Forgive us for going back over old ground we've already covered, but could Microsoft and Nintendo please just stop flirting with one another and hook up? The fact that the two firms have enormous respect for one another isn't fresh information – heck, they collaborated so that Banjo and Kazooie could appear in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, for crying out loud – but as the next-generation war looms ever closer, the timing becomes ever more perfect for the kind of Microsoft-Nintendo alliance that hasn't been seen since the "Wii60" days.
Let's consider the lay of the land here. Microsoft is about to launch its Xbox Series X console, which will be going up against Sony's PlayStation 5 – the latter of which we'll be seeing a lot more of tomorrow. While Nintendo fans naturally have no skin in this particular game, it's fair to say that Sony – as the current market leader – is holding most of the decent cards. The PS4 has utterly trounced the Xbox One in terms of global sales to the point where Microsoft stopped officially stating how many machines it has sold some time ago, and Sony's enviable stable of internal development studios has churned out smash hit after smash hit, including Spider-Man, Horizon Zero Dawn and the upcoming The Last of Us: Part II, which – despite a rather bumpy ride of late – is shaping up to be something truly special. Microsoft, on the other hand, seems to be saving its powder for the impending next-gen war, although its promise to support both Xbox One and Series X for the next few years is interesting.
Nintendo has protected its market to a degree by providing consumers with something that neither Microsoft nor Sony is offering
The battle lines are being drawn for what could be one of the biggest console wars in history, with Sony appearing to be the sure bet at the time of writing – but where does Nintendo fit in all of this? The Japanese veteran has positioned itself outside of the traditional arena by creating a console that acts as both a domestic and portable system, and that strategy has enabled it to sell 55 million units since 2017. In terms of momentum, the Switch is the console of the moment, but whether that will remain the case once new hardware hits store shelves remains to be seen. Nintendo has protected its market to a degree by providing consumers with something that neither Microsoft nor Sony is offering – a handheld games console which delivers true AAA experiences – but, as we've discussed before, the already-worrying power gap that exists between the Switch and its rivals is only going to expand by the time the PS5 and Xbox Series X touch down.
So, where does this leave the three major players? Sony is understandably happy to continue as it always has done; sure, it's working with Microsoft on cloud technology and is making moves to bring its first-party games to a wider audience by releasing older games like Horizon Zero Dawn on PC, but ultimately Sony knows that it's in a strong position in the console market and has no reason to work any more closely with one of its rivals when it comes to software or hardware. Sony as a company is heavily reliant on its PlayStation division right now, and that means it has to make the PS5 as big a commercial success as it can.
Microsoft, on the other hand, has long been adamant that it wants its games and services to reach as many people as possible, and only this week Xbox boss Phil Spencer stated that the company's focus is the player and not the device. Microsoft is trying its hardest to make its Game Pass subscription service as successful as possible, and also has Project xCloud waiting in the wings. Currently in testing, this cloud-based service will allow active subscribers to play Xbox games across a wide range of systems, including computers, smartphones and tablets, and will enable Microsoft to turn people who don't even own an Xbox console into loyal, paying subscribers. The company knows that we're inevitably moving towards a hardware-agnostic future, and is doing everything it can to make sure it has the foundations in place to capitalise on that shift.
We're in the unique situation where the three main players in the console hardware arena all have slightly different objectives
Nintendo has a console which has a massive market share and offers millions of turned-on players who have already gobbled up what Microsoft is offering. Cuphead, Ori and the Blind Forest and Minecraft Dungeons (the latter of which has the distinction of recently topping both the Xbox and eShop charts) have all launched on Switch to commercial success, which shows that Microsoft sees the benefit of opening up its catalogue of IP to a rival system in order to reach a hitherto unobtainable audience. It's a sensible approach; turn off your loyalties for certain hardware vendors and that is obvious. If the aim is to sell as many copies of a game as possible, why limit yourself to just one system when another console can bring millions of extra sales? This tactic makes even more sense when your current home system is struggling for air, of course.
Which brings us to Rare, and our traditional appeal to Microsoft to allow Rare Replay to come to Switch. While that cry might be getting quite old now, we're still not entirely sure why Microsoft hasn't already released the UK studio's back catalogue on Switch. Nintendo fans would lap up the likes of Banjo-Kazooie, Jet Force Gemini, Blast Corps, Diddy Kong Racing and Conker's Bad Fur Day – as well as the countless other NES, SNES and Game Boy titles the company produced in such high volumes back in the '80s and '90s. It's a revenue stream that could only really make sense via a Nintendo platform, and it feels like an open goal that Microsoft has yet to notice.
Of course, Nintendo could argue that the idea of allowing xCloud to come to Switch – which, lest we forget, is based on the same mobile architecture seen in the many tablets and phones which Microsoft intends to support with the service – would undermine sales of its own software, but we're sure there's some way around such a situation; perhaps a small kickback for every Switch owner who subscribes to the service? While the complexities of business will no doubt play a vital role here, xCloud coming to Switch is a tangible benefit for both companies – Microsoft reaches a wider audience and gains more subs, while Nintendo could potentially see the Switch given additional longevity at a point where it begins to look very long in the tooth compared to PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Whatever happens, we're in the unique situation where the three main players in the console hardware arena all have slightly different objectives. Sony is taking the traditional route of dominating the living room with killer exclusives and gaming-focused hardware, while Microsoft sees the Xbox Series X as just one pillar in a strategy that also includes cloud and PC gaming. Meanwhile, Nintendo has long abandoned the tiresome technology war and instead offers a totally unique experience which can't be found elsewhere. Contrast this to the situation the industry was in back at the dawn of the millennium when the PS2, Xbox and GameCube were all similarly powered and therefore aiming for largely the same audience (as was evidenced by the high volume of third-party titles that launched across all three systems).
It will be interesting to see what the lay of the land looks like in 2021, but from our perspective, Microsoft and Nintendo only have gains to make if they decide to work more closely than they do already. But what do you think? Would this alliance benefit the two giants? Or should they instead focus on standing apart? Let us know with a comment.
Comments (193)
I would actually love to see MS and Nintendo team up (joint venture) so the XBOX could have Nintendo games on high resolution and framerate. And MS could sell the XBOX in Japan.
Ofcourse Nintendo's own consoles should stay as well, but just as hybrids or handhelds.
I say get Gamepass on Switch. Nintendo won't lose any sales, because many of the games on Gamepass simply can't run on Switch anyway. For games that ARE on Switch, just don't put them into Gamepass.
@NinjaWaddleDee Gamepass isn't streaming, that's xcloud.
@TheLightSpirit there were rumors that SEGA would launch the XBOX Series X in Japan. But those weren't true.
Yeeeeah I agree. Putting my bias on full display here: I have a Switch and a PS4 and between the two, I can't fathom any reason to ever purchase an Xbox. I feel like it's been riding off of its 360 days while PS4 and Switch have had renaissances with their exclusives.
But I feel like it needs to stay in the market so that Sony has competition that can keep it from gouging its prices and to encourage creativity on game design (I don't consider the Switch as competition. For whatever reason, they feel like juggernauts in their own lanes). If staying in the market means coordinating with Nintendo, so be it.
Just give me Battletoads. Other than that, I couldn't care less about anything Microsoft has to offer. I'm pretty sick of Sony at this point as well.
Collaboration is always fun for the fans! It'd be great to see more of it. 👍
They should be focusing on standing apart. It’s in Nintendo’s and Microsoft’s best interest to focus on exclusives. It’s smart of Microsoft to focus on taking over PC since Windows. But Nintendo doesn’t make PC operating systems, so stay far away from Microsoft.
Let Microsoft eat Sony.
I just want rare replay on switch. Nothing else obviously a new banjo game would be nice but it’d have to be on switch as I wouldn’t buy an Xbox to play it
I don’t use Sony or Microsoft, only Nintendo.
EDIT: Other than Minecraft, of course.
