I’ve wrapped up all my big projects and assignments for 2025, and now, for a refreshing change, I’m writing just for the sheer fun of it. I used to do this a lot back in the day, so here’s a lighthearted piece about Xbox, brought to you from my glimmering Razer RGB keyboard to the vibrant pixels on your screen or smartphone.
These days, the Xbox platform is essentially an expanded version of the Xbox One OS we welcomed back in 2013. But the next-gen could well bring a major transformation for Xbox, possibly with a fresh OS or maybe even a shift toward a more Windows-like device. Nobody really knows what’s coming. What we do know is that new Xbox hardware is on the horizon—and while it’s unlikely we’ll find it under our tree in 2024, the Xbox team could definitely prioritize some other delightful updates for 2025.
Below are my somewhat realistic wishes for a more Xbox-y holiday season. What are you hoping for? Share your thoughts in the comments; I’d love to hear from you too.
### 1. Xbox / PC cloud save upload success indicator
The Xbox PC app has made great strides, but there’s still room for improvement. Fully embracing Microsoft’s “This is an Xbox” initiative, I now often find myself taking down noobs in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on my Samsung Smart Fridge. Unfortunately, my Xbox Cloud Save files don’t always sync up properly across all my other “This is an Xbox” devices.
You’d expect that by 2024, there would be a reliable cloud save state indicator or even a cloud save management system. It’s puzzling that Xbox, a trailblazer in cloud gaming, doesn’t yet offer the ability to manage or view the status of cloud save uploads. The “This is an Xbox” initiative relies heavily on these saves. Steam seems to handle this quite efficiently, after all.
Too often, I realize that I’ve turned off my Xbox too quickly, leaving the save state unsynced on another device. Could Xbox Santa sort this out for us in 2025?
### 2. More third-party Xbox Play Anywhere support
I’m an avid user of the “This is an Xbox” environment, enjoying games on my Lenovo Legion Go, through Xbox Cloud Gaming, my gaming PC, and my Xbox Series X. YET, precious few of my games support Xbox Play Anywhere, at least for cross-platform save progression.
I now lean towards games with device-agnostic saving systems. Some, like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, offer their own cloud save systems. Xbox’s first-party games generally support this too through Xbox sign-in. Blizzard, despite its dual-purchase preference, also utilizes its Battle.net account for progress tracking.
However, numerous Xbox games skip this feature. I would be far more inclined to play 2D indie titles like Cult of the Lamb and Blasphemous on my Lenovo Legion Go if they had Xbox Cloud Saves. It was astonishing to see Death Stranding and the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection hit Xbox with support for Xbox Play Anywhere and cloud saves.
Seriously, I don’t mind buying games twice. Santa, at the very least, let’s make sure we can move save files across different devices. Thanks!
### 3. Revamp the Xbox achievement system
Though I’m not the biggest achievement hunter, I still want to bring up something Xbox fans have persistently nudged me about—overhauling the Xbox Achievement system.
Xbox was a trailblazer with these gamified features that extended the gaming experience beyond just the games. But lately, the system seems to have been left in the dust. Xbox games still need achievements, and other platforms, including PlayStation and Steam, have adopted these systems too, but they have advanced beyond what Xbox currently offers.
Microsoft should consider offering something similar to PlayStation’s platinum trophies to reward gamers for their dedication and encourage longer playtimes. This enhancement should extend to cloud and Xbox PC games since it’s all interconnected. Why don’t any of Xbox’s extensive range of mobile games support Xbox achievements, like they did in the Windows Phone era?
Xbox has lost many of its platform-level fun features over the years. There are plenty of ways to enhance Xbox achievements, emphasizing Xbox’s identity as a comprehensive platform ecosystem.
### 4. Introduce an Xbox Elite Controller Series 3
Over the past couple of years, I’ve cycled through not one, not two, but three Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 gamepads. Some I purchased through Xbox Design Lab, and one was a review unit. All succumbed to the same fate—a faulty right bumper.
Games like Monster Hunter and Elden Ring may demand a lot of bumper activity, but no game should wear down such an expensive device that quickly. Additionally, an issue like stick drift shouldn’t occur, especially in critical gaming moments.
I’ve been using the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro as my go-to Xbox controller. Its Hall Effect sticks eliminate joystick drift entirely. The Razer switches feel just as satisfying as their gaming keyboards and mice. However, I miss the Xbox Elite Controller’s long-lasting battery life and its handy charging dock—an absolute gem of a feature, if only it could fix the bumpers too.
I hope to see an Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 that addresses its renowned quality issues while adding features like Hall Effect sticks and improved haptics, among other possible innovations. It’s high time, Santa!
### What’s on Your Xbox Christmas wish list?
Heading into 2025, it would be misguided to claim Xbox hasn’t had a unique year. With some once-exclusive Xbox titles now crossing platforms, there’s been a bit of gloom about the Xbox ecosystem despite its growing user base.
No Xbox fan wants a blue holiday season! Hence, Xbox Santa should absolutely consider my suggestions above—requests made for the joy and benefit of Xbox fans far and wide.
Tell me, what are you hoping to see from Xbox this holiday season? Share your thoughts below, and let’s collectively share our hopes and dreams for an even better Xbox experience.
