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[Psykodad]

Yeah but Sony can transcend the traditional approach to console hardware that´s based on pure physics by claiming it´s all about the SSD now all of a sudden and you´re fine with that right?

Wonder why Phil´s comment have you guys so triggered. Like he insulted all your momma´s or something.

Why would anyone be triggered when Phil is basically undermining their future sales?

 

[Coolwhhip]

The more Xboxes you sell, the more people you can sell your services and games? I guess Spencer came up with the name for Xbox 360.

And it's not like MS is a 1st party games powerhouse that can sell a truckload of their games on other platforms. Very odd strategy.

 

[SuperLupeRap]

SSD's are a hardware refinement. I'm totally cool with that. Saying you don't need to sell hardware is sticking your head up your ass and commenting on how nice the view is. Two totally different issues.

Yeah sure you're totally cool with that... As long as it's your Lord and Saviour Sony.

Aight man, keep on fighting hopefully you'll convince a few people or Sony will notice your zeal and reward you or something, I'm out.

 

[DrAspirino]

If Xcloud runs anything like Stadia, its a game changer. Stadia's biggest knock is its catalogue. A Stadia-like service with the GamePass library is a Black Swan, iPhone-like earth-shaking event.

Exactly.

I have an OG Xbox One I got back in 2016 (for around US$180) and symmetric 400Mbps FTTH. At least for people like me, Xcloud would be an awesome deal, since I could be able to play the latest games on a 7+ years old hardware and current TV.

What incentive would I have to get the Xbox series X console? None. What incentive would I have to pay for Xcloud subscription? everything.

 

[Slings and Arrows]

If we take this lying shit stabber on his word and the amount of consoles they sell isn't important because they are looking at selling software; gamepass, gold etc...

Then why is it so far fetched to believe that Microsoft will leave the console business or sell it off?

 

[HeresJohnny]

Yeah sure you're totally cool with that... As long as it's your Lord and Saviour Sony.

Aight man, keep on fighting hopefully you'll convince a few people or Sony will notice your zeal and reward you or something, I'm out.

otay

 

[Rikkori]

Saying MS doesn't care about HW sales because they focus on SW is like saying you don't care about how much rain falls because you use stored water for irrigation. Grats, you missed more than half the picture. And as others have said, if HW didn't matter at all to this model, there wouldn't be that hardware in the first place.

Spoiler

 

[Nikana]

Which is what every company says when they are shoveling shit. It sounds like a losing political candidate on election night. I may not have gotten all the votes, but this campaign was never about that, it was about changing the message.
Whatev, dude.

Simply because you refuse to believe their strategy, which is proven to make money in their Surface product line, then why are you even here? Nobody is debating that his statements have PR in them, the same way every company on this planet does as well, but because you simply don't understand the strategy doesn't make you right and him wrong.

Phil has never once said he doesn't want to sell xboxes. Ever. And he never will. Simply because people on the internet twist everything doesn't change what hes actually saying.

 

[longdi]

Why would anyone be triggered when Phil is basically undermining their future sales?

He is talking about this year, and he is not undermining their sales.
But putting an understanding tone out to the gamers and his team.
It will be a tough year ahead, dont mind the silly stock markets.

 

[SuperLupeRap]

Why would anyone be triggered when Phil is basically undermining their future sales?

I don't know man, I'm not a Sony fanboy hence me asking why you guys are so triggered.

MS wants to focus on services and software revenue because that's where the money is, not on HW sold. Have no idea how your thought process made you skip all that and just go to "they're undermining sales".

You know when Sony or MS sell a console they haven't made any money right? Sometimes they've even lost money. The goal is to find other ways to make you spend money.

 

[MarkMe2525]

Not as dumb as "Less money is awesome!" As a company, you want as many people in the pool as possible. You want as many people spending money on your ecosystem than others. Why is this so alien to you guys? How can you honestly believe that they're okay with not selling as many units as they can make this year?

Are you intentionally being obtuse? If you argument to defend your stance is to make up shit then have at it because no one said less money is awesome. Microsoft clearly believes in diversifying their delivery platforms and offer multiple ways for a dev to get their game purchased and played. I know this because they have repeated this for the past 6 months. They of course would love to sell 10 million first year but they have not put all their eggs in one basket, simple as that. You will be able to PURCHASE and play MS exclusives and 3rd party software without owning a xbox nor a pc with xcloud. I believe you actually know this because it is so obvious, and are trolling.