Xbox might benefit from that but Nintendo is just fine without their help. The Nintendo Switch offers a unique experience and tons of awesome exclusives. The power gap isn’t much of an issue, especially since Nintendo still adheres to the 5 years per console tradition. The other next-gen consoles will probably be around for ages, so this increased power gap will only last until about 2022, when Nintendo releases their own next gen console.
@PretendWorking Did you actually read the feature, out of interest?
Sure, if you want to see Nintendo die.
Embrace, Extend, Extinguish.
@mesome713 I don’t think MS is going to “eat” Sony any time soon...
@Damo Probably not. "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" might explain why.
God knows Xbox needs all the help it can get. Playstation is looking like it will be the dominating console of the next generation. A partnership would be beneficial for both parties, Xbox needs more exclusive games and Nintendo needs better network infrastructure
Nintendo aren’t struggling to make money with Switch. Microsoft have done better as far as games consoles go but they’re certainly not struggling overall. I think they’re just fine as they are.
@PretendWorking "yes I did, both the title, subtitle and whole text, did you read it?"
Erm, I wrote it
Take a deep, calming breath, grab yourself a warm drink and perhaps turn off your computer and have a walk around outside for a bit (social distancing permitting, of course). Get some fresh air, and then maybe later try reading the piece again. Then I'd be glad to continue this conversation with you.
Mario Kart 8 is getting quite old now.
If they ported that to PC/Steam, it would probably sells a few millions. Easy money.
@ummyeahnintendo They said about PS3 too, and yet it took 8 years to catch up on Xbox 360.
I've said it before, Rare Replay Switch edition with the DKC games replacing some of the Xbox ones.
Mario remaster feature yesterday and a Microsoft collaboration today? Trying to stay ahead of the announcements!
Microsoft can make a console, but has no games. Nintendo can make games, but is terrible at making consoles. Sounds like a match made in heaven.
So long as I don't need to purchase an Xbox for my Nintendo games (..nor having to stream my Nintendo games to play them), I'm perfectly fine with these two collaborating more. It should be interesting to see what would come out of it. I wonder if we could even possibly get a Metroid x Halo spinoff out of it that could be on both platforms. Or heck, maybe a Donkey Kong x Banjo Kazooie game, get that old gang back together. There's certainly a lot of possibilities.
@PretendWorking the article isn't about console wars... its about the opportunities that Microsoft and Nintendo have to work together, of which many examples are given.
Tbf there is a lot of sense in Microsoft and Nintendo working together more closely... whether or not it will happen is a bit of a long shot. Personally, I'd find xCloud on Switch super useful and obviously a more "complete" Rare Replay would be the icing on the cake.
@PretendWorking yes, that's a well known proverb and pokes fun at the console wars of the past, which Nintendo are no longer part of.
@PretendWorking the advice of taking a breath of fresh air and taking a walk outside is a great idea.
@PretendWorking @Damo I think we can all agree that the big 3 console manufactures & PC offer great hardware / software solutions for all gamers everywhere - it's down to personal preference what each individual wants. I love all of them - I have all of them. As far as console wars are concerned, I don't think Damien is inciting anything. As a professional opinion, he does mention that Sony are likely to be a 'sure bet' when it comes to wearing the next gens' crown, & that's basing it on sales / popularity from this gen - those are facts. He goes on to mention how Nintendo & Microsoft could potentially draw on each other’s strengths to capitalise on a joint venture. We all know that Companies strive to be the biggest & the best as they want to improve their bottom line - that's a fact for most Companies across all brands. Realistically, none of us know what’s going to happen in the next gen; we just have to wait & see. I think you may have misinterpreted what Damian was really talking about here. Personally, these types of articles are a great way to encourage debate, but dismissing it as trash journalism is a little harsh.
Microsoft is smart. They don’t need a portable device. They have the Switch.
@graysoncharles Good thing for Microsoft is Nintendo has kicked Sony out of Japan. So Microsoft don't have much to worry about since Japan don't care for Sony much.
I mean, they are probably competitors in the bid for Chinese prison labor manufacturing, why not combine forces?
@Damo Well done damo. I almost didn't read all of it, and still wonder what % of people who start will finish - you should make that a poll question at the bottom - but I did b/c you stayed focused and on point. Honestly I thought the piece was going to either start or end w/ "join us over on PureXbox.com" but you never did, so consider me impressed.
@TheLightSpirit I think he's a Sony fan. You know how them hardcore fans get.
@Yosher I... despise Microsoft on principle alone, but... I have no objections to what you wrote. I could almost visualize such unlikely collaborations as I read your words. Was not Sakurai jestingly promoting Xbox in one of his Smash Bros. videos? I can suspend my disbelief all the better after witnessing a release like Cadence of Hyrule...
@TheLightSpirit Hostile because of hardcore projecting
If we ever get fable 1,2 & 3 switch ports i would love Microsoft!
Meh. Microsoft seem more interested in invading your living room than givin you good games.
Look at the Xbox dash, complete mess of an UI and seemingly geared towards only showing you ads.
seems a bit too far reaching and getting excited over nothing.
Any collaboration would be welcome as long as it's not a joint console. I don't want to see Nintendo go the way of Sega and end up being a games producer only. Switch in more iterations can have decades of success.
I've said many times before that all companies being successful only makes games get better. Success breeds competition.
There is two ways of looking at it. One is that XBox does what Nintendo doesn’t- graphic intensive, mature and online multiplayer based. and by teaming up they could fill in something lacking, and vice versa.
The other way (which I’m more leaning to), is that 99% of what Microsoft makes isn’t for me as a Nintendo fan, so as a consumer I’m not that fussed about having Xbox games at my fingertips.
A Rare Replay port would be nice. It is possible, since the Borderlands and Bioshock collections are now one the Switch, being separate file downloads, so I can't see why Microsoft can't do the same with Rare Replay's separate game files.
@COVIDberry I know how you feel really. I was never that big a fan of the two collaboration either before and never was that big on Microsoft myself but it's just hard to deny the hype these kinds of collaborations could bring. So, as long as we're not forced to purchase an Xbox to get our Nintendo games or any such thing, I think this collaboration wouldn't really do any harm even if you absolutely despise Microsoft.
I own a PS4 and a Switch, and I plan to upgrade to a PS5 at some point, probably when Horizon Zero Dawn 2 comes out. I honestly could care less that the Xbox One has better hardware compared to the PS4, even if that is true for the Series X and PS5. A partnership between Mircosoft and Nintendo probably won't affect me either way.
Their headquarters are so close to each other in Redmond
@technotreegrass I was gonna upgrade to PS5, but I'm going to go with a Switch/PC/Xbox combo. I'll miss some of Sonys games, but I like PC gaming the best.
@StevenH I agree. It's also one of the reason why I believe we haven't seen a Soulcalibur 2 HD port for the Switch yet.
@StevenH They already did, just download them on your Windows Phone. Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, Pokemon, Fire Emblem...you name it.
Microsoft games can't even sell Xbox. Not an even trade for Nintendo's 15 million plus sellers
The game changer is if Project Xcloud comes to Switch (Nintendo gives no 1st party - just access to 52 million players)
It is a solid service - I use it for Madden. And will give the Switch access to tons of 3rd party games it is missing.
Even over Tmobile, X-Cloud looks better than an awful port running at 520p on Switch. No need to depend on lazy Publishers that clearly do not care about making Nintendo look good. Xbox gets the game, Switch gets it also.
Love the thumbnail pic for this story!
@StevenH It's the best games you can get on Windows Phone. What else you gonna play. Candy Crush?
I oppose ALL of this.
Any semblance of an XBOX service where you play XBOX games on Switch would be devastating for Switch developers. If more gamers opt to use Game Pass over buying games at the eShop, that would cause Nintendo & its third parties to lose a ton of money, & then you have Wii U all over again. This would only be good for Microsoft considering that is who consumers would be constantly giving money to; not even for games, but services.
