It has already been an eventful week at E3, with Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo showing off the latest titles and hardware advances to be expected over the next 6-8 months. Microsoft made a huge splash yesterday with new games and a killer updated controller that would make even James Bond jealous.
Regardless of which side of the console wars you’re on, or if you are undecided, the Xbox One deserves a second look. Microsoft has rebounded from a tough start to the year with some killer titles coming by Christmas and has pushed itself out in front of the PlayStation 4 as a dominant streaming media player. On top of that, the deal machine has been cranking out solid discounts on some of Microsoft’s flagship bundles. Now is the time to get on board with Xbox One if you’ve been waiting…
Despite Microsoft’s various missteps with Windows and its mobile devices, Xbox One has settled in nicely as a polished system with a rock solid multiplayer experience. With yesterday’s announcement that over 100 previous generation 360 games will be supported over the coming months, Xbox One is bringing both value, performance and an ever expanding library of titles.
Admittedly, Microsoft’s flagship console went through a period where it seemed like it couldn’t keep up with all the PlayStation games Sony had coming out. But there is serious reason for optimism after yesterday’s E3 showcase. Forza 6, Fallout 4, a new Tomb Raider and more Gears of War action all got the blood flowing. I didn’t even mention that mind blowing Minecraft HoloLens demo. The upcoming Star Wars Battlefront title? I’m in love. What about 30 vintage games for $30 with the Rare Replay bundle? Throw in the $150 Elite wireless controller and you’ve got a console system that is ready to thrive for both casual and competitive gamers.
Microsoft does a really nice job of offering a multitude of console bundles, allowing users more options to get their ideal setup out of the box. Many retailers are taking advantage of this to sweeten the deal even further with add-ons and discounts. Amazon alone has come up with quite a few different options and is a good place to start when looking for the right bundle. The Microsoft Store is currently offering a free $50 credit plus a copy of Assassin’s Creed: Unity with the purchase of its Halo: The Master Chief Collection Bundle or the limited edition white console without the credit.
Now is the time to take a second look at Xbox One, if you’re in the market for a complete home entertainment solution, this is the way to go. Between the upcoming games and all of the streaming media options, Xbox One has set itself up for a huge second half of the year.
More E3 2015:
- Nintendo: Super Smash Bros. updates, Star Fox rolls onto Wii U + create Mario levels
- Sony shows Last Guardian, Final Fantasy VII remake, Uncharted 4, Star Wars, more
- Microsoft unveils new hardware, 360 compatibility + Forza 6, Halo 5, more
- Bethesda’s real life Pip Boy for iPhone/Android, Dishonored 2, Doom, more
- Xbox Live Gold Members can enjoy EA Access for free this week
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Having reduced the cost due to poor sales compared to sony, and now tempting people with ‘backwards compatibility’ on only selected downloadable games — announcing over 100 isn’t a lot considering how many games 360 has…
As for new games – me personally, only the tombraider game interests me that is currently an xbox one game – which isn’t going to make me buy an xbox just to play the game – after all, it’s a timed exclusive – it will be competing again Uncharted released around the same time, which will keep tomb raider fans busy until the PS4 and PC release versions…
special bundles — most consoles offer these —
More or less the only way this can be deserving another look is from 360 players who havent up graded yet.
as for hololens — i’m not really sure i would like to walk around my house with a big chunk of tech on my head, especially to see my ‘pinned’ notes to the wall etc… what is wrong with just taking your phone out to check notes, appointments etc…just like the google lens, there is no real market or practical use for the regular person…
I can imagine this costing more than $2000 – which is expensive to play minecraft or watch TV etc — you could by a 4K TV and have money left over for a projector, and possibly money left over for a calendar and pens etc…