Does Microsoft need to change its policies? (pic: Metro.co.uk)
An Xbox Series S owner has some suggestions for Microsoft, on how to avoid another problem like Baldur’s Gate 3 not releasing on Xbox.
Microsoft has two systems coexisting in the next generation console world: Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. No problem, right? Well, wrong, as it is turning into a serious problem. This subject recently received quite a bit of attention due to the Baldur’s Gate 3 release date delay, but more on that later.
First we will look at the history of gaming companies having more than one console exist in the current market and the results of the past coexisting consoles that existed, moving forward to the current issues facing the Xbox consoles, and, lastly, what Microsoft could/should be doing to prevent this from reoccurring – as I only suspect it will continue to keep happening as games continue to progress during their dual consoles lifetimes.
This is not the first time a company has had two current generation systems existing at the same time. Now, the most common occurrence of this was back in the handheld system days. Most companies have had a main home console and a handheld portable system. Everyone knows, I would assume, of Nintendo and the Game Boy. There was always a Game Boy along the ranks of a Nintendo home console system. Other companies also had handheld systems alongside their home consoles at one time or another: Sega had the Game Gear, Sony had the PS Vita, and the list goes on.
This type of coexistence made sense, as they played different games and one system’s abilities did not affect the other. There was also a time when some consoles had additional hardware that could be added – Sega, being one of those, had the Mega-CD that could be added to the Mega Drive. The additional hardware played different games, as most of them were on a different format (like one being a cartridge and the other a CD).
Some companies even had a third (usually what I would call experimental) system. Nintendo, at one point, had three systems: The third system, that would be the Virtual Boy. And Sega, during the time of the Mega Drive and CD add-on, also later released the 32X (another add-on). Unfortunately, the Virtual Boy and the 32X did not stick around very long (hence I used the term experimental).
For the majority, in the life cycle of these previous co-existing systems it worked. And then we have the present situation facing the Xbox consoles. This has been a big deal for Xbox owners, as it has caused the delay of Balder’s Gate 3 – a highly anticipated game. Baldur’s Gate 3 already had its official launch on PC and it has a set release date for the PlayStation 5 in September. The Xbox consoles have no set release date due to complications with running coexisting systems.
The issue lies with the Xbox Series S, as it falls short due to it being a weaker system that cannot match the performance power of the Series X. This is why the Series X is a true next generation console, along with the PlayStation 5. Thus, a major part of the problem is that a game must be released for both Xbox consoles at the same time – due to Microsoft. If not for this requirement, the game could have a set launch date for the Series X.
Now, what can be done to avoid this kind of reoccurrence? Well, that depends entirely on what Microsoft is willing to change moving forward, since, if no change is made, this will become a frequent, recurring issue. As the lifecycle of the consoles continues, if we have learned anything from consoles of the past, the hardware will continue to get pushed to higher limits.
It is clear that the Series S is struggling to perform, even with its lower settings, as games continue to become more demanding on the hardware. This is not uncommon, as eventually the Series X, during the system’s life cycle, will reach a limit that requires a new console. It is just the natural progression of a console life. In order for Microsoft to avoid disappointing all of their console owners, they could, at the least, make sure games meet competitive release dates on the Series X.
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The Series S, if needed, should face delayed launches or even not see some titles released on the Series S. Yes, I get what they want to do, but it is looking far more realistic to have some Xbox Series X exclusives. In the long term, and a bit more radical, they may want to just invest in the Xbox Series X more heavily at a future point.
Either way, they would have to adjust how they market their systems, as, even now, that area needs improvement. Maybe by the time we get to the next release of new consoles, Microsoft will avoid this issue and just dedicate everything to one next generation system. Lastly, as an Xbox Series S owner, this issue could have been avoided and Microsoft needs to make some changes moving forward.
By reader Patrick
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An Xbox Series S owner has some suggestions for Microsoft, on how to avoid another problem like Baldur’s Gate 3 not releasing on Xbox.
