Although the PlayStation Now rumour is just that, it’s time to speculate on what this could mean for Xbox, and Microsoft if Sony were to release the somewhat popular streaming service on Windows in the coming days. When the latest generation of consoles launched in 2013, many gamers were disheartened by the fact that none of their older games would work on the new systems. Microsoft responded by launching Xbox backward compatible games, and Sony launched the PlayStation Now service, both of which were a response to the outcry from the fans.
However, the Sony PlayStation Now service had its problems. When the program launched, it had a paltry selection of games—although fixed now with over 400 titles available—and it required you to be online to ‘stream’ the games from Sony’s servers. They also did not allow you to play games you already owned, which made it a very expensive alternative for PlayStation fans, who might not want to lug out their fat PlayStation 3 to play older games. However, the service saw dwindling popularity, and Sony wants to expand this service to cover all devices, including Windows and Samsung Smart TVs.
Microsoft, with the launch of Windows 10, opened the system to more possibilities, making it run on all their hardware including Xbox One and Windows Mobile. The system comes with some amazing features including the ability to stream—without any additional hardware—any game on your Xbox One to your PC. I myself played on my Xbox One without any lag, and only required me to connect my controller directly to my PC. However, this inconvenience will be quickly solved with the advent of the Xbox One S redesigned controller, which now supports Bluetooth connections. The only requirement is that you’re connected to the same network. Microsoft showed off this amazing feature streaming games from your Xbox One to your PC and many gamers use it today.
A rumour currently in circulation speculates that Sony will announce PlayStation Now on Windows soon, and the only requirement currently is that you use a ‘compatible’ gamepad and pay the rather hefty subscription fee unless you wish to pay for each individual title. With Windows 10 and Xbox One allowing you to play games cross platform; Sony joining the fray with the PlayStation Now service will make a Windows 10 PC an amazing deal for gamers looking to maximize their investments. Sony has already stated that they will add to this library as we move forward, including games on PlayStation 4 which currently only run on their dedicated hardware. Microsoft will eventually add the ability to stream PC games to Xbox One so playing on a large screen with a controller will be possible too.
Microsoft received quite a resistance from fans when they announced their ‘Play Anywhere’ initiative, which allows you to play your Xbox One games on any PC that runs Windows 10. Since then the fan base cooled down and embraced this feature, and with Sony pushing their new service to Windows as well, would not only be a boon for gamers who traditionally remained Xbox or Steam get access to the great games library from Sony without having to fork out an additional $500 for new hardware.
With PlayStation Now launching on Windows, the question remains, why would anyone need to purchase a PlayStation, especially now that the rather disappointing PlayStation Neo is launching this year. Microsoft has already countered this fact with their pre-announcement of the Xbox Project Scorpio launching next year—the most powerful console ever made that can do 4K, something which Neo can’t. Right now, it will be best to wait, or upgrade to the latest Xbox One S.
Dreyer was a regular ICXM contributor between 2016–2017, publishing 139 articles across opinion pieces, game reviews, Windows and PC, and Xbox news. Their work focused on hands-on reviews, platform commentary, and breaking-news reporting during the Xbox One X launch year and Microsoft’s wider Play Anywhere / UWP gaming initiative. They post on X as @dreyer_smit.