PixlBit

This is going to be a big E3 for Microsoft having something to prove. The price drop for the XB1 is needed if they can't outsell the PS4 with better released and announced software. It is pretty telling that Titanfall couldn't give it a win for March. That being said, Microsoft had already made some impressive moves. While they have been releasing free games, it’s nice to see them label it. Games with Gold is a nice title. The inclusion of taking down the pay wall to utilize Netflix and other apps has been a long time coming. I am impressed that they went further and allowing people to cash in on unused time on Xbox Live.

The 360 was an impressive run. It had the year head start against the PS3 and was able to cement itself as the place for online gaming with its innovations. It held a standard that was hard for Sony and Nintendo to compete with hardware wise and experience. This turnaround Microsoft would need to push that envelope further and luckily they have been humbled. Their arrogance gave them the impression they could take the next generation with ease. I don't feel they did with the integration as an all-in-one box. This though has really gave a fuzzy picture of what Microsoft's vision of XB1 is since Kinect is no longer a priority and their original vision of a digital only console was changed.

Its identity might seem like its hanging in the balance but an all-in-one entertainment will but a place like Showtime, while a premium channel still gives alternative without the need of an XB1 to watch it. They need to push original content on XB1 to bolster it. Sony though is not far behind. The Halo TV show could help it in the long run to stand out. I would expect to see a trailer if it at E3. As an addition, Microsoft needs to continue providing apps on their service that would be beneficial. It is their trend and not one they are no position to relinquish.

E3 is all about games and they themselves said that. They felt the heat that has been on them not focusing directly to gamers. They stated that Halo 5 will make an appearance. I am sure it will be a big part of the show as perhaps Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. It is safe to assume we will learn a lot more about Sunset Overdrive and Quantum Break. In order to outpace the PS4, they will need some surprise announcements beyond games like Gears, Halo, Fable, and Forza. Those are Microsoft's stables but franchises they rely too heavily on. To continue to be a force, they will need more unique groundbreaking IPs, to expand their portfolio.

 

It’s not very big but they do have Crackdown 3 which had been rumored. I would expect to make an appearance. It is the game that could give Infamous a run for its money with big open world super hero antics. It has already been hinted at a few times in the past. It would deliver the alternative to Infamous as they had done Forza against Gran Turismo and what they seem to try to be doing with Project Spark.

 

There has always been continued to talk about games sale systems and or that price sales a system. I don’t believe you can always pin it down all on one thing. I think these each have a factor. I believe price has been a factor obviously more than games but I also believe some felt burned by the RROD. There are plenty that stuck with the 360 perhaps because they were already dedicated to it. I have three 360s. I think the numbers are skewed because people bought multiple consoles that inflated the numbers and that now people (maybe just a few) are avoiding because of hardware issues in the 360. I am sure Microsoft learned their lessons and didn’t cut any corners but I also believe some people are thinking the same why with Microsoft.

These consoles are great in what they provide, it comes down to personal preference and they both have their perks. Microsoft has a long road ahead of them in order to make a major impact. They are the ones with something to prove at E3. They are not as bad of shape as Nintendo. I believe they will hold more momentum than the Wii U but they are definitely looking at second place. It is a long race, time will only tell.