Gaming — Xbox — August 13th, 2026

Bethesda Quietly Hid The Elder Scrolls VI Subtitle Inside Starfield, and Fans Just Cracked the Code
As mentioned yesterday, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma effectively teased the subtitle of The Elder Scrolls VI by showing eight asterisks in her tweet. In my article, I listed some of the most likely candidates and ranked Sentinel first. Well, the Elder Scrolls community is now adamant that that's the one.
August 13th, 2026 — Source

The Elder Scrolls 6 Could be Titled Sentinel, Hints Discovered in Starfield -- Rumor
After Xbox CEO Asha Sharma teased that the game's title includes an 8-letter word, fans have speculated that it could be Sentinel.
August 13th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — August 12th, 2026

Fight Night Round 3 on Xbox 360 Was the First 'Holy Sh*t!' Game of the HD Era
Picture an intern beating the crap out of an oiled-up pig carcass...
August 12th, 2026 — Source

Helldivers 2: Devoid of Liberty -- Meet the SEAF Squad Assembled to Take on The Illuminate
The blight of the Illuminate have expanded their war front with a strange new presence on the Galactic map. Assessed by our top Super Earth scientists, this area has been classified as Devoid of Liberty.
August 12th, 2026 — Source

Images of what looks like a prototype Xbox Elite Series 3 controller seemingly leaked on Reddit — before being rapidly removed
A long-awaited successor to the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller, one of our favorite controllers, has apparently surfaced.
August 12th, 2026 — Source

Prepare for Emergence Day with the Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition XBOX Wireless Controllers
To celebrate the launch of Gears of War: E-Day, we're giving fans two new ways to immerse themselves in one of gaming's most iconic universes. Starting today, fans can pre-order the Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition XBOX Wireless Controller at participating retailers worldwide. Beginning September 30, players can also design their own Gears of War: E-Day controller with XBOX Design Lab. Together, these offerings pay tribute to Emergence Day with hardware inspired by the symbols, scars, and battles that defined humanity's war against the Locust Horde.
August 12th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

The Elder Scrolls 6 Demo to Xbox Leadership Included a Giant Inflatable Rat, Placed Outside Bethesda Offices in Protest at Microsoft's Mass Layoffs
The large expandable rodent is the work of the CWA union, whose members include current and former Bethesda staff enraged by Microsoft's recent mass layoffs. Former employees also carpeted the street outside Bethesda's building with hundreds of red flags — one for every staff member laid off by Microsoft over the past 12 months.
August 12th, 2026 — Source

There Are Many Solid The Elder Scrolls 6 Subtitle Theories Based on Xbox Boss Asha Sharma's Asterisk-Filled Tease — but Let's Rule Out Skyrim 2 Right Now
Yesterday, Xbox boss Asha Sharma teased The Elder Scrolls 6 with a tweet confirming she'd witnessed a live playthrough of Bethesda's hotly anticipated open-world fantasy role-playing game. She did so by using asterisks where the subtitle of the game should be, which was all it took to send The Elder Scrolls fans down a rabbit hole from which they have now emerged with some solid theories.
August 12th, 2026 — Source

Xbox CEO calls The Elder Scrolls VI "Incredible”
Ever since Phil Spencer stepped down as Xbox CEO, being replaced by Asha Sharma, we've seen somewhat of a shift in the console maker's marketing strategy in an effort to win back jaded customers. That said, it seems as though one of Xbox's legacy tactics (discussing games far ahead of time) remains under this new leadership, with Sharma having now teased 'The Elder Scrolls: ******** -- claiming its "scale and grandeur” is "incredible” and its narrative "even greater.”
August 12th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Says July's Massive Outage Was Made Far Worse By A Bug That's Now Been Fixed
Still, it remains a grim reminder that we don't own the digital games we pretend we're buying
August 12th, 2026 — Source

Xbox unveils battle-worn Gears of War E-Day controllers
Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller and a separate Xbox Design Lab variant are incoming
August 12th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — August 9th, 2026

Blizzard is now the "top performing" Xbox studio, says internal emails — as the Overwatch-maker ends FY26 over-delivering on Microsoft's projections
In leaked emails verified by Windows Central, Blizzard President Johanna Faries celebrated the Xbox division's stunning return to growth, over-delivering on expectations ahead of Blizzcon 2026.
August 9th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — August 8th, 2026

Microsoft Could Pull Future Xbox Titles from the Steam Store
Xbox's decision to reduce its reliance on Steam represents a notable change in the gaming industry, as explained by Deck Ready. This move could consolidate Xbox's ecosystem but may also restrict access to its games on Steam, potentially affecting players who value features like Steam's community hubs and integrated game libraries. For instance, PC gamers accustomed to these conveniences might face challenges adapting to the Xbox app's different functionality.
August 8th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — August 7th, 2026

12VHPWR Guard: an RTX 5090 Owner's Watchdog That Shuts the PC Down at 9.5A Per Pin
A GeForce RTX 5090 owner has released a free Windows utility that does something no GPU driver, PSU protection circuit or vendor app currently does: watch all six 12V pins on the power connector individually, and shut the machine down if one of them keeps carrying more current than it should.
August 7th, 2026 — Source

A new survey shows the scale of Xbox's fall versus PlayStation and Nintendo in the U.S. — and the scale of the opportunity
New data from Statista Research shows how much Xbox has fallen against PlayStation in the U.S., but also the scale of the opportunity.
August 7th, 2026 — Source

CEO of company that printed money with GTA 6 digital pre-orders shockingly supports ending physical game discs
No resale market for GTA 6 will make Take Two very happy as its executives dive into the money piles like Scrooge McDuck.
August 7th, 2026 — Source

Dinos Collide in Explosive On-Rails Shooter Tailbreak, Out Now
Well hello there fellow dino-wranglers! I'm Julia Wolbach, and I'm here to share the exciting news about Tailbreak launching on XBOX Series X|S & XPA today, as well as share some secrets and hints to survive this on-rails dino-packed nightmare! We're dragging you back to the roots of on-rails light gun action as zombies step aside to let the dinosaurs roar center stage!
August 7th, 2026 — Source

Halo Studios Avoids Layoffs Despite Campaign Evolved's Rough Launch, but Xbox's Planned FY 2027 1,600 Job Cuts Still Loom
Shortly after the launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved, a few developers shared on LinkedIn that they had been laid off, sparking fears of another round of layoffs at developer Halo Studios. The studio once known as 343 Industries came unscathed out of the latest round of mass Xbox layoffs, but that could change quickly, especially since the game's early reception hasn't been great.
August 7th, 2026 — Source

HELLDIVERS 2 x Warhammer 40,000 Legendary Warbond, Launching August 12
The elite stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the exceptional on the front lines of galactic freedom.
August 7th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Leaked memo suggests next-gen Xbox devices may run your whole Xbox library
Leaked Microsoft documents corroborate reports about two separate programs aimed at bringing older Xbox console games to PC, handhelds, and future hardware. The reported plans include a disc-to-digital licence conversion system alongside a native PC emulator for original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles.
August 7th, 2026 — Source

Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 10 to 14
Welcome to Next Week on XBOX! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
August 7th, 2026 — Source

We warned you prices would skyrocket; now Seagate Xbox Expansion Cards are out of stock or over $300 — but these ones are still available
Xbox storage stock is collapsing across major retailers, leaving buyers with inflated prices or empty shelves.
August 7th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — August 5th, 2026

Attack on Titan 3 officially launches this December
Outside of their musou-styled games, Koei Tecmo are perhaps known best for their work on the Attack on Titan anime game adaptations -- with the first entry arriving a decade ago in 2016 and its follow-up launching a few years later. Representing the definitive and complete version of the entire anime's narrative, Attack on Titan 3 has now gotten an official release date.
August 5th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Baldur's Gate 3 finally joins Xbox Play Anywhere program
Late last year, we reported that Microsoft's Xbox Play Anywhere program was set to receive a major addition in the form of Larain Studios' GOTY-winning Baldur's Gate 3 -- with Microsoft themselves seemingly accidentally making the announcement early. Ultimately, nothing seemed to come from the leak, with BG3 remaining locked to whatever system you purchased it on. Finally however, almost a year on from said leak, Baldur's Gate 3 has now been added to Xbox Play Anywhere.
August 5th, 2026 — Source

Candy Crush Bosses Reject Developers' Union Demands, Saying The 'Current Operating Model Is The Right Fit'
Union group says decision is 'naturally disappointing' to employees who supported the effort
August 5th, 2026 — Source

Halo: Campaign Evolved reportedly suffered from many issues during development
Halo Studios -- and the IP as a whole -- have been in a bit of a state of limbo ever since 2021's Halo Infinite failed to become the decade-long juggernaut that Microsoft was hoping it would become. Going back to the drawing board, the team announced that they were remaking the OG Halo: Combat Evolved. Officially launching last week to a somewhat mixed reception, one insider has now revealed the myriad of issues encountered during the development of Halo: Campaign Evolved.
August 5th, 2026 — Source

"It's a pretty cool part of the Xbox ecosystem," Larian explains why 'Baldur's Gate 3' hits Play Anywhere — as the service grows faster than ever
Xbox Play Anywhere is one of my favorite features of the Xbox ecosystem, and August through to September might represent something of a watershed moment for it.
August 5th, 2026 — Source

Popular simulator game has reached the end of the line for Xbox One — here's what it means for you
Dovetail Games has made an important announcement regarding future content for the franchise on console, and it's bad news if you're playing on last-gen hardware
August 5th, 2026 — Source

This cult indie action-RPG series has always intrigued me, and now that the first game is free on Steam while the sequel is leaving early access, it's time I give it a shot
The promising indie action-RPG roguelike, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault, leaves early access on September 2 for Xbox and PC, while the first game has been made free for a limited time
August 5th, 2026 — Source

Xbox 360 Games on PC and Handhelds: Leaked Microsoft Memo Details the Plan
Two separate programs, both reported from an internal document sent to developers — emulated back catalogue on Windows, and discs that turn into transferable digital licences.
August 5th, 2026 — Source

Xbox has made some amazing special edition consoles over the last 25 years, so which one is your favorite?
As Xbox celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, let's look back upon all the limited edition console designs and try to pick our favorite.
August 5th, 2026 — Source

Xbox OG, 360, One and Series disc licenses all could follow players to future Xbox devices
Microsoft plans portable Xbox disc licenses and Xbox 360 emulation for PC
August 5th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — August 3rd, 2026

Celebrating 25 Years of Play: New Community Designs, XBOX Updates, FanFest Tour Dates, and More
25 years ago, XBOX set out to bring players together through the games and worlds they love, and today, that mission is still what drives everything we do.
August 3rd, 2026 — Source

Halo: Campaign Evolved was made to be played with the most legendary Xbox controller of them all
The Duke is how many of us first played Halo all those years ago, and the new one is ripe for a nostalgia trip.
August 3rd, 2026 — Source

'Final Nail in the Coffin': Xbox Price Rises Revealed, Leaving Fans Stunned as Series X/S Spike By More Than a Third in Europe
Microsoft has increased the price of its consoles by more than a third in Europe, leaving fans stunned at how much an Xbox Series X/S now costs.
August 3rd, 2026 — Source

Leaked Xbox roadmap claims Disc to Digital launches in August, Xbox 360 rollout starts in 2027
Xbox 360 catalog could return in 2027 under leaked backward compatibility roadmap
August 3rd, 2026 — Source

Microsoft confirms increased Xbox prices in the UK and Europe
512GB model to increase by £130/€150, 1TB model to rise by £170/€200
August 3rd, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Rolls Out Steep Xbox Console Price Hikes Across Europe
Microsoft's latest round of price hikes for its Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles has hit Europe and they are steeper than some may have been anticipating. Depending on the region and specific model, official Xbox console prices are now up to 50% higher, and no less than 33.33% higher, with the markups exceeding what Microsoft settled on for the U.S. market.
August 3rd, 2026 — Source

No, Xbox isn't quitting Steam — but it IS doubling down on PC gaming. Here's how.
Xbox's PC offering has improved immeasurably over the last few years, and while it isn't indicative of a shift away from Steam, it does show how seriously Microsoft is taking PC gaming.
August 3rd, 2026 — Source

Previously-announced Xbox console price hike is now officially live
Back in late June, Microsoft announced that they would be increasing the RRP of their Xbox consoles once again, with both the Series X and S seeing as much as a $150 hike. At the time, only US prices were provided. With said price rise having officially gone live, we've finally learned just how much an Xbox now costs in the UK.
August 3rd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Disc to Digital Arrives This Month for Xbox One and Series X
Microsoft's internal roadmap for the Disc to Digital feature has been leaked, revealing that the feature will be generally available this month. According to the roadmap, an insider beta of the Disc to Digital feature has been available since July, with general availability for Xbox One and Series X owners expected in August. For those unfamiliar, Disc to Digital is Microsoft's initiative to promote a digital-only future for Xbox consoles. This feature allows players to insert their game discs into the console to convert them into digital licenses.
August 3rd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Leaked Email Pins Disc-to-Digital Launch for August 2026, as PlayStation Barrels Toward All-Digital Future
In a new report, Windows Central revealed that the launch of Xbox disc-to-digital Positron program is scheduled for August 2026, giving more credibility to the alleged leaked email.
August 3rd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Won't Leave Steam Leading Up to Project Helix Launch -- Rumor
Following up on recent reports, a new one indicates that Microsoft doesn't yet want to leave behind an already-established player base.
August 3rd, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — July 31st, 2026

