Katsuhiro Harada, the legendary creator behind the Tekken series, has come out swinging against Microsoft’s Xbox Series S console. At a recent panel discussion with fellow game developers, Harada couldn’t resist sharing his frustrations with developing games for the lower-spec console, stating that he wishes it “wouldn’t be released” in the first place.
Harada’s comments were met with laughter and nods of agreement from his fellow panelists, but also some pushback from Pawel Sasko, associate game director on Cyberpunk 2077. Sasko argued that the Xbox Series S forces developers to optimize their code more cleanly, a challenge that many have welcomed as an opportunity for innovation. However, Harada’s concerns go beyond just optimization – he sees the Series S as a hindrance to delivering seamless gaming experiences.
For Harada, one of the biggest issues with the Series S is its similarity to the higher-end Xbox Series X console, yet with significantly lower performance. This makes it difficult for developers to create games that run smoothly on both platforms without compromising quality. In contrast, porting games to Nintendo’s Switch 2, a console designed specifically for handheld play, allows developers to tailor their experience to the device’s unique capabilities.
The fact that Xbox Series S users often direct their complaints at developers rather than Microsoft also doesn’t sit well with Harada. He points out that, in markets like the US, there are more Series S users than Series X users, which means that games may appear subpar on this platform without being as noticeable on the higher-end console.
Harada’s gripes about the Xbox Series S are not unfounded – several high-profile games, including Baldur’s Gate 3 and No Rest for the Wicked, have experienced delays or compromised releases due to issues with the lower-spec console. Microsoft’s policy of requiring the Xbox Series X version to be playable on Series S has added to these challenges.
While Sasko makes a valid point that having both a higher-end and lower-end console can help get more people invested in gaming at an affordable price, Harada’s concerns about the impact on game development are well-founded. If Microsoft follows through with plans for Project Helix, a next-generation console that could further blur the lines between high-performance and budget options, we may see even more developers struggling to balance quality and compatibility.
For VR enthusiasts, this debate highlights the complexities of developing games for multiple platforms. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to consider not just the technical requirements but also the implications on game development and player experience. Will Microsoft heed Harada’s warnings and rethink its approach to console design? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the conversation around gaming hardware has never been more interesting.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-11-11