 

[Bogroll]

I watched the video and Phil is answering the basically the question of is it a bad time to launch a console with all the economic uncertainty of people losing jobs not being able to afford a new leeeeeeeeesure device. And Phil says my strategy does not involve how many Xboxes I sell this year. Basically we just want to launch it this year.

 

[Nikana]

I watched the video and Phil is answering the basically the question of is it a bad time to launch a console with all the economic uncertainty of people losing jobs not being able to afford a new leeeeeeeeesure device. And Phil says my strategy does not involve how many Xboxes I sell this year. Basically we just want to launch it this year.

As always the headline has made Gaf go into a frenzy and not the actual substance of the piece. I think thats on the OP.

 

[Elder Legend]

I don't know man, I'm not a Sony fanboy hence me asking why you guys are so triggered.

MS wants to focus on services and software revenue because that's where the money is, not on HW sold. Have no idea how your thought process made you skip all that and just go to "they're undermining sales".

You know when Sony or MS sell a console they haven't made any money right? Sometimes they've even lost money. The goal is to find other ways to make you spend money.

Software and services is what makes the sales. The only company making profit on consoles I believe is Nintendo but that's because they always have the weakest hardware and cheapest price and they are an exception to the rule.

Also, who still buys music CD anymore? Do your cars even have a cd player anymore? Most people just sub to spotify, connect bluetooth to their phone and that's it.

Services like Game Pass and xCloud is the future of gaming. Whether people like it or not, that's where it is going. Why do you think Sony partenred up with Microsoft for the cloud stuff? Because Microsoft is #1 when it comes to cloud technology and Sony wants to bring that technology over to PS Now and evolve it for themselevs as well. It's a win/ win for both

A regular consumer will always take the convenience and cheapest/efficient route. I don't understand how people don't see this. Look at Netflix and look at Spotify.

Fun fact, did you know you can stream Bloodborne on PS Now to your PC? Most people have no clue.

 

[too much eslim]

I wonder how his software partners who are investing heavily in the Xbox feel about such a stupid statement.


It really is, but they've been bending over for this guy's bullshit for half a decade now.

Why would a gamer care about sales? We don't care about profits that isn't going into our pockets. We just want content. Unless you're in economics no gamer should care.

 

[longdi]

I watched the video and Phil is answering the basically the question of is it a bad time to launch a console with all the economic uncertainty of people losing jobs not being able to afford a new leeeeeeeeesure device. And Phil says my strategy does not involve how many Xboxes I sell this year. Basically we just want to launch it this year.

Well put. At least there is still someone with responsibility of going through instead of shooting a reply based on catchy snippets.

Basically, no pressure on gamers who lust after Series X, no pressue on Series X team, no pressure on publishers on Series X.

2020 is a lost year, not just in gaming, everything burns this year.

 

[Psykodad]

I don't know man, I'm not a Sony fanboy hence me asking why you guys are so triggered.

MS wants to focus on services and software revenue because that's where the money is, not on HW sold. Have no idea how your thought process made you skip all that and just go to "they're undermining sales".

You know when Sony or MS sell a console they haven't made any money right? Most of the time they've lost money. Sometimes they've even lost money.

Who are these "you guys" you're talking about?
I'm not the one who's triggered.

Anyway, whoever sells most consoles, gets most marketshare and thus higher chance of getting more (exclusive) 3rd party support.
So I always fail to understand why people act like sales don't matter.
More sales = more marketshare = more software = more money to invest in your products.

MS seems to have a bit of trouble properly marketing their products, because they're at a crossroad right now.
They have both a console to sell and a streaming platform to launch. The former is going up against two behemoths in the industry, the latter is still unproven.

And their marketing so far has been:

"We are commited to consoles"

"Our main competitors going forward are Goole and Amazon, not Sony and Nintendo"

"We still believe in generations"

"Our strategy doesn't revolve around [console sales]"

On their own, each statement is perfectly fine, but put together it becomes messy, as it doesn't show a clear focus.

So call me fanboy all you want, I'm sticking strictly to MS' own words and have been all this time.

 

[48086]

Because the suggestion that the strategy isn't to sell a ton of Xboxes is fucking dumb on its face and irresponsible and insulting for people who've put their eggs in the Microsoft basket and partnered up with them.

You need to go read the quote again.

Edit: Actually, a lot of y'all need to learn how to read. Seriously, put down the controller and go pick up a book.

