The Xbox One has courted controversy and Microsoft isn't surprised
Microsoft has claimed that it ‘expected’ the Xbox One to be criticised by gamers while suggesting it is attempting to move the console market into the digital world.
With the Xbox One having riled many with its pre-owned game limitations, permanent internet requirements and PS4 eclipsing price tag, Microsoft has suggested that it ‘expected’ that the console would generate mixed feelings at launch.
Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer for Xbox has stated that the high level of negative public reaction, was “kind of as we expected.”
Speaking with Ars Technica during E3 2013, he added: "This is a big change, consumers don't always love change, and there's a lot of education we have to provide to make sure that people understand."
Claiming that the Xbox One will overcome its slightly rocky start to dominate the market as more than just a console but a home entertainment hub of the future, Mehdi added that the console it planning for the future better than its rivals.
"We're trying to do something pretty big in terms of moving the industry forward for console gaming into the digital world,” he said. “We believe the digital world is the future, and we believe digital is better."
With certain Xbox One features have courted controversy since the console’s formal unveiling last month, earlier this week Microsoft revealed the Xbox One price would be £80 more expensive than the PS4. With the Xbox One to set wannabe owners back £429, the PS4 price has been set at £349.
Suggesting the next-gen Xbox has a value beyond its gaming foundations, Mehdi stated: "We want to have our offering be differentiated relative to all others.
"It has value that is in so many areas that is not in competing systems… That is a thing that each consumer will choose… and ultimately consumers will decide which is better. It's a big market."
Read More: Xbox One vs PS4
