Windows 10 Xbox One streaming feature bodes well for makers

As it stands, the PS4 can be thought of as the winner in the current-generation console "wars." In PAL format markets, which is basically everywhere in the world excluding the Americas and Japan, the PS4 install base is expected to reach 16.3 million by the end of 2015, according to IDC. The two major competing systems - the Xbox One and Wii U - are expected to combine for 9.6 million installed systems. Adding Japan to the mix only increases the overall disparity as there will be 2.1 million installed PS4s in the said country alone by the end of the year, as compared to about 3 million Wii Us. Xbox One has sold a negligible number of consoles in the country.

So, if you are making or selling a controller for markets outside of the US, the choice of platform to support may seem obvious, right?

For accessory retailers, there has been a new twist. With the rollout of Windows 10, one of the key features related to gaming is the ability to stream Xbox One content to a computer running the new OS while on the same Wi-Fi network. This includes the ability to play an Xbox One game on a laptop or a desktop. While mouse-and-keyboard gaming is probably on the way, computer users will still require a controller to navigate Xbox One menus and gameplay on a PC. One important note here is that Xbox 360 controllers are supported - the only feature missing is controller "rumble."

This means that the install base figures may not look so bad for the Xbox One after all. It is unknown how many consumers will pick up a new control pad for their PC as this functionality rolls out, but the potential for new sales to Windows PC+Xbox One owners could be a boon for the accessories industry.

See a comparison table of selected gaming mouse suppliers on GlobalSources.com