The hype is ramping up for the next generation of consoles, with the Xbox Series X appearing to be going all-out to break the momentum gained by the PlayStation 4 for Sony. However, regardless of how iconic they’ve made the new console appear, or however many updated titles are released - as we reported at www.360-hq.com on the Xbox One X enhanced games list; it will all ultimately come down to the console’s unique selling points.

Regular releases of top-class exclusives have been the decisive factor in the past. Still, in the age of nostalgia-run entertainment and increasingly expensive gaming, perhaps another strategy could see the Microsoft console come out on top. This strategy would be to offer the console as the ultimate method of rekindling a love of classic games, merely building off of an extensive range already in place on Xbox systems.

Make backwards compatible games core to the Xbox Series X

Microsoft has already announced that the Xbox Series X will be taking backwards compatibility to the next level. The team has doubled down on the strategy, saying that the thousands of backwards compatible games on the Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One will be coming to the new console and will play even better than before. To really drill in this selling-point and call back so many fans of the past, Microsoft should go further than merely just providing the games.

To make a real statement of intent that catches headlines that simply cannot be claimed by the PlayStation 5, the Xbox Series X – either through Game Pass or Gold – should offer all Xbox and 360 backwards compatible games for free. Free gaming has become a core aspect of modern gaming, with the success of Fortnite and its ilk proving such on consoles.

In the further industry, in the online casino sector, for example, the extensive range of titles made free to play at vegasslotsonline.com prove that 'free gaming' is an intrinsic factor in attracting any modern demographic. People flock to these platforms when there’s any product on offer, especially if those slots and games, such as Buffalo and Spartacus: Gladiator of Rome, are pay-to-play elsewhere.

Microsoft and the development teams have already made a good amount of money from initial sales, and also Xbox One backwards compatible sales. Putting the classic games up for free in some way through the Xbox Series X would immediately make it a must-have console for long-time gamers.

Make games more accessible to Xbox owners

Of the big three home consoles, there’s no denying that the Nintendo Switch is the most user-friendly. From its hybrid nature to the games that it champions – and their impeccable quality on release – the Switch has become the pinnacle of friendly gaming. A major way in which the console further emphasizes this fact is through its extensive collection of demos. The glut of their major releases or high-cost, offbeat releases all offer demos.

There are some demos available through the Xbox One right now, but the offering is very quaint. While much of this comes down to the developers, Microsoft should make a point of featuring a demo for their major releases. It makes the games much more accessible, particularly in this age of high-cost gaming. They are also often very useful tools for game studios as they have a huge capacity to further sales. The hands-on experience is far more effective at selling a game, if available, than making players search online for gameplay videos and opinions.

The PlayStation 4 has also been relatively weak on the demos front, though slightly more accommodating than the Xbox One. So, to separate itself from the Sony console, the Xbox Series X could declare that all players will be able to try before they buy on all exclusives before their release. This way, players would be able to get some real experience with their chose titles before parting with a good chunk of cash.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (@assassinscreed) is now available for digital pre-order and pre-download on the Microsoft Store for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One. Pre-order now for access to the bonus mission The Way of the Berserker.

In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, you are Eivor, a fierce Viking warrior raised on tales of battle and glory. Explore a dynamic and beautiful open world set against the brutal backdrop of England’s Dark Ages. Raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power in your quest to earn your place among the gods in Valhalla.

There are 2 digital editions of Assassin's Creed Valhalla available to pre-order:

• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Gold Edition ($99.99 / € 99,99 / £84.99 / AU$139.95) - Includes the game and Season Pass.
  
  
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Ultimate Edition ($119.99 / € 119,99 / £99.99 / $179.95) - Includes the game, Season Pass, and Ultimate Pack.

Preorder now on the Microsoft Store to receive a discount on the Ultimate edition and access to the bonus mission The Way of the Berserker.

AC Valhalla leverages the Smart Delivery technology - buy the game once and play it on either Xbox One or Xbox Series X when both the console and that version of Assassin's Creed Valhalla are available Includes the game and Season Pass.

Check out the official gameplayer overview trailer and learn more about the game below.

Features Include:

• LEAD EPIC RAIDS: Launch massive assaults against Saxon troops and fortresses throughout England. Lead your clan in surprise attacks from your longship and pillage enemy territories to bring riches and resources back to your people.
  
  
• MERCENARY VIKINGS: Create and customize a unique Viking raider within your clan and share it online with friends to use during their own raids
  
  
• WRITE YOUR VIKING SAGA: Advanced RPG mechanics allow you to shape the growth of your character and influence the world around you. With every choice you make, from political alliances and combat strategy to dialogue and gear progression, you will carve your own path to glory.
  
  
• VISCERAL COMBAT SYSTEM: Dual-wield powerful weapons such as axes, swords, and even shields to relive the ruthless fighting style of the Viking warriors. Brutally decapitate your foes, vanquish them from afar, or stealthily assassinate targets with your hidden blade. Challenge yourself with the most varied collection of deadly enemies ever found in an Assassin’s Creed game.
  
  
• A DARK AGE OPEN WORLD: Sail from the harsh and mysterious shores of Norway to the beautiful but forbidding kingdoms of England and beyond. Immerse yourself in the Viking way of life through fishing, hunting, drinking games, and more.
  
  
• GROW YOUR SETTLEMENT: Construct and upgrade buildings that allow for deep customization, including a barracks, blacksmith, tattoo parlor, and more. Recruit new members to your clan and personalize your Viking experience.

Assassins’s Creed Valhalla will be available 10th November, 2020 on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Store on Windows PC, as well as on UPLAY+, and Stadia. Also coming to PlayStation 5.

Dragon's Lair Trilogy is now available for digital pre-order and pre-download on Xbox One.

The Dragon's Lair Trilogy includes all three arcade classics! Dragon's Lair, Space Ace and Dragon's Lair 2: Time Warp.

In Dragon's Lair, you play the heroic Dirk the Daring, a valiant knight on a quest to rescue the fair princess from the clutches of an evil dragon!

Space Ace will have you take control of Ace - Defender of justice, truth, and the planet Earth! Ace is being attacked by the evil Commander Borf. Struggle with Dexter to regain his manhood. Destroy the Infanto-Ray. Defeat the evil Borf! Be valiant space warrior, the fate of Earth is in your hands!

Dragon's Lair II: Time Warp once again has you leading Dirk on a perilous quest! Spirited away to a wrinkle in time by the evil wizard Mordroc, Princess Daphne will be forced to marry the wicked Mordroc unless Dirk can save her. Once the casket of doom has opened, Mordroc will place the death ring upon Daphne's finger in marriage, and she will be lost forever in the Time Warp.

Developed by Digital Leisures Inc., Dragon's Lair Trilogy will be available on May 18, 2019 for $19.99. The game includes 12 Xbox achievements worth 1000 gamer score. Check out the complete list of achievements for Dragon's Lair Trilogy here.

Click here to pre-order Dragon's Lair Trilogy for Xbox One