In a statement to The Verge, senior director of console product marketing Cindy Walker stated that production for allXboxOne consoles halted by the end of 2020. The reason given for this is that Microsoft wanted to shift its focus to next-gen Xbox consoles.TheXboxSeries X and S are Microsoft’s entries to the new console generation. First introduced in November 0f 2020, the consoles have more processing power and better graphics compared to their predecessors. Now that Microsoft has confirmed the discontinuation of the Xbox One, it’s clear that the company intends to pivot to next-gen projects.RELATED:PS5 Shortages Could Result In a Longer Console Generation Than Usual
The Xbox Series X/S Today
Back in July 2020, Microsoft had already announced that it wasdiscontinuing production for Xbox One Xand Xbox One S All-Digital consoles. This was done in preparation for the release of the Xbox Series X. However, it seems that the company also halted production for the “traditional” Xbox One S not long after this announcement. So since then, Microsoft has likely been working primarily on its next-gen endeavors.
This decision to focus on the Xbox Series X/S has evidently paid off, as the consoles have become thefastest-selling Xbox platforms of all timewith over 12 million units shipped. Moreover, the consoles have been getting positive reviews from professionals and everyday gamers alike. The Xbox Series X has been praised as a powerhouse, capable of replicating the PC gaming experience.
The Xbox Series S has also contributed to Microsoft’s success in next-gen gaming, as it’s the smallest Xbox ever with a disc-free configuration. This makes it relatively easier to manufacture compared to the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5. As a result, Microsoft is able to ship out Xbox units despite the ongoing chip shortage.
Unlike Microsoft, Sony’s PlayStation 5 has been on a rocky road since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The global crisis led to a shortage of manufacturing components crucial to building PS5 units. As such, Sony hasn’t been able to mass-produce its next-gen console. Although the company hassold a considerable number of PS5 units, there are still countless PlayStation fans that have yet to get their hands on the console.
As such, Sony has decided to make morePS4 units in response to the ongoing shortage. The company’s original plan was to discontinue the last-gen console in 2021. However, it seems the delay is necessary to bring sales up amid the chip shortage.
The Next-Gen Experience
It seems that Microsoft isn’t just focusing on its consoles, but on the next-gen experience in general. Most notably, the Xbox Series X/S has an impressive lineup of exclusives. Some of the biggest titles includeS.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl,Starfield, andScorn. All three are set to be released in 2022, making it an exciting year for Xbox fans. Other possible exclusives that don’t have a release date yet are a newFableentry,Forza Motorsport, andSenua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
Players also have a promising set of titles to trythrough Xbox Game Pass. The monthly subscription has been known to offer both AAA and indie games, and the January lineup is no exception. It has well-known titles likeMass Effect: Legendary EditionandOuter Wildsin its roster, as well as promising games from smaller developers, such asNobody Saves the WorldandPupperazzi.
