Xbox Series S's most controversial game is getting an update that no one saw coming
They said it couldn't be done, but the Xbox Series S is defying the odds
😲 Baldur’s Gate 3 is getting a new update to add a feature that was missing on Xbox Series S
🤷♂️ The game released without split-screen co-op on Microsoft’s more affordable console
🤔 It broke Microsoft’s parity clause and resulted in the game being delayed
👏 However, a new update is bringing parity back to the Xbox Series S version
The Xbox Series S may be Microsoft’s best-selling console this generation, but that hasn’t stopped it from receiving criticism.
The diminutive white box isn’t as powerful as the Xbox Series X or PS5, which has led to accusations that the Xbox Series S is holding developers back.
We’ve also seen some developers lament having to make their games work on the Xbox Series S, especially as Microsoft has a parity clause in place. This led to Baldur’s Gate 3 being infamously delayed, as the Xbox Series S version couldn’t run split-screen co-op.
The issue was such a stumbling block that Microsoft waved its parity clause specifically for Baldur’s Gate 3. However, after almost two years after launch, split-screen co-op is finally coming to Xbox Series S.
It’s a move that will please Microsoft, as it could have easily made more exceptions for other studios at the risk of fragmenting its user base. But now that the one game that broke the parity rule has been fixed, it can continue its stance with more confidence.
The new Baldur’s Gate 3 update is available to stress test and members of the Xbox Insider Program can take part. Patch 8, as it’s called, will also bring cross-play support, allowing Xbox, PS5 and PC players to party up and adventure together.
If you’re weighing up the differences between the Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S, check out our comprehensive comparison so you can decide which console is right for you.
Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.