Gears of War: E-Day Won't Have Battle Passes: "No Tour of Duty, No Gimmicks, No B******t
The Coalition also wants to ensure that earning Coins isn't "painstaking" or providing a "sense of pride and accomplishment."
July 31th, 2026 — Source

Here Is Xbox CEO's Plan To Turn Things Around
Xbox will return to growth in the next year, CEO Asha Sharma claims.
July 31th, 2026 — Source

Native 1080P Fails Halo Campaign Evolved on ROG Xbox Ally X
The ROG Xbox Ally X, equipped with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, demonstrates the trade-offs involved in handheld gaming performance. As analyzed by ETA Prime, running Halo Campaign Evolved on this device highlights key constraints, such as the need to lower the resolution from native 1080p to 900p or 720p to achieve smoother gameplay. These adjustments underscore the balance required between maintaining visual fidelity and making sure playable frame rates on portable hardware.
July 31th, 2026 — Source

Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 3 to 7
Welcome to Next Week on XBOX! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let's jump in!
July 31th, 2026 — Source

"We will not live on past successes or be trapped by past failures" -- Xbox CEO outlines priorities to turn platform around in FY27
Asha Sharma expects growth to return to Xbox by "investing in what players value"
July 31th, 2026 — Source

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella promise Xbox will "return to growth" by the end of FY27 — What went wrong last fiscal?
Xbox declined for four straight quarters this year. What went wrong? Here's what Microsoft insiders and analysts tell me about the numbers.
July 31th, 2026 — Source

Xbox CEO lays out priorities in memo after major 'reset'
Asha Sharma wants Xbox to return to growth.
July 31th, 2026 — Source

Xbox is (probably) not for sale | Opinion
As the Xbox business' throes continue, the notion that Microsoft wishes to sell or spin off the division has gained ground -- but the impetus for selling is unclear, and the chances of finding a buyer are low.
July 31th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Wants to Eventually Reach More Than a Billion People Each Day, Asha Sharma Tells Staff the Target Is to Get Halfway There by 2030
Xbox currently reaches 100 million people each day.
July 31th, 2026 — Source

You can now play Xbox games on Hisense TVs without a console
The Xbox app has been rolling out to Hisense and other VIDAA OS-powered TVs.
July 31th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — July 29th, 2026

Double Fine Productions cuts 23 roles as it becomes independent from Xbox
"Only the survival of our studio would ever make us consider such a painful action," says founder and CEO
July 29th, 2026 — Source or Source

GTA 6 Could Receive "A Fair Bit” of New Details in August, as Insider Reaffirms November Launch
As the days count down to its launch, Rockstar Games may finally be ready to reveal much more of its open-world behemoth.
July 29th, 2026 — Source

Halo: Campaign Evolved Peaks at 25,376 Players as the Series' Weakest Steam Launch Yet
Besides not dethroning Halo Infinite, the remake also fails to approach Halo: The Master Chief Collection's lifetime peak.
July 29th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft says Xbox outage should not have blocked disc games
Microsoft explains why some Xbox disc games failed offlin
July 29th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Still Bleeds Money on Every Xbox Sold After Price Hikes, and RAM Might Spike Another 2x by Fall 2027
In the first half of June, Windows Central's Jez Corden reported that, according to his sources, Xbox was losing "hundreds of dollars" on each Series S and X console sold due to massive +700% increases in component costs for memory and storage.
July 29th, 2026 — Source

Tim Schafer Sheds a Quarter of Double Fine's Newly Independent Team After Keeper and Kiln Flopped Under Xbox
San Francisco-based developer Double Fine Productions announced yesterday that it had to lay off 23 employees in the wake of its newfound independence from Xbox. Founder Tim Schafer said in a statement:
July 29th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Players Can Now Claim Free PC Versions Of These Ubisoft Games
Xbox owners won't have to buy these Ubisoft games twice.
July 29th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Series X/S Consoles Are Still Sold at a Loss Even After Price Hikes -- Rumor
The company is apparently losing around $150 for each Xbox Series X/S console sold, and even August's price hikes won't help much.
July 29th, 2026 — Source

Xbox's 16-Hour Outage Locked Out Disc Games Too — Microsoft Says That Shouldn't Have Happened
A licensing service outside Xbox took down sign-ins, libraries and game launches across three console generations. The disc in the tray didn't save anyone.
July 29th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — July 27th, 2026

Beast of Reincarnation Could Be Game Freak's Biggest Breakout Yet
Can Game Freak leave Pokemon behind long enough to gain some traction in a brand-new genre? Well, the evidence says yes. Here's why.
July 27th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Fit For a Spartan: Win a 1:18 Replica of a Special Halo-Inspired Ride
To celebrate the global launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved on July 28, Halo and Automobili Lamborghini have joined forces to create the Lamborghini Urus SE Master Chief 117 Edition, a Lamborghini Urus SE wrapped in a bespoke, Master Chief-inspired livery customized exclusively for the occasion.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

Game Pass Was Supposed To Save Xbox -- Instead, It's Killing the Company
Every gamer has dreamed about having an infinite library of games to choose from. Perhaps that began with envy of that one friend you had growing up who seemed to own every game, or the kid-in-a-candy-store feeling of browsing the aisles in GameStop or Game Station. We've all had that dream. But video gaming is an expensive hobby -- the current standard price of a triple-A game is $70, with another $10 increase looming on the horizon. Meanwhile, the world's other major entertainment mediums -- movies, music, and TV -- have embraced subscription-funded streaming.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

Gears of War: E-Day Gameplay Reveal Deep Dive | Official XBOX Podcast
On this episode of the Official XBOX Podcast, we're at The Coalition in Vancouver with the team behind Gears of War: E-Day. Grab your Lancer and get ready, because they're walking us through the gameplay demo they just released at XBOX Games Showcase. We're getting a deep dive into all of the details you need to know and all the things you may have missed.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

How Halo Studios Evolved a Classic -- Halo: Campaign Evolved | Official XBOX Podcast
On this episode of the Official XBOX Podcast, we're sitting down with the Halo team to talk all things Halo: Campaign Evolved. We're discussing the 25-year legacy of the iconic franchise, how the team upgraded and remade a classic for the modern era, what players can expect when they dive in, and we're getting an exclusive first look at a special 25th Anniversary armor set.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

It's not just you, Xbox is down again, and physical games aren't safe either
The outage follows a similar PlayStation Network failure just days earlier
July 27th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Tests Smart Download Client to Maximize Xbox and PC Game Download Speeds
Microsoft has begun testing a new Smart Download Client for Xbox consoles and the Xbox PC app, aiming to eliminate one of the platform's longest-standing frustrations: inconsistent and often underperforming game download speeds. The feature is currently available in Xbox Insider Preview build 2608.260719-2200 and intelligently selects the fastest content delivery servers based on real-time network performance. Instead of relying on a static content delivery route, the new download client performs an automated evaluation of Microsoft's available content server pools whenever a game or update download begins.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

Mistfall Hunter Gets Ready for July 30th Launch With a New Trailer
The trailer kicks things off by establishing the tone of the world before getting into the thick of it with its action RPG combat.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

Play More Ubisoft Games on PC: New Content Now Available for XBOX on PC, Plus Free PC Redemption
Ubisoft and XBOX are expanding their partnership with two big updates coming today: the addition of premium editions and selected add-on content for a wide range of Ubisoft titles for XBOX on PC, and a free benefit for select games, where XBOX console players can snag the PC version at no additional cost.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

PlayStation makes a mockery of Xbox's multi-plat push by dropping God of War one day before Fable — Microsoft is helping advertise the fact PS5 has more content.
Microsoft's lack of faith in its own platforms gets a shiny new spotlight in February 2027, as Sony confirms a tentpole exclusive will go head to head with Xbox's own contribution to PS5.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has revealed the release date of its first DLC, and "Cost of Hope" is arriving on Xbox and PC sooner than you'd expect
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl's first DLC expansion, 'Cost of Hope', will launch alongside its 2.0 update on August 20, 2026.
July 27th, 2026 — Source or Source

Xbox is improving how it handles game downloads
In the age of (primarily) digital gaming, having solid download speeds is vital, especially as games continue to grow in scope and size. While there are tons of different factors which can lead to slow speeds, Microsoft is trying to alleviate issues on their end -- announcing a new Xbox system update which optimises "game install and update speeds.”
July 27th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Outage Locks Players out of Games and Accounts for Over 12 Hours
Following a similar story relating to PlayStation Account server errors just a few days prior, on the launch of the Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls beta, Xbox has seemingly run into issues during the advanced access launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved. The resulting Xbox outage has resulted in gamers being unable to access core online features, such as account login, game downloads, the Xbox Store and subscriptions, and launching apps on console and mobile. Reportedly, the newly added Xbox Backwards Compatibility feature has also experienced issues during the server outage.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

Xbox owners of 13 Ubisoft games receive PC versions at no extra cost
Xbox digital purchases now include PC versions of 13 Ubisoft games
July 27th, 2026 — Source

Xbox services hit with major outage, affecting games, store, and more
Microsoft has confirmed that a major outage is currently affecting Xbox services that manage everything from accounts to games.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Went Down Twice in Four Days — And Players' Libraries Went With It
A second Xbox network outage in under a week, days after PlayStation Network stumbled too. When the license check fails, the console decides you never bought anything.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

Xbox's Forthcoming 'Smart Download Client' Should Speed Up Future Game Downloads
Xbox app downloads have long drawn criticism for failing to take advantage of users' actual internet speeds.
July 27th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — July 24th, 2026

Age of Empires III returns to life as studio uncancels major expansion
Even with all the Xbox reset announcements, Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is now coming back to life.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Castlevania: Belmont's Curse -- How KONAMI and Evil Empire Reimagined Castlevania's Return
It seems bizarre to say it, but there hasn't been a brand-new Castlevania game for more than a decade and -- for the series' long-awaited return -- KONAMI made a choice that may surprise some fans. It's entrusting one of its most iconic franchises to French studio Evil Empire, best known for its work on Dead Cells, including the acclaimed Return to Castlevania DLC.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Early Build Of Microsoft's Xbox Emulator Plays Ripped 360 Discs
Under the hood, developers have discovered that the full story is a little more interesting than that, with the new emulator releases actually based on Xbox 360 Backward Compatibility files. When combined with SlimEra, a component of the XWine1 Xbox One compatibility layer, full Xbox 360 games can even be played. This means that we're really looking at an official Xbox 360 emulator rather than simply an Xbox emulator, and official Xbox 360-to-PC ports may be available somewhere down the line.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Doom: The Dark Ages' Big DLC Expansion Is A Fun But Flawed Finale For This Era Of The Series
What comes next is hard to say due to Xbox laying off many id employees
July 24th, 2026 — Source

GTA 6 Is The First Game I've Seen With A Best-Before Date
If you're in Japan, you have just 170 days (or about six months) to redeem the digital code that comes in Grand Theft Auto VI's box.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Halo: Campaign Evolved Secret Ending Cutscene Suggests a Halo 2 Remake Is on the Way
Microsoft's Halo 1 remake is finally out in the wild for those who gained early access by purchasing its Premium or Collector's Editions. Just one day removed from its early launch, that means many have already blown through the game multiple times, and some have even discovered a tease for a Halo 2 remake.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Halo: Campaign Evolved—Cracked Before Launch as Paying Players Fight Microsoft Account Linking
Halo: Campaign Evolved game was cracked just four days before its official release. A group of hackers claims that their version runs smoothly on Windows without needing a Microsoft or Steam account. The game, developed by Halo Studios under Xbox Game Studios, was protected by Microsoft's DRM software, but hackers still managed to crack it. With no Denuvo DRM, the crack was released quickly. The official launch is scheduled for July 28, but those who pre-purchased the game on Steam have early access. To play, users must link their Microsoft account and sign in to their Steam account, even for solo gameplay.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Adds Mid-Game Ads to the Free Xbox Cloud Gaming Tier
Xbox has introduced a new ad-supported cloud gaming option, allowing players to stream games they already own for free without a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. This initiative, currently available to Xbox Insiders, aims to make gaming more accessible, particularly for those without consoles or the budget for premium services. However, the model comes with trade-offs: ads are shown before gameplay sessions and may occasionally interrupt gameplay, potentially affecting immersion. As Colt Eastwood highlights, this approach mirrors Nvidia's GeForce Now free tier but offers a smaller library of approximately 400 games compared to GeForce Now's 2,200+ titles.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft begins testing ad-supported Xbox Cloud Streaming
For quite a while now, we had been hearing various leaks and rumours pertaining to Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass, with insiders claiming that the console maker is planning to offer some form of ad-supported game streaming tier. Though yet to be officially announced, Microsoft has now unveiled that it is testing "an ad-supported way to stream select games from your library for a limited time."
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft could finally fix one of Xbox's biggest download speed issues with new feature
Download speeds on Xbox consoles should be getting much better and more consistent with this new change.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Has Begun Testing Ad-Supported Free Xbox Game Streaming
It turns out that, after months of rumors and hints from leadership, Xbox is indeed going to test the waters by introducing ads to cloud game streaming. Rather than begin with a new tier for Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft is experimenting with adding ads for users streaming their own games from the cloud. Similar to NVIDIA's GeForce Now free offer, players will be limited to a 1-hour session. Microsoft emphasizes that ads will not interrupt gaming sessions and that they have "been built with the player in mind," and "When done well, advertising can help lower the cost of access."
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft is testing free Xbox cloud gaming with ads, no subscription required
Insiders can stream games they own
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft starts testing ad-supported game streaming on Xbox
Xbox Insider Program members will be able to play one-hour sessions for free, supported by ads
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft's new Xbox PC emulator already runs dumped Xbox 360 games
Microsoft's new Xbox PC releases use extractable Xbox 360 GOD packages
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft's PC Xbox Backward Compatibility Hides A 360 Emulator Called XeO3, As Dataminers Crack Open Fuzion Frenzy
After years of rumors and speculation, original Xbox games are now finally playable on PC thanks to the early access debut of official Xbox Backward Compatibility on Windows 11. While Microsoft has promised that the program will be significantly expanded in the coming months with the addition of Achievements, among other things, dataminers made some interesting discoveries which suggest that Xbox 360 games are likely coming to PC in the future.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

