Microsoft is reportedly making an Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming device
A new rumor states that Microsoft plans to roll out an Xbox streaming device within the next year.
Cloud gaming has been a clear priority at Microsoft and Xbox over the past several years, offering ways for gamers to play the biggest games on devices that aren’t consoles. Cloud gaming is accessible on phones, computers, and tablets, and may soon be expanding even further. According to a new report, Microsoft will soon release a physical Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming device.
This report comes from GamesBeat’s Jeff Grubb, who states that the move to release a cloud gaming streaming device is a part of Microsoft’s Xbox Everywhere initiative. Such a device would allow players to access and enjoy a catalog of titles from Xbox Game Pass on televisions. What’s more, the device will also let users stream movies and TV shows. The report compares it to a Roku or Amazon Fire Stick.
In addition to the physical cloud streaming device, Microsoft is also working on an Xbox cloud game app for Samsung Smart TVs. This would essentially work the same way as the streaming device, but without the need for a physical puck.
If true, this would be just the latest move by Microsoft to expand the Xbox empire beyond the confines of the console itself. Cloud gaming has been a major entry point for the brand, and the company has been investing a lot into it as of late. Most recently, Xbox Cloud Gaming allowed Fortnite to return to iOS devices after nearly two years. Microsoft has yet to confirm or deny any of the information shared in the report.
The report states that Microsoft will release both the Xbox Cloud Gaming device as well as the Xbox Cloud Gaming Samsung app within the next 12 months. With the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase announced for this June, could we possibly see it announced then? For future updates, you can stick with us here on Shacknews.
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Donovan Erskine posted a new article, Microsoft is reportedly making an Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming device
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I've commented in chatty many times over the years; this is pretty much the future of consoles. Some executives have said there will likely be another gen of hardware consoles after this now current generation, but I'm not as certain about that. If they do another kind of upgrade... PS5 Pro or Series X+ or something, then that could easily extend the life of the current generation to the point Sony and MS could decide to end hardware at that point.
Do I think it will happen? I'm only 40% that it would happen now instead of one last round of hardware. But I think that % jumps if they do a Pro upgrade to the hardware, but at the 5yr mark. Sony and MS have a really good view of what Switch is doing, being 5yrs old, only getting a minor bump so far, and still going incredibly strong. As long as demand for PS5 and Series X/S maintain this pace for another year, there's little reason for them to push for another round of hardware at a set date.
Do I think this will eventually and end hardware console? Yes. The upside to Sony and MS is just too high for it not to. It effectively kills piracy. Or, at least makes it very hard to pirate the code out of their server environment. -