For that matter, Microsoft isn't going to put Banjo Kazooie or Rare Replay on Switch. They'd rather have you buy their system in order to play such games. That wouldn't make sense for them either.
New banjo game or a HD Remake of both Banjo n64 games with a dash of Diddy Kong Racing get the guys make it happen
I completely agree with your points. I’ve just never liked the Playstation controller so I’ve got an xbox one and switch. If there were a way to share games between the two that would be super cool. Or play on switch via XCloud. Either way it seems a benefit for them to work together.
I was never for Banjo Kazooie in Smash Bros. either. A terrible decision that only helps Microsoft. They're going to make BK3 for XBSX now & that will cause those crazed Banjo fans that spent $6 for DLC to spend €400+ towards their company now.
@BabyYoshi12 Minecraft belongs to Mojang.
@backup368 Agreed. Just like that joke of a character Joker. Had it been the real Joker, I'd be ok.
Mojang belongs to Microsoft.
It's all irrelevant anyway. I expect/hope/wish a HUGE announcement from SEGA over the next few days.
@mesome713 Joker doesn't belong to a console competitor. He also had a game that got wide exposure & praise from the game community recently. I can argue how that helps Nintendo sell Smash Bros. and Switch to new customers. Banjo doesn't do that.
@graysoncharles "Nintendo can negotiate with MS to recieve a kickback if they buy a game on game pass and xcloud to be used on the Switch."
You don't buy games on Game Pass. You buy the subscription and the game is free for a limited time. Developers only make money by having their games on Game Pass when Microsoft pays them a fixed amount of money at the start.
""Also, MS philosophy is changing. They are more focused now on selling softwares like azure and office, which are also compatible with Mac and android instead of forcing us to buy windows machines. They know that selling software on various machines and OSes is better in the long run"
They've been doing that for a long time. Their older games are also on Steam and Mac. Those old Halo games on Steam are simply designed to get gamers to crave Halo Infinite.
@TheLightSpirit It was on reddit a few days ago. Not that I believe anything on that site.
@PretendWorking I wasn't answering on your behalf, nor for my own peace of mind. But if you wish to see people attacking you around every corner, have at it. I'll make myself some popcorn.
Yes if this means we get Ori and the Will of the Wisps on Switch
@sanderev Even if something does happen between m$ and Nintendo, there's no way Nintendo are putting 1st party games on a more powerful xbox, at least when they're still selling their own hardware. Literal suicide!
@BigBluePanda Ori & the Will of The Wisps will come to Switch when Ori 3 is about to release for Series X.
Any Nintendo fan that wants Nintendo to bow to MS or become third party...is not a real Nintendo fan. It's a poser.
I want them to collaborate on occasion but I want them to do their own thing and be away from each other most of the time. It's better for us if they compete for our attention.
I just don't see Nintendo conceding anything to MSFT. I think it would be intriguing for Nintendo to allow an old franchise or three to appear on Gamepass- it might spark some interest in Nintendo, not to mention generate some income.
It has crossed my mind to subscribe to Gamepass and quit buying Indies on the Switch. It seems like whenever something piques my interest here, someone mentions that they have played it on GP. If I like it enough or want to play on the go, I can always just buy it for the Switch.
@PretendWorking No need for me to respond further, really - as other people can clearly see, you've totally missed the point of the piece.
@TheLightSpirit
PretendWorking is probably just trying to troll.
@Damo
You've responded to PretendWorking professionally, so don't worry about him.
“The company knows that we're inevitably moving towards a hardware-agnostic future, and is doing everything it can to make sure it has the foundations in place to capitalise on that shift.”
You’ve added an erroneous “f” in the last word there.
Killer Instinct and Rare Replay on Switch, please.
"Forgive us for going back over old ground we've already covered, but could Microsoft and Nintendo please just stop flirting with one another and hook up?" is one of the funniest things that i have heard this year....
and if they do hook up, does it mean that we may see a Nintendo Xbox. or will it be a pipe-dream like the Nintendo PlayStation...lmao console partnerships that may never be unless one of the three giants decides to drop out of the console wars....
if one of them were to drop out, Microsoft would be the first to go. why would they bother fighting a pointless war when they are practically a monopoly.
What the @Onion said!!! I need to some Cobra Triangle nostalgia running through my veins
I don't need ports of many of the Xbox's games, but Rare Replay is basically a must, if we ever get that the Switch in my eyes will be my favorite console ever, if it isn't already! Playing Jet Force Gemini anywhere I want is enough to truly get me excited, toss in Banjo and Conker and that is a recipe for gaming bliss.
xCloud on Switch is a no-brainer. Switch is basically a tablet with physical controllers. Microsoft would get more subscribers and Nintendo would get a fee for subscriptions paid via eShop and more importantly it would make Switch a more relevant gaming device once Series X and PS5 are out.
Whoever shot these photos, they are awesome!
Just bring back Killing Instinct to home Microsoft/ Nintendo.
I agree, I’ve said for years that MS and Nintendo should collaborate on making a new IP.
In addition it would benefit MS to bring their bigger IP to Switch, especially in Japan, as Halo, Rare Replay? And possibly Gears would do well on Switch especially if they want to advertise these franchises to Nintendo players for new entries on XBox Series X.
If Nintendo shared some of their older games with XB Game Pass it would also build some good will on that front as well.
In addition, it’s a no brainer that if Nintendo wants to eventually create an N64 Classic, they’re going to needs MS blessing and protect share a bit since some of the best/biggest games on N64 were Rare created and owned.
The most powerful console means nothing when your placed 3rd after Sony. So people need to get off their high horse. Xbox only can Benefit from Nintendo. I don't think NIN passing their IP to MS will benefit NIN in the long term since MS has been last in sales consoles. This is the reason why they are behind as they are lack of INNovations.
@Damo That was an interesting read, Damo. I do have one tiny niggle, though: you've missed one of the key USP's of the Xbox platform, something which Phil Spencer is VERY invested in, to make sure it will only get bigger and better over time, namely multi-generational backwards compatibility, something to which Sony's effort pales in comparison, with only PS4 being mentioned as being backwards compatible, and maybe not even fully.
Then again: even in this generation, their efforts on that front were already vastly inferior to Microsoft's, so it's not that much of a surprise that Microsoft is going to do it better in the next generation as well.
@graysoncharles They can sell their games on the eShop if they want like Cuphead. Then they'll have to compete with every other developer by selling games instead of services.
"And I don’t see the problem with that. And if Nintendo haven’t done the same for some of their franchises to gain more interest in the Switch and their own games, they are missing out."
Let's put Breath of the Wild and Smash Bros. Ultimate on X Box One & see how Nintendo fans feel.
@OscarHTX Because Nintendo fanboys never want to give; always receive.
@backup368 Microsoft owns Mojang (I don’t know if that’s true, but I know they own Minecraft)
@graysoncharles None of the XBOX fans clamor for Zelda or Mario on XBOX. If they want to play those games, they simply get the console that have those games. If you want Banjo Kazooie, why not get an XBOX? That's the hypocrisy.
GBA and DS rule of “we don’t have a handheld on the market so it’s okay for our games to be on Nintendo handhelds.”
@BabyYoshi12 Minecraft was a multiplatform game before Microsoft bought the company, so they have continued multiplatform support or else only limiting the support to XBOX platforms would defeat the purpose of why they bought Mojang in the first place.
@backup368 as someone mentioned above, why not put MK8d on Gamepass.... For that matter, why not SSB4? Or even BOTW after the sequel comes out?
I don't see them doing that, so the point is moot, but it would not bother me at all if they did.
Nintendo talk about making the Nintendo Online Service more attractive.
They should raise the fee by € 5,- a year and let come XCloud to the Switch. This would make the Nintendo Online Service much more attractive.
Other than that they just do talking. And these rumored GBA games for the service. Well, one more older than old games library that probably will only offer a small and slow growing number of games.
Maybe not bad games at all but they'd best fit using the Switch in portable mode. On TV? Better not.
