Ex Xbox Executive Claims “Console Gaming is Over” While Commending PS5

Mike Ybarra, the former head of Xbox, recently addressed allegations of being a “bitter ex” following his exit from Microsoft’s gaming division. Ybarra served as the Vice President of Xbox Live and Game Pass until he departed in 2019 to pursue a career at Blizzard Entertainment. However, after Microsoft’s acquisition of Blizzard and Activision, Ybarra left Blizzard in 2024.

Since his departure, Ybarra has been vocal about his admiration for Sony and the PlayStation 5, while expressing concerns regarding the trajectory of the Xbox brand. In a statement made in June, he mentioned his unwavering loyalty, stating he would always “bleed green, ” yet emphasized the necessity for prompt changes at Xbox.

The Everlasting Console Wars

On September 27, in response to Sony’s announcement proclaiming the PS5 as their most successful console generation, Ybarra shared his perspective on social media. He remarked, “But hey, the console market isn’t a successful business. It is if you do it right.” This comment sparked further discussion among gamers about the competitive landscape in the console market.

But hey, the console market isn’t a successful business. It is if you do it right.https://t.co/RxUJRr1Ocq

— Mike Ybarra 😇 (@Qwik) September 27, 2025

This conversation took an interesting turn when a social media user accused Ybarra of holding grudges against his former employer, referring to him as the “bitter ex.” Unfazed, Ybarra retorted with a sharp comment: “Your console is dead.”

Your console is dead.

— Mike Ybarra 😇 (@Qwik) September 28, 2025

Ybarra’s remarks, whether intended or not, have stirred considerable debates not only among console enthusiasts but also within the broader gaming community. In August, he made headlines again by asserting that Battlefield 6 would outperform Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 in the upcoming FPS showdown of 2025, adding that this competition would push developers to elevate their game, stating, “CoD won’t be lazy anymore.”

As the gaming world continues to evolve, Ybarra’s insights and bold statements signal a shifting dynamic in the console industry, highlighting the ongoing rivalry between major players like Xbox and PlayStation.

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