New Amazon Xbox Bundle Has a Huge Omission

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New Amazon Xbox Bundle Has a Huge Omission

Highlights

  • Xbox gaming bundle on Amazon includes Fire TV stick, controller, and Game Pass for $78.90 – no console included.
  • Microsoft’s focus on Game Pass service over console sales evident in unique Amazon bundle offering.
  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers over 100 games for a single purchase, providing great value for players.

As a long-time Xbox fan, I have to admit that I was taken aback when I first heard about Amazon selling an Xbox gaming bundle without an actual console included. I remember the excitement of getting my hands on my very first Xbox console years ago and the countless hours I spent playing games with friends.

Amazon is offering a new “Xbox gaming bundle” without an Xbox included in the purchase. This strategy aligns with Microsoft’s recent tendencies, but could leave some gamers perplexed, as they anticipate the full Xbox experience.

As a passionate gamer, I can personally attest that Microsoft’s Xbox may not have been the first player in the gaming industry, but it has surely made a significant mark over the years. The initial Xbox console might not have impressed everyone due to its bulky design and an awkward controller that didn’t suit all players. Nonetheless, Xbox has managed to carve out a niche for itself, becoming a formidable competitor against the Sony PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Recently, Microsoft took an unexpected turn with Xbox, offering this unique bundle for sale.

Amazon presently offers a gaming package featuring an Xbox controller, an Amazon Fire TV Stick, and a one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. However, the package doesn’t come with an Xbox console itself. The Fire TV Stick is a small plug-and-play device suitable for most contemporary TVs, enabling users to access online content such as videos, music, and Xbox games through their subscriptions. The bundle costs $78.90 for Amazon Prime members at the moment.

Xbox’s Changing Priorities

When it comes to console sales, the PS5 has outpaced the Xbox Series systems. However, Microsoft has been heavily promoting its Game Pass service for several years now. With an active subscription, players have access to a variety of games they can play on-demand. In some instances, these include Day 1 releases, eliminating the need to buy a game copy. Streaming games is a significant focus for Xbox, with the company investing in providing services instead of solely concentrating on physical systems to gain access to games or related services.

There are definitely some benefits to going this route to play Xbox games rather than buying a console. With the Xbox Series S and X costing $299 and $449 respectively, the $78.90 price point for a streaming stick setup may sound appealing to many fans. Of course, it also means that players will need to maintain a subscription, and Xbox Game Pass is going up in price. There are also other ways to access the service without the need for a streaming stick, like playing on a PC. There are more options than ever for playing Xbox or PC games, and the right decision ultimately depends on what the player needs and wants.

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2024-07-17 03:03