Phil: - "This year"
Gaf: - "Hur hur Phil doesn't care about hw sales hur hur."

 

[Deleted member 471617]

Nor should it. An eco-system is much more than just the console. For Xbox, they have PC and will have mobile once they launch X-Cloud officially and out of Beta. Selling consoles matters but it's no longer the be all end all.

 

[Elder Legend]

You need to go read the quote again.

Aww come on man... don't be mean to my little ol' johnny here! Don't you see the poor kid has a blind injury due to his Sony fanboyism? Shame on you dude making fun of his disability...

 

[Bogroll]

Well put. At least there is still someone with responsibility of going through instead of shooting a reply based on catchy snippets.

Basically, no pressure on gamers who lust after Series X, no pressue on Series X team, no pressure on publishers on Series X.

2020 is a lost year, not just in gaming, everything burns this year.

And I wouldn't be surprised if it's pretty tuff to get one due to being sold out this side of Xmas, at least in the UK and USA.

 

[WouldYouKindly]

Phill should go into politics honestly

 

[Little Chicken]

He's saying what the other two are thinking but they don't have the services to fall back on.

COVID's impact on the global economy will really start to be felt come September, it won't be "business as usual" for a long time.

 

[Gravemind]

Maybe because Spencer and MS have gotten their asses kicked and hearing ridiculous shit like "we don't have to sell consoles" isn't giving us the warm fuzzies that they've learned anything from it?

You guys should really read the actual article before flying off the handle and making yourselves look like such clowns.

Nowhere does he say they dont care how many consoles they sell. If you read the actual article, you'll see that the the quote comes after the interviewer asks about the effects of the pandemic on the launch, what problems could pop up because of the economic uncertainty of "this year".

"It looks like we're moving into a period of of massive economic uncertainty. The thing I'm probably focused on the most is the macro-economic environment. We see the impact of people getting furloughed and layoffs. It's tough...And if now is not the time for you to buy a new console, and you're going to stay with the console you have, we're going to keep supporting that console."

The interviewer follows up with "Won't gamers take into account the console will be at its most expensive at launch?"

And Phil answers with:


"People find real value in the investment that they make in gaming.

You can buy a console, buy some games, and it can literally provide your family with hundreds of hours of entertainment.

Even when we went back and looked at 2008-09, in that recession, to see what the impact was on gaming - gaming did OK. It was durable.

We want to make sure we're providing the right value to customers.

Price is going to be important.

But our strategy is centred around the player, not the device.

If this is not the year when a family wants to make a decision to buy a new Xbox, that's OK.

Our strategy does not revolve around how many Xboxes I sell this year."

Microsoft obviously cares how many consoles they sell, otherwise they wouldnt have made a console, and wouldnt have made it the most powerful console. Phil is saying that their strategy isn't hardware based anymore, which is why things like gamepass, Xcloud, BC, cross gen, and smart delivery will help them even if the economic uncertainty of this year negatively affects hardware sales.

Honestly, it's not very hard. Just fucking read the source and stop spreading this fake ass "concern".

 

[SuperLupeRap]

Who are these "you guys" you're talking about?
I'm not the one who's triggered.

Anyway, whoever sells most consoles, gets most marketshare and thus higher chance of getting more (exclusive) 3rd party support.
So I always fail to understand why people act like sales don't matter.
More sales = more marketshare = more software = more money to invest in your products.

MS seems to have a bit of trouble properly marketing their products, because they're at a crossroad right now.
They have both a console to sell and a streaming platform to launch. The former is going up against two behemoths in the industry, the latter is still unproven.

And their marketing so far has been:

"We are commited to consoles"

"Our main competitors going forward are Goole and Amazon, not Sony and Nintendo"

"We still believe in generations"

"Our strategy doesn't revolve around [console sales]"

On their own, each statement is perfectly fine, but put together it becomes messy, as it doesn't show a clear focus.

So call me fanboy all you want, I'm sticking strictly to MS' own words and have been all this time.

Hey man to be honest I don't think anybody is actually confused about MS's strategy. But we all perceive things differently so

They are diversifying their streams of revenue --> traditional game sales + Gamepass subscription + PC revenue + Streaming (Xcloud).

Their focus isn't on how many consoles they sell as obviously it seems they would ideally like for those other revenue streams to be a huge contributor to their bottom line.

What they are saying is they can grow as fast if not faster with those other revenue streams than just focusing on the number of boxes sold.