New The Elder Scrolls Online Changes Blamed On 'Team Bandwidth' Following Xbox Cuts
Little changes point to the early impact of recent layoffs
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Next Week on XBOX: New Games for July 27 to 31
In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let's jump in!
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Total War: Warhammer 40,000's first, unedited gameplay deep dive into its ranged combat has firmly convinced me to put this Xbox title on my wishlist
Behold the military might of the Astra Militarum faction in Total War: Warhammer 40,000's first Alpha Strike gameplay livestream, showcasing all the features and carnage of its ranged combat
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Starts Testing Ad-Supported Cloud Streaming Tier Through Insider Program
The ad-supported tier allows for one-hour gaming sessions with ads rolling when the session starts, and no gameplay interruptions.
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Takes On GeForce NOW With Free Ad-Supported Game Streaming
Xbox is opening a new, zero-cost tier in the cloud gaming wars by letting users stream games they already own in exchange for watching a few commercials. So basically, rather than requiring a paid subscription like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the Xbox Insiders pilot allows anyone with a standard Xbox account to stream select owned titles across supported devices for free. Take that, GeForce NOW!
July 24th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — July 23rd, 2026

12 Things To Know Before Playing Halo: Campaign Evolved
We've got tips on dropping weapons, unlocking remix mode, when to play the bonus missions, and more
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Avatar Legends game faces surprise Xbox delay hours before launch, and fans aren't happy
Despite the six week delay, the development team has said that pre-orders will remain active on the Xbox version.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game's Xbox Series X/S Release Delayed to September 3rd
The studio has also noted the Nintendo Switch release doesn't include crossplay or localization options for non-English languages.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source or Source

Beginning Ad-supported Game Streaming Test & Learn
Today, we're starting to test an ad-supported way to stream select games from your library for a limited time, available to XBOX Insiders.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Bethesda Pushes Back On Xbox Control Claims, Yet New Fallout By Obsidian Hints Otherwise
Following confirmation that Xbox will cut a total of 3,200 jobs by July 2027, most of the studios still under their umbrella underwent significant upheavals, including studios that most believed would be safe from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's business reset, such as Bethesda Game Studios.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Halo Remake Locks Xbox Players Out Of Early Access They Paid For: 'Bro, I Changed My Work Schedule For This'
Microsoft says is scrambling to resolve the problems ASAP
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Halo Remake Players On Xbox Who Paid More To Play Early Can't
Halo fans on Xbox excited to dive into Halo: Campaign Evolved today as part of its early access period are currently severely disappointed, as an issue is preventing them from accessing the game despite paying extra money for the privilege.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Halo: Campaign Evolved -- The Brand New Features in This Remake of A Classic
From the winding, glowing corridors of complex Covenant structures to the wide, verdant plains of the Halo ring itself, the campaign levels of Halo: Combat Evolved are where many of us started our XBOX journey almost 25 years ago. While it never gets old jumping in as the Chief and blasting through these familiar spaces for yet another run, Halo: Campaign Evolved offers so much more than that.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Halo: Campaign Evolved is the top-tier remake Xbox's legendary flagship deserves — but I wanted more for the asking price
Review: Halo Studios has delivered an excellent remake of the original game for Xbox's 25th anniversary with Halo: Campaign Evolved, though I was hoping for more in the package.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Halo: Campaign Evolved: The Kotaku Review
A technically impressive and mostly fine remake of a great game that I'm struggling to recommend
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Leaked Xbox Roadmap Projects Elder Scrolls 6 for 2028 Launch
Xbox is preparing for a significant evolution with its latest gaming updates, combining fresh entries in beloved franchises with new creative ventures. According to Colt Eastwood, highlights include remastered versions of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, as well as the long-awaited Elder Scrolls 6, which is currently projected for release between 2028 and 2029. These developments are supported by advancements in technology, such as Unreal Engine 5 and Creation Engine 3.0, which aim to enhance the visual and interactive experience of upcoming titles.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Brings Ads To Xbox In A Big New Way, Promises No Gameplay Interruption
Play for free, in exchange for watching ads.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Microsoft tests free Xbox Cloud Gaming with ads and one-hour sessions
Xbox Cloud Gaming gets free ad-supported test for Insiders
July 23rd, 2026 — Source or Source

Microsoft's original Xbox games on PC reportedly run through the Xbox 360's XeFu emulator
Original Xbox games on PC use Microsoft's old Xbox 360 XeFu system
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

People paid big money for Halo: Campaign Evolved's early access on Xbox and they aren't getting it
Reports are coming in of people unable to play Halo: Campaign Evolved's early access via its Premium Edition or Premium Edition Upgrade on the Xbox, but the developers are on the case to fix it
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

STALKER 2 Claims That Xbox Exclusivity Deal Covered More Than Development Budget Are Incorrect, As GSC World Clarifies
In a statement provided to Insider Gaming, GSC World said that founder Serhiy Hryhorovych's claims regarding the STALKER 2 Xbox exclusivity deal are incorrect.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

The Funniest Change In The Halo Remake Clears Up A Strange 25-Year-Old Fan Theory
Did the Master Chief pinball around the inside of a shuttle and kill all his fellow marines?
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Xbox announces backwards compatibility for PC and handheld devices
New initiative kicks off with four classic titles, including Conker: Live and Reloaded and Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
July 23rd, 2026 — Source or Source

Xbox Gamers Slam Paramount After Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game Suffers Shock Delay on Their Console Just Hours Before Launch
"Keep your game, not buying it."
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Xbox is FINALLY boosting download speeds on console and PC — I tested it, and I'm finally consistently getting the speed I pay for
One thing that has bugged Xbox fans for years at this point is finally getting fixed, as Microsoft improves download logic across its gaming network.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Xbox loses its VP of Engineering after just 3 months
2026 has been a year of great change at Xbox, with the console maker engaging in a major restructure leading to the parting of ways with 5 different studios and thousands of employees. One notable move made by Xbox was the appointment of Jared Palmer as the new vice-president of engineering. Joining the brand this past May, Palmer has already announced that he is leaving Xbox.
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Players Can't Believe Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game Is Getting A Six Week Delay Just Hours Before Release: 'Are You Actually Kidding Me?'
The publishers announced that the Xbox versions of the game have been delayed by six weeks due to 'unforeseen circumstances on a backend feature'
July 23rd, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — July 22nd, 2026

Forza Horizon 5 Creative Director Says Xbox Game Pass Was "A Good Idea"
Mike Brown noted that the service had plenty of potential, but not enough people could pay the price needed for it to make financial sense.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Microsoft announces Xbox Backward Compatibility for PC — will let gamers play classic console games on PCs and handhelds
Including the new Xbox ROG Ally lineup
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Just Released Blinx The Time Sweeper And 3 Other OG Xbox Games On PC
Back in the day when Microsoft first released the Xbox, it wasn't shy about explaining the device. It was a custom Pentium III-based PC with NVIDIA GeForce 3 graphics and a severely stripped-down version of Windows 2000. We all wondered why Microsoft didn't simply release that version of Windows for us to use on any PC. The company is kind of heading that direction now, but from the opposite path, as it looks like the next Xbox will essentially be a Windows PC, but Microsoft additionally wants us to believe that any Windows PC is also an Xbox. Maybe.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Modder builds cross-game portals between GTA III, Vice City and San Andreas
GTA III, Vice City and San Andreas are now connected through working portals
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

New Langrisser Tactics RPG Looks Like Gacha Slop That's Ripping Off Unicorn Overlord
I have been following the return of Langrisser with great interest. The obscure tactics RPG series has been dormant for nearly a decade. Its last entry was on the 3DS. And before that, most of the entries were never localized. A 2020 set of remasters gave players a chance to revisit the first two games, but with some bad art and a few questionable design changes. Now Langrisser is back with a new game and it looks pretty bad.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Previously-shuttered Alpha Dog Games is back as an independent studio
As part of one of Microsoft's earlier Xbox restructures -- in which the likes of Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks were shut down -- a lesser-known team was also impacted, with Alpha Dog Games unfortunately being closed. Like with Tango Gameworks however, reports of Alpha Dog Games' death were 'exaggerated', with the studio now back and independent once again.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Sony's PlayStation Vita Streams Halo and Forza After Its 2019 Demise, As Modders Turn It Into a Portable Xbox
Although it never managed to be an incredibly popular system, there's no denying that the PlayStation Vita was an impressive handheld when it launched back in 2012, thanks to its close integration with the PlayStation 3 and its gorgeous OLED screen, among other things. While the system was discountinued a few years ago, Sony's latest proper handheld gaming system ahead of the rumored portable PlayStation 6 is getting revived by modders, who are turning it into a portable Xbox with cloud gaming support, poetically ending the console war between PlayStation and Xbox in the most unexpected of ways.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

South Of Midnight Studio Is Still Winning GOTY Awards Even After Xbox Cut It Loose: 'It's Important That We Remember That Games Are Made By People'
The developers said it's scary but exciting to be going independent again
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

STALKER 2 Claims That Xbox Exclusivity Deal Covered More Than Development Budget Are Incorrect, As GSC World Clarifies
"In accordance with the agreements reached between the parties, Serhiy was not involved either in negotiations with partners regarding STALKER 2 or in the actual development of the game throughout its full production cycle," a representative said. "We have always fully honored these agreements on our side. For this reason, his comments regarding the company's activities cannot be considered an accurate reflection of the actual state of affairs."
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Stalker 2 Dev Hits Out at Founder's Comments on Xbox Exclusivity, Insist He Doesn't Know What He's Talking About
GSC Game World has taken issue with founder Sergiy Grygorovych's recent comments about the money the company allegedly received for Stalker 2 Xbox exclusivity, insisting they "cannot be considered an accurate reflection of the actual state of affairs."
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Stalker 2 'paid for itself' thanks to Xbox Game Pass deal
Back when Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl was first announced, it was revealed as an Xbox console exclusive, as well as a day-one game for Xbox Game Pass. How much does a deal like that cost? Well it turns out it was enough to more than cover the development costs for the entire game.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

We All Float On: The Goodyear Blimp is Now Available to Fly in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
The Goodyear Blimp, one of the world's most recognizable aircraft, is now available to fly in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024! This exciting new release builds upon Goodyear's century-long innovation legacy. In the 1900s, the rubberized materials Goodyear manufactured to produce its tires were used to engineer balloons, which eventually progressed into airships for military use and, later, into the iconic Goodyear Blimp we know today. Now with its first appearance in Microsoft Flight Simulator, it's kicking off its latest chapter with players.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Backward Compatibility Comes to PC and Handhelds at Last, Reviving Conker and BLiNX With 4x Upscaling
Xbox Backward Compatibility has long been the benchmark for backward compatibility on consoles, and rumors of it coming to PC rightly made more than a few players excited at the prospect of playing classic Xbox games which never received an official PC port. Today, Xbox Backward Compatibility (which will likely be expanded in the future with Xbox 360 Backward Compatibility) was officially launched on PC with the first batch of games, and some exclusive features that will vastly improve the experience while preserving the original gameplay.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Backward Compatibility Is Coming To PC Starting With Conker: Live And Reloaded
Microsoft says this is just the start of its efforts to bring old Xbox games to the PC
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox brings back compat to Windows: Microsoft pledges 4 games on PC for the first time, soon with achievements — with more to come
Conker, Crimson Skies, Fuzion Frenzy, and Blinx head to Xbox PC for the first time, complete with Xbox achievements, and more are on the way.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Brings Backwards Compatibility To PC, Starting With Four Classics
Four original Xbox games are now available on PC, as Xbox plans to grow the program in the coming months.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox brings starter edition of Game Pass to Meta Horizon+
Players can access over 50 Game Pass titles and more than 100 VR games through Meta's subscription service
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox classics come to PC, Microsoft unveils new Backward Compatibility program
Backward Compatibility on PC is a brand-new program by the company to return classic games that are still stuck on past hardware.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Console Sales Jumped 86 Percent In June Despite High Prices
Meccha Chameleon was the second-best-selling game in the U.S. last month, with an estimated 4 million copies sold
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass Now Included with Quest's Horizon+, Gamepad Emulation Coming Soon
Meta announced it's partnering with Microsoft to bring a "starter edition" of its cloud-based XBOX Game Pass to Horizon+, Meta's own VR game subscription service. In the coming weeks, Meta also says it's pushing out Xbox gamepad emulation for Quest's Touch controllers too.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox paid more than S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 cost for one-year console exclusivity
Xbox exclusivity payment exceeded S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 development spending
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Series X|S consoles U.S. sales see an impressive 86% jump in June 2026, as PS5 and Nintendo slide — "Highest units this year."
Is it the Asha Sharma effect? Xbox is seeing positive momentum in console sales for the first time in a long time, although it remains to be see if it can hold on.
July 22nd, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — July 16th, 2026

