In can only be described as a massive turnaround, Microsoft has decided to turn the Xbox One into the Xbox 180 by changing several controversial policies surrounding the system's online requirements and used games policy. Gamers will no longer have to check in online every 24 hours, can now play games offline, and will not have to jump through hoops to buy used games. Following this announcement the Xbox One has again jumped to the top of the Amazon.com's video game bestseller chart.
This must be good news for Microsoft, as it looked as though their initial momentum in the next-gen console wars has returned after a rocky Xbox One reveal and E3 presentation. Microsoft, after listening to the veritable tide of negative press and angry gamer reactions, have done a smart thing in reversing several of their policies to make the Xbox One more on par with the PlayStation 4. However, several other components of the Xbox One that has caused concern among gamers still exist. Chief among them is the Xbox One's requirement to have the Kinect plugged in at all times, and that camera's ability to listen in to conversations (for voice command reasons), monitor gamers to make sure they are paying attention, and even record a user's heartbeat. This always on, always connected camera/microphone has spurred several complaints about privacy concerns, including an inquiry from the German government.
Though the Xbox One has regained the top slot on Amazon.com, it remains to be seen how well the console is received when it is launched in November. Between the remaining controversies surrounding the console, along with its hefty price tag may cause the machine some trouble down the line. Until the Xbox one is released, we can only speculate on what the Xbox One and Microsoft will accomplish in the next console war.
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