Microsoft’s New 1440p Upgrade Arrives Amidst Price Hike and Financial Headwinds
Microsoft is rolling out significant Xbox Cloud Gaming upgrades, finally delivering a smooth, high-fidelity experience with 1440p resolution at 60 FPS. For many, like the author who saw titles like The Witcher 3 running flawlessly, this might feel like the moment Microsoft’s cloud gaming vision is ready for the mainstream.
However, this revelation comes with a major caveat: a 50% price increase for Xbox Game Pass. This steep price hike has sparked widespread discontent among players, especially at a time when costs are rising across the board. The timing is particularly challenging for Xbox, as the brand grapples with a period of financial struggle, including declining hardware sales and slow growth.
The move to boost revenue follows a recent downward trajectory in Xbox’s financial performance. While the company focuses attention on areas beyond its console, CEO Satya Nadella has also pointed to the rise of short-form video platforms like TikTok as a factor pulling user attention away from traditional gaming.
With these dramatic technical improvements pitted against a significant jump in cost and ongoing market pressures, the question remains: Can these powerful cloud gaming upgrades propel Xbox to the forefront, or will the increased price limit its reach, much like the struggles faced by previous services like Stadia? Is this the moment cloud gaming truly takes off, or a risky pivot?