In a statement released to the press, Microsoft President Don Mattrick has confirmed the changes to the Xbox One's used games and online restrictions.
Update: Microsoft President Don Mattrick has released a statement confirming the earlier rumors that Xbox One will in fact not have any restrictions on used games or a required daily online check in. Aside from a one-time online system set-up the first time an Xbox One is booted up, the console will function completely even when offline and will not require a daily check in. Disc-based games will function exactly the way they do on Xbox 360 with no restrictions on trading, selling, or giving away used games. The full statement from Mattrick can be read on the following page.
Original Story: Those who don’t believe in miracles may just have to change their outlook as several sources suggest that Microsoft may actually be considering dropping both the “always online” requirements and used games restrictions for the Xbox One.
The rumors originally stemmed from a report which was published on GiantBomb.com (consequently the amount of traffic generated by the report caused Giant Bomb’s website to crash and it is currently still down) and they indicate a complete 180 degree shift in Microsoft’s stance on used games and online requirements for their next-gen system.
Currently, Xbox One will require an online “check in” at least once every 24 hours else it will be unable to perform even basic functions such as playing games. Used games will be bogged down by heavy software licensing restrictions that will virtually kill the used games market for Xbox One games. However, if the report from Giant Bomb ends up being true, both of those restrictions may in fact be getting axed from the Xbox One’s final release.
Now, as is the case with all rumors, it needn’t be said that hopeful fans should take *all* info about this report with a grain of salt until Microsoft gets around to releasing their own statement. Even if the Xbox One were to indeed launch without the online requirements and used game restrictions, its $100 price-hike over Sony’s PlayStation 4 combined with an initially mediocre showing of exclusive games are still awfully big hurdles for potential buyers to consider.
