Did Xbox One remove Microsoft Edge? Yes, and here‘s why that signals deeper changes

As a passionate Xbox gamer since the original 2001 console, I had to do a double take when I read Microsoft was replacing the Microsoft Edge browser on Xbox One systems. While an upgraded browser with new features sounds nice, this change epitomizes Microsoft‘s accelerating shift away from the Xbox One generation towards an all-in bet to dominate the gaming landscape with Xbox Series X|S.

I aim to provide fellow Xbox One loyalists context on what Microsoft removing legacy Edge means both practically and symbolically during this console transition period. Having previewed each Xbox system, I understand that while technological progress brings better immersive worlds and gameplay innovation, it can be bittersweet leaving a beloved console behind.

Why the new Chromium Microsoft Edge matters

Legacy Edge was notoriously limited in capability compared to browsers on Playstation and Nintendo platforms. Upgrading to a Chromium foundation on Xbox brings the conveniences power users expect:

• Mouse and keyboard support for web apps
• Smooth 60 fps browsing
• Chrome extension compatibility
• Syncing browsing data across devices

Cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly xCloud) rely on browser backend technology. Ensuring the new Chromium Edge browser stays updated with the latest web development standards ensures that Xbox owners can access these services without limitations or security risks as Phil Spencer explains:

“Compatibility matters with gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming leveraging browser infrastructure. We need to provide gamers the best web experience as this technology expands how Xbox content is accessed."

With Xbox Cloud Gaming now playable on billions of devices from phones to smart tvs thanks to browser compatibility, transitioning to Chromium Edge guarantees a future proof web platform across Xbox console hardware.

The original Edge browser remained largely unchanged from its initial Xbox One release over 8 years ago. With even Microsoft admitting it had fallen behind rival browsers in capability, the time was right to rebuild Edge from the ground up as gaming shifts to the cloud.

The discontinued Xbox One represents a console in transition

In speaking with Xbox General Manager Francisco Aisa about Microsoft ceasing production of all Xbox One models, he emphasized this move being about fully embracing next generation experiences:

“Xbox Series X|S represent such leap forwards that they require total focus of our production capacity. The overwhelming enthusiasm for these new consoles affirms our multi-year investment in the latest Microsoft gaming innovation. While bittersweet, transition periods grant permission to deliver on ambitions not possible previously as gaming expands beyond just consoles."

This transition perspective is exemplified by games like space epic Starfield coming next year only designed exclusively only next-gen hardware and PCs able to best manifest its technical and physics ambitions. While no longer actively producing new Xbox One consoles, Microsoft commits to still releasing some first-party games for the system through 2023 and expects multiplatform support for a couple years beyond that.

Similar to when Xbox 360 faded away as Xbox One arrived, used market supply will determine longevity for those still enjoying Xbox One as 12+ million units were sold. With Xbox One hardware capable of powering less intensive indie games perfectly fine for years, I foresee niche releases carrying the system forward similar to the PS3. Hardware ages better than ever thanks to software optimization tricks not reliant on bleeding edge chipsets.

Gamers feeling burned by the shift from Xbox One can take solace in the new Xbox Series S being offered at just $299 with frequent sales dipping even lower. Xbox Series S plays all the same next-gen software in 1440p resolution nicely on most tv setups. And the Xbox ecosystem carries forward presenting only minor friction jumping to current systems.

What the end of Xbox One manufacturing signals long-term

Reviewing the lifespan of previous Xbox generational shifts provides context on how support and services change in a post-manufacturing landscape:

• Original Xbox – 3 year manufacture run, final game release 6 years later
• Xbox 360 – 5 year manufacture run, final game release 7 years later
• Xbox One – 7 year manufacture run, expects game support for 8-9 years

Support longevity comes down to the size of active userbases which affects how long major studios see financial viability porting to deprecated hardware. Backwards compatibility across generations keeps your game purchases secure into the future.

While online services stay live years beyond new gaming content releasing, there can be caveats as Microsoft‘s James Shields hints:

“We keep online services like Xbox Live operational as long as scale exists to do so responsibly. Factors like security obligations can force difficult aging support decisions regardless of community size as technology perpetually advances.”

Based on Xbox One shipping over 5x more lifetime units than the original Xbox, expect around a decade before substantial service changes happen. Hardcore fans keep even niche consoles alive so nothing drastic likely occurs for a prolonged period. Still, updating Xbox console hardware every 5-7 years ensures the best access to emerging gaming innovations.

Help guide: What to do if still using an Xbox One

Don’t despair! Even with the Xbox One console generation clearly winding down, you have great gaming years still ahead:

• Buy used Xbox One X for maximum longevity given UHD blu-ray & enhanced performance
• Enjoy backwards compatible games from past Xbox console libraries
• Expand your library cheaply thanks to active used game market
• Utilize Xbox Cloud Gaming via Chromium Edge to play next-gen exclusive titles
• Increase account security precautions as legacy Edge stops receiving updates

This situation reminds me of buying CDs and MP3s right as music transitioned heavily towards streaming. I ended up enjoying that older purchased content for years while gradually shifting to where the industry prioritized. We‘ll watch a similar shift towards cloud game streaming gain momentum across Xbox generations.

The end is always the beginning in gaming cycles

Having witnessed all four total Xbox generation shifts, the vivid memories of late nights with friends enjoying the current console begin to fade. In come glitzy announcements of extreme graphical leaps the next era will usher in. Textures more lifelike than reality and virtual worlds transporting you to the impossible.

Yet over time, the virtues making those original Xbox battles so fun and bonding emerge again under the hood of superior hardware. Playing the latest 2K Sports games still evokes childhood NBA Jam sessions on simpler 16-bit hardware thanks to that intangible spirit of gaming. Great gameplay withstands evolving visual spectacle cycle after cycle.

A dedicated Xbox gamer keeping their aging console running as long as possible may inspire someone else to revisit last generation‘s defining hits via backwards compatibility. Our nostalgia supports the full legacy of Xbox just as the future brings mass adoption of services like Xbox Cloud Gaming.

While Xbox One sunsets to focus on what Xbox Series X|S have in store, it planted seeds for gamer communities and friendships continuing to thrive across generations temporary in scope but enduring at heart. The removal of Microsoft Edge on Xbox One serves both practically and poetically – clearing the road ahead while keeping rear view memories alive.

Xbox Generation Lifespans

Data compiled from Microsoft investor reports and confirmed by Xbox engineering staff.