Xbox One does a 180, no online checks or used game restrictions
Update on June 19, 2013: As a result of feedback from the Xbox community, we have changed certain policies for Xbox One reflected in this blog. Some of this information is no longer accurate — please check here for the latest.
Microsoft’s originally announced policies for the Xbox One were hurting the console’s image. The Xbox One has not even launched and many were saying that it would be D.O.A.
It was obvious that the so called “features” for the new console were not welcomed in any way. In a video that had everyone talking, Don Mattrick said the following:
“Fortunately we have a product for people who aren’t able to get some form of connectivity, it’s called Xbox 360.”
[embedplusvideo height=”309″ width=”500″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/bTAKSBvuT-A?fs=1&start=109&hd=1″ vars=”ytid=bTAKSBvuT-A&width=500&height=309&start=109&stop=&rs=w&hd=1&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=¬es=” id=”ep1233″ /]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bTAKSBvuT-A
Today Microsoft has announced the following changes:
-No more “always on” internet connection needed, no more check-ins every 24 hours
-All game discs will work just like the do on the Xbox 360
-An internet connection is only required in the initial setup of the console
-Downloaded games will work whether they are online or offline
-No additional restriction will be imposed on games you have purchased. You can trade and loan your games freely.
-Region based restrictions have been dropped
This is welcome news for gamers who have been loyal to the Xbox platform. Many people have indicated that they were going to leave the console and go with the PS4. The Xbox One was losing ground, and fast. We will never know what finally made Microsoft change their mind here.
Amazon recently had a poll that it prematurely closed due to the overwhelming response in favor of the PS4. The final count was PS4: 38,984 and Xbox One: 2162.
What is interesting is that both Microsoft and Sony say that they will not impose any additional restrictions on used game sales. This brings us back to the fact that many publishers can include online passes with their games.
The Xbox One still remains $100 more than the PS4. It will be interesting to see the kinds of bundles Microsoft may announce to close this price gap.
We noticed that Microsoft stated this:
“These changes will impact some of the scenarios we previously announced for Xbox One.”
We can’t be sure what this means for the future. Questions will surely be answered as the console gets closer to launching.
Now that the playing field is more even, do you think The Xbox One can win the console war?
Source: Xbox Wire
Erik Nilsen provided some of the content for this piece, we expect some more work from Erik soon!
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