The Xbox One could be in trouble before it has even launched
Following a rocky E3 in which the new Xbox One came under fire for a number of issues, industry analysts have suggested that ‘the entire future of Xbox is in question’.
Formally unveiled last month to much fanfare and numerous gripes, the past week has seen Microsoft’s next-gen console cast doubts over the future of the company’s entire entertainment business, with industry experts already suggesting the new approach is “deeply flawed.”
With the Xbox One price recently confirmed as being a considerable £80 more expensive than its lead rival, the Sony PS4, Microsoft’s £429 next-gen console has also been criticised for its constant internet requirements and block on cheaper pre-owned, or even borrowed games.
“Microsoft's overall strategy for entertainment devices is deeply flawed,” David Cole, an analyst with interactive entertainment research firm DFC has suggested in a scathing report on the upcoming Xbox One. “So far this has not had a major negative impact on the Xbox business but that is likely to change with the Xbox One launch.”
Suggesting that a catalogue of mistakes surrounding its new gaming option could spell the end for Microsoft’s reign of console dominance, Cole has predicted that the whole games market could feel the effects of a troubled Xbox One launch.
“Right now the entire future of Microsoft's consumer entertainment business is in question and that is likely to have a major impact on the game industry,” he said. He added that DFC would be increasing its PS4 sales forecasts as it “further lowers” predictions of Xbox One sales.
Although one analysts view is hardly the confirmation that the Xbox One will struggle, a number of retailers have seen pre-order interest in Microsoft’s next-gen console drop to be overtaken by PS4 pre-orders. Microsoft last week confirmed that an Xbox One release date will be held in November.
Read More: Xbox One pre-orders
Via: MCV
