Disappointing Xbox sales could lead to Microsoft 'refocusing' its console efforts
Throughout this console generation, we've heard how the Xbox Series S|X has been struggling to reach PS5's sales numbers, but it appears it may be about to lead to a big change for Team Green.
With some analysts suggesting PS5 sold three times as many consoles as the Xbox models last year, Microsoft could be about to make big changes to its console strategy.
Microsoft could change its Xbox strategy
Click to enlargeAccording to The Verge's Tom Warren in the latest issue of his Notepad newsletter (Paywalled), "Microsoft will stop marketing Xbox consoles in certain markets in EMEA and focus only on Game Pass, cloud gaming, PC, and Xbox controllers."
Warren notes that the company "has been struggling to sell Xbox Series S|X consoles in many countries across EMEA", and there could be less console stock allocated to the region.
Warren notes he hasn't been able to fully verify this but points to Microsoft's recent "No console, no problem" advertising campaign as suggestions it's pivoting to rely less on Xbox hardware.
Microsoft has already discussed the start of next-generation when they released a podcast about releasing games on other platforms, but it seems for now the messaging could be more focused on its services and PC gaming.
It's been a busy week this week for Xbox fans. The release of Xbox Cloud Gaming on Amazon Fire TV was swiftly followed up by an Xbox Game Pass price hike, with a new tier of membership that lacks day-one releases.
On the plus side, reports have suggested that Modern Warfare 3 could arrive on the services as early as this month, marking the first time Call of Duty has been included on Game Pass.
