In a recent announcement by Xbox console manufacturer Microsoft, the Xbox One S was revealed to have ceased production – signalling in the end of production for all Xbox One console products. The news was delivered by Senior Director of Console Audience Product Marketing Cindy Walker in a recent interview, citing focus on the new generation of consoles as one of the primary motives for the move.
End of a Life Cycle
The announcement of the end to production comes as no surprise to those who follow Microsoft’s hardware movements closely; the One S had been in production for four years before its discontinuation, mirroring the lifecycle of the Xbox One before it. The move is also a result of Microsoft’s renewed focus on the current generation of consoles, which has been besieged by delays and limited roll-out owing to a global shortage of microchips. In stopping production of the One S, Microsoft can devote more time and money to the production of new Series X and Series S models to cater to a growing audience.
What it Means for Owners and Consumers
The Xbox One series is longer in active production, but the effect on existing Xbox One owners is expected to be minimal. The console series will continue to be maintained in terms of software updates and online play, with a projected consumer lifecycle far longer than its production lifecycle. While gamers may be wary of a reduction in upkeep of Xbox One services, the Xbox 360’s long life should serve to allay fears. Xbox Live is still accessible on the aging console, with Halo’s online servers active until late 2021. Even for consumers, not much will change in the short term. Many wholesalers and retailers still carry a healthy stock of new Xbox Ones, meaning they will still be globally available for purchase in the near future.
Healthy Competition
Microsoft’s main console competitor Sony had announced similar plans for their PS4 system, having launched two PS5 models in the same time frame as Microsoft’s Xbox Series X. However, the aforementioned microchip shortages have continued to frustrate Sony’s efforts to release more PS5s, resulting in continued scarcity of the new console. As such, Sony have delayed their plans by a number of months, to ensure their products are still readily available to consumers.
The continued sale of last-gen consoles in retail environments is good news for consumers, as competition remains between the two brands – ensuring the best possible prices even from mainstream high-street stores. Coupled with shrewd planning, or workplace specific privileges such as the Argos NHS discounts, consumers are in an excellent position to buy powerful consoles at a competitive price. As for the brands themselves, the eventual phasing-out of last-gen production will eventually pay dividends.
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