In the battle between gaming consoles, every company is looking for ways to reach more players using all sorts of methods such as adding new features or putting them on sale at lower prices. Now, Microsoft has employed another technique to reach more players -- a digital version of the Xbox One S.
Initially codenamed "Xbox Maverick" as per reports from The Verge, the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is said to be a disc-less version of the same console, designed to play digital copies of existing and coming game titles. The console is believed to arrive in stores in May, with preorders beginning mid-April.
Microsoft's decision to release an all-digital version of their famed gaming machine is beneficial to them and their fans. Blu-ray drives are expensive and add to the costs of producing a standard Xbox One console. By ditching the said component, Microsoft is able to sell it at a substantially lower price, effectively appealing to consumers.
Rumors
Rumors are saying a thing or two about the said console, which is actually just rumored until now. If these speculations are true, though, it will be a good thing for Microsoft and the players.
First, the said digital console might sell up to $100 cheaper than the current Xbox One S selling price, Thurrott reported. It can be expected to sell at about $200 or less.
Second, players who have invested in physical copies of their games need not worry as Microsoft is rumored to have a "disc-to-digital" program wherein players can simply bring their discs to a Microsoft store and trade it for a digital copy.
If the said digital console proves successful, it would help determine future Xbox designs and pricing, most especially Microsoft's upcoming next-gen console, the so-called Xbox Scarlett. Engadget notes. This digital console will show if players are willing to let go of conventional optical media, and will help shape future gaming tech.
Hand in hand
This development goes hand in hand with the tech giant's push for its Xbox Game Pass, a monthly subscription service considered by many as "Netflix for video games," Forbes reported. This service gives subscribers access to more than a hundred Xbox titles.
Microsoft announced that for this month of March, available games include the recently released chaos fest "Just Cause 4" and the fun open world title "Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes," both available starting today. The wasteland-roaming "Fallout 4," and "F1 2018" racing game, on the other hand, are free March 14 onward.
