Xbox Users Say Microsoft’s Controversial Cross-Platform Push is a Good Thing

There have been countless reports about Microsoft’s letter from Chris Charla, which talks about cross-network play between Xbox One and PC. And Microsoft has even opened the functionality up to other platforms like the PS4. A day after Microsoft announced this newfound openness, Sony responded by stating:

“We would be happy to have the conversation with any publishers or developers who are interested in cross platform play. “

This is all fine and dandy, but something more controversial has been popping up everywhere since Chris Charla’s letter. We’ll explain.

There has been a push by Microsoft for everyone to upgrade to Windows 10. Remember the team-up of Microsoft and Rocket League? In order to play with others online on your Xbox One, you must have Windows 10 and an Xbox Live account to perform cross-network play. This issue may not seem like a big deal — until you realize that many people still have Windows 7 & 8 (and possibly lower versions), and they’re able to play games such as Fallout 4 perfectly fine with the proper hardware upgrades. And that fact has some fans angry about this new push.

Some have gone so far as to say that Microsoft is essentially forcing them to upgrade to Windows 10 — and that’s not something that users enjoy seeing or experiencing. But Xbox users have found that upgrading comes with great benefits for the Xbox One and the features it offers. So far, they’ve cited two big advantages to upgrading: the ability to stream console games to the computer with 1080p quality at a beautiful 60fps, and the ability to stream backwards-compatible titles from the Xbox 360. Many now know that even the Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers can be used for PC games, such as Stardew Valley.

If you are still using any version of Windows other than 10, you’re all out of luck. Even if you own an Xbox One yourself, you’ll only get the full benefits of the console once you upgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft’s push for Windows 10 is definitely not the most appealing choice they have made for the consumers, but they are completely aware of the benefits they are providing their fans by having them make the transition. 

What do you think? Have you upgraded yet? Was it worth it? Or are you still holding out? Let me know in the comments!