AdHoc's Dispatch finally lands on Xbox Series X|S later this month
The hit workplace comedy experience involving being a superhero dispatcher was announced for Xbox back in March.
July 16th, 2026 — Source

Build Your Dream Fast-Food Business in Wrap House Simulator
Have you ever wondered if you could handle the pressure of running your own fast-food restaurant? On July 17, you'll get the chance to find out with the arrival of Wrap House Simulator!
July 16th, 2026 — Source

Dispatch is Coming to Xbox Series X/S on July 29th
The Xbox version will be released as a Play Anywhere title, which means that you'll also get access to the Windows version of the game.
July 16th, 2026 — Source or Source

Loss of Institutional Knowledge Due to Xbox's Layoffs is "Staggering", Says Former Employee
Some have also brought up the fact that plans for 1,600 more job cuts have led to dipping morale due to a lack of job security.
July 16th, 2026 — Source

Marathon's PvE Vault Breaker Mode Takes Rogue-Lite Approach, As Player Numbers Struggle
Available until August 4th, the experimental PvE mode sees players extracting Vault Data to improve their Sponsored Kit in various ways.
July 16th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Says Id Tech Is Safe, Former Staffers Say They've Fired Everyone Who Could Save It
"It's most likely going to end up in the trash can."
July 16th, 2026 — Source

Riders Ready! MAVRIX 1.0 Launches Today, With New Head-to-Head Multiplayer Mode
The huge, open world of MAVRIX spans 100 square kilometres, with over 30 official trails, technical challenges and freeride. Trails are split into racetracks where the fastest time wins, and slopestyle trails on which riders are scored for stomping big tricks. Both trail types have been designed around their real-world mountain bike disciplines.
July 16th, 2026 — Source

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is no longer coming to Xbox Game Pass
Last week, Microsoft officially unveiled its upcoming Xbox Game Pass line-up for the month of July, confirming a number of titles including the likes of Gears of War: Reloaded, Quarantine Zone: The Last Check and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2. In an odd twist however, Microsoft has now come out to reveal that the Xbox-owned THPS 1+2 will no longer be joining Game Pass this month.
July 16th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Support Pledges To Help Customer Reclaim His Hacked Account
Microsoft will help restore a customer's OneDrive account as other players come forward to ask the same for themselves.
July 16th, 2026 — Source

ZeniMax Online Studios leadership impacted by latest Xbox layoffs
Studio head Joseph Burba departing alongside ESO producer Susan Kath, game director Rich Lambert, and production director Ala Diaz
July 16th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — July 12th, 2026

New Doom Title in "The Early Stages," Despite Extensive Layoffs at id Software -- Rumor
Despite losing many developers, the studio affirmed reports that it's "about the same size" as when it worked on 2016's DOOM.
July 12th, 2026 — Source

Xbox just released a PlayStation console "exclusive" and it's beating GTA 6 on the charts — here's why fans aren't happy
Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 are already available on Xbox One and above via Xbox 360 back compat ... but there's a problem. Well, several problems.
July 12th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — July 11th, 2026

Ryse: Son of Rome Had Plans To Be Xbox's Assassin's Creed
Crytek's hack-and-slash might have traveled to feudal Japan and Viking Iceland long before Ubisoft took us there.
July 11th, 2026 — Source

Xbox may introduce Positron disc-to-digital system to Insiders next week
Microsoft paused this week's console builds while preparing an update described as worth the wait
July 11th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — July 10th, 2026

Bethesda Union calls for fans to voice their concerns regarding the recent Xbox job cuts at Bethesda, and they aren't sugar-coating their opinions
From demonizing comments to constructive criticism, Bethesda Union's call to action has influenced gamers to voice their concerns regarding Bethesda's and the Xbox's future on the Xbox Player Voice Platform
July 10th, 2026 — Source

Can a top-down, focused software strategy save Xbox? | Opinion
It's been a brutal week of cuts -- but how the axe has fallen shows the new leadership is diagnosing real problems, even if the solutions remain questionable
July 10th, 2026 — Source

New details emerge on affected studios following Xbox lay-offs
Following weeks of leaks and rumours, Microsoft finally made it official that they would be parting ways with 5 of their previously-acquired studios while also letting go of more than 3000 employees -- half now, and the other half throughout the year. While details were somewhat light at the time, we have now gotten a clearer picture on how this is impacting Xbox Studios.
July 10th, 2026 — Source

"They want us to accept this as a done deal and quietly disappear" -- Bethesda union members organise protest in response to Xbox layoffs
440 OneBGS devs were affected by cuts at Bethesda Game Studios, Id Software, and ZeniMax Online Studios
July 10th, 2026 — Source

What's going on with Xbox's id Software? Here's why rumors of the DOOM studio's impending demise are completely premature.
While brutal, the cuts to id Software have been exaggerated in the wider discourse. From what I've learned, I'm confident the legendary DOOM studio will endure — id Tech as well.
July 10th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — July 9th, 2026

The Cuts At Doom Maker id Software Will Change It Forever: 'I Don't See How They Make A Game With That Team'
Laid off developers fear the studio's id Tech engine has no future
July 9th, 2026 — Source

The Elder Scrolls 6 Will Suffer Because of Xbox Layoffs, Bethesda Staff Say, Fearing Delays, Crunch, and Generational Talent Being Replaced by Contractors
"This has had a crushing effect on morale."
July 9th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Pushes Buy Now Pay Later Loans as Console Prices Surge
Xbox's recent price hikes for its Series X and Series S consoles have sparked widespread discussion about affordability in gaming. Bellular News highlights how these increases, combined with the discontinuation of the 2TB Series S model, reflect broader industry challenges like rising production costs and reliance on digital revenue streams. To address these financial pressures, Xbox has introduced flexible payment plans, allowing consumers to spread out the cost of purchasing a console. This shift underscores the growing tension between maintaining accessibility for gamers and navigating the economic realities of hardware manufacturing.
July 9th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — July 8th, 2026

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is everything I wanted it to be and more
Black Flag reclaims the title as the best single-player pirate experience in a remake that's better than you ever expected it to be.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Bernie Sanders Rips Microsoft For Xbox Layoffs And Price Hikes
"Please don't tell me corporate tax breaks create jobs. It never trickles down."
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Buckshot Roulette: The Viral Horror Phenomenon Joins XBOX Game Pass Today
The brutal and twisted Buckshot Roulette is available today on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX on PC, and cloud! Even better, you can jump straight into the underground chaos from day one with XBOX Game Pass.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Fallout 3 Remastered Lives On Despite Bethesda's Silence, As Gameplay Footage is Reportedly Circulating
Fallout 3 Remastered has long been one of the worst-kept secrets in gaming. Originally revealed via a FTC hearing concerning Xbox's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, subsequent retail toy listings have repeatedly suggested that the project is actively in the works for PC and modern consoles. While an official announcement from Bethesda has yet to be made, footage of the project is seemingly circulating, as recently revealed by veteran games journalist Jeff Gerstmann.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Fallout over Xbox Layoffs Grows, as Finger-Pointing Begins and id Software Sees Half Its Staff Cut
Casualties of Microsoft's massive layoffs to its Xbox division continue to be discovered, as current leadership lays blame on the decisions of the previous CEO. Asha Sharma, the current CEO of Xbox, was fairly blunt in her Resetting Xbox post regarding the current round of layoffs in progress. By the way, while most media continues to spell Microsoft's gaming division as Xbox, Sharma did make it a point to use her all-caps version XBOX, another change she decided upon several weeks back. Citing subpar margins, such as being 3-10x lower than similar platforms or that of other publishers, it was pointed out how the past strategy of investing in Game Pass, multi-platform releases, and portfolio expansions did not yield expected growth rates. Confirming weeks of rumors, four studios were officially listed as being let go of in yesterday's announcement, but it's also come to be known that id Software, the developer behind the immensely popular Doom franchise, has seen roughly half of its staff cut. This must also be assuredly with another statement made by Sharma.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Former Halo 4 developer says game execs were "stupid, detached, money‑grubbing idiots" after recalling meeting with Xbox boss
A former Halo 4 developer recalls Don Mattrick suggesting a Diablo 3-style real-money auction house late in development, calling it completely out of touch.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

If Microsoft sold off Xbox, who would even buy it?
There might not be many takers, though Microsoft could sell it in parts.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

IO Interactive Shuts Down Istanbul Studio After Project Fantasy Deal With Xbox Falls Through
"These are hard, but necessary decisions, in order to retain the long-term future of IO Interactive," said the studio in a statement.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

"It's a franchise we love": Developers at Toys for Bob express a passionate desire to resurrect the Banjo-Kazooie series on Xbox
The team that revived 3D platformer legends Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon wants to do the same for Banjo-Kazooie.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Reportedly Plans to Make More of Its Best Games Console Exclusive So People Have a Reason to Buy an Xbox — So What Could Skip PlayStation?
Microsoft reportedly plans to make more of its best games console exclusive so people actually have a reason to buy an Xbox console.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

People want more value from Microsoft Rewards, and the new feedback portal makes that impossible to ignore
A dedicated hub now lets Microsoft Rewards users suggest features, vote on ideas, and track official updates.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Subnautica 2 Early Access 1.1 Update Improves Creature Flinches So You'll Know When You've Hit Them With the Survival Multitool — but No, You Still Can't Kill Fish
Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds will release the game's Early Access 1.1 update today, July 8 — and no, it won't let you kill fish.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Undead Labs release official statement following Xbox separation
Xbox has recently made some massive internal changes, laying off over 3000 of its employees and parting ways with 5 of its previously-acquired studios. While the circumstance of each team is different, State of Decay's Undead Labs have now come out to comment on the matter, releasing an official statement.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

"Workers deserve protection, not to be treated like disposable line items" -- Hundreds of union members affected by Xbox layoffs
Communication Workers of America set to take "all necessary legal and contractual action" to protect and support those affected
July 8th, 2026 — Source

World Cup Star Erling Haaland Shows Off His Gaming Setup, Wants Xbox To Sponsor Him, And Is Excited For GTA 6
Erling Haaland is just like us, except for the zeroes in his bank account.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass has lost 4 million subscribers since its price hike backfired
Microsoft reports 30 million members, far below its internal target of 77 million by this July
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass is reportedly still hovering around 30 million subscribers
Back during the early days of Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft had expressed its hopes for the game subscription service to grow into a major player across all of entertainment, wanting the platform to one day reach as many as 100 million subscribers. In the years since, not only has the industry changed in many ways, but so too has Game Pass itself. Even so, it appears as though the service is struggling to break past its ceiling -- with Game Pass reportedly still stuck at around 30 million subscribers.
July 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox has reportedly cut 50% of id Software's workforce
Following tons of leaks and rumours, Microsoft finally came out and confirmed that they will be making some big changes at Xbox, including but not limited to the parting of ways with 5 different studios and more than 3000 job cuts. While specifics on the extent of these cuts were kept vague, we've now gotten a clearer picture of its impact.
July 8th, 2026 — Source or Source

Xbox Layoffs Includes Backwards Compatibility Program and Cloud Gaming Lead
Kevin LaChapelle announced on LinkedIn that he has been let go from Microsoft after having spent 37 years working at the company.
July 8th, 2026 — Source or Source

Gaming — Xbox — July 4th, 2026

Change is afoot at Xbox's Arkane Studios and MachineGames — with Machine's co-founder taking over Arkane's operations
MachineGames Studio Director and co-founder Jerk Gustafsson is seemingly taking over leadership of Arkane from the latter's president, Leonard Bendel, who has resigned.
July 4th, 2026 — Source

Xbox hopes to win back disaffected gamers with new disc-to-digital program
It may be the best hope at keeping physical gaming libraries relevant in the next-generation.
July 4th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — July 2nd, 2026

A $1,000 PS6 or Xbox Would Repeat Gaming's Biggest Pricing Mistake
Well, the Steam Machine is here and seems like a competent open-ended alternative to traditional consoles. But has it created more problems that it has solved?
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

As Sony exits physical media, Microsoft is testing a way to link your Xbox discs to digital licenses
Microsoft's leaked "Positron" feature could let your old Xbox discs unlock digital versions of the same games
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

As Sony revokes digital licenses and Xbox hints at a discless future — I'm saying a sad farewell to physical software, midnight launches, and second-hand game savings
Xbox's next-gen 'Project Helix' console will likely follow PlayStation into a digital-only future, as the bell tolls for physical discs.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced Launch Times And Preload Schedule Revealed
We're shipping off to Barbuda soon.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

Here's The Part About The Xbox 'Reset' I Still Can't Figure Out
Games drive everything, and building them is hard and takes time
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

I didn't expect this: The game I'm thinking about the most after SGF is 'CONTROL Resonant' — Here's why, with hands-on impressions
As far as I know, this is the first time Remedy has strayed this far into melee-first combat. Unexpectedly, they absolutely nailed it. Control Resonant is shaping up to be something special.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

Microsoft could let you transform your physical XBOX games into digital copies
Sony recently announced that it is moving away from physical media for games and that future PlayStation titles will be digital only. Now it seems that Microsoft is ready to follow suit, and the company is believed to have plans for a system that will make it possible to transform physical XBOX games into digital copies.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

No, Xbox's Obsidian studio ISN'T shutting down — new comments dispute closure claims
Fresh rumors claimed Obsidian could shut down, but a new report says the acclaimed Xbox studio isn't going anywhere.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source or Source