Just my two cents.
@rockodoodle That's not Nintendo's philosophy. They made it clear that the only games they want people to play are on platforms they can control 100%. They remove fan-made computer games for the same reason; it keeps fans from buying and playing on their own hardware.
@OscarHTX What has Microsoft gave? They didn't develop Ori or Cuphead. Those where developed by independent developers. Wake me up when Forza is on Switch. Then we'll talk.
Nintendo let companies have Wonderful 101 among others.
@graysoncharles Yeah, the only way Microsoft is going to do that is if they see it an an opportunity to benefit at Nintendo's expense. Gamers can't afford more than one system? Yeah, that's true, but is it worth it to Nintendo? Do they need Banjo-Kazooie? ...
As both a PC gamer and Nintendo Switch gamer, this pleases me.
But for gods sake Microsoft, give us the Rare Replay! That game DESERVES to be on a nintendo console, given the history of these games are tied to Nintendo
So far it's only available on Xbox so if they care about the "player and not the device" give us rare replay
The time is anything but right.
Microsoft has better things to worry about as they prepare to launch their next-gen console than letting 1st party developers work on Switch projects, working to enable the streaming of Xbox games on the Switch, or directly porting Microsoft IP to Nintendo's platform while Nintendo does nothing to reciprocate.
I'm all up for stuff like Cuphead reaching wider audiences, but they have bigger things to concern themselves with at the moment than potential Switch projects. They have a new system that needs to establish itself. When that work is done and the platform is succeeding in the way MS obviously hopes, then they worry about side things like this article discusses.
And the desire for Rare Replay is naive with the author apparently unaware of the very nature of that compilation. I can't begin to imagine how much the collection would have to be priced just to recoup expenses and turn a modest profit if a total of 9 Xbox 360 games, many of them full fledged retail releases and utilizing a variety of different game engines, would have to be ported to the system.
It only worked on the Xbox One itself thanks to Microsoft's Xbox 360 backwards compatibility initiative enabling their inclusion at essentially no cost to the Rare Replay project itself (Rare Replay premiered the XB1's BC program). An alternate take on Rare Replay though could be interesting.
Strip out the Xbox 360 games since they'd be cost prohibitive to port over as a group. In their place, substitute emulated N64 versions for Perfect Dark, Banjo Kazooie, and Banjo Tooie instead of their XBLA ports that appeared on Rare Replay. And get Nintendo to kick in the 16-bit Donkey Kong Country trilogy for the SNES, Killer Instinct Gold for the N64, and perhaps the Donkey Kong Land trilogy for the Game Boy.
Maybe even Goldeneye 007 wouldn't be a fantasy if they were to work together.
@Doktor-Mandrake Why can't you play it on the computer?
Ugh..
No.
I remember when everyone wanted sega and nintendo to take “Sony down” together.
Sony is fine in its lane. Xbox is fine trying to catch Sony.
Nintendo is fine in its own race. I wish people would let nintendo do what it does best it’s own thing - they work fine with others... but any proper collaboration would risk nintendo itself
@OscarHTX Which was my point. Nintendo has done the same. Microsoft hasn't gave Nintendo anything special. Nintendo releases paid exclusives to other platforms also.
Wake us up when Microsoft gives Nintendo something special, until then, they don't get nothing special.
Microsoft gets close to companies it eats.
But realistically MS couldnt care less about Sony as a competitor.
If Xenoblade came to PC I would be so happy though.
@Trajan PC is getting Persona. Very soon. In a couple days.
@gwyntendo M$, really?? What are you 4?
How would it be suicide if Nintendo would bring games to the XBOX? Since you can’t take your XBOX with you on the train, or outside. The Switch will always be a portable console. MS could even help Nintendo move to Microsoft Azure which would improve online A LOT. Also Nintendo would still make money off of people buying the games on XBOX. And of course portable suitable XBOX games could come to the Switch or a future Nintendo hybrid.
They could even make a hybrid that would integrate with the XBOX and could do a “hand off” like scenario between the consoles. Play on your Nintendo handheld on the go, play on the XBOX at home.
@graysoncharles Everyone owns a computer already. The mobile games they offer are not even that deep. Pocket Camp and Mario Kart Tour are very shallow games compared to the games they are modeled after on Nintendo's own hardware.
Hotel Mario & those Zelda games you must be talking about were the Phillips CD-i, which is a game console.
There is no way Rare Replay in its current state will be released in Switch or PC. It has in the disk the in house developed xbox 360 emulator included and microsoft doesn't want it out in the hacking scene.
They have to swap the xbox games with other Rare made Nintendo games or scrap them to release Rare Replay on Switch.
@NinjaWaddleDee No. That's not how Game Pass works. You don't pay for games on Game Pass at all. You pay Microsoft the money & those games come free.
@mesome713 Yeah 4 golden. Hopefully it means 5 and when 6 comes out it'll be on it.
Once Xenoblade is on PC ill never need to buy a console again.
Rare Replay for PC or Switch will be nice. It's the only game that I want to play from Xbox One library,
Okay, for starters and to clear the air : No Xbox exclusives have come to Nintendo Switch and Phil has already gone on record stating they won't be bringing any more owned IPs to Switch. All of the games that have come to Switch from that side of the pond where already multiplatform titles that the developer wished to port to Switch, and during the time MS had not yet either owned the studio or the IP. All they did was honor plans already in motion. Nintendo and Microsoft were not playing nice, aside from B&K in Smash.
Secondly, Phil has already taken the brand 3rd party so if they get cozy with Nintendo it only stands to reason they'd get cozy with Sony as well.
Hopefully this will eliminate all the less informed people who will scream "Nintendo needs to give Microsoft something in return". A little fact checking goes a long way.
@graysoncharles It's been a means to get casual gamers and mobile owners to consider purchasing dedicated Nintendo consoles. Also, all their games are free to download. Now that the Switch has exceeded expectations, their support for mobile is dwindling. It wouldn't surprise me if Super Kirby Clash was also going to be a mobile game before it was moved to the Switch.
@Trajan Its a given now. Sony has lost whatever hold they might’ve had.
That’s a sure way for me to leave Nintendo behind. Gross.
@backup368 I can and I do, that's not to say I wouldn't want a nice physical rare replay for my switch to own
@mesome713 Well it's Nintendo that owns Xenoblade, so that's the big question.
With Sony's "cities can rebuild" comment they deserve to loose everything.
Selling Rare is one of Nintendos biggest mistakes.
I already use my Xbox controller with my Switch so that is just the next step. My hope is that xCloud comes to Switch in some form.
@backup368 oh, I know that. It just wouldn't upset me if they did as a trade off to MSFT.
Microsoft should buy Nintendo. They have the cash for it.
@MichaelHarvey They actually don’t. Nintendo is worth so much you can’t even put a price on them. They are like Disney.
Apple has WAY more money than Microsoft and even they couldn’t afford Nintendo.
@mesome713 I'am Pretty Sure They Do Microsoft Is a Trillion Dollar Company They Could Buy Nintendo.
@Areus That’s not how things work. Nintendo has way too much money and is worth way too much.
@graysoncharles But not in this case. This would be like Microsoft trying to buy Disney. They’d get laughed at. Not only that, but they couldn’t afford them.
@mesome713 Microsoft Actually Did Try To Buy Nintendo Back In 99 For 25 Billion It Was Also Around This Time They Considered Buying Sega To Compete With Sony.
@Areus That would be laughed at. Nintendo makes like 20 billion a year.
Would be like Amazon buying Walmart. The price they’d have to pay wouldn’t be worth it.
I won't deny my sinful thoughts of seeing a Nintendo IP made in unreal 5 and running in 8k on series X, but I'll settle for Battletoads on switch for now. Perhaps a new Banjo later down the road.
Microsoft play ball,
Nintendo won't return the favour.
@mesome713 Laughed At By Who? And How Much Do You Think Microsoft Makes a Year?
