Microsoft Details Xbox One’s Games Trading & Internet Requirements

To help put an end to the rampant speculation surrounding its upcoming Xbox One console, Microsoft has posted an article that explains in light, but clear detail about what we can expect. The hottest topics revolve around games trading and the requirements for Internet connectivity.

A couple of weeks ago, we relayed the news that the Xbox One may have a requirement to connect to the Internet at least once per every 24 hours. Those hoping that was false… I’m sorry to report:

“With Xbox One you can game offline for up to 24 hours on your primary console, or one hour if you are logged on to a separate console accessing your library. Offline gaming is not possible after these prescribed times until you re-establish a connection, but you can still watch live TV and enjoy Blu-ray and DVD movies.“

I’m not going to harp on this, because the downsides are obvious. Those without Internet for more than 24 hours will be screwed out of playing their games on the Xbox One. As someone who moved at the start of May and didn’t have proper Internet for 3 weeks, this scheme definitely concerns me.

Regarding buying or selling used games, Microsoft states that select retailers will be able to help you with that, but it’s up to the publisher to decide whether or not to allow it for their titles. Further, only disc-based games can be traded… those who purchase digital copies will be out-of-luck. If that seems like a lot of downsides, it gets better:

“Give your games to friends: Xbox One is designed so game publishers can enable you to give your disc-based games to your friends. There are no fees charged as part of these transfers. There are two requirements: you can only give them to people who have been on your friends list for at least 30 days and each game can only be given once.” (Emphasis ours.)

Sigh.

Reading further, I can’t help but find it a bit hilarious that Microsoft has to state this:

“Share access to your games with everyone inside your home: Your friends and family, your guests and acquaintances get unlimited access to all of your games.“

I’m beginning to really miss the old days of console gaming.

“Because every Xbox One owner has a broadband connection.“

Yup, that settles it.