Xbox, here are 5 things I want from you for Christmas

As a devoted Xbox enthusiast who’s spent countless hours navigating virtual worlds and battling digital foes, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation as we approach the festive season. My dear Xbox Santa, if you could grant my wishes this Christmas, here’s what would make my gaming heart sing:

2025 projects and assignments are now behind me, giving me a chance to write just for pleasure again, like old times. So here’s some lighthearted Xbox chatter, typing away from my vibrant Razer RGB keyboard, straight into the glittering pixels gracing your screen or smart device.

Today’s Xbox platform essentially builds upon the operating system (OS) of the Xbox One, which was introduced in 2013. The next generation might bring a more significant change to the Xbox platform, possibly involving a new OS or transitioning towards a device resembling Windows more closely. However, it’s hard to predict for certain. What we can say for sure is that new Xbox hardware is on its way, and while it may be too early for Santa to deliver it in 2024, there could be other exciting updates and improvements the team might focus on for us in 2025.

Here are some of my ideas for a more enhanced Xbox experience during the upcoming holiday season. What features or improvements would you prefer? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section as well. I’d love to hear your suggestions too.

1. Xbox / PC cloud save upload success indicator

As an analyst deeply immersed in Microsoft’s “This is Xbox” philosophy, I often find myself dominating newcomers on Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, using my Samsung Smart Fridge as a gaming platform. Regrettably, there are instances where my Cloud Save files from different “This is Xbox” devices haven’t synchronized correctly, causing some inconvenience.

In 2024, one might expect a system similar to a cloud save state indicator or cloud save management system to be in place. Given that Xbox has always been at the forefront of gaming cloud technology, it seems surprising that we don’t yet have the means to manage or even check the upload status of our cloud saves. After all, without these cloud saves, there would be no “This is an Xbox” initiative. Notably, Steam has already demonstrated effective implementation in this area.

Frequently, I end up turning off my Xbox prematurely, causing the save game to get out of sync with another console. In 2025, it would be great if Microsoft (Xbox Santa) could address and resolve this issue for us.

2. Some more third-party Xbox Play Anywhere love

Indeed, I’ve become quite the Xbox devotee these days, immersing myself in games spanning Lenovo Legion Go, Xbox Cloud Gaming, my gaming PC, and my trusted Xbox Series X. However, it’s a bit of a letdown that only a handful of my game collection supports Xbox Play Anywhere, specifically for seamless cross-platform save progression.

Nowadays, I find myself gravitating towards games with a universal save system across different devices. Some games have unique methods, and that’s okay. For instance, Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 utilize their own cloud saving systems, while Xbox’s first-party games usually provide this feature through Xbox sign-in. Blizzard, despite pushing players to buy their games on multiple devices (which can be frustrating as the Vessel of Hatred), does keep track of your progress in the Battle.net account system.

While numerous games are available on Xbox, a significant number do not offer support for Xbox Cloud Saves. Titles like Cult of the Lamb, Blasphemous, Tails of Iron, and others that I’ve accumulated in my backlog have me lamenting their lack of cloud saves. It was astonishing when Death Stranding and Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection became accessible on Xbox, not just as games, but also with the added benefit of cloud saves. What a delight!

Here’s a thought, Santa, if you could make it so I can purchase the same games twice, that would be great. But what I really need is the ability to transfer my save files across different devices. Thanks in advance for your help!

3. Xbox achievement system revamp

Admittedly, I don’t chase after many accomplishments. However, since we have this rare opportunity with Santa listening, I’d like to make use of one of my Christmas wishes to fulfill something that Xbox enthusiasts have been eagerly requesting from me for the last five years.

Please spare me more DMs, Xbox Santa. Please, revamp the Xbox Achievement system.

Xbox was a trailblazer in incorporating “entertaining” game-related features that expanded its environment beyond just the games. However, in more recent times, the system has fallen into disuse and stagnation. Despite this, it remains compulsory for Xbox games to include achievements, a system that other platforms such as PlayStation and Steam have also adopted. Nevertheless, these competitors have advanced the system’s capabilities beyond what Xbox currently provides.

Microsoft could consider introducing an achievement system similar to PlayStation’s Platinum Trophies, rewarding players who complete games thoroughly and encouraging extended playtime. This move would benefit both gamers and Microsoft, as it extends to cloud and Xbox PC games as well, given the unified system. It’s puzzling why none of the extensive range of mobile games in Xbox’s portfolio don’t support Xbox achievements, especially since this was a feature on Windows Phone previously.