Ori and Will of the Wisps needs to get on the Switch. Blind Forest did the best on the Switch and not releasing the sequel on the console would be a bad mistake.
I think Rare gets overrated a smidge with how important of a game developer they are.
Donkey Kong Country is a classic series. No question.
Killer Instinct is quite strong as well.
Banjo and Conquer are fun games, not sure I'd call them classics, though
Goldeneye hasn't aged well
Battletoads is extremely overrated. Unfair levels of frustration and challenge makes this one of the most overhyped games of all time
They are a good game developer, but I don't think they are as legendary as some people like to make them out to be.
Having said that, their best days were with Nintendo, and Nintendo should have kept them in the fold.
@StevenH @mesome713 The only company I could see Nintendo MAYBE ever selling to would be Disney.
Disney has pretty much every other media platform covered and has most of the major brands in media like Marvel, Star Wars, Muppets, etc.
Nintendo would fit them like a glove in giving them solid, extremely popular and family friendly IPs that would give them a footprint in video games, the one platform in media where they don't have a solid brand (besides the Disney themed games made by other publishers).
I doubt it would ever happen, but that would be about the only company I could even conceive buying Nintendo or Nintendo even listening to interest from.
@StevenH They still couldn't afford them.
Xbox One was the superior console it played all games better than PS4. It had far better services too. XBLA wipred out PSN and Games Pass obliterated PS Now but Sony has the exclusives. Nintendo will never give its exclusives away but Microsoft as given Ori, Lucky and Cuphead.
This isnt going anywhere unless MS wants to share its streaming service on Switch. Which it will, MS are counting on their subscription services more than their consoles.
To be honest... I would not have purchased a Nintendo console if it wasn't for their 1st and 2nd party franchises.
The latest Nintendo console which was good enough for it's time for the 3rd party games alone was the Super Nintendo.
@StevenH It's not a good indicator. We have no clue how much debt or stuff they have planned that they're spending money on. You also can't really put a price tag on Nintendo cause it's IPs are worth an insane amount of money.
I think people are getting way ahead of themselves this doesn't mean they are going to do anything that is on Xbox on Nintendo like gamepass or something like that. I think Nintendo should get there own Game Pass type thing on the Nintendo Switch where you can download and play, Nintendo 64, or gamecube, or Wii games or something like that instead of them having to keep on remastering there games. I mean yes the Nintendo switch online has like the NES, and the SNES thing on it but it would be nice if it had 64, gamecube, and wii games.
@StevenH Operating income is 2.2billion, but comes after operating expenses have been deducted. So we don't know what those developmentsame expenses are. So Nintendo would cost them 100billion to buy.
@ThanosReXXX
I have to say that all this "backwards compatible" really sounds much better than it really is. The 360 was backwards compatible, but only very few original Xbox games actually played and performed like they should. A lot of great games didn't even start up, like Silent Hill 2 and Legacy of Kain.
What I'm trying to say is, that never again will I fall for "backwards compatible" as a reason to choose one console over another. Neither should any one else. I bet all my dimes on history to repeat itself on that front.
@StevenH I just don't see it happening. Nintendo has over a trillion dollars in the bank plus other assets.
@Agramonte,
People have short memories with all this, when Microsoft first got into the market Sony's share was huge, then next generation with they 360 they shared the hardcore market with Sony, this generation they have slipped behind again, but you can't rule them out as the company has very deep pockets.
Nintendo has put MSFT games on its platform, but not the other way around. MSFT is using Nintendo to expand its reach, as it need to, while Nintendo with the Switch does not yet feel this way. I only see Nintendo doing this if they see a huge advantage gained and with the Switch selling like crazy still, I'm not sure that moment is here yet.
I own all three consoles and I use them all. Not sure about next gen but if they're all good, I may get them all again. I didn't see this article as an attack on anyone, as some suggest.
@StevenH Opps, I read it wrong. It's a trillion yen in the bank. I added a 2 billion times 50 years. That's how much I'd sell Nintendo for. 100 billion dollars.
XCloud on Switch would be a wonderful thing. I know the Financial details would take some working out but somebody please, please make that happen.
@Aneira Well, I personally own quite a few OG Xbox titles that I've played on my Xbox 360 (around 94, if I remember correctly. haven't really counted them, of late), and far as I know, all of them run just fine, with only minor glitches here and there.
And besides that, I've never been much of a strict person, in that regard, so if a game drops a few frames or has some screen tearing here or there, then I certainly wouldn't let that stop me from enjoying it regardless.
But having said that, I suppose that it wasn't perfect. However, I have a sense that your opinion on the matter is highly influenced by past experiences, and that is just not a good measure of where things stand now.
Ever since Phil Spencer took over, things have changed MASSIVELY, on several fronts, and backwards compatibility in particular, has gone from strength to strength, starting with Xbox One, which not only offers near-perfect emulation, but also graphical and performance improvements on several levels, depending on whether you have the original Xbox One, the One S or the One X. I have several Xbox 360 and OG Xbox games on my Xbox One S, and they've never looked or run better than on there.
And the upcoming Series X is going to go one huge step further, by also adding ray tracing and HDR to all these older games, so even in games that never even had that functionality or option to begin with, and that is going to BIG, make no mistake.
So, in short, it IS an important selling point, because where Sony will only offer this rather bare bones emulation of their previous platform on the new PS5, Microsoft offers all these extras, to make playing older games even better than before, and many people that support and like and/or prefer Xbox over PlayStation would like to see it being expanded upon even further, and for good reason.
There's some pretty decent articles and videos out there on the topic, if you're interested. I'd certainly say it's worth investigating, if only to get a more current and correct view on things than you have now.
@hadrian
I agree on the points about services but “ Xbox One was the superior console it played all games better than PS4” simply isn’t true. In fact along with price, shockingly bad marketing and Mandatory Kinect, the XB1 constantly getting inferior multi platform games to PS4 was one of it’s big problems among early adopters and a problem that’s continued throughout this generation. Unless you mean XB1X compared to PS4 Pro?
@Aneira
I get the point about the 360 but BC on XB1 is superb, especially 1X. What it does to games like RDR and PD Orta is a sight to behold.
@electrolite77 Exactly. I have the excellent fps Black on my Xbox One, and it looks and plays amazingly well, for such an old title.
@ThanosReXXX
It’s a real achievement. The original Forza Horizon is another that really benefits. It makes sense for them. If what you’re looking to sell is subscriptions, you need as deep a pool of content as possible. Leveraging old games is vital (Nintendo are constantly doing it). I’m really looking forward to what Series X brings to the table on that front.
@graysoncharles So what PC games could they make that the Switch would not be able to offer?
@electrolite77 It most certainly is quite the achievement. And I'm also very much looking forward to how it will all play out and be expanded upon on the new consoles.
The only pet peeves I have, is that games can't be played directly from the disc, so I that's why I'll still keep my Xbox 360 around as well, and it would also be nice to be able to play games without the disc in the drive, once they're installed. I understand why that is, but I'm pretty sure they could come up with some kind of security measure, such as buying an additional key or something, or having to enter a unique code, so they know the game is actually yours.
@graysoncharles But if I don't need a Switch then why should I buy one?
That would be really great!
I fully expect MS to shred any deals with Nintendo now that XboxX is coming out.
The friendliness they had was due to how PS4 trounced Xbone. But now that they have the new machine coming out, they're not gonna want to share anything.
@graysoncharles Yeah, because somebody can purchase multiple games but they only ever need one console.
@hadrian
"Xbox One was the superior console it played all games better than PS4?"
Is this a joke? It looks more like 720p console
@graysoncharles but he said clearly about Xbox One and PS4. Nothing about Xbox One X and PS4 Pro.
Banjo-Kazooie!
