A few weeks back Microsoft unveiled their new X-Box One console and revealed some very controversial details about the console, namely (1) The console would need to be connected to the internet at least once a day to work, and (2) Games could only be played on one console, so there would be no trade-ins or reselling, no lending and no renting of games for the X-Box One.
Last week the E3 Expo came and went, and Microsoft showed off a bevy of new games for the console, but not a peep about the above mentioned rules. Sony on the other hand went right for jugular, announcing specifically that all of the stuff that people were hating about the new Microsoft console would not be found on the PlayStation 4. Then earlier this Amazon polled its customers which of the two consoles they would prefer, and a staggering 94.7% chose the PS4.
Gamers stood up and voiced their opinions, and Microsoft has listened. On Wednesday afternoon, Don Mattrick, President of Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, released a statement announcing that the X-Box One would be rescinding the once a day internet connection rule – you know only need connect to the internet once, upon setting up the console for the very first time, for it to work – and all physical games (i.e. those on actual discs) would now be free to be resold, borrowed and rented.
On the one hand, this is a coup for consumers and smart business idea by Microsoft. Already dealing with the uphill battle of competing against the €100 cheaper PlayStation 4, by restricting the possibilities of gamers and their games, the X-Box One had essentially crippled its own sales. On the other hand, Microsoft have lost their position and given up on their own policies without defending them and how they may have been better for us players. Instead they caved in the face of bad press and bad polling.
So what do you think, readers? Now that all those nasty strings attached have been snipped from the X-Box One, are you gonna buy it, or are you gonna go for the PS4? Or both??