Over time, Xbox has shed numerous platform-specific “entertaining” elements such as personalized Avatars. Enhancing the Xbox achievement system offers a multitude of possibilities to underscore that Xbox extends beyond just the hardware; it encompasses the entire platform environment too.

4. An Xbox Elite Controller Series 3

Over the last couple of years, I’ve experienced three different Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 gamepads. Two of these were personally bought from the Xbox Design Lab, while one was a review unit. Regardless of their origin, they all met an untimely end after a few months due to a common issue: a faulty right bumper button.

As a tech enthusiast, I find it quite disheartening when games like Monster Hunter and Elden Ring demand such intense button presses that they seem to wear down my controller prematurely. It’s crucial for developers to design their games in a way that doesn’t put undue strain on expensive devices. Moreover, the deadzone bug in STALKER 2 (which has been addressed) served as a stark reminder of how detrimental stick drift can be when not properly accounted for by developers.

For some time now, I’ve been relying on the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro as my main Xbox controller. The Hall Effect sticks ensure no joystick issues whatsoever. Razer’s buttons and triggers deliver the same reliable feel as their keyboards and mice. However, I can’t help but yearn for the extraordinary battery life and convenient charging dock of the Xbox Elite Controller. That charging dock is a standout feature, alas it doesn’t have the ability to rejuvenate the bumpers back to working condition.

I’m eagerly anticipating the next version of the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3, hoping it addresses some of its well-known quality concerns, and introduces innovative features such as Hall Effect joysticks, enhanced haptics, and other exciting technologies that Microsoft’s brilliant engineers might develop. It seems long past due, Santa!

5. Even more Japanese game support (Monster Hunter Stories, Falcom, etc…)

In the recent quarter, Xbox has experienced a significant number of victories with Asian games. Notably, HoYoverse’s Genshin Impact was finally introduced to Xbox, and there are whispers that Zenless Zone Zero might follow suit. Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding made its arrival, just as unexpected as it was impressive. We’ve also seen a commitment from Square Enix, with classic Final Fantasy games making their way onto the platform. Sega has been cooperative, bringing ATLUS titles such as Metaphor: ReFantazio, Persona, and Yakuza. The upcoming quarter will see Dynasty Warriors Origins, and we’ve already received Dragon Quest 1 & 2 in HD-2D format.

But, I’ve been a very good boy, so, I want more.

I frequently receive numerous messages about Falcom’s Ys and Trails game series. In recent times, the company has been growing its market presence, yet, following tradition, these games remain exclusive to platforms other than Xbox. It’s equally frustrating that Monster Hunter, a globally renowned franchise, is choosing to exclude Xbox for Monster Hunter Stories 1 and 2, which are playable on almost every platform except Xbox. Given that Monster Hunter Stories 1 and 2 were initially designed as turn-based games for compact screens, they would fit perfectly with Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and touch controls.

As a tech enthusiast, I’ve noticed that Xbox’s influence in Japan might be seen as frosty, but when it comes to the Western market, games like ReFantazio, Persona, Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, Genshin Impact, and even Final Fantasy 14 are thriving. According to Circana data from 2024, Final Fantasy 14 was one of Xbox’s top sellers that year.

Therefore, the points made clearly demonstrate that it’s essential for Xbox to significantly increase investment in bringing games from the region to their platform, leaving no room for doubt. Ho Ho Ho!

What do YOU want from Xbox for Christmas?

Approaching 2025, it wouldn’t be accurate to claim that Xbox hasn’t experienced some unusual circumstances this year. The once exclusive Xbox games are no longer limited to the platform, causing some to forecast gloomy scenarios for Xbox’s ecosystem. However, it’s worth noting that despite these predictions, Xbox currently boasts more users than ever before, as per legally binding statements made to shareholders.

Over the festive period, no Xbox enthusiast desires to encounter gloomy situations, quite the contrary. That’s why I recommend that ‘Santa’, in this case, should review my list of suggestions above and undoubtedly take steps to fulfill each and every one of them for Xbox fans and users worldwide.

What would you like Xbox Santa to place under your Christmas tree (or any other relevant holiday setting) this year? Share your considerate ideas in the comments section. Let’s collaboratively propose our suggestions with mutual respect.

2024-12-23 15:09