You...you know how some retro remakes have a retro toggle button, that instantly changes graphic style but remains the same game. Well, maybe a good idea for Microsoft would be to release the Halo collection as the classic games, (running as well on the Switch as possible) and on their Xbox console release the games with next gen frills. But make both versions compatible online. Everybody gets a great version of the game, the consoles keep their main selling points and the Halo IP gets a broader audience. Hmmm...if they can scale their games like that (which is what I assume they are trying to do - of course I might be wrong) then it doesn't have to stop with Switch. It could be loads of devices.
I'm not sure it would mean a change in Phil-ospophy (lol) making a game on lower specs first. But that would introduce limits which work wonders for driving creativity, and the next gen versions would have all the bells and whistles. I get the feeling folk make a game for the most powerful hardware and scale it back and sacrifice stuff for the other hardware. (Might be wrong, and I know it definitely didn't used to be like that)
@Aneira There are literally 100s of backwards compatible 360 titles on Xbox One, and they all run better on X. Your point here is pretty much mute.
@kingbk All opinions but, unfortunately its pop opinion now to bash N64 and its games as the net has become overrun with PlayStation and Sega Saturn fanboys.
Still have GoldenEye on real N64 hooked up in my living room (via ultra hdmi and Everdrive) with AA disabled and deblur on the game is as crisp and sharp as 240p can be on my 60".
It still rocks.
@Madder128 I'm pretty sure Microsoft did alright out of their game sales on Switch lol. Remember, they are in third place. Sony and Microsoft wish they had Nintendo's software figures (and Rockstar / EA's etc and they are multiplat!)
@Brydontk It's hard to fathom with your head in the sand - Xbox One has a vastly superior gaming service, GamePass is brilliant, due to it I've now played games I would never have purchased and enjoyed and pretty much all multi platform games are best on Xbox One X for now.
It also has a wide variety of games, GEARS 5 on X is one of the best couch multiplayer shooters I have ever played - split screen three player co op story is absolutely sublime, action packed, looks and plays stunning and runs a good 10 hours or more. It is an experience not found on any other platform. It also has the best racing games in terms of Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 4 so it is the definitive platform for FPS and Racing. While it may not have Sony's long reaching arm of story focused exclusives - it has absolutely every genre ticked and accounted for with AAA titles, no Uncharted? Tomb Raider is every bit as good if not better this generation. The best in class games have nearly all been multi platform. Heck I even picked up the enhanced arcade perfect port of Daytona USA for $1 on Microsoft Store.
From my point of view I can say is all consoles have something to offer.
@SwitchForce You completely miss the point buddy. You are looking at console sales alone, that's the old teenage boy brag rights indicator started with the fanboy wars in the 90s which should be over by now. Xbox One consoles have hit 50 mill so it isn't doing too bad.
Xbox is not a closed platform, and Microsoft aren't desperate. Xbox GamePass alone covers PC also. Xbox live membership has expanded more rapidly than ever and GamePass has been a massive success on PC also - I know hundreds of people in my town with a GamePass sub now, many of which are PC gamers and they're all raving about it.
Their services are far reaching across multiple avenues, education, business, pharma, manufacture, productivity, cloud, office365 is the standard in education and corporations the world over and Xbox is just one cog in their engine. Nintendo just have Switch and Sony rely on PlayStation to keep themselves afloat.
I've just opened your mind to the bigger picture. You can thank me later bud.
Whoa new consoles that will cost $500 or more where studios will struggle to get even one game during 8-9 years before the next gen of consoles is shoved out, the console cycle game plan is wonderful I’m so glad the big 2 don’t plan on changing it.
“ is shaping up to be something truly special” in the way of what I release after getting food poisoning is truly special.
Good in theory. Can't see it happening. That's MS just don't get enough in return, especially in terms of getting more XBs into homes. Nintendo would need to hand over Mario and much of their first party games, and even if it's restricted to older titles or only 1 year delay for new games, it's so unlikely. Also considering in Japan the XB is nothing. It's Nintendo vs Sony there. For Nintendo's benefit, outside the Rare games, that's not enough either. Then you consider Nintendo is on its own path, in its own market now. I'd say there's more chance of Sony and MS forming a partnership, especially if the next XB is another failure.
I'd love some Microsoft IP on switch, they could totally compliment each other. However, I'd buy physical in the event a deal broke its likely games would be removed from eshops
I can see Nintendo buying Rare back from Microsoft or if Xbox starts to take a nosedive Nintendo buying out the Assets of Xbox in general.
@ThanosReXXX
Thank you for your detailed explanation.
I had no idea that was the case. That does indeed make Xbox an interesting choice. To be able to play Morrowind again would entice me.
Now think about an Xbox BC with Nintendo games as well. That would be the tits.
@ThanosReXXX
Yeah that would be nice. The whole thing has been so Consumer Friendly it’s a surprise they haven’t but maybe there’s a security issue.
@Aneira
That would be nice. Here’s a bit of background on how well it works.
https://youtu.be/jYuvL6bO04Q
https://youtu.be/Zkj0jE8IaQQ
https://youtu.be/lK-eya5qGUU
https://youtu.be/ekCq5K9cm54
Great analysis!!
@Ventilator Some things are more important than a quick buck. Like the prestige and exclusivity of your biggest brand.
@liveswired Meh, just because I don't have an Xbox and my tastes don't match yours doesn't mean I have my head in the sand. I give every console a fair shake at the beginning of the gen, and it was pretty obvious Xbox One was going to be found wanting since the beginning. They made the same mistake that Sony made with the PS3 (And possibly with the PS5, we'll see) in believing that because they did so well in the previous gen (PS2 and Xbox360) that they wouldn't need to try as hard. Even with the improvements they've made since then, still can't fathom getting an Xbox. I have no doubt Gamespass is an excellent service, but I had enough of a disposable income prior to the pandemic and before it really took off that my backlog is too much to even warrant adding an unlimited game streaming service to the mix (12 games in the backlog on Switch, 8 on PS4).
I've played Gears at a friend's house and was pretty bored, felt like a generic shooter to me. But then again, I'm not a HUGE FPS person, neither am I a fan of the racing genre other than Mario Kart (Check out my games catalogue under my profile. I'm more of an RPG type of person). So between those, you can see why I'm not interested in Xbox Exclusives. Halo was cool when I was a younger but I heard it plummeted now. And Tomb Raider is also available on PS4.
@Aneira You're welcome. Mind you, they're not there yet, but under Phil Spencer's management, the Xbox brand has made great strides to assure that they come out firing in this upcoming generation, and his whole point with strengthening backwards compatibility is to make the new Series X one unified system, on which Xbox games of all previous generations can be played, with added features and better performance.
@electrolite77 Yeah, that probably has something to do with it.
I wouldn't be able to come up with any other valid explanation, since each game's serial number and each Xbox profile is unique, so you'd think they'd be able to work something out.
Oh, well...
@Brydontk I still think there's something about how Sony and Nintendo (and Sega, prior) have conditioned gamer's minds that people tend to get fixated on one aspect of a platform out of habit. Every debate about the platforms always comes down to people saying "I never saw anything in X1, I played this handful of exclusives and they're nothing like Sonys." There remains this fixation on exclusives, which make up less than 10% of the total games on a platform (Nintendo excluded there.) I think that misses the real difference between the platforms (which is of course what companies intentionally tried to do back in the 90's onward.)
MOST of the games on PS/XB are not exclusive. Yes, you need a PS if you want to play those Sony games. And clearly the MS exclusive games don't draw people in to buy just for that ticket to play as much as Sony's games do, otherwise sales would be better. So I can get that the decision to buy one or another comes down to "I want to play these 6 games, so I will need this machine to play them." But I dont' think that discounts the merits of another platform.
