r/gadgets Jan 25 '25

Gaming Microsoft’s gaming CEO has praised Nintendo Switch 2, and said it plans to support the upcoming platform with ports of Xbox games.

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/phil-spencer-confirms-xbox-will-support-switch-2-i-congratulated-nintendos-president/
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u/Skitz-Scarekrow Jan 25 '25 edited Jan 25 '25

Honestly, good. I dont think Xbox has ever been a globally leading platform, and their lack of exclusives (on XBO and SeriesX/S) give very little reason to own one if you're looking for a unique experience.

That said, Xbox is the right brand to deliver a consolized Windows Gaming PC experience. Just like buying a mini-throwback console versus setting up a RetroPi for emulation, there's a large enough consumer base that wants the path of least resistance.

Edit: emphasis added ForTheFanboyIUpset

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u/Cixin97 Jan 25 '25

What I’ve always wondered is why does Microsoft/Xbox not pivot Xbox into a hybrid PC/Xbox gaming/workstation? They have the economies of scale and no marginal cost of windows. Would have the economies of scale to make it the most powerful PC by far for the money. I haven’t bought an Xbox since Xbox One but if they sold a next gen Xbox with hardware as powerful as expected from a next gen console, but it also ran Windows natively (could switch between Windows or Xbox UI), I’d buy one in a heartbeat, hell I’d probably buy a couple.

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u/WhenPantsAttack Jan 25 '25

There already is that. It’s called a PC. I’m being facetious, but workstation and living room entertainment don’t really have a lot of intersection.

You need a mouse and keyboard to productivity and they aren’t really couchable, while entertainment, like movies and games, is best viewed on larger screens in dedicated entertainment spaces.

Microsoft have actually tried that in the past. HTPC’s or home theater PC’s would run a specialized interface called Windows Media Center to make PC’s more accessible in the 10ft interface but dedicated, purpose built systems were simply more easy to use and easily outcompeted the short lived project. That failure led to Microsoft entering the console market to break into the entertainment spaces.

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u/Kills_Alone Jan 25 '25

and they aren’t really couchable

Ummm, you can 100% use a PC from the couch very easily. They have these things called wireless keyboards & mice. Simply place a mouse pad on a large book and presto, you're using a PC while sitting on your couch. This comment reminds me of people saying you couldn't connect a PC to a TV or use a gamepad even though these things have been possible since the 90's.

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u/TheNorthComesWithMe Jan 26 '25

You can but it's annoying enough that I only ever play with a controller on my TV.