Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s true next-gen Xbox

If you were heading into Microsoft’s Xbox game showcase to witness a demonstration of why next-gen gaming and the “world’s most powerful console” matter, you were probably left a little disappointed. Microsoft’s event featured a solid showcase for the future of Xbox and Xbox Game Studios content, but it did little to convince viewers why they should buy an Xbox Series X. Instead, it made it clear that the Xbox Series X is just one of many ways you can play Xbox games, and that Microsoft’s true next-gen focus is Xbox Game Pass.

Microsoft wants to build the Netflix for video games, and it looks like its bet is already starting to pay off with 10 million subscribers. Some developers are also reporting increases in game sales and more players, and Microsoft has some big plans ahead with xCloud for Game Pass — particularly around the ability to instantly play games or demos. The Verge reports that Microsoft showcased nine out of 15 of its studios at the showcase, with five new Xbox Game Studios titles and four new third-party games. It was a roadmap for the Xbox Series X and its content but, more importantly, a roadmap for what to expect for Game Pass. There was a diverse amount of games on display, even if it wasn’t clear exactly when we’ll get to play most of them. Microsoft made a clear commitment throughout the showcase, though: every single game will arrive on Xbox Game Pass on day one.

Microsoft’s Xbox games showcase has left the Xbox Series X feeling like another entry point into Xbox Game Pass, rather than a necessary purchase. There are existing consoles that can also access Xbox Game Pass like the Xbox One S that Microsoft will continue to manufacture and sell. There are also the billion Windows 10 PCs out there or the millions of mobile devices that will get access to Xbox Game Pass through xCloud streaming. Xbox Series X is one of the best ways to play Xbox games, but it’s certainly not the only way or the broader focus of Microsoft’s ambitions with gaming.

Microsoft is also expected to launch a second, cheaper next-gen Xbox, possibly as soon as next month. This second console is designed as a more affordable option, with 1080p and 1440p monitors in mind. Microsoft is likely to reveal pricing for both the Xbox Series X and this second console, codenamed “Lockhart,” once it’s ready to officially confirm it exists. So, it seems increasingly likely that this second next-gen Xbox will serve as Microsoft’s big push for Xbox Game Pass and as a subscription-based Xbox.

Microsoft’s overall strategy with Xbox and the Xbox Series X is clearly different to what Sony is doing with the PlayStation 5. Sony is taking the more traditional route with a next-gen launch, focused on exclusive games for the PS5. Microsoft is investing in content for the long term to market Xbox Game Pass and to try to reach more people than a traditional next-gen console launch will.

The Xbox Series X is still a powerful console that will improve existing and upcoming games for this next generation. But Microsoft still needs to demonstrate that clearly. We now know Microsoft’s plans for Xbox Series X and Xbox Game Pass content over the next couple of years, but there’s more needed to demonstrate why “the world’s most powerful console” matters. While the next stop is the all-important Xbox Series X price, it’s certainly very clear that the Xbox Game Pass subscription is Microsoft’s true focus for its next generation of Xbox gaming. It certainly seem like Microsoft isn’t measuring its Xbox success by console sales anymore, but by how many people play Xbox games through an Xbox Game Pass subscription in the future.

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