Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) recently announced that its gaming console Xbox One has been upgraded with the “Better Together” update of the much in demand video game, Minecraft.
Per the update, all the different versions of Minecraft on PC, Xbox, iOS, and Android have been combined together. The game can now be played on different platforms including Xbox One, PC and VR headsets such as Samsung (KS:005930)'s Gear VR and Facebook’s (NASDAQ:FB) Oculus Rift.
However, the update will be adopted by Nintendo (OTC:NTDOY) Switch by the end 2017. Microsoft is reportedly working with Sony (NYSE:SNE) for upgrading Play Station 4 (PS 4) with the new version of Minecraft.
We believe this consumer friendly approach will not only be beneficial for the video game itself but also for console manufacturers as the holiday season nears.
Moreover, this paradigm shift opens up further collaboration possibilities between console manufacturers as well as cross-platform game developers, which will ultimately benefit the consumer.
Microsoft’s Position in the Console Gaming Market
We expect Microsoft’s upcoming gaming console Xbox One X – set to release on Nov 7 – to be a game changer. The company also recently announced record pre-orders for the same, which further strengthens its foothold in the market.
Per a recent article by Venturebeat, Sony dominated the console gaming market in 2016 with a 57% market share, almost double that of Microsoft. We are hopeful that the launch of the new gaming console might narrow down the difference a bit, thereby improving the top line for Microsoft.
However, the delay in the launch of the game Crackdown 3 might affect the sales of Xbox One X a bit.
Microsoft’s Prospects are Bright
Apart from gaming, Azure, Windows 10, Office 365 and Blockchain are some of the growth drivers for Microsoft. Azure continues to gain traction from increased adoption in different industries. The segment also helped the company in generating better-than-expected results in fiscal fourth-quarter 2017.
Of late, Microsoft has been involved in blockchain technology that deals with secured and encrypted transactions. The company’s recent deals with Hapoalim, Accenture and unveiling of Coco framework for faster and secure blockchain transaction are testament to the fact.
Most recently, the company announced its plans to replace Skype for business with Teams. The company is also delving deeper into Quantum Computing, which can be a catalyst in the long run.
Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?
Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.
With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.
It's not the one you think.
Facebook, Inc. (FB): Free Stock Analysis Report
Sony Corp (T:6758
Nintendo Co (T:7974
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