Microsoft plans to bring next-gen to Xbox One through Xbox Cloud Gaming

Microsoft isn’t finished with Xbox One. Yes, games will shift to next-generation hardware, but that shouldn’t mean that users of Microsoft’s last-generation consoles should be left behind.  

Xbox has an ace up its sleeve to ensure that users of their last-generation consoles do not get left behind. That ace is Xbox Cloud Gaming, a solution that will bring the power of Xbox Series X/S to Xbox One. This will allow Microsoft to deliver next-generation gaming experiences to last-generation gaming systems, mobile devices, tablets, and internet browsers. 

To support last-generation systems, game developers need to create their games with last-generation hardware in mind. This cross-generation mentality prevents developers from fully utilising the potential of the latest gaming systems. Microsoft’s approach leverages streaming to deliver next-generation performance to older systems, bridging the power gap while delivering visuals that should be superior to a native last-generation port of a next-generation title. 

One of the first games to receive this treatment will be Microsoft Flight Simulator, which will be available on Xbox One systems later this year through Xbox Cloud Gaming. This method delivers cross-generation console support without shackling developers with the limitations of Microsoft’s last-generation hardware. 

An innovative solution to a real hardware problem

With next-generation consoles being in short supply, Microsoft is unlikely to convert all of their Xbox One owners to Xbox Series systems anytime soon. Xbox Cloud gaming has the potential to deliver Microsoft’s next-generation gaming experiences to more gamers. It should also give last-generation Xbox users more reasons to subscribe to services like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.  

While game streaming will rely on Xbox One users having access to a strong internet connection, having access to a good internet connection sits at the core of today’s online gaming ecosystem, digital game ownership, and services like Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft’s already banking on the fact that gamers have access to strong internet connectivity, and their growing reliance on game streaming is simply them doubling down on that fact. 

Sony’s next-generation success will be tied to the number of PlayStation 5 consoles that they can produce and sell. Microsoft’s next-generation success will not be tied to hardware sales, giving them an advantage in game distribution. That said, Microsoft still needs to produce Xbox Series X/S compatible game streaming servers, which has its own hardware costs and challenges.