Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Discusses Xbox Series X Inside 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons'

In what can probably be described as a surreal moment, Microsoft executive vice-president for Gaming Phil Spencer was interviewed about the Xbox Series X and the delayed release of “Halo Infinite” on “Animal Talking,” a digital show set inside Nintendo’s “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.”

The show is hosted by “Star Wars: Rogue One” writer Gary Whitta and featured Spencer among the guests for this episode.

GameSpot notes that among the things that Spencer talked about was the much-ballyhooed “Halo Infinite,” which 343 Industries just announced would be releasing next year instead of with the Xbox Series X this holiday season.

Spencer says that some other plans were considered for handling the delay of “Halo Infinite,” including shipping the game out in parts. There were rumors ahead of the launch that the game's free-to-play multiplayer could come after launch, but Spencer says that Xbox did not want to do this.

Although he acknowledges that gamers are “bummed” about the delay, he believes it was the right move and a decision he would not have been able to make 5 or 10 years ago, Stevivor notes. Spencer says he has Microsoft's full support in the decision, even though it would have been nice for the Series X to be the first system since the original Xbox to launch with a “Halo” title.

Spencer also reiterated that the Xbox Series X itself will not be delayed and that he has had one at his own home since last year. After playing games on the next-gen console, he says “it’s hard to go back” to the Xbox One since games just feel better on the newer, more powerful system.

More big Game Pass announcements are also apparently on the way, according to Spencer, as many of the games announced for Xbox Series X so far are heading to Game Pass.

Among the other topics Spencer discussed with Whitta are the rival Sony PlayStation 5, why the systems look so radically different from one another, and how Microsoft's and Sony’s strategy differs. Spencer also promised that the Xbox Series X won’t be a loud console, instead stating that it makes as much noise as the previous Xbox One X.

“Animal Talking” might seem like a surreal place to discuss a competitor’s next-gen systems but previously, “God of War” director Cory Barlog also talked about the PS5 on the show.

The Xbox Series X is expected to launch sometime in November.