Xbox is doubling down on its latest initiatives, and fans have mixed feelings about it. In this article, we’ll explore Xbox’s recent moves in cloud gaming, Square Enix’s renewed focus on Xbox releases, and some hardware updates that Xbox gamers should know about.
Xbox Cloud Gaming Expands to More Amazon Devices
Xbox is continuing to expand its cloud gaming capabilities, and this time it’s rolling out to additional Amazon Fire TV devices. If you remember, Xbox partnered with Amazon earlier, but at that time, cloud gaming was only available on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and the Fire TV Stick 4K. Now, Xbox has announced that it will support two more devices: the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (First Gen) and the Fire TV Cube (Third Gen).
This clarification is important because many people were confused about whether their Fire Stick would work with Xbox Cloud Gaming. If you don’t have one of these four devices, the Xbox app won’t work for you. So, make sure you have the right hardware if you want to take advantage of Xbox Cloud Gaming on Amazon devices.
This move has received a mixed response from the Xbox community. Some fans are excited, particularly those who appreciate the convenience of cloud gaming on multiple devices. However, others are more critical, accusing Xbox of devaluing its hardware by offering gaming experiences on non-console devices. Some fans feel this is giving players an excuse not to buy Xbox consoles, especially since they’re now putting Xbox games on platforms that aren’t even gaming consoles.
But to say that the Amazon Fire Stick integration is the sole reason Xbox hardware sales have been slow is an overstatement. Yes, Xbox hardware sales have been sluggish, but blaming it all on cloud gaming partnerships isn’t accurate. Cloud gaming, while useful in certain scenarios, is far from replacing the full console experience. In fact, when I tried it, the controller input lag was initially terrible. However, after testing it again, I noticed significant improvements, and it has its uses.
Personally, I still find value in cloud gaming. Even as someone who owns multiple Xbox consoles and a gaming PC, I occasionally use cloud gaming on my TV. For example, during a recent heatwave, my upstairs gaming setup was unbearable due to the lack of air conditioning. Instead of moving one of my consoles downstairs, I used my Fire Stick’s Xbox app to play Neon White. To my surprise, the experience was smooth, even for a game that requires precision.
That said, cloud gaming still has its limitations. During another session with Mafia, I noticed some lag and glitches, but I was using a wireless connection, which tends to be less stable. If you’re serious about cloud gaming, you’ll want to use a wired Ethernet connection for better performance. While cloud gaming offers convenience, it’s still not on par with a full Xbox console experience. However, for those who already have a Game Pass Ultimate subscription, using a Fire Stick or Fire TV Cube is a useful option.
Regardless of the mixed feelings, it seems Xbox is moving forward with this initiative. The rollout started with Samsung TVs, expanded to Amazon Fire devices, and will likely continue. Clearly, this partnership is going well, and we can expect Xbox to keep growing its cloud gaming presence across more devices.
Square Enix Deepens Xbox Relationship with Final Fantasy 14
Microsoft isn’t the only company doubling down on its strategies. Square Enix, a long-time Japanese game publisher, is showing renewed interest in the Xbox platform. Following the recent release of Final Fantasy 14 on Xbox, Square Enix producer Naoki Yoshida confirmed that this was just the beginning. He expressed enthusiasm about strengthening Square Enix’s relationship with Xbox players, signaling that more games from the publisher could come to Xbox in the future.
Historically, Square Enix hasn’t prioritized Xbox, with many of its key titles skipping the platform. So, when Final Fantasy 14 was announced for Xbox, many were skeptical about how well it would perform. However, Yoshida reported that the response has been overwhelmingly positive. While exact sales numbers aren’t available, Final Fantasy 14 set a new record for peak concurrent players after the Xbox version and the latest DLC were released.
Some gamers have wondered if other major Square Enix titles, like Final Fantasy 16, will also come to Xbox. While there’s no official word yet, there are rumors that it’s only a matter of time. Considering how graphically demanding *Final Fantasy 16* is, the game may face challenges passing Xbox certification, especially if other high-octane titles are struggling. However, for those Xbox fans hoping for more JRPGs, this Square Enix partnership is great news.
Towerborne: A Confusing Launch Strategy
One highly anticipated Xbox exclusive, Towerborne, is generating buzz as well. Developed by Stoic, the makers of The Banner Saga, Towerborne is a co-op fighter game that is scheduled to launch in early access on Steam on September 10th, but Xbox players won’t get their hands on it until early 2025. This has raised eyebrows, especially since it’s an Xbox first-party exclusive.
According to Jesse Norris from Xbox Era, there are two key reasons for this staggered release. First, Stoic is much more familiar with Steam’s Early Access system, which allows them to push updates without needing certification. Second, the team is working to ensure that couch co-op is ready for the console release. Local co-op has been a challenging feature to implement, particularly for the Xbox Series S, but it’s a key selling point for Towerborne.
Fans have been disappointed by the delay, especially since local co-op is such a rare feature these days. Hopefully, Stoic can use the Steam early access period to work out the kinks and ensure that the couch co-op feature is polished by the time the game launches on Xbox.
Razer’s Wolverine V3 Pro: A New Xbox Controller Alternative
If you’re in the market for a new Xbox controller, Razer has just announced the Wolverine V3 Pro. This premium controller comes packed with features like hall effect sensors in the thumbsticks, which offer superior accuracy and durability compared to traditional analog sticks. The controller also has anti-friction rings and customizable sensitivity settings through Razer’s controller app. Additionally, it boasts four back buttons and is fully wireless—something not many third-party Xbox controllers can claim.
However, the Wolverine V3 Pro comes with a hefty price tag: $200. If that’s too steep, Razer is also offering the Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition, which has most of the same features but is wired and lacks a carrying case.
While I haven’t personally experienced hall effect sensors, they are touted to offer longer-lasting performance since they reduce wear and tear. That said, if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to try out hall effect sensors, there’s the 8BitDo Ultimate C Wired Controller for Xbox. Priced at $35, it doesn’t have back buttons or wireless capabilities, but it does include hall effect sensors and LED lights around the thumbsticks, which I found cool.
Conclusion
Xbox is continuing to shake things up, and whether it’s cloud gaming, new partnerships with publishers like Square Enix, or exciting new controllers, there’s a lot for Xbox fans to look forward to. While not every decision will please everyone, Xbox seems determined to expand its reach and offer gamers more options, both in how they play and what they play on.
Thanks for reading! If you’re interested in more Xbox news, be sure to stay tuned to the site for the latest updates.
