Xbox Hardware ‘Is Dead,’ Claims Former Microsoft Exec

A founding member of the original Xbox team, Laura Fryer, has voiced strong concerns about Microsoft’s current direction, suggesting the tech giant is preparing a “slow exit” from the hardware market. Fryer’s critique centers on the recently announced ROG Xbox Ally and what she perceives as a broader shift in Microsoft’s strategy.

Fryer’s Perspective: A Hardware Sunset?

Fryer, who joined Microsoft Gaming Studios in 2000 and later became an executive producer during the Xbox 360 era, believes that Microsoft is increasingly focused on software and services, potentially at the expense of its hardware division.She argues that the ROG Xbox Ally, a collaboration with Asus, is a sign that Microsoft is content to let other companies handle the complexities and costs of hardware manufacturing.

Did You Know? The global video game market is projected to reach $312.7 billion by 2027, with mobile gaming comprising a significant portion of this growth Statista.

Fryer’s concerns are amplified by what she sees as a series of missteps by Microsoft, including the closure of tango gameworks, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Hi-Fi Rush, and the decision to raise the price of certain games to $80. These actions, she believes, indicate a lack of commitment to the core values that once defined the Xbox brand.

Xbox play Anywhere: A Shift in Focus

Microsoft’s Xbox Play Anywhere initiative, which allows players to access their games on multiple platforms, is another point of contention for fryer. She interprets this strategy as a move to prioritize Xbox game Pass subscriptions over console sales, effectively turning microsoft into a software and services provider rather than a dedicated hardware manufacturer.

“This wasn’t surprising. Hardware is expensive to make. It’s much easier to slap an Xbox sticker on an existing piece of hardware and call it a day,” Fryer stated, referencing the similarities between the ROG Xbox Ally and existing ROG Ally devices.

The ROG Xbox Ally: A Portable PC, Not a True Xbox?

Fryer is particularly critical of the ROG Xbox Ally, arguing that it offers little beyond what’s already available in the market. She points out that the device lacks exclusive games, forces users to adopt Windows 11, and primarily runs native PC games, undermining Microsoft’s promise of seamless gaming across devices.

pro Tip: When evaluating a gaming device, consider factors like game availability, hardware specifications, battery life, and user reviews to make an informed decision.

The ROG Ally utilizes AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, offering a competitive edge in the handheld gaming market. Though, battery life remains a concern, with some tests showing only one to two hours of gameplay on demanding titles The Verge.

Microsoft’s Response and the Future of Xbox

Despite Fryer’s concerns, Microsoft has reiterated its commitment to hardware, announcing plans for future Xbox consoles with “deeper visual quality, immersive gameplay, and AI-powered experiences.” The company has also confirmed that these new consoles will be backwards compatible with existing xbox libraries and may support third-party storefronts like Steam and the Epic Games Store.

However, these announcements have done little to assuage Fryer’s fears. She remains skeptical that Microsoft is truly invested in innovating in the hardware space, suggesting that the company’s focus on software and services will ultimately lead to the demise of the Xbox console.

The Competitive Landscape: PlayStation Looms Large

As Microsoft navigates its future in the gaming industry, it faces stiff competition from sony’s PlayStation, which is expected to launch the PlayStation 6 with comparable power and a strong lineup of exclusive titles. This raises the question: why would gamers who haven’t already invested in the Xbox ecosystem choose to jump ship?

The PlayStation 5 has sold over 50 million units worldwide as of December 2023, demonstrating its continued popularity and market dominance Statista.

Is Xbox Hardware Truly Dead?

Fryer concludes with a somber assessment: “I’m sad because from my perspective, it looks like Xbox has no desire or literally can’t ship hardware anymore. So this [Asus] partnership is about a slow exit from the hardware business fully. Personally,I think Xbox hardware is dead.”

Only time will tell if Fryer’s prediction will come to pass. But her perspective, as a founding member of the Xbox team, carries significant weight and raises significant questions about the future of Microsoft’s gaming empire.

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What are your thoughts on the future of Xbox hardware? Will Microsoft continue to innovate, or is Fryer right about a slow exit from the market?

Share your predictions for the future of Xbox! Will Microsoft continue to be a major player in the hardware market, or will it shift its focus to software and services?