Xbox One revealed. Our initial thoughts are …

by Paul on May 22nd, 2013

So the veil is lifted, the Xbox One is revealed and I’m left feeling very underwhelmed and disappointed. Just in case you’ve missed out on all the news let me point you in the direction of Eurogamer who have a huge amount of coverage and analysis that is well worth reading, if only to take in the full horror of it all, but I’m still left with an urge to vent my spleen regardless.

I have spent the last year or so wondering just what we would be getting from the next iteration of the Xbox and it looks like all of my worst fears have come to pass. Over the last twelve months I’ve chastised myself for being too negative about it all and I decided to give Microsoft the benefit of the doubt before their show. Surely Microsoft wouldn’t go and do all those things I was worried about? Oh boy, how wrong I was.

So, as I sat down to write out my thoughts I came across this article. It expresses my feelings perfectly so here’s a link. Read it and then join in with me as I shake my head in dismay.

The worst thing about all this is that a new Rare game was tantalisingly glimpsed during the reveal show and is strongly rumoured to be properly announced at E3 in three weeks time. Ooh, the thought of a new Rare title sends me giddy … but the five second burst of joy is replaced with a very depressing feeling; I’m not going to be playing it as I will not be buying this new Xbox One. I had suspected as much before last night’s show, but this morning there has been nothing to change my mind. In fact, all Microsoft have done is re-enforce it.

Kinect must always be plugged in for the console to work? Bah! The console must connect to the internet at least once a day in order to function? Poo! No ability to play Xbox 360 games or XBLA titles? Rats! Want to save a bit of money by buying a pre-owned game? Don’t bother because Microsoft will charge you an activation fee to unlock the title.

It struck me that yesterday’s show was one long demonstration of why I shouldn’t be investing in Microsoft’s vision of the future rather than convincing me that I should be climbing on board, eager to join in. There is talk that there were so few games on show yesterday because they are all being saved for E3, but there they run the risk of being overshadowed by Sony’s unveiling of their console.

In a time where the rapid emergence of mobile and tablet gaming is threatening the established console manufacturers, you’d think that Microsoft would be doing their best to adapt and show just why we should all invest in their new box (and let’s be honest, it is one ugly bit of kit) but instead they have seemingly turned their attention away from games to being an all-in-one media hub and I feel that in an attempt to be a jack of all trades perhaps it will end up being master of none.

One thing is for sure, I have no interest and that is a real shame. I was all ready to be converted and convinced by Microsoft’s approach but for me they fumbled the ball.

What do you reckon? Do you agree with me or do you think I’ve got it all wrong? Let us know in the comments below.

Categories: Features