Xbox One to curb second hand games market

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http://www.digitalone.com.sg/news/article/24627

A long-rumoured addition to Microsoft's upcoming game console was announced Wednesday morning - causing a stir among gamers and retailers here.

The Xbox One is slated for release here later this year and will boast sharper graphics, a Blu-ray drive, set-top box features, offer new TV content, voice-controlled navigation and a high definition camera for video chats.

But, controversially, it will have one feature that current games consoles do not have: It will limit the use of pre-owned games.

Microsoft did not provide full details but it is understood that a "game disc" will be linked to each Xbox One console.

The same disc cannot be used on any other Xbox One - unless the owner pays a fee to link the same game to another console.

While this means gamers no longer have access to cheaper used games, it will also prevent players from selling unwanted games or swopping them.

And unless a retailer offers a discount, buyers will have to pay the full price for a game instead of searching for older, used titles.

The market remained unimpressed as Microsoft stock closed with a 0.66 per cent drop after the announcement.

Rival Sony has slated the launch of its PlayStation 4 console for later this year. It has said it will not restrict used games.