E3 2019 preview: Xbox predictions, rumors and expectations

What we will see: Project X Cloud

Microsoft is making a console for those who want a console, that’s not in question. But Microsoft has also been making it loud and clear for quite a while now they want people who don’t own an Xbox to be able to play Microsoft games on practically any device. Tablet, phone, computer, maybe even your Nintendo Switch? Project X Cloud is what is likely to make the idea of Xbox service everywhere a reality for Microsoft.

Whether you are all in on the future of games as a service you pay a monthly fee for and just stream them or not, this will undoubtedly be a huge focus of Microsoft at this year’s E3. You can pretty much imagine it will be similar to Google’s recent Stadia unveiling. They’ll show Gears of War 5 running on a phone and a tablet that under normal circumstances could not possibly run them; but, through the power of Project X Cloud, you can.

So the question here remains if Microsoft can manage to one-up Google. Google has already been met with plenty of skepticism as their platform revolves entirely on streaming. Unless they provide some pretty compelling exclusives for their service, why should I pick it over Project X Cloud or any other streaming service that offers a similar library of third-party titles that are likely to go to every service?

There’s a distinct chance Microsoft will be merely showing off the capabilities of Project X Cloud without actually addressing common concerns. However, if they could show something that actually differentiates and gives them an edge over Google Stadia, that would be a hell of a thing to top off their E3 2019 presentation.