You don't need to own a Xbox to be a Xbox client, hence why once again there focus isn't how many boxes they sell but on growing SW and services sales.

 

[oldergamer]

The more Xboxes you sell, the more people you can sell your services and games? I guess Spencer came up with the name for Xbox 360.

And it's not like MS is a 1st party games powerhouse that can sell a truckload of their games on other platforms. Very odd strategy.

MS has 4 titles in the top 10 on steam, and the number 1 title at the moment on switch. Perhaps you should rethink your statement considering proof to the contrary.

 

[The Cartographer]

''This year'' → ''Next gen''

 

[oldergamer]

You guys should really read the actual article before flying off the handle and making yourselves look like such clowns.

Nowhere does he say they dont care how many consoles they sell. If you read the actual article, you'll see that the the quote comes after the interviewer asks about the effects of the pandemic on the launch, what problems could pop up because of the economic uncertainty of "this year".

"It looks like we're moving into a period of of massive economic uncertainty. The thing I'm probably focused on the most is the macro-economic environment. We see the impact of people getting furloughed and layoffs. It's tough...And if now is not the time for you to buy a new console, and you're going to stay with the console you have, we're going to keep supporting that console."

The interviewer follows up with "Won't gamers take into account the console will be at its most expensive at launch?"

And Phil answers with:


"People find real value in the investment that they make in gaming.

You can buy a console, buy some games, and it can literally provide your family with hundreds of hours of entertainment.

Even when we went back and looked at 2008-09, in that recession, to see what the impact was on gaming - gaming did OK. It was durable.

We want to make sure we're providing the right value to customers.

Price is going to be important.

But our strategy is centred around the player, not the device.

If this is not the year when a family wants to make a decision to buy a new Xbox, that's OK.

Our strategy does not revolve around how many Xboxes I sell this year."

Microsoft obviously cares how many consoles they sell, otherwise they wouldnt have made a console, and wouldnt have made it the most powerful console. Phil is saying that their strategy isn't hardware based anymore, which is why things like gamepass, Xcloud, BC, cross gen, and smart delivery will help them even if the economic uncertainty of this year negatively affects hardware sales.

Honestly, it's not very hard. Just fucking read the source and stop spreading this fake ass "concern".

Very good post!

 

[Coolwhhip]

MS has 4 titles in the top 10 on steam, and the number 1 title at the moment on switch. Perhaps you should rethink your statement considering proof to the contrary.

I always though of Minecraft as a way to sell Xbox, not the other way around. Will be a while before they earn that back.

 

[PlayVerso]

[QUOTE = "Elder Legend, publicación: 258554676, miembro: 755986"]
Not surprising. Phil always said that they do not care how many systems they sell, but instead its about the subscription services like Game Pass Ultimate that will make the big $
[/CITAR]


Yes, but the more consoles can be sold, the more subscriptions can be made.

 

[Steve.1981]

Well, yeah.

When you're on the wrong end of a very sore loss, you need to start mixing things up & change your operating strategies. That doesn't even seem like a controversial idea to me.

Xbox, with Phil in charge, have been laying the next-gen groundwork for years now. They haven't hidden that fact. Their plans now include offering potential customers more ways to play Xbox games. Streaming on your phone with Xcloud. PC (including Play Anywhere). Or the traditional console. They want people invested in the eco-system rather than the system.

This logically leads to less emphasis on console sales as the main marker for success. It's a different strategy. Born from necessity, sure. But let's see how it plays.

 

[Gamerguy84]

Waiting for Greenburg to make a public statement about how badly they want to sell more consoles.

Im confused and dont completely buy what hes saying. One guaranteed way to sell your software and services is to sell your console.

Also quit putting all your 1st party games on GP day one and than give away GP.

MS has been offering insane value for a while now. Which is great for the fanbase. It feels like they are using their deep pockets to keep this up until they reach a certain number.

At some point they need to charge refular price for GP and hold a few things back from GP.

No matter how you slice it selling hardware is important, even hardware becomes profitable at some point in the gen.

 

[Insane Metal]

So if they sell millions and millions they won't post/brag about it

Got it!

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

Their strategy revolves around getting customers hooked into their ecosystem. Microsoft has done this with their webserver and their Word/Excel/etc suite of software.

This is why many have already seen the writing on the wall: Xbox streaming going multiplatform. Coming to a Switch near you.

 

[DarkMage619]

Waiting for Greenburg to make a public statement about how badly they want to sell more consoles.

