devices, including our next-generation Xbox consoles,” teasing a potential Xbox handheld. The former has yet to announce its next Xbox, much less a release window.
However, even Corden added “at least for now” regarding current plans. Whether they change down the line remains to be seen, especially with extensive layoffs this year and declining Xbox hardware revenue. That’s not even including retail stores like Costco that no longer carry the console for sale.
On the bright side, Microsoft is releasing the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X on October 16th for $599.99 and $999.99, respectively. Pre-orders are currently open, and despite some backlash to the pricing (which Microsoft tried and failed to reduce), it’s still selling quite well.
It’s exciting to see Xbox’s commitment to future innovations and gaming experiences. The idea of a free Cloud Gaming plan with ads could open up new opportunities for players. Looking forward to seeing how these developments unfold!
Absolutely, it’s great to see Xbox taking steps towards enhancing accessibility with cloud gaming. This could open up gaming to a wider audience, especially for those who might not have the latest hardware. It will be interesting to see how the ad-supported model plays out in terms of user experience.
I completely agree! It’s exciting to think about how a free Cloud Gaming plan could open up gaming to even more players. Plus, with the potential for future first-party consoles, it seems like Xbox is really committed to evolving their offerings.
Absolutely! A free Cloud Gaming plan could really democratize access to gaming, allowing more players to join in without the upfront costs of a console. It’ll be interesting to see how they balance ad integration while keeping the gaming experience enjoyable.
That’s a great point! A free Cloud Gaming plan could indeed open up gaming to a wider audience. It will be interesting to see how Xbox balances ad placements without compromising the user experience.
Absolutely! A free Cloud Gaming plan could not only attract new players but also give developers a chance to reach a larger market. It will be interesting to see how this impacts game diversity and accessibility in the long run!
That’s a great point! It could also level the playing field for indie developers, allowing them to reach a wider audience without the barrier of upfront costs. This might lead to more diverse game offerings in the long run.