Microsoft could just drop a Windows handheld that can play Xbox games natively.
The Xbox already runs on a custom VM based on Windows 10/11. Microsoft themselves are the only ones keeping the two who systems separated by artificial software limitations.
Microsoft : “When we added all the extra ‘features’ of Win11 into our Xbox OS, we saw a severe drop in performance. So we have kept them separate.”
Customers : “So you do agree the features in Win11 are detrimental to the user experience?”
Microsoft : “Fuck no, those features are essential for a user. Btw, have you upgraded to Win11?”
That’s something that could have even saved them money on R&D for the Xbox itself, but there’s no way in hell they would allow you to use your gaming console as a desktop.
It is fascinating how they are willing to waste a shitload of money just to lock users into an ecosystem. Imagine how easy it would be to just run Windows on the Xbox and allow to boot into desktop or game mode as needed. That would have been a huge selling point against Playstation, but “make life better for your users” will never be part of MS’s philosophy.
Microsoft could just drop a Windows handheld that can play Xbox games natively.
The Xbox already runs on a custom VM based on Windows 10/11. Microsoft themselves are the only ones keeping the two who systems separated by artificial software limitations.
Microsoft : “When we added all the extra ‘features’ of Win11 into our Xbox OS, we saw a severe drop in performance. So we have kept them separate.” Customers : “So you do agree the features in Win11 are detrimental to the user experience?” Microsoft : “Fuck no, those features are essential for a user. Btw, have you upgraded to Win11?”
They could, but they won’t.
They could also release a handheld gaming PC that runs Windows under their Surface brand, if they wanted to go that route.
That’s something that could have even saved them money on R&D for the Xbox itself, but there’s no way in hell they would allow you to use your gaming console as a desktop.
It is fascinating how they are willing to waste a shitload of money just to lock users into an ecosystem. Imagine how easy it would be to just run Windows on the Xbox and allow to boot into desktop or game mode as needed. That would have been a huge selling point against Playstation, but “make life better for your users” will never be part of MS’s philosophy.