Featured Image Credit: Photo by Ahmet Serdar Eser/Anadolu via Getty Images
Topics: Xbox, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Microsoft
Topics: Xbox, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Microsoft
These days, it’s perhaps the case that many of us are looking for ways to save money rather than spend it.
That being said, it’s hard to knock the latest feature to arrive on Xbox Series X/S consoles which should make store purchases far more seamless.
As spotted by ComicBook, the Xbox Store has now added the ability for users to make purchases with both Apple Pay and Google Pay.
In adding Apple Pay, the Xbox Store has brought itself in line with PlayStation as the PlayStation Store has had Apple Pay as a payment option for quite some time.
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Interestingly, the PlayStation Store is yet to introduce Google Pay so the Xbox Store has suddenly overtaken it by adding both in fell swoop.
Of course, it’s not a competition. The best outcome is all storefronts offering the best consumer experience and that means having options.
A tweet bringing this subtle change to light reflects the positive reception from fans, many of whom have been requesting this change for a long time.
“Nice!” replied one user, while another added, “Sounds good.”
Apple Pay and Google Pay may vary by region as some Xbox gamers report still not seeing the option available whilst others say they’ve had access for some time.
This could be revealing of a phased worldwide rollout.
It’s always good to see consoles refreshed this deep into their lifecycle, especially with rumours that Xbox’s next-gen console, Project Helix, could be formally unveiled in 2026 or 2027.
Admittedly, it’s in Xbox’s best interests to continue developing the Series X/S’s suite of features as some of the software will surely form what comes next with Project Helix.
In fact, I’d argue this latest upgrade to the Xbox Store has been made with notions of future-proofing in mind.
READ MORE: Here are the best games to play on Xbox this month.
As for Project Helix, it’s been confirmed that Xbox’s next-generation console will permit users to play PC titles as well as Xbox games.
It’s a great innovation to see considering that Xbox has consistently trailed behind PlayStation in recent years; this provides the next-gen console with a unique quirk that could help drive sales.
There are, however, major concerns surrounding pricing considering how the price of RAM is at an all-time high, a key component for consoles and PCs.
This price hike has been driven by a rise in demand for new AI data centres around the world as more people move to using platforms like ChatGPT.
Shortages do somewhat appear to be quelling, but it could be some time before we see anything remotely close to stability.
It’s likely that’ll dictate the pricing of Project Helix as well as other upcoming console releases like Steam’s delayed Steam Machine.