Why Make “Hardware”? Former Xbox Chief Criticizes Microsoft’s Current Policy

Former Xbox executive Mike Ybarra delivered a blunt critique of Microsoft’s current strategy. He argued that continuing to produce a console after moving toward third‑party platforms is something “only an idiot” would do.

Ybarra, the former vice president of Xbox Live and Xbox Game Pass, shared his thoughts on X while debating the future of Xbox consoles and Microsoft’s stance on third‑party software. He was responding to criticism of the ROG Xbox Ally X, a device that runs Windows without a separate console OS. In his view, that approach is logical because Microsoft has stepped back from building hardware and exclusive titles, including a dedicated operating system.

“It makes sense — they’ve moved away from hardware and exclusives,” Ybarra wrote. He added that the company now functions more like a Windows‑focused publisher and warned that, without Steam support, players will simply resort to pirating games.

According to the former executive, Steam’s success stems from its “polished experience and strong refund policy,” whereas Windows remains “far from perfect.” Microsoft’s strategy, he noted, “could work if there are compelling games and Steam support, alongside PlayStation, Nintendo, and PC.”

Ybarra stressed that “only an idiot would keep making consoles once games become third‑party.” He argued that a return to exclusives would force Microsoft to produce high‑end hardware at a loss — something he doesn’t believe the company plans to do.

The ex‑executive also criticized the “This is Xbox” campaign, calling it “the wrong idea at the wrong time.” He reminded readers: “Xbox is about games. If it isn’t on equal footing with other devices, it’s not really Xbox.”

Source: iXBT.games