Earlier this year, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer shared his vision of a future where every screen is an Xbox. This vision relies heavily on Xbox Cloud Gaming, which allows players to stream games to various devices with the heavy computing handled by Microsoft’s cloud computers. However, with the recent release of a mild refresh of Xbox consoles, it begs the question of whether there is still a place for them in Microsoft’s vision.
As I tested the newest Xbox Series X, I wanted to see if playing on a console would be any different from playing in the cloud. This is what separates “every screen is an Xbox” from “some screens are kind of an Xbox, sometimes.” The main issue with Xbox Cloud Gaming is not bandwidth, but rather latency. Video games require instant feedback, and even half a second of delay between input and action can make a game unplayable.
I experienced this problem when trying out Xbox Cloud Gaming on an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. While it may seem like an accessible way to get into Xbox gaming, the input lag was problematic. Even for more casual games, it felt like I was controlling a marionette in real time, making it difficult to dodge bullets or make precise movements.
One solution to this issue is to use proprietary wireless protocols or add custom enhancements on top of Bluetooth, as console manufacturers do. However, this is not possible with streaming devices like the Fire TV Stick, which rely on Bluetooth for connectivity.
In conclusion, while Xbox Cloud Gaming has made great strides in making gaming accessible on various devices, there are still limitations when it comes to latency. This is where consoles like the Xbox Series X still have a place in Microsoft’s vision of a future where every screen is an Xbox.
