Defining Duke, Episode 249 | Is Xbox Pulling Out Of The Console Business?
Added 2025-10-09 16:00:22 +0000 UTCFollowing such erratic changes to Game Pass and a ton of wild weekend rumors, many are wondering if Xbox will be out of the console business altogether by 2027. Despite marketing for the next generation being expected to begin next year, some insiders are suggesting this is now up in the air for Team Green. Joining us to discuss the current state of Xbox is the man with a million, Rand Al Thor 19. While Xbox addressed the uncertainty surrounding their hardware and have a public agreement with AMD, many continue to doubt this is the path forward. The truth is that Xbox hardware has seen a steep decline in sales for almost two years. Now, major retailers are pulling their stock. Like much of you have written in about this subject, we are left with the same question: Can we even believe Xbox at this point? If you can't then can we continue to build our digital libraries on Xbox with the way Xbox is trending? Is the path truly to become a third party publisher? If so, should Xbox rip off the bandaid and go all in now? It's a jam packed episode and we sift through every layer of it to try and get to the root of it all.
Timestamps:
0:00:00 - Intro
0:03:08 - The future of the Dukes
0:21:28 - Cog’s trip to Japan
0:35:50 - Where is Phil Spencer?
1:00:32 - Outer Worlds 2 caught in the crossfire again
1:15:57 - Can Xbox and PlayStation team up now?
1:20:09 - What even is Xbox Play Anywhere?
1:30:07 - What is going on with Keeper?
1:40:18 - Lina Khan’s victory lap
1:47:58 - Xbox’s response to the Game Pass price hike
1:56:24 - Game Pass DLC discounts are done
2:02:17 - Halo Combat Evolved Remake rumors
2:16:46 - Coming soon to Xbox Game Pass
2:20:29 - What We’re Playing
2:59:26 - Is Xbox hardware coming to an end?
3:35:43 - The reason Game Pass hiked its prices
3:56:22 - Xbox is reportedly adding a free tier for Cloud Gaming
Comments
Matty and Cog could be talking about the gras under my feet growing and I’m listening to I have never played XBOX and never will but the chemistry between you two guys really makes DD a must listen Much love keep it up lads
Rayner 38
2025-10-22 08:41:19 +0000 UTCNo we can't lose Defining Duke!
Cruz Ibarra
2025-10-17 15:48:31 +0000 UTCI’m excited for Keeper and will be playing it day 1 (of the PS5 release)
Anthony Palerino
2025-10-15 13:45:48 +0000 UTCOh no, I’d be so bummed if Defining Duke disappeared! It’s the only Xbox podcast I actually listen to. I’m a huge fan of the banter between Cog and Matty! And, like Cog, I’m a Sega Dreamcast refugee. When I first got the original Xbox in 2002, it was mind-blowing to see all those Sega games like Shenmue 2, Jet Set Future, and Sega GT 2002!
Ismael Gustavo Perez
2025-10-13 15:25:06 +0000 UTCMy two cents: please don’t go anywhere. Duke already often includes multi platform news, I just want Matty and Cog chatting games.
TheMuff1nMon
2025-10-12 12:32:14 +0000 UTCDukes, No need to go away or majorly alter the podcast in my opinion. It's a great podcast to listen to and the reason why I sub to LSM. If not for Xbox, what would you all talk about? PlayStation releases one game a year and has pretty mid events sprinkled throughout. The podcast is also already different than the others. Matty, I don't know how you see yourself, but to me, you're a PlayStation guy that also plays computer. When you talk button layouts, it's always the PS buttons. Your PS was plugged in the HDMI port this episode and you still subscribe to PlayStation now despite them doing very similar things as Xbox (layoffs and studio closures). Cog is the Xbox guy, and together, you form a very eclectic discussion. It's a fun show and it's right up there with my sports podcasts as my most enjoyable workout material. Never change boys! #JesusManOMGDD
Mr. Scott If You're Nasty
2025-10-12 12:16:18 +0000 UTC