Step Into the Modern Era in EA SPORTS College Football 27 with EA Play
Members can experience everything Saturday demands with the iconic traditions and pageantry of game day in the EA Play early access trial.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

The Alters: Last Variable Trailer Showcases The Many Possibilities for Jan Scientist's New Mission
Blown-up labs, disappearances, technological advancements, and more await in this standalone story with 20 hours of gameplay.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

The Most OP Players in Football Game History
World Cup 2026 is here, and you want to play some soccer games with the best players ever. So do we, actually. Thing is, the best players in football game history are actually wildly OP. So much so that they kinda break the very fabric of the sport.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

What does Xbox's Matthew Ball mean when he says "We are working very hard to rethink everything that we can about Helix"?
In a recent interview, Xbox Chief Strategy Officer said that the firm's next console "Helix" is being rethought. What exactly does he mean by this? Let's speculate, for funsies.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass Is Removing A Lot Of Games Very Soon
It's the end of the road for these 11 games on Game Pass.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Price Tracker: Here are the best places to find in-stock Xbox consoles before prices go up in 17 days
A live tracker for every Xbox Series X|S deal before prices rise sharply on August 1 — and potentially again in 2027 as hardware costs continue climbing.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox's 'reset': all the news about Microsoft's layoffs and studio changes
Xbox is making some big changes — again. On June 10th, a few months after Asha Sharma took over as CEO, she and newly promoted chief content officer Matt Booty sent a memo to staff warning of an "Xbox reset." The business, they said, is facing significant challenges, including a 3 percent "accountability margin," massively higher component prices for consoles due to the memory and storage shortage, and an ?over extended? studio system.
July 2nd, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — June 28th, 2026

As the rising costs of RAM crush the notion of gaming as an affordable hobby, what are PC gamers and Xbox fans supposed to do?
Memory and storage prices are going through the roof, but this miserable state of affairs shouldn't last forever — should it?
June 28th, 2026 — Source

Spyro is back with a new game, but the team bringing him to life had to overcome a near‑collapse to finish the project
Toys for Bob was on the chopping block at Activision. Instead of being shut down, they escaped the Call of Duty machine and went independent — proving there is another path for other XBOX studios at risk of closure.
June 28th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — June 27th, 2026

PS6 versus Xbox Helix: Who Wins the Next-Gen Power War?
The gaming industry is on the cusp of significant change as it eagerly anticipates the arrival of the next-generation consoles, the PlayStation 6 (PS6) and Xbox's Project Helix, set to launch during the holiday season of 2027. These consoles promise to push the boundaries of gaming with innovative technology and features, but they also face substantial challenges. Rising production costs, evolving consumer demands, and a fiercely competitive market will test whether these systems can strike the right balance between innovation, affordability, and accessibility.
June 27th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

"This doesn't represent pre-order data," Xbox disputes reports of PS5 crushing GTA 6 preorder demand
As rumors of a massive sales gap circulate, Xbox sets the record straight on why affiliate clicks are not the same as console sales.
June 27th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — June 26th, 2026

007 First Light Tops US Sales Charts in May, Currently 2026's 4th Best-Selling Title
007 First Light was also the best-selling PS5 game for the month, and is the best-selling one in the entire James Bond franchise.
June 26th, 2026 — Source

Crimson Desert's Post-Launch Support is About How the Team "Can Give More Back to the Community"
Pearl Abyss's Will Powers says the developer's focus is on "what we can do to reward the players that have been there from day one."
June 26th, 2026 — Source

Enshrouded exits early access this October, Xbox version delayed to 2027
Keen Games has officially announced that its co-op survival action-RPG, Enshrouded, will leave Steam Early Access and officially launch as version 1.0 on October 15th. The milestone marks the end of a multi-year testing phase that began in January 2024. While the full release will simultaneously welcome PlayStation 5 players, Xbox Series X|S owners will have to wait a bit longer.
June 26th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Even Fan-Favorite CEO Asha Sharma Couldn't Save Xbox From Soaring AI-Era Prices
This is the first big console price bump in the new CEO's tenure.
June 26th, 2026 — Source

Grand Theft Auto 6 Has Real-Time Viral Videos and NPCs Who Create Random Events, per Retail Listings
Players can also seamlessly switch between Lucia and Jason, using their unique abilities to "directly influence the criminal ecosystem."
June 26th, 2026 — Source

Grand Theft Auto 6 Pre-Orders on PS5 Beating Xbox Series X/S 6-to-1 -- Rumor
However, retailers have reportedly claimed that they won't have enough consoles to meet the massive pre-order demand by year-end.
June 26th, 2026 — Source

Grand Theft Auto 6 will reportedly start printing physical discs in December
After months of waiting and years of anticipation, Grand Theft Auto VI is nearly upon us, with players finally being able to pre-order the game ahead of its release this November. One of the more curious aspects of this release however is the fact that physical copies of GTA VI will not contain an actual disc. Fortunately, this appears to be a short-term concern, with insiders claiming that discs could be printed as soon as this December.
June 26th, 2026 — Source

Next Week on XBOX: New Games for June 29 to July 3
Welcome to Next Week on XBOX! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
June 26th, 2026 — Source

Xbox announces 'Buy Now, Pay Later' scheme as console prices are raised AGAIN
2026 has been the year of price hikes, with PlayStation, Nintendo, Steam and Xbox all seeing their hardware prices go up in one form or another. Not to be outdone by Valve's recent Steam Deck and Steam Machine announcements, Microsoft has confirmed that they are once again raising the price of the Xbox globally -- the 3rd time in roughly 12 months.
June 26th, 2026 — Source

Xbox prices are going up yet again
New Xbox Series console price increases have been announced, with Microsoft confirming that both the Xbox Series X and Series S will become more expensive from the 1st of August. In an update shared via the Xbox Wire, the company cites rising component costs as the primary reason for the latest hike. According to Microsoft, memory and storage prices have already surged significantly this year and are expected to double again by Autumn 2027.
June 26th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Hardware Unit Sales Just Had Their Worst May In The U.S. Ever, And PlayStation Didn't Do So Hot Either
And yet, Xbox seems to be benefiting from price hikes anyway
June 26th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — June 23rd, 2026

Call of Duty is "Bigger Than The Marvel Cinematic Universe", Claims Xbox CEO
CCO Matt Booty went on to say, "We're the stewards of that IP. We're not the owners, because really, the communities own those."
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

"Folks at Arkane are doing a really, really great job": Todd Howard offers a promising update on Marvel's Blade
Todd Howard has shared a positive update on Marvel's Blade, adding to recent signs that development at Arkane Lyon is progressing well.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

GTA 6's Cover Art Is Packed With Years of Rockstar DNA
It may seem like a sleek collage of the world and its characters, but the artwork is chock-full of callbacks and potential hints.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

How Star Wars: Galactic Racer Turns Podracing into a Challenging Roguelite
I was about halfway through my hands-on time with Star Wars: Galactic Racer when I realized I'm probably not that great at this -- but boy was I having fun. What helped me look past my lack of racing ability was in part that I bleed Star Wars, and I've been looking forward to piloting these hyper speedy craft ever since the game's announcement last year. Really, I should have expected this level of challenge going in -- after all this is the Galactic League where only the finest and bravest racers in the galaxy dare to compete. I had my work cut out for me.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

"It's something that no one has ever seen before — a new game system": Hideo Kojima teases more of his mysterious horror
Hideo Kojima shares new details on OD, with an apparently unique twist on the horror experience.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

Prepare for some swashbuckling adventures, Sea of Thieves is weirdly getting a movie
Xbox is turning one of its most surprising franchises into a live-action movie, and as a pirate fan, I'm curious to see where it sails.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

Project Helix Leaks Reveal a $1,200 Hybrid Xbox Coming In 2027
Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Project Helix console, set for release in late 2027, represents a notable shift in gaming hardware strategy. According to Colt Eastwood, the console's hybrid PC-console design seeks to combine the flexibility of PC gaming with the ease of use found in traditional consoles. With a projected price of $1,200, affordability has emerged as a key challenge. To address this, Microsoft plans to expand its Xbox All Access program, bundling the console with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription through a financing plan that spreads the cost into monthly payments.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

Sea of Thieves is getting a live-action film adaptation -- produced by Spider-Man Director
Just like Sony, Microsoft has been dipping its toes into the video game adaptation market. While their first attempt (Halo) failed to lead to great success, the console maker appears to be ramping up its efforts. Alongside new details on the previously-announced Gears of War Netflix film, Microsoft has now revealed that a live-action film is being developed based on the live-service hit Sea of Thieves -- coming from Spider-Man: Brand New Day Director Destin Daniel Cretton.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

"The origin story of Delta Squad": Netflix's Gears of War plans are finally revealed, and I'm feeling cautiously optimistic
Netflix will tell the origin story of Delta Squad as humanity battles the Locust Horde.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

THQ Nordic Digital Showcase Returns on August 7 With "Exciting New Looks at Fan-Favorite Franchises"
The Eternal Life of Goldman, Titan Quest 2, Way of the Hunter 2, Expeditions: Samurai, and more will appear during the showcase.
June 23rd, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — June 22nd, 2026

Gears of War: E-Day's 4-Player Campaign Co-op Was a "Huge Investment," Says Creative Director
"We build to make sure the game plays great in single-player, in two-player co-op, and then in three- and four-player co-op as well."
June 22nd, 2026 — Source

Hideo Kojima Says Upcoming Xbox Horror Game OD Has a Special System for People Who Are Too Scared to Keep Playing
"I could get in trouble for saying too much!"
June 22nd, 2026 — Source

Marvel's Wolverine's Sabretooth Actor is Also Playing a Role in Grand Theft Auto 6 -- Rumor
Actor Brett Gipson revealed that he was involved in two major AAA releases that happen to be coming out in 2026 through his resume.
June 22nd, 2026 — Source

New "XBOX Handheld" logo spotted on official Microsoft game pages
Microsoft has introduced a new "XBOX Handheld" logo on several of its official game pages, appearing alongside existing platform badges in the "Ways to play" section.
June 22nd, 2026 — Source or Source

Ori director says Game Pass needs "smash hits," not studios slopping out mediocre content
Thomas Mahler compared Game Pass incentives to communism
June 22nd, 2026 — Source or Source

Sea of Thieves Film Adaptation Backed by Spider-Man: Brand New Day Director Revealed as Xbox Expands Film/TV Strategy
Right now, everyone is watching Microsoft and Xbox with bated breath to see just how severe the reported layoffs will be, and while we wait for that inevitable announcement, Xbox is seemingly doing everything possible to distract from it. Like how Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and other high-ranking Xbox executives spoke to Entertainment Weekly in a new interview, which confirms that a Sea of Thieves movie adaptation is in the works, with Spider-Man: Brand New Day director Destin Daniel Cretton attached to it as a producer.
June 22nd, 2026 — Source

The Elder Scrolls Online Prepares to Set Sail for Adventure with High Seas of Tamriel, Its Most Ambitious Experiment in Years
Recently, The Elder Scrolls Online shifted its approach to updates to a more consistent seasonal approach with the start of Season Zero back in April of this year, setting the foundation for all future content updates with a new reward system, player-focused improvements, class and combat redesigns, new zones and challenges, and more. Best of all, with the move to Seasons, all new gameplay features, improvements, and additions will be completely free for all ESO players with no additional purchases required.
June 22nd, 2026 — Source

The Halo Remake's Version Of The Big Space Ring Is Getting Roasted Online: 'Absolutely Mogged By A 25 Year Old Game'
A new level of detail has killed the mystique
June 22nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Is Working On A Dozen Movies And TV Shows, Including Sea Of Thieves
Spider-Man: Brand New Day director Destin Daniel Cretton will produce the live-action adaptation of Rare's 2018 pirate sim.
June 22nd, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — June 20th, 2026

"I leave feeling grateful, proud, and excited": After 31 years, Age of Empires veteran Earnest Yuen retires
After contributing to over 50 products and guiding a massive RTS strategy resurgence, a legendary Microsoft gaming figure steps down.
June 20th, 2026 — Source

"I was one of the biggest skeptics on the team": An original Xbox founder says the fears they had in 2001 are coming back stronger than ever
As hardware costs soar and AI shifts the landscape, founder Laura Fryer warns that Microsoft's oldest anxieties are returning.
June 20th, 2026 — Source

"It helped": Years of Xbox Series S game optimization probably made life much easier for Nintendo Switch 2 developers
Series S optimizations may have given developers valuable experience when bringing modern games to Nintendo Switch 2.
June 20th, 2026 — Source

What Xbox Games Are Being Cancelled?
Xbox is closing multiple studios, so what games are affected?
June 20th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — June 19th, 2026

Can't wait for Halo: Campaign Evolved? Don't worry, one fan is recreating it in Fortnite with impressive attention to detail
While Halo: Campaign Evolved is still weeks away, one fan is recreating parts of the beloved game inside Fortnite.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

End of Abyss: I'm the Little Nightmare, and You're Locked in Here With Me
From Reanimal to the Grace sections of Resident Evil Requiem, I've spent a lot of the last year feeling helpless in games. There's something very compelling about the rush of being a defenseless little guy just trying to get by in a big, scary world (just look at how excited everyone is about Alien Isolation 2). Sometimes, however, I'd rather be a scrappy little guy taking on that big, scary world with a shotgun and grenades.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

Game Pass Could've Worked, Moon Studios Boss Says, But Xbox Never Delivered the Big Hits It Needed
The ongoing issues at Xbox, with several studios at risk of being shut down (chiefly Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine Productions) and more layoffs sadly rumored to be on the way, have inevitably become a topic of discussion among industry members, even publicly.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

