Microsoft Betting on Backwards Compatibility and Mobile Integration for Next Gen Victory

November is looking to be a big goddamn month: a new Zelda game will come out, the Animaniacs will be making a return (not video game related, but for people my age, that's big goddamn news), Cyberpunk 2077 is supposed to come out, and oh yeah, there's going to be the worst yet most important presidential election possibly in our lifetimes. But on top of all of those things, November is also when the Xbox Series S/X (as well as the PS5, most likely, but that hasn't been confirmed officially) is slated to come out, so you can add that to your list of things to worry about.

November also used to be the planned release date of Halo Infinite, which was supposed to be an Xbox Series X launch title. It's since been delayed, and while some would think that would dampen Microsoft's spirits, they're actually saying that even without that blockbuster 1st party title in their stable, they think the Xbox Series S/X has lots to offer.

Speaking to the New York Times:

“Having Halo at our launch would have been tremendous... [But] we are not reliant on massive exclusive titles to drive console adoption. Our players will have thousands of games from four generations of Xbox available to play on launch day.”

Selling a console on its backwards compatability might not seem like a winning gambit, but that's not all Microsoft is putting its faith in: they're also hinging on their adaptability and mobile integration to give them the edge over Sony, of sorts.

“Sony is focused on convincing gamers they need to get a PlayStation 5... Microsoft is telling customers they can get a Series X, or a lower-cost Series S, or keep your old Xbox, or use your PC, mobile phone or tablet — and we’re still there for you.”

Not a bad strategy. It's no Demon's Souls remake, but it's not bad at all.