Microsoft is making a bold move by adding Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 to Game Pass, hoping it will boost subscribers during a busy holiday season. While the impact won’t be clear until 2025, Xbox employees are hopeful that this strategic decision will help reverse the trend of gaming layoffs seen in 2024.
On the hardware side, Xbox has no plans to compete with Sony’s upcoming PS5 Pro. Instead, Microsoft is focused on releasing console variants like the 2TB "Galaxy Black" Xbox Series X, priced at $599. In contrast, the PS5 Pro is set at $699 and offers enhanced GPU performance for smoother gameplay. The PS5 Pro’s high price has sparked backlash, with many speculating it’s part of a larger pricing experiment for next-gen consoles.
Microsoft, meanwhile, is focused on the long-term, eyeing next-gen hardware that may take the Xbox brand even closer to a PC-like experience. With no plans for a mid-gen refresh, the future of Xbox seems to be setting the stage for something big—though it likely won’t come cheap.
The Call of Duty Bet
Putting Black Ops 6 on Game Pass is risky, especially during a season packed with Xbox game releases. However, Microsoft is betting that adding such a big title to its subscription service will drive growth and keep players engaged. With Call of Duty’s massive fanbase, the hope is that this decision will pay off in the long run, despite the uncertainty surrounding the move.
PS5 Pro vs. Xbox: No Contest?
Sony’s PS5 Pro, with its improved GPU, aims to make games run smoother and look better, but the $699 price tag has raised eyebrows. Unlike Sony, Microsoft is skipping a mid-gen console refresh altogether, instead offering new variants of its existing consoles. The 2TB “Galaxy Black” Xbox Series X, priced at $599, will be one of the few hardware updates from Xbox this holiday season. It’s clear that Microsoft is playing a different game—one where it’s not about incremental updates, but a long-term vision for next-gen hardware.
Next-Gen Xbox: A PC-Like Future?
While Sony tests the waters with PS5 Pro pricing, Microsoft’s focus is firmly on the next generation of gaming hardware. With Xbox already looking more like a PC, future consoles could push this convergence even further. As we look ahead, the next-gen Xbox may offer a more powerful, customizable experience—but with that will likely come a higher price tag. The future of Xbox is ambitious, and Microsoft seems willing to take the time and resources to get there.