Gears of War: E-Day Technical Director Explains How Unreal Engine 5's Tech Helped in Development
Kate Rayner even spoke about how ray-traced muzzle flashes, which will be in E-Day, wasn't something the studio could achieve before.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

Ghost at Dawn is about Fear, Empathy, and Questionable Choices
The ESRB rating for this game reads like a rap sheet. You would be forgiven for thinking this is another over-the-top, gory, exploitation horror game -- because you'd be right. But you'd also be glossing over the fact that Ghost at Dawn is, at its very core, a game about empathy.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

"It seems like a very well-made mod": Halo veteran weighs in on Campaign Evolved, and I'm not sure anyone actually agrees
Not everyone sees Campaign Evolved the same way, as Bungie's Jaime Griesemer offers a particularly blunt assessment.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

Next Week on XBOX: New Games for June 22 to 26
Welcome to Next Week on XBOX! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
June 19th, 2026 — Source

Persona 4 Revival gets a gameplay deep dive on its new turn-based combat mechanics and story — now I'm even hungrier to play it
From reintroducing the story and gameplay to a modern audience, Revival's latest deep dive has a lot of new info to unpack.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

Persona 6 Steam page has officially gone live
Almost 10 years on from the last mainline entry's release, Persona 6 was finally officially announced during Microsoft's Xbox Games Showcase. Though no release date was provided, the long-awaited JRPG seems to be well on its way to being complete, with the game now having its Steam page go live.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

Sea of Thieves is Handing Players the Keys to the Seas
Sea of Thieves: Season 20 is here, and with it arrives Custom Seas -- a new way to play that hands you (and your friends) ultimate control of Rare's pirate paradise! Custom Seas offers a private sandbox and a suite of creative tools that allow you to set the rules governing the Sea of Thieves -- which creatures can appear, the time of day, the weapons in players' loadouts and much more.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Store seems to be planning a consumer-friendly update with price history transparency for games and add-ons
A new Xbox Store feature could help players see whether a game is actually at its lowest recent price before buying.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

Xbox's Confusing Exclusivity Criteria Now Aided by 'EXCLUSIVE' Label on Console Dashboard
Xbox has rolled out a new label for console exclusive games, visible now on your Xbox Series X/S dashboard.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

Zenimax and Bethesda studios may be targeted in Xbox layoffs
Earlier this week, we learned that Xbox is planning to shut down three of its game development studios -- Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory and Double Fine. Now just days later, it appears that companies under the Bethesda / Zenimax umbrella are also being targeted.
June 19th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — June 16th, 2026

Coming to XBOX Game Pass: EA Sports FC 26, RV There Yet?, Winds of Arcana: Ruination, and More
I hope you all enjoyed the XBOX Games Showcase; we had dozens of games and updates, many of them with the "Play It Day One with XBOX Game Pass" badge! While you're waiting for those games to come your way, let's get to what you can play next.
June 16th, 2026 — Source

Enter A New Era -- Building the Jurassic World Evolution 3: Rebirth Expansion
In the latest Expansion for Jurassic World Evolution 3, players will enter a new era as they take control of three top-secret locations in the largest DLC to date. The Jurassic World Rebirth Expansion introduces a brand-new campaign set before the events of the Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment blockbuster film. Creating unique narrative in one of the world's most well-known franchises is no easy feat -- join Alex Bolton, Senior Communications Manager at Frontier Developments for an exclusive interview with Senior Game Writer Ian Bousher.
June 16th, 2026 — Source

How Player Feedback Shaped Assassin's Creed Shadows' Journey After Launch
Assassin's Creed Shadows' final content update is out now, wrapping up the story of Naoe and Yasuke in the Sengoku era. Black Tides is the final narrative installation, offering over approximately two hours of new content and featuring a little bit of deep lore, some Templar action, and [spoiler alert] also a tie-in to the upcoming Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. The update also introduces a new gameplay feature designed to challenge or even break player's strongest builds.
June 16th, 2026 — Source

EA Sports FC 26 and Call of Duty: Vanguard Lead the Back-Half of June 2026's Xbox Game Pass Games
Xbox has announced the second batch of Xbox Game Pass games that'll be joining its subscription service for the rest of June 2026. This second batch is meaningfully smaller than the first, though it still has a couple of big-name franchises attached. Like EA Sports FC 26, which heads to the service fresh off its extra stint on PS Plus Essential, to keep the world's biggest football game in front of as many players during football's biggest event, the FIFA World Cup.
June 16th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 Devs Delete Stolen Cash After Players Discover Easy Exploit For Earning 20 Million Credits In Minutes
But hey, at least we all get a new free car, right?
June 16th, 2026 — Source

Insider claims Arkane Lyon and Compulsion Games to be shut down by Xbox
After hosting what many fans agreed was a solid Xbox Games Showcase earlier this month, Microsoft / Xbox have since found themselves surrounded by seemingly nothing but bad news. Alongside concerns of rising component costs, mixed messaging regarding console exclusives and more, insiders are now claiming that multiple Xbox studios could be on their way to being shut down soon including Arkane and Compulsion Games.
June 16th, 2026 — Source

Psychonauts Developer Double Fine Responds to Closure Reports With a Single Emoji
Amid fight for studio's future
June 16th, 2026 — Source

"The rumors are false": No, Microsoft isn't already looking to 'reverse course' on Xbox exclusives — but it's not hard to understand why these rumors spread
Rumors picked up over the weekend spread by anonymous forum posters that Microsoft wasn't truly committed to exclusive games. Microsoft has denied them.
June 16th, 2026 — Source

Three Xbox studios in negotiations to avoid closure
The news broke this week that Xbox is planning to close several of its game studios. Now, according to an updated report from Jason Schreier, several of the studios in question are in active negotiations to buy themselves out, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine and Ninja Theory.
June 16th, 2026 — Source

Upcoming Xbox Exclusives Are Being Sent Out To Die, Analyst Says; Xbox Pushes Back
Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are "sacrificial lambs for hearts-and-minds, not economics," analyst says.
June 16th, 2026 — Source

Windows Central Podcast: A massive week for Windows and Xbox
On this week's episode: Daniel and Zac discuss Windows' massive week across Computex and Build, new NVIDIA RTX Spark, and the Xbox Showcase + drama.
June 16th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Exec Rebuffs Console Exclusive Backtrack Rumors
It was recently revealed by Xbox CEO, Asha Sharma, after many rumors and hints that it would be going in that direction, that Xbox would be reinvesting in exclusives going forward. However, there have been alleged insider reports and some skepticism from the community, who have been vocal about the need for Xbox console exclusives, that this move by Xbox was simply an appeal to that vocal player base.
June 16th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass additions for late June include EA Sports FC 26 and RV There Yet?
Call of Duty: Vanguard is also hitting the subscription service very soon.
June 16th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass Gets Another Round Of New Games In June
The second half of June includes a handful of new Game Pass titles.
June 16th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass Loses 8 More Games Very Soon
Say goodbye to these eight games.
June 16th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass Soldiers on With June 2026 Wave 2 Lineup Announcement
EA Sports FC 26 leads muted lineup.
June 16th, 2026 — Source

Xbox is closing Ninja Theory and Double Fine, and Compulsion may not be far behind
Microsoft's 100-day Xbox reset may bring more layoffs and studio closures
June 16th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Is Reportedly Axing Many Studios from Its Portfolio, Including Arkane Lyon, Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory
It's a scary time to be a game studio that is a part of the Xbox Games Studio family, as layoffs loom and rumors circulate as to who is on the chopping block. It's no secret that Xbox is facing tough decisions moving forward in a bid to survive and flourish. From a change in leadership to restructuring, which involves both new staff and branding and services, there's a lot in progress to save what apparently has been a sinking ship. Execs Asha Sharma and Matt Booty have been straightforward that Xbox "overextended" itself with investments, and would be reexamining them moving forward, but some of the studios said to be getting cut have also received praise recently, and one has a new title set to release soon.
June 16th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — June 15th, 2026

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Mixes Anime and Aviation to Deliver a Stunning Action-Adventure
One of my first thoughts from the reveal trailer of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve a few months ago was how that dog on the carrier flight deck could not possibly be following protocol. That doggy detail helps to reinforce the fictional realm of Ace Combat's Strangereal universe, where continents like Osea, Belka, Erusea, Sotoa, and Usea cover the globe and routinely engage in hostilities via air combat.
June 15th, 2026 — Source

BrokenLore: DON'T LIE Scheduled To Release On September 10, 2026
A new protagonist takes the stage in Junko, who could bring further insights into the darkest corners of the human mind.
June 15th, 2026 — Source

Cancelled Xbox 360 version of GoldenEye 007 gets recompiled for PC — 'No emulator, the game runs as a real native executable,' insists dev
Enjoy this Rare classic with a modern Windows controller, online multiplayer, post-FX filters, and at great frame rates.
June 15th, 2026 — Source

Fans Worry About Gross 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Language On The Xbox Website Backend As Prices Skyrocket
Mentions of both PayPal Pay Later and Klarna have been found in the website's code
June 15th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Boss Wants Xbox to Start Pulling Its Weight Financially
"No one can accuse Microsoft of not having invested for the last 25 years."
June 15th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Onimusha: Way of the Sword releases September 25 with surprisingly modest system requirements
The first mainstream Onimusha title in 20 years
June 15th, 2026 — Source

Palworld 1.0 Teases "New Weapons, Armor, Gear and More" Ahead of Its July 10 Release
The World Tree inches ever closer, and the conclusion to a long journey looks quite exciting thanks to the update's many additions.
June 15th, 2026 — Source

Report: Microsoft weighing up spinning off Xbox
Company management has reportedly approved a plan by new CEO Asha Sharma to increase spending on Halo, Fallout and The Elder Scrolls to speed up development, too
June 15th, 2026 — Source

Seeing Final Fantasy Resonance bring turn-based combat back to the Final Fantasy franchise brings a tear to my eye as a longtime fan
Final Fantasy Resonance has released gameplay footage of its turn-based combat system, showing off its gorgeous HD-2D art style and tactical gameplay that old-school fans have been craving to see return in Final Fantasy for decades.
June 15th, 2026 — Source

Spyro: The Reignited Trilogy has officially sold over 11 million copies
One of the big surprise moments from Microsoft's recent Xbox Games Showcase was the official announcement that Toys For Bob are working on a brand new Spyro entry -- the first one in almost two decades. With the cat now out of the bag, the team at Toys For Bob have been sharing some behind-the-scenes stats and facts, revealing that 2018's Reignited Trilogy Remake has sold over 11 million copies.
June 15th, 2026 — Source

The Blood of Dawnwalker Will Have "Smaller, Free Add-ons," Says Rebel Wolves CEO
Game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz says the team is "planning a roadmap" but has yet to nail down all the finer details.
June 15th, 2026 — Source

The Hunt Awaits: Everything You Need to Know About the Mistfall Hunter Open Beta on XBOX
The Gyldenmist is calling, and for the first time, XBOX players are invited to join the hunt. Mistfall Hunter, the upcoming dark fantasy action extraction RPG, is heading into its first-ever XBOX playtest this June. Whether players are veterans of the genre or looking for a new world to fight with friends, here is what to expect:
June 15th, 2026 — Source

What the Elder Scrolls VI Xbox Exclusivity Means for Fans
Bethesda Softworks' upcoming The Elder Scrolls VI is set to continue the franchise's legacy with new features and a focus on player-driven experiences. According to Colt Eastwood, the game will be exclusive to Xbox platforms and is expected to take place in Hammerfell, a region known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural history. Notable additions include naval combat and customizable pirate ships, which aim to expand the series' exploration and combat mechanics. These elements, combined with a dynamic world that evolves based on player choices, highlight the studio's commitment to creating a more interactive and immersive RPG.
June 15th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Closing At Least 2 Studios by 2026 End, Including One "Which Could Come as a Shock" -- Rumor
It's reportedly not Obsidian Entertainment or Rare, but "everything is on the table at Xbox", as layoffs seemingly loom large in July.
June 15th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Studios boss Craig Duncan and Chief of Staff Louise O'Connor step down
Leadership figures with long history at Rare depart the organisation amid plans for business "reset"
June 15th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Studios chief reportedly steps down as layoffs loom
Craig Duncan took charge of Xbox Game Studios in October 2024.
June 15th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — June 10th, 2026