Im confused and dont completely buy what hes saying. One guaranteed way to sell your software and services is to sell your console.

Also quit putting all your 1st party games on GP day one and than give away GP.

MS has been offering insane value for a while now. Which is great for the fanbase. It feels like they are using their deep pockets to keep this up until they reach a certain number.

At some point they need to charge refular price for GP and hold a few things back from GP.

No matter how you slice it selling hardware is important, even hardware becomes profitable at some point in the gen.

You have no evidence for anything you've said. Since we are gamers I care more about games and value for my dollar than how much money MS makes or loses. MS is currently the most consumer friendly game company right now. I wish Sony and Nintendo would offer more value.

 

[LeVictorien]

People are making this complicated and hard to understand for no reason... it's quite simple really.

Focusing on individual Xbox console sales to sell games and services is a thing of the past.

You can sell games and services on different hardware, like consoles, PCs and/or through online services like XCloud.

Developers care not about individual Xbox console sales anymore because MS provides a platform that spans across multiple devices. It's a different business model than what both Sony and Nintendo provide. Now Xbox doesn't mean a specific console but where people are at. Saying there are 10m GamePass subscribers or 10m people on XCloud means there is a pool of 10m people on these services. Who cares if these people have paid 1$ or 1000$, as long as they are on the service.

People that still think only console sales will give a games company profit are not understanding this simple business model and are stuck on old mentality.

 

[NeoGiffer]

 

[HeresJohnny]

Why would a gamer care about sales? We don't care about profits that isn't going into our pockets. We just want content. Unless you're in economics no gamer should care.

More sales in turn causes more games. Very simple. The company with the most sales sees the best software output since everyone wants to jump on that train, which makes your investment more sound.

 

[longdi]

People are making this complicated and hard to understand for no reason... it's quite simple really.

Focusing on individual Xbox console sales to sell games and services is a thing of the past.

You can sell games and services on different hardware, like consoles, PCs and/or through online services like XCloud.

Developers care not about individual Xbox console sales anymore because MS provides a platform that spans across multiple devices. It's a different business model than what both Sony and Nintendo provide. Now Xbox doesn't mean a specific console but where people are at. Saying there are 10m GamePass subscribers or 10m people on XCloud means there is a pool of 10m people on these services. Who cares if these people have paid 1$ or 1000$, as long as they are on the service.

People that still think only console sales will give a games company profit are not understanding this simple business model and are stuck on old mentality.

MS is looking 10 years out, they are a younger dynamic team.

While Sony being run by Jim Ryan, a guy as ancient as the Playstation itself, sticks to their guns.

 

[mejin]

 

[HeresJohnny]

Are you intentionally being obtuse? If you argument to defend your stance is to make up shit then have at it because no one said less money is awesome. Microsoft clearly believes in diversifying their delivery platforms and offer multiple ways for a dev to get their game purchased and played. I know this because they have repeated this for the past 6 months. They of course would love to sell 10 million first year but they have not put all their eggs in one basket, simple as that. You will be able to PURCHASE and play MS exclusives and 3rd party software without owning a xbox nor a pc with xcloud. I believe you actually know this because it is so obvious, and are trolling.

Are you? They are releasing new hardware and saying their strategy doesn't revolve around how much of that hardware they sell. Less money for everyone involved.
It's not trolling, it's logic.

 

[HeresJohnny]

You need to go read the quote again.

Edit: Actually, a lot of y'all need to learn how to read. Seriously, put down the controller and go pick up a book.

Phil: - "This year"
Gaf: - "Hur hur Phil doesn't care about hw sales hur hur."

Oh, so it's just this year. Well that's okay then.

Also, it's important to note that I'm making fun of the statement itself, I don't actually believe that Spencer believes that statement. Only that he farts and some people comment on how fresh the air smells.

 

[too much eslim]

More sales in turn causes more games. Very simple. The company with the most sales sees the best software output since everyone wants to jump on that train, which makes your investment more sound.

I'm here for playing games. I don't need to justify my investment. I get what I like and enjoy it. People have bought systems for one game and played nothing else. Gamers don't play sales. Fanboys do.( Not calling you a fanboy)

 

[IntentionalPun]

I'm here for playing games. I don't need to justify my investment. I get what I like and enjoy it. People have bought systems for one game and played nothing else. Gamers don't play sales. Fanboys do.( Not calling you a fanboy)

That post was saying that sales are what lead to having more games available to the buyer of the console lol..

