During the holiday break, I found myself staring at my ever-growing gaming backlog, trying to choose what to dive into. The festive season is a time to unwind and, for many of us who grew up alongside the gaming world, a moment to indulge in nostalgia. There seemed to be no better choice than diving into the delightful world of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection.
This year, I vowed to take a complete break from work over the holidays (though I did sneak in some here and there). But, as many people might agree, holiday times can feel even busier than our regular workdays. With family visits, hosting or visiting kids, and the beloved (or sometimes dreaded) trips to see in-laws and extended relatives, relaxing can feel like a luxury. For me, the versatility of gaming has become more valuable than the games themselves, and that’s precisely where Xbox excels.
With Xbox’s move toward a fully multiplatform gaming ecosystem in the coming years, many are questioning the relevance of sticking with Xbox. If the PlayStation 5 and a potential Nintendo Switch 2 will have access to Xbox games, why remain loyal? Why not enjoy the exclusives they offer alongside?
Yet, for me, it’s not about the volume of games; it’s about the limited time I have to enjoy those I truly want to play on Xbox, whether they’re exclusives or not. I don’t need more games; I need more hours in a day. That’s where Xbox, with its time-saving features, takes the lead. It allows me to play anywhere, anytime, and in multiple ways—a freedom I’m not willing to part with.
The unique benefit of Xbox Play Anywhere
The Xbox Play Anywhere feature has become an incredibly significant attribute for the platform. It allows me to carry my saved progress in games like the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection from my console to my laptop or even my phone—a seamless gaming dream come true.
Before the holidays, I spent countless hours on Dragon Age: The Veilguard, desperately searching for an enjoyable experience, but eventually I uninstalled it, accepting it wasn’t for me. I have a tendency to stick with games even when they’re not enjoyable, likely due to the sunk cost fallacy. I’m working on overcoming that, and with less free time, my decisions are often made for me.
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection was a choice made purely for my enjoyment, not work-related or for review purposes. I’ve joyfully spent around 40 hours playing through Final Fantasy 1, 2, and 3, with 4 next on my list. Without Xbox Play Anywhere, I doubt I would have logged so many hours.
As with any holiday, family gatherings and visits were plentiful this year. However, my newfound ability to access Xbox games wherever I wanted was a game-changer. Surprisingly, I didn’t even switch on my Xbox console much this Christmas, thanks to having multiple ‘Xboxes’ at my disposal to continue gaming.
Being able to shift from my TV to my laptop when my partner needed the TV was fantastic. Even when bedtime came, I could continue on my phone, attached to an Xbox controller with a USB-C connection. And when I had to venture out of the house, touch controls allowed me to continue gaming through Wi-Fi or 4G.
This adaptability is precisely the vision I hope Xbox continues to pursue. There’s no exclusive title on any console that could make me abandon the flexibility it offers—a future where my games become my companions, fitting seamlessly into my lifestyle. But can this platform evolve into something mainstream? Is Microsoft genuinely making strides in that direction, or is Steam OS closer to realizing this dream?
A challenge for Xbox Play Anywhere: Content availability
Currently, the Xbox app for Windows 10 / 11 lists over 650 "Xbox Play Anywhere" titles, although some might consider many of these to be basic or mobile-focused. Interestingly, many of Microsoft’s own prominent titles don’t yet support this feature. If Microsoft isn’t investing in these experiences, why should other developers?
Another player in this scene is Steam OS, which inherently supports a Play Anywhere model, given it operates through an operating system rather than platform restrictions. With cloud saves and GeForce Now offering cloud gaming, it seems like a direct competitor with a far more extensive game library.
Microsoft indeed has a vast catalog to leverage, yet it’s unclear if they’re making significant efforts to rework older games for this platform. Moreover, Xbox Play Anywhere remains underappreciated, buried within filters rather than prominently showcased.
Microsoft has a golden opportunity to highlight this feature. Simple initiatives like emphasizing in-game branding, improving app iconography, and offering incentives for developers to join the program could transform its visibility. With the rise of Steam OS and the shift away from traditional console exclusives, Xbox Play Anywhere should be seen as a flagship feature instead of a hidden gem. More of this, please!
(Note: By "more of this," I’m particularly referring to games like Monster Hunter Stories.)
