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It is no secret that the Xbox One suffered a bit in terms of hardware, with most games limited to 30 frames per second at even sub-1080p resolutions in some cases. However, Microsoft could be looking to change that over time with hardware upgrades rather than the generational leaps we are used to when consoles are concerned.
Recently at a Xbox press event, Phil Spencer spoke to Polygon about supporting future games with the Universal App platform, which will allow games to be played across devices and be backwards compatible with future hardware.
“When you look at the console space, I believe we will see more hardware innovation in the console space than we've ever seen. You'll actually see us come out with new hardware capability during a generation allowing the same games to run backward and forward compatible because we have a Universal Windows Application running on top of the Universal Windows Platform that allows us to focus more and more on hardware innovation without invalidating the games that run on that platform.”
“We can effectively feel a little bit more like we see on PC, where I can still go back and run my old Doom and Quake games that I used to play years ago.”
Essentially, Xbox One owners could potentially be offered hardware upgrade add-ons, rather than a brand new console. However, the Xbox chief was still quite vague about future plans and didn't outright confirm or announce anything so for now, it just seems to be something that Microsoft is considering.
KitGuru Says: Incremental hardware upgrades could make more sense for consoles this generation in particular as games are already struggling to hit 30 frames per second at 1080p. However, at that point, consoles just essentially become PCs so Microsoft would need to have price to performance ratio on its side to tempt people.
Basically your old Xbox One becomes obsolete when upgrades are used by games. Unless developers do what they do for PC of course, but then what is the advantage of developing for a console if you still have to work on different hardware configurations? It’s hard (read: expensive) enough with multi-platform, let alone within platforms as well.
Consoles have been losing some major advantages over PC the last couple of years. First and foremost: plug and play. Mandatory downloads and installation means that there is no difference with PC. And then PC has the advantage that you can write to (and from) an SSD. The fixed hard drives since last generation have also meant upgrades (and DLC) without the added benefit of mods. If the hardware is going to consist of different configurations, PC has basically taken over the console war. The only difference will be whether you play on your couch or at a desk; but streaming gets rid of that (Sony is already planning to introduce that for PS4).
Well this they bring out a 1080p high 60fps capable upgrade they may tempt some gamer’s :p
So they’re contemplating removing the generation-based upgrades and switching to a more continuous modular universal model instead, one where you can remove and add pieces at will when upgrades come out. Genius! why has no one ever thought of this before! Guess there’s no reason for me to use a PC anymore right guys? Guys?
Consoles are obsolete. Just give up, Microsoft xD
Consoles are obsolete the day they ship, they’re still profitable though. Even as more people enter the pc master race, you’re going to have people who don’t want to spend the money. The casual gamer market numbers are also still growing, the difference we’re seeing at the moment is many people who were previously console only are now buying PCs that are capable of gaming. And then there’s the people buying 27″ imacs who think their pc is capable of gaming…
Streaming doesn’t even matter unless you’re playing MOBAs or an FPS competitively. Worst comes to worst you can just use a wireless controller on your PC and play it on the couch anyway.
True that. I already lounge a controller in my desk chair with some games.
Errr… que? So there will be a point where some games are built for your console but not built for what’s included in your particular console. Welcome to owning a stunted PC, console gamers.
I guess if Nintendo could do it with their “New 3DS” then so can Microsoft.
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The 32X and Mega-CD were a dissaster back in the days
I agree. Console are completely obsolete the day they ship hardware-wise however over the course of its 7 year lifespan the games are optimised for the platform. Looking at the swan song games of the last gen, it was amazing they could squeeze what they did out of now ancient hardware. Microsoft make it no secret they had intentions of offloading GPU to their Azure cloud platform (think Quantum Break will be the first to utilise it?) and looking at the youtube videos, it really works. Add to that the upcoming Hololens (which doesn’t require any additional hardware) you are still going to get people wondering why they are playing upscaled 720p and native 900p games in a couple of years. Adding a price subsidised module that would IDK apply a blanket resolution, shader and rendering patch to existing titles and a buff going forwards, with possibly the addition of 4k which the consumer will be demand in a couple of years seems like a good option. Microsoft are in bed with Oculus Rift so if they are thinking of tying it up with their gaming machine they are going to need to pull something out of the hat, otherwise they are just going to alienate their customer base by scrapping their ‘continuously evolving windows 10 based xbox gaming platform’ so soon.
Nail in the coffin if they do this.
Even though I see the need for more power in these units the whole point of a console is to have the same hardware spec from beginning to end of life which gives the end user the safety of not having to worry about spending more money on the same gen hardware just to keep it up to date to play the latest games. If this is actually going to be the case then investing in a PC is the way to go. If this ends up happening the end user will have to upgrade the hardware just like a PC to play the latest games which should not be happening. If MS wants to up the hardware then come out with a new next gen xbox same goes for Sony. This coming from a long time PC user no xbox one or PS4 here just a up to date gaming PC.