It's no secret that Xbox is heading in a new direction. While still a major player in the video game console market, Microsoft has clearly shown an interest in changing the idea of ​​what the Xbox can be. As Nintendo and Sony continue essentially the same approach that has made them successful for so many generations, Microsoft's new approach contrasts with what gamers have come to expect, and it becomes harder to ignore the seismic shifts taking place. .
Whether it's the introduction of online services, a change in approach to exclusive titles, or a changed attitude towards hardware, The Xbox is no longer the same as it was a few years ago. As hard as it is to admit, Xbox is changing. And with the way things are going, 2025 could be the last year gamers can try out the Xbox they're familiar with before Microsoft's new approach takes effect.
Xbox is no longer just a console
Microsoft has placed great emphasis on its online services
One very obvious way in which Xbox has changed in recent years is with the emphasis on the hugely popular Game Pass. The introduction of a paid subscription service changes common perceptions people may have about the need to play on a console, providing immediate access to a huge library of games all at once. Game Pass serves to give players a more convenient way to play their favorite games, no longer having to make such large investments to build the same library of titles from scratch.
This core idea of ​​accessibility and convenience leads directly to another important introduction from Microsoft: Xbox Cloud Gaming. This feature once again shatters common perceptions about gaming, this time removing consoles from the equation entirely. Whether through a phone, PC, laptop or smart TV, Cloud Gaming works to increase access to the maximum to the player, keeping them close to their library at any time.
While the advancement in accessibility is a benefit, the introduction of Game Pass and Cloud Gaming is indicative of a larger shift. Xbox is no longer just a console, but a service that better connects the player to the games. It's a change Microsoft is eager to inform consumers about, with the recent 'This Is An Xbox' campaign outlined in Xbox Wire demonstrating the various ways players can access the Game Pass library. Microsoft is making a concerted effort to reject the idea of ​​requiring specific hardware, and in doing so, it is breaking down barriers to entry for many gamers.
Xbox hardware is in decline
Microsoft is giving gamers plenty of reasons to avoid buying a console
While this approach is certainly a boost to making games more accessible, it also illustrates a clear message about Microsoft's lack of enthusiasm when it comes to presenting the Xbox as a console. Given that Game Pass will be a more financially viable purchase for many, this calls into question the value of purchasing an Xbox Series X | S, and players are clearly taking note of it. As reported by EurogamerMicrosoft's fiscal 2025 Q1 financial earnings report revealed that Xbox hardware revenue fell to 29% year-over-year, demonstrating declining interest in the Xbox as a console.
Microsoft's lack of effort in maintaining Xbox as a strong console competitor can also be seen in the company's approach to game exclusivity. Several games that were previously exclusive to Xbox and PC, such as High Fidelity Racinghave since become multiplatformwhile current exclusives, including Indiana Jones and the Great Circlewill be coming to other consoles in the near future. The lack of exclusive titles and the emphasis on Game Pass and Cloud Gaming continue to lead gamers to reject the notion of the Xbox being a console.
This isn't to say that Microsoft has completely abandoned hardware development. Last year saw the confirmation of a next-gen Xbox console and a dedicated Xbox handheld that is currently in the prototype stage. However, it's hard to see any of these products succeeding when Microsoft continues to show gamers much easier ways to access Microsoft-published titles, adding the possibility of the company eventually moving away from consoles completely.
2025 could be Xbox's last hurrah
Next year's releases resemble the classic Xbox
All signs currently point to the idea of ​​an Xbox console becoming a thing of the past. While the success of Game Pass and Cloud Gaming has resulted in a huge increase in accessibility, it's understandable that many current Xbox gamers are upset at the prospect of losing a major console competitor. Xbox's identity was built around the idea of ​​being a strong competitor in the console marketwith its powerful hardware and innovative titles that couldn't be found anywhere else.
With that in mind, 2025 could be the last chance for gamers to experience that classic Xbox build. Next year, gamers will receive some major titles that are currently scheduled to be exclusive to Xbox Series X|S and PC. This includes DeclaredObsidian Entertainment's first AAA project in years, along with the reboot of one of Xbox's most iconic series, Fable. While it won't be the same as before, as both titles will be added to Game Pass, 2025 could be the last opportunity for gamers to experience the Xbox they fell in love with years ago.
With so many changes taking place, it's hard to say what Xbox will actually look like in the future. Regardless, it's become clear that Xbox is no longer the same as it once was, prioritizing its role as a service rather than a console. At the very least, there is an opportunity for players to give one last hurrah to the Xbox of old, before the new era is inaugurated.