 

[bronxct1]

This is in line with Microsoft's overall strategy. If they didn't start looking beyond physical sales and into services and cross-platform, I think Microsoft would have spun off the Xbox division into its own company or left the market. I think the Xbox is falling in line with their surface products, they will push boundaries and release a top of the line product but they really want you to subscribe to Office or Microsoft 365.
They're diversifying their revenue streams so if they sell less Xbox's but grow their revenue that's all that matters.

Gamepass being so cheap was their way of getting people hooked on the product. Recurring revenue is king these days. Between PC, Xbox's both existing and yet to be sold as well as streaming on phones their potential for revenue is massive from Gamepass. Expanding the Gamepass subscriber base will help sell consoles also. If you have a PC gamer who has Gamepass ultimate, at some point you may decide to buy an Xbox to place in your living room since you'll have access to a library of games you're already paying for. That could be a series X or some cheaper SKU that's released.

 

[HeresJohnny]

I'm here for playing games. I don't need to justify my investment. I get what I like and enjoy it. People have bought systems for one game and played nothing else. Gamers don't play sales. Fanboys do.( Not calling you a fanboy)

Okay, but if you're going to spend the money don't you want that money to be as well spent as possible? Bang for your buck never goes out of style.

 

[48086]

Oh, so it's just this year. Well that's okay then.

Also, it's important to note that I'm making fun of the statement itself, I don't actually believe that Spencer believes that statement. Only that he farts and some people comment on how fresh the air smells.

Why would it not be ok? There was a global pandemic and tons of people have lost their jobs/income. All Phil is saying is that actual hw numbers aren't the main concern this year. Actually sounds like a pretty consumer friendly message to me.

 

[Psykodad]

Hey man to be honest I don't think anybody is actually confused about MS's strategy. But we all perceive things differently so

They are diversifying their streams of revenue --> traditional game sales + Gamepass subscription + PC revenue + Streaming (Xcloud).

Their focus isn't on how many consoles they sell as obviously it seems they would ideally like for those other revenue streams to be a huge contributor to their bottom line.

What they are saying is they can grow as fast if not faster with those other revenue streams than just focusing on the number of boxes sold.

You don't need to own a Xbox to be a Xbox client, hence why once again there focus isn't how many boxes they sell but on growing SW and services sales.

Fair enough.
It's quite clear that they're focusing on other ways of revenue.
Which brings us back to the point of their hardware:
What's the point of xbox consoles if it doesn't matter what system you use GamePass on?

XSX has been in the works for too long to not release it, so obviously they go through with it's launch.
But if it's all about software sales and revenue from GamePass/xCloud, why not just pull out as a console manufacturer and put GamePass on Playstation and Nintendo as well?
Makes much more sense than invest in a console that is losing it's relevance more and more, when you're focus isn't on selling it.

That's why I think this will be MS' last console if their streaming services do take off this gen.

Edit:

Also, it's just weird that Phil says he's not too bothered by sales this year.
Launch will always have limited stock and this time even more than usual, so why make such a statement when launch stock would typically sell out real fast?

 

[too much eslim]

Okay, but if you're going to spend the money don't you want that money to be as well spent as possible? Bang for your buck never goes out of style.

I don't have a Nintendo Switch and if they announced a golden Sun game I would buy it for the game and play nothing else. And it would have been worth the investment for me because I got to play a series I enjoy. If I decide to play other games I can, but I just play what I enjoy. I'm not thinking I hope this sells well. Just hope I enjoy the game.

 

[bronxct1]

Funny, apparently private businesses don't exist then according to you.

their

Fair enough.
It's quite clear that they're focusing on other ways of revenue.
Which brings us back to the point of their hardware:
What's the point of xbox consoles if it doesn't matter what system you use GamePass on?

XSX has been in the works for too long to not release it, so obviously they go through with it's launch.
But if it's all about software sales and revenue from GamePass/xCloud, why not just pull out as a console manufacturer and put GamePass on Playstation and Nintendo as well?
Makes much more sense than invest in a console that is losing it's relevance more and more, when you're focus isn't on selling it.

That's why I think this will be MS' last console if their streaming services do take off this gen.

I think the issue is that Sony and Nintendo would not allow a subscription service such as Gamepass on their consoles. EA Access is the closest thing but it's not at the scale of Gamepass and doesn't include new releases on the consoles. Unless they were able to strike a deal with both of them I can't see it happening. Xbox is there as a way to get Gamepass into the console market.