December 18th 2024.
Is there a possibility that the Xbox Series X could be transformed into a handheld device? This question has been raised as a result of limited availability of the console in Poland, which has sparked concerns about Microsoft's support in Europe. It seems that the company is shifting its focus and priorities, causing some to question the future of the Xbox brand in the region.
Recently, Microsoft's sales of the Xbox Series X/S have not been as successful as anticipated, prompting them to pivot towards a more expansive Game Pass platform that can be accessed on various devices. This move has been evident for a few years now, with many former Xbox exclusives making their way to other platforms. However, their latest marketing campaign has emphasized the use of phones and laptops over traditional consoles.
If you feel like the Xbox Series X/S is becoming less relevant, especially with talk of a new generation on the horizon, it may not just be a feeling. There are reports that Microsoft is potentially scaling down its support for the console in certain European markets, as indicated by a post on Polish social media platform Wykop. The post, shared by a user named Tetsuya, claims to have received a statement from Microsoft Support stating that the company has stopped selling the Xbox Series X in "some European countries" due to their shift towards Game Pass.
The statement suggests that Microsoft's focus on cloud gaming and subscription services has led to lower-than-expected sales in these regions, resulting in reduced marketing efforts for their hardware. However, there has been some skepticism surrounding the legitimacy of this statement since it was first posted online. Polish games media outlet Android.com.pl reached out to Xbox for clarification and received a response stating that while Xbox Series X stock is low in Poland during the holiday season, the Xbox Series S is still widely available.
GameCentral also reached out to Microsoft for comment, but they have not yet responded. It is difficult to believe that there is high consumer demand for the Xbox Series X, considering the decline in sales across Europe over the past year. Furthermore, reports from users on ResetEra have highlighted the lack of stock in other European countries such as Finland, Bulgaria, and Belgium, indicating that this is not just an isolated incident.
Xbox has never been as popular in Europe compared to PlayStation, and earlier this year, retailers across the continent were reportedly reducing their Xbox stock due to low sales. GamesIndustry.biz editor Christopher Dring stated in March that he had heard from multiple sources, including a prominent company, that Xbox's performance in Europe was "flatlining."
Outside of Europe, there have also been concerns about the availability of Xbox consoles in other territories. In October, Microsoft gave a vague response when addressing reports of Xbox pulling out of Saudi Arabia, and restocks in India have been delayed until March of next year. These issues, even if temporary, do not bode well for the future of Xbox hardware or its presence as a brand on other platforms.
Despite these setbacks, Microsoft has hinted at their plans for the next generation of consoles, which may include a handheld device. In the meantime, their latest "exclusive," Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, has raised some eyebrows. As always, we welcome your thoughts and opinions on this matter. Please feel free to email us, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign up for our newsletter.
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In conclusion, it seems that Microsoft is redefining what it means to be an Xbox fan, as warned by their CEO. The Outer Worlds 2, a former Xbox exclusive, is now coming to both PlayStation and Xbox as the company continues to push for multi-platform releases. Former PlayStation boss, Andrew House, has also shared his insights on how the PS4 was able to surpass the Xbox One in sales. It will be interesting to see how Microsoft navigates these challenges and what the future holds for the Xbox brand.
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