Microsoft envisions every screen turning into an Xbox. How is this idea progressing?
My experience trying to play titles like 'Starfield' on platforms other than Xbox accidentally revealed that the console still holds its relevance.
Microsoft Gaming has presented a vision where "every screen is an Xbox," an idea that is primarily based on Xbox Cloud Gaming technology. This platform allows users to stream video games to a variety of devices, such as phones, tablets, TVs, and computers, with the heavy processing handled by Microsoft's cloud servers. However, as the company released a minor update for its Xbox consoles, questions arise about the actual role these consoles play in this vision.
Recently, the features of the new Xbox Series X were tested. The aspiration is that the experience of playing on a console does not differ from playing in the cloud. However, this idealization faces the challenge of latency. Although video streaming from the cloud has advanced and with fast internet connections, latency remains a significant hurdle. In video games, any delay of more than half a second can ruin the gaming experience.
During tests with Xbox Cloud Gaming, specifically using an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, a noticeable delay was evident when controlling the game. Movements in games like Starfield felt unresponsive, making gameplay uncomfortable. While it fared better with more casual games, the experience was still less than ideal. The use of Bluetooth for connecting controllers seems to be a key limitation, which could improve if controllers that connect directly to Wi-Fi are developed, thus avoiding several connection steps that introduce latency.
Despite Microsoft owning Windows, Valve has maintained a strong presence in the PC gaming market through its Steam platform. Many gamers continue to choose Steam for purchasing games, although Xbox Game Pass offers a compelling appeal with its extensive catalog for a reasonable monthly fee. The accessibility of games through Game Pass has translated into over 34 million subscribers, even surpassing sales of the most recent Xbox consoles.
On the other hand, while Xbox Cloud Gaming can be used on PC, it has its limitations, such as the need for a connected controller to play. This situation causes frustration for those who prefer to switch between devices. However, a future is envisioned where the gaming experience may be smoother, allowing players to enjoy their titles on multiple platforms without significant restrictions.
Regarding the Xbox Series X, the recent update shows hardly any notable differences compared to the original model. The lack of a true advance in its features is hard to justify for those who already own the previous version. Despite this, the console remains a valid option, especially for those looking for a home to play exclusive titles and enjoy the broad ecosystem of games that Microsoft is continually expanding.
The Xbox continues to be a viable option for those who enjoy a couch gaming experience, although, in the long term, it could benefit from a more substantial hardware upgrade to keep pace with the rising expectations of gamers.
