Xbox Goes TV‑First: No Extra Gear, Just a Controller
Microsoft announced on June 10 that it’s teaming up with worldwide TV makers so gamers can fly game‑sessions straight onto smart TVs—no console needed, just the usual controller.
Why Ignoring the Console Matters
- Xbox is crafting its own streaming boxes that let Cloud Gaming hit any screen, from your living‑room TV to a laptop. The dream? Freedom from a bulky, dusty console.
- Last year the console duo went live, but the company is now all‑in on its cloud platform to lure casual players away from the living‑room clutter.
- Game Pass, priced at $9.99 (S$ 13.21) per month, offers staples like Alien Isolation and Gears 5. It’s aimed to level the field against Sony’s PlayStation dominance.
“It’s not just a console anymore”
Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, told players in a pre‑recorded clip that “Game Pass in the browser will make the value of the subscription transcend from the console to the PC to mobile.”
“Every month I look forward to adding more gems and opening the service to even more countries,” he added.
Coming Soon: New Countries for Cloud Play
Game Pass Ultimate—which launches across dozens of nations—will touch down in Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Japan later this year.
Fresh Subscription Models on the Horizon
Xbox is donning a new tidbit: partnering with telcos so folks can grab a console and Game Pass together at a pocket‑friendly monthly price, swapping the hefty upfront cost for a softer touch.
Reality Check: Pandemic‑Boosted Gaming
According to Newzoo, over half of gamers in North America and Western Europe spent extra time on the screen since the pandemic hit.
Quarterly Fresh Titles, Global Studio Power
Xbox plans to drop at least one brand‑new first‑party title onto Game Pass every quarter. Twenty‑three studios already line up to create games for the platform.
Hopeful Message From Phil Spencer
Phil Spencer, leader of Xbox, said, “We will unlock the ability for anyone on Earth to enjoy gaming experiences that until recently were basically out of reach.”
So, whether you’re a couch‑in‑a‑chair or on the go, Microsoft’s giving you the keys to the gaming kingdom—no console, no extra gear, just your trusty controller and a whole world of games waiting to be explored.
