Hardware Affordability
Ongoing coverage on Hardware Affordability.
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Xbox Won’t Say If Project Helix Has A Disc Drive, But It’s Not Giving Up On Physical Games Yet
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma discussed the importance of hardware affordability and efficiency for next-generation consoles like the rumored Project Helix, without confirming if it will include a disc drive. While acknowledging Sony's move towards an all-digital future, Sharma emphasized providing players with choices for purchasing games, indicating Xbox's continued commitment to physical media options.
Xbox rolls out ad-supported game streaming test for its insider programs, as hardware supply and affordability crisis rages on
Microsoft's Xbox is testing an ad-supported game streaming service for its Insider program, allowing users to play select games for free for one hour with ads before sessions. This initiative aims to improve game accessibility for players with less powerful or unavailable hardware, especially amidst ongoing hardware supply and affordability issues exacerbated by the generative AI boom. The company emphasizes that this is an optional feature designed to lower access costs and expand player bases, though the implementation of external advertising at the start of gameplay sessions is a notable departure from traditional in-game ads.
