عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Technology

Microsoft Unveils Upcoming Plans for Video Gamers

The Xbox logo is seen while gamers wait for the Microsoft Xbox E3 2017 media briefing in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2017. (Reuters)
The Xbox logo is seen while gamers wait for the Microsoft Xbox E3 2017 media briefing in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2017. (Reuters)
TT
20
TT

Microsoft Unveils Upcoming Plans for Video Gamers

The Xbox logo is seen while gamers wait for the Microsoft Xbox E3 2017 media briefing in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2017. (Reuters)
The Xbox logo is seen while gamers wait for the Microsoft Xbox E3 2017 media briefing in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2017. (Reuters)

In a virtual event attended by Asharq Al-Awsat, Microsoft unveiled its upcoming plans in the videogaming field. The new updates will enable users to play the latest Xbox games on their TV, using a mobile app and a controller.

The company is working on improving its browser experience by focusing on a player-friendly content, as well as upgrading the Windows 11 system to provide advanced features, and a large collection of titles scheduled to launch in July.

Microsoft also announced it plans to launch an Xbox app, compatible with smart TVs in 2022, in partnership with Samsung. The new app will allow users to play the latest games through a cloud service that streams the content directly on their screens.

As of June 30, the service will give users the opportunity to play hundreds of titles, using a controller that connects wirelessly to the TV and a monthly subscription.

These games can also be played via a smartphone app available for Android and iOS, or on PCs.

Microsoft also launched the Moorcroft Project, which allows players to try a demo of the new games before their official launch, notably those developed by independent developers or small start-ups from around the world.

The new version of the Edge browser will display a special gaming content every time the user opens a new tab. Edge users will receive the latest gaming news, recommendations to overcome hard rounds in their favorite game, livestreaming of other gamers’ competitions, virtual competitions, new games, and suggestions of related content.

The company plans to equip its browser with another feature that allows users to enhance the resolution of cloud gaming, and supporting it with a collection of free, popular games.

Speaking about Windows 11, Microsoft revealed it is planning updates targeting players. Game performance will be optimized for windowed games, and other exciting gaming features will be unlocked, including Auto HDR and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for a better gaming experience on any screen.

The company announced Sunday that it plans to launch over 50 new titles in the coming months in many categories, including racing, RPGs, combat, space exploration, sci-fi, horror, martial arts and others.

Most Viewed

 
Technology

Nintendo Faces Trade War Test with Switch 2 Launch

An attendee plays with the Nintendo Switch 2 gaming device at a media event in Tokyo, Japan April 3, 2025. (Reuters)
An attendee plays with the Nintendo Switch 2 gaming device at a media event in Tokyo, Japan April 3, 2025. (Reuters)
TT
20
TT

Nintendo Faces Trade War Test with Switch 2 Launch

An attendee plays with the Nintendo Switch 2 gaming device at a media event in Tokyo, Japan April 3, 2025. (Reuters)
An attendee plays with the Nintendo Switch 2 gaming device at a media event in Tokyo, Japan April 3, 2025. (Reuters)

Nintendo's Switch became a source of much-needed escapism during pandemic restrictions. Now, the Japanese video game company faces the harsh reality of a brutal trade war as it launches its successor device.

The Switch 2 is set to debut on June 5. That is eight years after the original Switch, which has sold 150 million units and disproved naysayers who predicted the decline of the console.

While the trade war has put the focus on industries such as cars and chips, the maker of "Super Mario" and "Donkey Kong" games must also grapple with tariffs disrupting its business.

For Nintendo, trade barriers complicate one of the hottest product launches this year as the success of the Switch 2 is vital for the future profitability of the company.

The Switch 2 launch will test Nintendo's ability to manage its supply chain, as it works to secure sufficient supply for the United States while maintaining the $449.99 price tag.

"If the tariffs are really going to hit them, they probably still need to raise the price for the Switch 2," said Serkan Toto, founder of the Kantan Games consultancy.

Nintendo announced the device's price and launch date on April 2, the same day US President Donald Trump unveiled sweeping import tariffs, after an initial reveal in January.

The company then paused the start of US pre-orders as it examines the impact of tariffs before announcing it would maintain Switch 2 pricing with pre-orders beginning on April 24.

Nintendo hiked the cost of some accessories and said in a statement other adjustments "are also possible in the future depending on market conditions."

"The accessory price hikes can only soften the blow to some extent," Toto said.

The company has experienced supply chain ructions in the past with production not limited to China, which has been hit with 145% tariffs on goods entering the US.

"Nintendo plans to supply the US from Vietnam and Cambodia production, under normal demand assumptions," said Robin Zhu, an analyst at Bernstein.

Vietnam and Cambodia have also been hit with tariffs, though the higher levies have been paused for 90 days.

The US is a major market for Nintendo with the Americas making up 44% of Nintendo's sales in the financial year ended March.

"Even in the bear case where Nintendo faces reciprocal tariffs of 46% in Vietnam and 49% in Cambodia, I'm assuming they will have to absorb that cost," said Jay Defibaugh, an analyst at CLSA.

Ampere Analysis forecasts sales of 4.6 million Switch 2 units in the US in 2025, out of 13.2 million units globally.

"I don't think momentum will be impacted in North America," said Piers Harding-Rolls, an analyst at Ampere Analysis.

Experts said hardcore fans would buy the Switch 2 even at higher prices, but a hike could risk sapping demand among the casual players who turned the original Switch into a mega hit.

The sticker price of new gaming hardware is seen as one of the most important factors determining success, with the price of the original Switch also closely scrutinized.

Gamers have been complaining about the 50% price rise compared to the Switch and the higher cost of new software such as the $79.99 "Mario Kart World".

The Switch 2 price tag is seen by some analysts as already factoring in uncertainty over the trade war.

"Nintendo has a wealth of experience in managing the supply chain," said CLSA's Defibaugh.

The expansion of tech giants into gaming and the growth of mobile led some observers to question the need for bulky hardware.

However, Nintendo and Sony continue to hold a leading role in the industry.

Earlier this month, Sony hiked prices of its PlayStation 5 (PS5) in Europe and Britain with some analysts expecting price rises in the US.

The PS5's own launch was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic affecting sales earlier in the cycle.

Analysts are generally positive about the prospects for the Switch 2, which offers continuity from its predecessor, with a larger screen and better graphics.

"There's a lot of pent-up demand for a more powerful Switch experience," said Ampere's Harding-Rolls.