Microsoft is despicable but console gaming is much better due to them

Microsoft is a despicable reprehensible corporation (as is Sony and Nintendo). They should be broken up by its disparate business lines and regulated.

But as much as I don’t like admitting it, they have been the innovation engine for console gaming. These are the firsts they are responsible for:

• First built in HDD (Xbox)
• First built in online networking (Xbox)
• First dedicated console specific online game offering (Xbox Live)
• First native HD console game (Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4 on Xbox)
• First console with Dolby 5.1 surround sound (Xbox)
• Achievements (Xbox 360)
• First console with built in wireless controllers (Xbox 360)
• First console with outboard HDD support (Xbox 360)
• “Free” monthly games (Games with Gold)
• “Free” game rental service (GamePass)
• First console to offer higher than 1080p resolution, VRR and higher than 60 framerates (Xbox One)
• Fist console with native spatial overhead audio support (Dolby Atmos on Xbox One)
• First customizable pro controller (Xbox Elite)
• First accessibility controller (adaptive controller)
• First console with native Dolby Vision game and app support (Xbox Series)
• First console with cloud gaming (Xbox Series)

Sony has tried to implement much of these features after Microsoft and this is why competition is vital in gaming. There needs to be 2-3 companies killing each other for customers which benefits everyone overall.

Don't know how you come up with some of these threads at times.

Microsoft didn't achieve half of those achievements prior to other companies. Example the Sega Dreamcast had an online network way before Microsoft and the Xbox was even a concept.

Regardless never disliked Microsoft, competition is good for gaming. Makes them all fight for our time and money. And while haven't purchased an Xbox since the 360 I think they're in a good position to shake things up. Hopefully they chill trying to buy everyone out though. Same with Sony to an extent, put your wallet away and start dishing the goods.

If one of them ever owns/ ends up running the entire monopoly? we're all screwed.

And yes, this included Valve/ Steam.

Options are good.

They might of been first in some of those but things were going in that direction for gaming. Tech was changing and developing worldwide not just for Microsoft. Plus they still haven't put out games like Sony and Nintendo has which is what matters more.

Making such allegations in the first two sentences of a post should offer some kind of support for said opinion, dontcha think?

Microsoft ain't too bad but they do have some monopoly on certain things.

People have different opinions about Microsoft.
However, it is still an important player in the market, and competition is crucial.
Personally, I like some of their products, but overall I'm rather neutral.

Odd list. Just because they released a console a month or even a year before the competition, doesn't mean they pioneered it or responsible for the tech advancement. I'm all for competition on hardware though. I'm sure someone could make a similar list with what Sony and Nintendo have accomplished also. And I think Stadia did cloud gaming before the Series consoles were out.