I went that way early in the gen. I bought X1X in the mid-gen because PS4 was losing steam fast, and X1 seemed to be getting a lot of care and love. I ended up re-buying most of my multiplats I had on PS4 on the X1. Particularly for digital purchasers it's proven to be the much more pleasant to use, resiliant, jump-right-in and play platform of the two, and I enjoy playing most things on it more. I'm holding off on FFVIIR until next year when it's on X1....I'd rather play it on there than on PS4. Same game....but the the way everything works, snappily, cleanly, and well tied together on the X1 just makes it nicer to use. I don't dislike my PS4, but I tend to use it as an "exclusives" machine, where X1 is my "everything else" machine. The PS4 gets much more scant use, as a result. A fairly expensive player for a handful of (admittedly great) games. Much as I like Sony's games, and will continue to, at this point, I feel like XSeX is the more logical "this is my powerful gaming box" console to jump in early, and PS5 is the "wait until Slim is out, it's discounted, and the dozen great games I want on it are much cheaper" camp.
Of course, for BOTH of them I'm concerned about storage. XSeX is going to effectively bring us back to the PS1/2/N64/GCN days of swapping memory cards/SSD capsules to store digital libraries, while we don't know what PS5 storage looks like. Gone may be the days of big 12TB HDDs to hold all those 1TB sized games.
@arabiansanchez Yeah. Mario Kart is the #1 selling exclusive on Switch, Wii and Wii U, and probably some older consoles.
@NEStalgia Xbox One 2013, XBX etc. supports 48.TB in USB (3 x 16.TB)+ hot swap support while console is on, and so will Xbox One SX.
Storage limit is only a issue on on Sony and Nintendo consoles.
Time will tell if Sony will fix the storage limit on PS5 for the first time in USB. Most smaller games don't need to run from SSD.
There is 2 kinda obvious reasons why Switch don't support HDD even when S-ATA supports hot swap in docking too.
Casuals most likely wouldn't buy a HDD for Switch anyway, but if they did? Here is a major problem.
They start a 50.GB game from HDD. Then they take Switch out of docking to continue playing portable. Instant game crash.
This will of course crash the game, and most people don't know why, because they think the 50.GB game runs from memory.
I wish there were a hidden option for this for non casuals to use HDD on Switch.
I see you have a Xbox One X too. I also had to re-buy PS4 third party games for mine like you did.
I have 11.TB of space on my Xbox One. 10.TB in USB. PS4. 500.GB internal + 4TB in USB (Max is 8.TB)..
@NEStalgia So to me, that argument doesn't make that much sense. And that's just to me. You seem like someone who cares for the power difference between the PS4 and the XB1. Which if you do, then I get why the Xbox is your go-to. But for me, it's whatever. The best explanation I saw early in the XB1's life is, "What's the point of having power if you don't have games? Otherwise you're a glorified paper weight". I have a 4K TV and the regular PS4, not the Pro. And the graphics for me are fine, and my eyes arent really able to discern the differences between the two when I'm at a friend's house. So what it comes down for me IS the exclusives.
So yes, you're right that a number of quality games that come out recently are multiplatforms. So for me, that means what it comes down to is which one has the better exclusives. My purchasing decisions always comes down to the Nintendo console (because the catalogue is so vastly different than the others) and either Microsoft or Sony, not both. I'm not brainwashed by the companies, I just don't see a point in shelling out an additional $400 if my current console(s) fulfill my gaming needs. This is the case for many people. This is why the exclusives are important. And Sony's exclusives are absolute juggernauts. Spider-man, God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, Persona 5 Royal, I'm a digimon fan so, Digimon Cyber Sleuths and Next Order, Until Dawn, Bloodborne, Infamous, Ratchet and Clank, The Last of Us, Shadow of the Colossus. I've played and own all of these and they're more than enough to warrant keeping the PS4 plugged in.
@Brydontk There is other benefits on Xbox One X too.
A bunch of Last Gen games upgraded 100% for free to run at 4K/60 on Xbox One X, while the original only ran at 720p/30. A big difference.
Then you have games like Just Cause 3 that loads 4-5 times as fast on Xbox One X vs Xbox One. Loads in 5-10 seconds instead of 45-50 seconds. And Xbox One X is the only console ever supporting freesync at 1440p.
I have a long list of benefits on Xbox One X vs standard Xbox One, but too long to post here. Also. Xbox One X costs less than standard PS4 now and then.
Loading times is often way shorter on XBX. Also remember Xbox One is the only console in the world supporting Dolby Atmos 16 channel/16 speaker audio and DTS:X in Games. PS4 have 0% support for this in firmware or even SDK for games. I own PS4 too, so i know this 100% as i have Atmos/DTS:X home cinema. Official Dolby Atmos site and DTS, only lists Xbox One games too for that reason.
I'm not a special fan of any console, but nowadays i prefer PC gaming most.
@Ventilator So at this point, I sound like I have my head in the sand and I'm aware of it but here goes haha. So, you two seem like youre big into specs, and that is your primary reason for gaming. Fantastic. I'm glad that your systems fulfill your needs in that area. My gaming needs are and always have been: Can the console play games that I want to play? That's partially why I'm impartial whenever a new gen comes out. I always wait a year to see what their game catalogues look like. Because if I just immediately jumped into the Xbox1, despite the power, despite the graphics, despite the specs, I would've regretted my decision.
As of right now, when I look at the Xbox1, my primary mindset on whether I'm missing out is, "Gee, Sea of Thieves and Sunset Overdrive look cool. It's too bad I can't play them". Whereas if I had an XBox1 and made the same comparison, I would think, "Gee, Horizon Zero Dawn, God of War, etc, etc, see previous comment" and for me, THAT'S the big loss. And again, THAT's why I have a PS4 slim and not the pro. Specs are no biggie for me, I get the console that most closely matches my gaming needs and only switch it out when it's time for the new gen. Again, I want to strongly emphasize that I'm glad you all like the specs for the Xbox. But it's not for me because of the games. Yes, they both share a multitude of games together. But the way I see it, it's either pick the console with games that both consoles can play or pick the console with games that both consoles can play AND has a ton of great exclusives.
@Brydontk No, I wasn't talking about the power difference (in my case I'm comparing X1X and PS4 Pro on a 1080p screen, so while there there's some cases where power difference is apparent, generally that's not a primary differentiator in my use.
What I meant is, and again, this applies to digital purchase more than physical. I was 100% physical for the longest time, but I admit, the convenience offered especially on X1 converted me (ok, let's be real...sales converted me... )
It's more the collection of little things. The simple fact that you can back up your games to multiple HDDs freely, PS4 doesn't let you. You can work around it on PS4 by downloading it to the console, "moving it" to an HDD. Disconnecting that HDD, downloading it to the console AGAIN, then moving it to another HDD. But just "copy file" is a lot more sane. The UI is actually nicer, even though the whole internet says it isn't. It's not supposed to be used much from the "home" screen" like Switch and PS, the Guide Menu is supposed to be used like the Start Menu on Windows. It pops up as an overlay IN the game rather than dropping out of the game. The library if you have a big library is more sortable and manageable, etc, etc. It's not a major "ohh this console has a killer feature this one doesn't" kind of difference. It's a collection of little things you don't notice in a floor demo but when you live with them for 3, 6 months you feel those little details when they're missing (including on Switch, but Switch gets a pass because it's a whole different beast.) That's a hard sell for MS. It's the kind of platform that when you live with both of them you're more likely to lean toward it over time, but not the kind of thing that's visible to make a purchase decision on.
The other big one, and the kind of thing you never think about. After a power failure, I just turn the X1 back on, even if it had a game in suspend, it does it's thing, it boots up, it recovers itself. The PS4 sits there waiting for me to confirm that I want to reboot while it takes like 20min to check my HDD for errors. I can't walk away and just let it do it's thing. I need to hit the stupid OK buttons. All those tiny little details that don't sound like much, but after time I think "hmm, I'm done that Switch game, let me play something on one of the big consoles....hmm...HzD has been sitting here for 4 years and I barely touched it.........whatever I'll just start something on the X1" I keep telling myself I'll get back to HzD (actually P5 Royal might draw me back to the blue in the next 6 months) but I keep picking up the X1 for some reason.
Super Microsoft Brothers!