8BitDo Celebrates a Summer of XBOX: Announcing All-New Hardware Coming to Europe
Game Outlet Europe, an independent distributor of video games and gaming accessories, announced today a new range of 8BitDo XBOX accessories, available now across Europe for the very first time.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Alien: Isolation 2 is Poised to Deliver Another Bold Chapter in Survival Horror
I was determined to wait it out. I could see the terrifying Xenomorph through the window, pacing up and down the corridor, trying to suss out my location -- meanwhile I was holding my breath under a table in the adjacent room, trying to remain out of sight. The ladder to escape was right there in the hallway, just out of reach... next to the alien. Each time I built up the courage to move out from under the table, the alien seemingly sensed it and came into the room. Back under the table I went. We must have done this dance for five minutes or so, but it felt like hours.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Chaotic co-op, cozy bug collecting, and a brutal bullet hell: these 5 ID@Xbox titles have dominated my gaming sessions this month (and they should take over yours, too!)
Grab your friends, crank up the AC, and beat the encroaching summer heat with some hidden indie gems.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Elder Scrolls 6 Was Announced 8 Years Ago Today, Here's Why It Didn't Show Up At Xbox Showcase
"You want to get them excited early, but we also know that we want to wait till the right moment."
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Fable Lets You Live A Second Life, Not Just Save The World
Fable is shaping up to be much more than just a fantasy adventure.
June 10th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Fable Promises an "Endless Interconnected Life Sim" as NPCs and Reputations Shine in New Gameplay
Playground highlights the trials and tribulations of Silverbrook and how Reputations will evolve your character on their journey.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Fable: How We Built the Living Population
The Living Population sits at the heart of Fable -- it's our way of referring to the 1,000+ NPCs who bring Albion to life. Each one has a personality and a life that moves along, whether you're there to see it or not. Your Hero can interact with every single one of them, making friends, enemies, employees, spouses or... corpses.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Gears of War: E-Day Devs on Respecting the Lore, Game Length, New Movement Mechanics, and More
"We worked really hard to keep the canon intact."
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Gears of War: E-Day Happened Because Starting Over Sounded More Fun Than Gears 6
"The story we really want to tell is a story we've been talking about."
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Gears Of War: E-Day Is Bigger, Bloodier, And More Ambitious Than We Expected
The next Gears game chronicles the darkest hours of the franchise.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Gears Of War: E-Day Modernizes Movement Without Going Full Parkour
Speaking with GameSpot, The Coalition studio creative director Matt Searcy explained how Gears of War: E-Day fuses the traditional sticky cover-based systems established in previous games and evolves them to feel more organic. This was on full display in the Xbox Games Showcase, as the gameplay preview for Gears of War: E-Day showed Marcus Fenix moving between chest-high structures, mantling over taller structures, and using the environment to his advantage in surprising ways.
June 10th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Halo: Campaign Evolved Hands-On Demo -- It's The Halo You Love, But Even Better
After a solid five minutes of playing cat-and-mouse with an invisible Covenant Elite, having to quietly duck around corners and constantly watching my back, before finishing him off and then taking his sword as the prize, it became clear that to me that this is still the classic Halo experience I know and love. However, technological leaps and 20+ years of hindsight from both the community and the studio itself have built an experience that sits truly at home in the modern gaming landscape. Here's what we know.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Halo: Campaign Evolved will be fully playable in 3rd person
Bungie had initially developed Halo 1 with a fully working third-person camera, but it was never enabled for players except when driving vehicles. That will be changing in the remake, with a full third-person camera option for the entire campaign.
June 10th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

I went to the Xbox Showcase, met with Xbox execs, fans, and developers — Something HAS changed ... but for how long?
Xbox is on a tear right now, with a lot of positive momentum. But one question I wanted to ask above all others: are they ACTUALLY in it for the long haul?
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Join Us -- Creating Calamity Within a Chaotic Cultist Sandbox
Join Us wastes little time in letting me know how silly things are about to get. Shortly after navigating its cultist creator and adorning my robes in a brightly colored yellow, white, and green checkerboard pattern, selecting a flying saucer as my cult's icon, and insisting everyone refer to each other as a number, is when I set my expectations for hilarity -- and was not disappointed.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Long Overdue, Bad Magpie Finally Expands the 'Be a Rude Bird' Genre
The immediately appealing pitch of Bad Magpie -- a world premiere from developer Milktooth in the XBOX Games Showcase -- is right there in the title. Be a bird; cause trouble. Like their fellow corvids, crows and ravens, magpies are particularly intelligent and curious birds, with a reputation for stealing shiny things. Amorally creating problems for everyone around them in pursuit of collecting arbitrary treasures? Magpies sound like gamers to me.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft just gave Xbox a big update after Summer Game Fest and the Xbox Games Showcase — it adds an amazing feature I'll use all the time
The latest Xbox update brings several nifty features and additions to Microsoft's consoles.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Is Rethinking The Entire Xbox Business As Console Costs Surge
Just days after Microsoft unveiled an exciting slate of games and celebrated the 25th anniversary of Xbox, the gaming division's CEO, Asha Sharma, addressed its next-generation console. In an interview with Fortune, Sharma discussed the difficulty of bringing a new product to market in the current environment and how the company is exploring new ways of making its hardware accessible to more gamers.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Minecraft Dungeons II Blows the Doors of the ARPG Wide Open
I've enjoyed ARPGs (action role-playing games) ever since discovering the original Diablo as a preteen, but they really clicked a few years later when Diablo II became the first game I played online with friends. The ecstatic flashing colors of exploding demon hordes combined with the drip feed of incrementally better loot cast a soothing spell that I find is best enjoyed with company. Later on, when I finally played Diablo III in couch co-op on a console instead of with mouse and keyboard, I understood: ARPGs are for chilling.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft's new Xbox Shutdown change promises massive power efficiency gains
The latest drop is testing features that let users find mutual friends easier, customize their UI, and streamline wishlisting.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

"Our business isn't particularly healthy": Xbox CEO thinks exclusives can help turn things around
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma explains why Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are exclusive as the company looks to improve business health.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

"Play your PC games — have backward compatibility": Xbox doubles down on Project Helix's core vision amid uncertainty
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma says Project Helix will support PC games, backward compatibility, and premium performance.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Playground Games drops 30 minutes of Fable gameplay
While Fable ended up not being a huge part of the recent Xbox showcase, Playground Games has quickly made up for that with a 30 minute gameplay preview.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

This Is The First Time I've Felt Like The New Fable Is A Real Game
Our first 30-minute gameplay clip has convinced me it might actually release early next year
June 10th, 2026 — Source

"We'll be doing more this summer": Xbox hints at radically different Game Pass and console plans, and I'm curious where this leads
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma says more flexible Game Pass offerings are coming and hints at different business models for consoles.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Boss Says a Mass Audience Can't Afford 'Thousands of Dollars' to Spend on a Next-Gen Console, So Microsoft Must 'Look at New Business Models'
The spiralling cost of new and existing consoles will require "radically different business models" over the coming generation, Xbox boss Asha Sharma has said.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Xbox CEO outlines strategy to prioritise cost-efficiency and exclusive titles over premium hardware
"We will continue to look at new business models -- that's what is needed rather than premium, high-performance consoles," says Asha Sharma
June 10th, 2026 — Source

XBOX CEO Says New Business Model is Needed "Rather Than Premium, High-Performance" Consoles
Asha Sharma says that "it will be hard to imagine mass audiences can afford thousands of dollars on a console generation."
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Xbox CEO Signals the Potential of Cheaper Next-Gen Hardware as she Admits it's "Hard to Imagine" Players Affording $1K+ Consoles
Xbox's new chief executive officer Asha Sharma continues to spend the beginning of her tenure undoing the decisions of the previous regime. After Sarah Bond described the next generation of Xbox as a "very premium, very high-end, curated experience," Sharma is relaying a seemingly more realistic message. One where she and her regime understand that players will likely neither be willing nor capable of spending thousands of dollars on new hardware, and that the platform will need to try something other than just trying to deliver a 'high-end, premium experience.'
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Xbox CEO Ties Future Exclusives to Business Health, Signaling a Possible Return to Multiplatform if Sales Slip
Xbox Chief Executive Officer Asha Sharma is certainly making a lot of public appearances in her first few months on the job. A few days ago, she appeared on a live interview on Bloomberg Tech, and yesterday, she was featured on Fortune Conversations, answering questions from Fortune's Senior Writer, Allie Garfinkle, as well as a few from the audience.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Xbox exploring 'radically different' console business models
Microsoft is reevaluating its plans for Project Helix and considering new ways to lower Xbox console costs.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

XBOX Insider Update Adds More Personalization, Easier Social Discovery, and Energy-Saving Improvements
Starting today, select XBOX Insiders can start testing new updates designed to make your XBOX consoles feel more personal and connected to the people and games you care about. From discovering mutual friends across XBOX and customizing the look of My games & apps, to quickly wishlisting upcoming games and exploring new energy-saving console improvements, these changes were shaped by your feedback and are part of our ongoing work to deliver a better console experience.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Xbox to Decide Which Games Are Console Exclusives on a 'Case-By-Case Basis'
It will honor previous commitments regarding games already announced for other platforms.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

XBOX Will Get More Exclusive Games as the Business Starts Getting Healthier, Says CEO
Asha Sharma acknowledged that the company isn't healthy right now, leading to it testing the waters with a few console exclusives.
June 10th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — June 8th, 2026

After Another Xbox No-Show the Wait for The Elder Scrolls VI Goes On, and Fans Aren't Getting Any Younger
Another Xbox Games Showcase, another no-show from The Elder Scrolls VI. Yes, we know it's in development — Bethesda chief Todd Howard pops up to reassure fans every now and then. But the unescapable fact is this is a game that was announced eight years ago, on June 10, 2018, with a teaser trailer and we've not seen anything of it since. It also means that the wait between the announcement of The Elder Scrolls VI and now is longer than the wait between the release of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and the announcement of The Elder Scrolls VI itself. We don't even know the name of the game, or where in the fantasy world it's set. Information-starved GTA 6 fans don't know how good they've got it!
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Blood Message Early Gameplay Showcased With a 19-Minute Video Walkthrough
The video walkthrough includes a thorough mix of the early story, core combat, stealth, and traversal elements of Blood Message.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Discover the Gears of War: E-Day Collector's Edition
During XBOX Games Showcase 2026, we shared a first look at Gears of War: E-Day — including a gameplay demo and the E-Day Direct — and revealed our Collector's Edition, a premium offering designed to celebrate the series' origins.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Dive Into the Depths in Grounded 2's Into the Abyss Update
On August 11, Grounded 2's next major content update, Into the Abyss, arrives and brings players into one of the biggest new areas added to Brookhollow Park so far.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Console Wars Are in Full Force as XBOX Reveals That Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution Will Both Be Exclusives
Sony and Microsoft have revived the console wars following announcements from each that exclusive releases are back on the table. The detente between the two console manufacturers seems to be at a crossroads, with future AAA games remaining on each's hardware. The exception being that Microsoft has typically released its Xbox (now XBOX and it's expected some folks will do a facepalm here) games on PC as well, and also, furthermore, expected with the push for XBOX gaming on PC. That being said XBOX's new CEO took to social media to announce that The Coalition's Gears of War: E-Day and Shapeshifter Games' Clockwork Revolution will be XBOX exclusives.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Everything Announced at the Xbox Game Showcase and Summer Game Fest 2026
The Xbox Game Showcase and Summer Game Fest 2026 delivered a mix of exciting reveals and unexpected updates, reflecting the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. Among the highlights, Forza Horizon 6 was officially announced, promising a visually stunning and expansive open-world experience for racing fans. Additionally, Maverick Games, a studio formed by former Playground Games developers, unveiled their ambitious AAA open-world racing project set in southern France and Italy, featuring advanced vehicle customization and a cinematic narrative. As noted by Colt Eastwood, these announcements underscore Xbox's commitment to delivering diverse and immersive gaming experiences, even as the industry grapples with delays and shifting priorities.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Gears of War: E-Day - Open Beta Start Dates and How To Get Early Access
Jump into the multiplayer action starting August 6.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Gears of War: E-Day Direct showcases everything to be excited for with the upcoming Xbox exclusive
Gears of War: E-Day shines and is quickly becoming the front-runner series on Xbox.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Gears Of War: E-Day Goes Exclusive On Xbox As Microsoft Details Future Strategy
Xbox gamers have a lot to look forward to after Microsoft had its biggest event of the year, where fans were treated to a slew of games including a new entry in long running Gears of War franchise. It also served as an opportunity for the company to reset its release strategy, shifting from making its games available on every platform possible to one where exclusives are a lynchpin going forward.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Gears of War: E-Day is The Coalition's First Project Since 2015 to Not Reuse Any Assets or Code
"Literally everything you see in E-Day did not exist before we made it for this game," explained brand director Nicole Fawcette.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Gears of War: E-Day Preorders Are Live for Xbox Fans: Here's What Comes in Each Edition
Xbox fans, mark your calendars for October 6. During the latest Xbox Games Showcase, Gears of War: E-Day was officially given its release date, and if that announcement got you excited about reuniting with Marcus and Dom, what's even better is preorders are officially live.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Gears of War: E-Day Seems To Be Nostalgia Done Right
Feels like old, plays like new.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Gears of War: E-Day set for October launch as Xbox and PC exclusive
Microsoft has announced that Gears of War: E-Day will launch on October 6th, 2026. While initially it seemed like this game may also come to PS5, it is now the first game in a renewed push from Microsoft to have console exclusives once again.
June 8th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Gears of War: E-Day, Clockwork Revolution Are Not Timed Console-Exclusives, Says XBOX
In a statement, XBOX has indicated that it might not have any plans to bring the two titles to competing consoles like the PS5.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Fable is coming out in February, first story expansion announced
Microsoft and Playground Games have confirmed that the Fable reboot will launch on the 23rd of February. On top of that, the latest look at the game also brought around news of the first story expansion, titled Order of the Hero.
June 8th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Halo: Campaign Evolved -- Creating New Cosmetics for Master Chief That Honor the Halo Legacy
Halo: Campaign Evolved takes us back to where it all began -- those first pivotal memories of becoming Master Chief and taking on the Covenant for the first time in Halo: Combat Evolved. It's a formative moment for many XBOX fans, and soon, for the first time ever, players across XBOX, PC and PlayStation platforms will get to share in that experience together, with a few extra treats.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Here's What Gears Of War's Original Designer Thinks About E-Day
Cliff Bleszinski shared his reactions to Gears of War: E-Day in real time as the gameplay reveal trailer during Xbox Games Showcase.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