@spiderman0616
A person after my own heart. That is all I have been yelling about for years. Battletoads is a perfect game for Switch and could be the next Smash Bros even. It is a great game for single an better for co-op or multiplayer.
@Ambassador_Kong
I disagree. Nintendo makes great consoles but they do not believe in cutting edge graphics and fastest clock times. Its about gameplay.
I knew I had read a similar article on here before. Here is the link:
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/02/talking_point_nintendo_and_microsoft_working_together_isnt_as_crazy_as_you_think
@Atariboy The lack of DKC games on NSO is striking, wouldn't you say? Perhaps a collaboration such as you describe is the reason those games have been held back...
The release of Cuphead &c. fuels these speculations powerfully.
@sanderev Nintendo's business model has been predicated, heavily, on software exclusivity since the mid-1980s. Some of your points may otherwise be valid, but NCL management would not consider it, I am absolutely certain.
Also, I can appreciate visceral dislike of a predator like Microsoft
@COVIDberry You are most likely right. But if Nintendo and MS truly wanted to defeat Sony they could. I don't see Nintendo and Sony teaming up.
I have several Xbox 360 and OG Xbox games on my Xbox One S, and they've never looked or run better than on there.
@ThanosReXXX Interesting. Purists (well, enthusiasts) would tell you that the best way to play pre-HD games is via a CRT. I take it you disagree?
@COVIDberry Usually, when people are talking about using a CRT for retro games, they don't mean Xbox games, and obviously, it's only original Xbox games that aren't in HD. Regardless of that, they are still made in 480p, a resolution which does NOT look best on a CRT at all, so all three consoles of that generation, and the Dreamcast as well, actually look better on a non-CRT screen. That is, provided you use the right cables and/or converter boxes.
But for anything before that generation, so 64 bit and lower, I'd most definitely prefer CRT, so you assumed incorrectly.
And besides, I was only talking about Xbox games anyway. For example: I have the physical version of the first person shooter Black, which was already backwards compatible with the Xbox 360, but whereas on that console, it simply just played, with no extras and a few minor glitches here and there, it's upscaled 4 times on Xbox One S, and 8 times on Xbox One X, and besides the upscale, graphics have also been cleaned up and it runs at a better and more steady frame rate.
Now imagine that game on Series X, with additional features such as HDR and ray tracing on top of all the improvements that the Xbox One line of consoles already offered. The game will never have looked or played better than it will on there.
@ThanosReXXX I am still learning about "retro" systems and games that I missed (a great many!), so this is most intriguing to me, thanks
I cannot fault Microsoft for their compatibility efforts. Pushing Sony and Nintendo in this way is indeed a very good thing!
I have a strong belief that Microsoft (and maybe even Sony after they sent out surveys to their players a few months back about this) will eventually let us remote play their system with a Switch, if you own both. Could be real synergy if done right.
@GrailUK oh I agree.
I just thinking Microsoft was expecting Nintendo IPs on Xbox.
@COVIDberry You're very welcome. If you have any other questions and/or want to have more information on games or consoles, I'd be happy to point you in the right direction.
Some starter tips: I don't know which older consoles you own, are interested in or are planning to buy, but as mentioned, for anything from GameCube and up, you might want to look into VGA boxes or HDMI converters.
A lot of those have been reviewed here on Nintendo Life. However, depending on the model GameCube, a fully wired SCART cable could still offer a VERY good picture quality on a CRT monitor. And I do mean monitor, NOT a TV.
The best CRT screens out there, which are also highly coveted/wanted by die-hard retro gamers, are the PVM or BVM screens. Most are from Sony, but there are also other brands.
Here's an interesting article on those:
https://www.retrorgb.com/rgbmonitors.html
Besides offering the best picture quality for almost all retro consoles, the other bonus is that these monitors will still support light gun games, which modern screens obviously don't.
I still have several of my Dreamcast light guns gathering dust on top of a closet, because I can't use them anymore on my modern TV...
Microsoft should buy Sony.
@Zidentia No they don't. The Switch can't even run first party games without slowdown and the need to drop to lower resolutions. Believe it or not, you can have cutting edge tech and great gameplay. If Nintendo worked with Microsoft, you could have Nintendo games AND all the great third party games too. It's time for Nintendo to focus on their strengths and stop wasting energy on waggle controls and cardboard toys
Microsoft has said that they don’t consider Sony as their main competitor anymore... which makes sense when you look at Microsoft's decisions lately in the industry. Even though Xbox is still making consoles, they are becoming more of a service per se than just a gaming console company. They should honestly be more scared of Apple, Amazon or Google than Sony really... I think it could be smart for Xbox to offer some kind of service for Switch owners, but other than that it really isn’t likely that we’ll see anything from Nintendo or Xbox. Microsoft should do exactly what Nintendo did back in the day with the wii and distance itself from Sony with game pass and series x.
@sanderev Exactly my thoughts. Nintendo could and should remain on handheld gaming but also making a step on a real powerhouse hardware (XBOX Series X) so we can have a taste of a state of the art Zelda, Metroid, Mario etc.
Before the Wii era, Nintendo was a pioneer in graphics design and quality. Every game on every console generation was a masterpiece and a standing point for everyone. Now ofcourse the games are equally good in gameplay mechanisms but lack the graphic spark that they had. Super Metroid, Super Mario Kart, Zelda Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64 where all games 2 steps forward versus their opponents.
Nintendo Switch is still the console of the moment? Well, this is a June article, and now that we're on August, I'm appreaciting how the talk in the wide media is on the PS5 and Xbox brand in general. Nintendo is currently in a position similar to the Wii U in 2016... except they're being successful there (so they're more akin to Xbox and Playstation in 2019, a transitional year for Playstation especially) where they don't have the big guns yet and we're still waiting for future announcements....
That "handheld games console which delivers true (and natively!) AAA experiences" part you said is the key to Nintendo's relevance in the next-gen conversations. They NEED to work on new hardware (aka models) to increase the lifespan of the Switch FAMILY, not just the Base and Lite models of now. I can't believe you're speaking about a power gap that will tighten further, comparisons between the Switch and next-gen consoles should not even exist, that's like comparing a PS Vita to a PS4!
Instead, I hope Nintendo and Nvidia are working on new models, we should be really grateful Nintendo is partnered with them, they're their trump card in terms of specs technology, even if they're not the highest numbers, the cutting-edge tech features are still there.
For instance, there have been some rumours about the unconfirmed Final Fantasy XVI being a PS5 exclusive. That would be shocking, yes. Imagine it gets announced next year, where would that leave Nintendo?
This: Final Fantasy XV arrives on Switch (probably a Pro model) as the first handheld version of the game, complete with all the DLC and perhaps some extras. That would be a dream come true
I applaud Microsoft's strategy for Xbox, their words are very deep and their Game Pass and Cloud strategies are ambitious in an innovative sense. They're working on a platform-agnostic future, as oppossed to PlayStation's rumored bet on exclusives.
You want Rare Replay on Switch? It might come, and I want to analyze the results if it happens. They released Xbox games on Switch, yes. But they're mostly made by independent studios and are franchises and are just published by Microsoft, they're not in some sense like say... Halo or Gears of War. In fact, they've just released Cuphead a while ago on PS4, expect anything to happen there...
About XCloud... yeah, maybe not gonna happen because of this:
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/07/phil_spencer_shuts_down_idea_of_xbox_game_pass_coming_to_other_platforms
By the way, Switch's architecture is NOT the same that of other mobile devices. It's a Nvidia Tegra chipset with desktop-level APIs and a lot more, and the last Tablet I've seen getting one was the Google Pixel C I believe. It's more than clear Nintendo is practically the one most entitled to Tegra now (apart from self-driving cars obviously). Most devices now get Snapdragons and the like...
I prefer the two to clash with the best they can offer while still being in friendly terms. They're having slightly different objectives, and believing it or not, Nintendo still hasn't fully clarified theirs. Probably by December this year, we'll see what it will be.
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