I'd never thought one of my favorite underrated Xbox Soulslikes would get a sequel, but I'm glad Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember proved me wrong
Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember is an upcoming sequel to Koei Tecmo's hit Soulslike action game, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, and it's heading for Xbox with Xbox Play Anywhere) and PC
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Is Xbox Fixable?
Xbox's new strategy chief talks about how Xbox has languished in recent years and what comes next.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

"It's top of mind and being worked on" Xbox confirms anti-scalping methods will be in place ahead of the Xbox Series X25 preorder
The Xbox Series X25 will drop as a limited-edition console in November 2026, and Xbox want to make sure they aren't all nabbed by scalpers.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Magicians: The Devil's Deal Blends First-Person Gameplay with Stage Magic Deception
We're beyond thrilled for players to get their first glimpse of a brand-new adventure filled with spectacular stage magic-inspired powers, flamboyant characters, and a story riddled with twists and turns.
June 8th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Marvel's Blade at Arkane Lyon Reportedly Dead, Jeff Grubb Hints Days After Xbox Showcase No-Show
Jeff Grubb has now retracted, saying that he's "checked since" and there were reasons for Marvel's Blade to miss this year's Xbox Showcase, but not because the game is having problems or is dead. Meanwhile, Shpeshal Nick said he heard it's coming along very well, while Nate the Hate claimed in a recent podcast that we might see it at The Game Awards 2026 or at the Xbox January Direct presentation.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Marvel's Blade Isn't Dead, Despite Recent Rumblings -- Report
We haven't seen much of anything for the Arkane Lyon-developed game since 2023.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Meet the "Xbox Series X25": An anniversary edition translucent green console — fans attending the Showcase get it for FREE
The Xbox Series X25 will drop as a limited-edition console in November 2026, and the controller will be available separately.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft announces limited edition 25th anniversary 'Xbox Series X25' console
2026 is a big year for Xbox. Alongside the many different sweeping changes which are being conducted both behind-the-scenes and directly as a result of fan feedback, this year represents the Xbox's 25th anniversary. As they have done for previous milestones, Microsoft have now announced the limited edition Xbox Series X25 -- featuring a throwback translucent green design.
June 8th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Microsoft's Limited-Edition Xbox Series X25 Brings Back The OG Green Era
It has been nearly 25 years since Microsoft introduced its OG Xbox console, and in celebration of the Xbox brand's silver anniversary, Microsoft is rolling out a limited edition Xbox Series X25 designed in a translucent green chassis. Microsoft's also making available a special edition Xbox Wireless Controller X25 in the same design language.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft's Xbox 25th anniversary console comes in translucent green
The anniversary-edition console includes an Xbox button that lights up green and a translucent green controller.
June 8th, 2026 — Source or Source

NBA Run -- What You Need to Know Before Buying
Play By Play Studios is trying to bring back a take on street basketball from an era long gone, and the effort definitely has us excited.
June 8th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

New Hellblade game officially announced; simply titled 'Senua'
All the way back in 2019, Microsoft kicked off the announcements for this current generation with a teaser for Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2. Finally launching many years later in 2024, the sequel was met with a somewhat mixed reception owing to its relative lack of gameplay. The team at Ninja Theory seem to have taken this feedback to heart, officially unveiling 'Senua' alongside what appears to be tons more gameplay opportunities.
June 8th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

New Halo Remake Trailer Is All Footage From PS5 Pro, Confusing Xbox Fans
Perhaps this trailer was supposed to be at Sony's big State of Play...
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Ninja Theory Cancels Ambitious Horror Title Focus To On Senua
Senua is an ambitious sequel that will require all of Ninja Theory's capacity.
June 8th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Persona 6 has finally been officially announced
In the nearly-a-decade since the initial release of ATLUS' beloved Persona 5, there have been plenty of leaks and rumours discussing the next mainline entry in this now iconic series. Finally, after releasing a bunch of P5 spin-offs and crossing over with countless other IPs, ATLUS has officially announced that Persona 6 is real and is in development -- though no release date was provided.
June 8th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Playground Games Puts Fable's Order of the Hero Post-Launch Story DLC Behind a $99.99 Paywall as Modest PC Specs Surface
With the announcement of Fable's release date during the Xbox Games Showcase 2026, Microsoft and Playground Games also opened pre-orders for the game. That's how we learned that a story-driven expansion titled Fable: Order of the Hero will arrive sometime after launch.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

PlayStation 6 versus Xbox Project Helix Won't Be A Graphics War, As Projected 30% Gap Collapses Into 4K Framerate Race
The difference in power between the PlayStation 6 and the Xbox Project Helix is expected to be roughly 30% in favor of Microsoft's next-generation console, but in real-world scenarios, according to an early analysis from known leaker Moore's Law is Dead, this difference will only translate into a "framerate" war between the two systems, with little to no difference in terms of image quality.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Arrives August 27 -- Learn More About This Compelling Prequel
We can't wait for players to experience the game for themselves. But before then, we wanted to share a little more about the journey ahead, the themes at the heart of this new adventure, and some of the mysteries waiting in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

The First Details on Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember, Heading to Xbox in 2027
As the producer and director for Team NINJA's Wo Long series, I'm excited to finally be able to reveal that Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember is not only in development, but it will be coming to XBOX in early 2027 and will be available day one via XBOX Game Pass!
June 8th, 2026 — Source

The New Translucent Xbox Series X Reminds Us of the OG 'Crystal' Xbox Editions
Which are now old enough to be considered "retro," by the way.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

"These decisions are never easy": Ninja Theory cancels Project Mara to focus on new game Senua
Ninja Theory has canceled Project Mara, with all 85 developers now focused on expanding the scope and ambition of Senua.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember Stuns Xbox Showcase, but Switch 2 Port in Early 2027 Steals the Spotlight
This year's Xbox Games Showcase was packed with updates for already announced games like Fable and Halo Campaign Evolved as well as new announcements for titles that are not far from release. Among them was the surprising announcement for Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember, a follow-up to the action RPG developed by Team NINJA released in 2023 that will mark the debut of the studio's "Masocore" genre on a Nintendo console.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox exclusives are back and more complicated than ever
The next Gears of War is an Xbox exclusive, but Halo isn't. What's going on?
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox explains new exclusives policy: players "can expect a reliable pipeline" of exclusive titles in service of "turning around the business"
Matthew Ball says "we know how we're going to make those decisions," with internal and external communication to follow
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Exclusivity Will Be Decided on a 'Case-by-Case' Basis, Microsoft Says
"When it's got a date, you'll know what the choice is going to be."
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass Lost "Millions of Subscribers" Due to 50% Price Hike, Admits Chief Strategy Officer
Shortly before he was on his way out, one of the final decisions made by Phil Spencer and his regime at Xbox was to give Xbox Game Pass a massive 50% price hike. Users rushed to cancel their subscriptions so quickly and in such high droves in response that it crashed the cancel page on Xbox's website, so it's no surprise to hear the new strategy chief Matthew Ball admit that the company lost "millions" of subscribers due to the increase.
June 8th, 2026 — Source or Source

Xbox Game Pass Shed 'Millions of Subscribers' Following October 2025 Price Hike
Prices then dropped earlier this year.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Games Showcase 2026: Everything Announced
The Xbox Games Showcase returns to the Summer Games Fest season this year, but while the format remains the same, everything at the company has changed. With a new leadership team, led by head Asha Sharma, and the goal of reclaiming fans' goodwill following the disastrous "Everything is an Xbox" campaign, this year's showcase marked a sort of new beginning for the entire brand, returning to console exclusives.
June 8th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Xbox Outlines New Exclusivity Plan: Case-by-Case for Single Player Games, While Multiplayer Games Stay Multiplatform
The rumors were true: Microsoft is changing its plan for Xbox exclusivity once again. New CEO Asha Sharma recognizes the importance of exclusive content, but that doesn't mean a full return to exclusive. Fans were quite confused during yesterday's Xbox Games Showcase 2026: two games, Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution, were confirmed to be full (not timed) Xbox console exclusives. However, other games that did not have any announced PS5 version, like State of Decay 3 and Senua, received it during the same stream.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Promises Players A 'Reliable Pipeline' Of Exclusives That 'Validates Their Historical Investment' In The Platform
'Players can expect a reliable pipeline that validates their historical investment in the Xbox platform'
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox reveals new Halo: Campaign Evolved trailer fully captured on PS5 Pro and was reportedly meant to be at Sony's State of Play
Xbox has released a new Halo: Campaign Evolved story trailer, with footage captured on PS5 Pro and fresh looks at iconic characters.
June 8th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — June 7th, 2026

Asha Sharma's New Big Xbox Call -- Yank Gears of War: E-Day Off PS5 and Rebuild the Console Exclusivity Wall
Asha Sharma is reportedly pulling Gears of War: E-Day off PS5 in another major strategic call as Xbox CEO, signaling a decisive shift back toward console exclusivity for the platform.
June 7th, 2026 — Source

Everything Announced at Xbox Games Showcase 2026
Every game, reveal, and surprise from Microsoft's summer showcase.
June 7th, 2026 — Source or Source

Fable launches in late February after recent delay
The game has been in development for a very long time, but it will launch next year.
June 7th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Fable: Meet the Incredible Cast -- Including the Villain Played by Hayley Atwell
Fable just revealed a new story trailer during XBOX Games Showcase, showing off new gameplay, characters, a sense of the story beyond our Hero, and a lot of action, from facing down a Balverine to, well, putting a giant toad face-down (with a dose of magic). Oh, and quite a lot of swearing.
June 7th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Gears of War E-Day arrives October 6 as an Xbox and PC exclusive
It's no longer coming to the PS5.
June 7th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Gears of War: E-Day Launches on October 6th as Xbox Console Exclusive; First Bloody Gameplay Revealed
Marcus and Dom battle through the streets of Kalona, taking out Locust with pistols, shotguns and Retro Lancers in classic bloody fashion.
June 7th, 2026 — Source

Halo: Campaign Evolved arrives July 28th
Master Chief is back.
June 7th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Halo: Campaign Evolved Drops New Trailer, Releasing July 28, 2026
The Chief is back in all his glory, and this is Halo like you've never seen it before thanks to excellent visuals and some gripping action.
June 7th, 2026 — Source

New Prologue Missions For Halo: Campaign Evolved Revealed, Releasing In July
The remake of the Xbox classic's single-player campaign launches this summer
June 7th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

New report suggests Gears of War: E-Day will NOT be on PS5 — has the new Xbox CEO made her first big exclusivity call?
Gears of War has only just made its PlayStation debut, but with a new one on the horizon, it sounds like exclusivity is back on the table.
June 7th, 2026 — Source

RuneScape: Dragonwilds is coming to Xbox and it's bringing one of the platform's best features with it
RuneScape: Dragonwilds arrives on Xbox Series X|S this September, complete with Xbox Play Anywhere support and shared progression across platforms.
June 7th, 2026 — Source

Senua: Answering the Big Questions About Ninja Theory's Unexpected New Action-Adventure
The original Hellblade famously ended with the line, "There are more stories to tell." Senua feels like Ninja Theory has expanded that to a philosophy of, "There are new kinds of games to make."
June 7th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video or Watch Video

State of Decay 3: Answering the Biggest Questions After the First Gameplay Reveal
Today at XBOX Games Showcase 2026, we got our first-ever look at gameplay for Undead Labs' State of Decay 3 with their brand-new trailer, showing everything from open world exploration, multiplayer, settlement building, weapon crafting, and of course, some good old-fashioned zombie slaying.
June 7th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Watch Xbox's Biggest Summer Gaming Showcase In Years Right Here
The future of the platform's exclusivity is on the line
June 7th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Confirms Gears Of War: E-Day Will Stay Exclusive And Not Come To PlayStation 5
The first-party shooter has become a litmus test for new CEO Asha Sharma's vision for the platform
June 7th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Finally Shows Gameplay Of Long-Delayed State Of Decay 3
First announced over 5 years ago, the open-world zombie game finally seems real
June 7th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Xbox Games Showcase 2026: All the news and trailers
The console industry is in a weird place, and both Xbox and PlayStation have a chance to change the narrative a bit with their showcases at Summer Game Fest. Sony did that by focusing on the single-player titles it's known for, and then it was Microsoft's turn.
June 7th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — June 6th, 2026

Final Fantasy returns to Xbox with a huge day‑one launch as Final Fantasy VII Revelation breaks exclusivity
Final Fantasy VII Revelation launches on Xbox day one, marking the end of PlayStation exclusivity for the remake trilogy's final chapter.
June 6th, 2026 — Source

Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered Revealed With November Release Date
The King of the Monsters goes toe-to-toe with GTA.
June 6th, 2026 — Source

Grounded 2 is coming to PlayStation 5, marking another Xbox console exclusive moving beyond the platform
Grounded 2's Into the Abyss update arrives August 11, the same day the Xbox-published survival game launches on PlayStation 5.
June 6th, 2026 — Source

"I'm really not sold on the design" Halo fans urge caution as early Campaign Evolved leaks appear
New Halo: Campaign Evolved leaks reveal Cortana, Johnson, Brutes, cosmetics, and more ahead of the game's official showcase.
June 6th, 2026 — Source

Son of Thanjai Brings an Ancient Empire to Life in New Gameplay Trailer
Son of Thanjai Brings an Ancient Empire to Life in New Gameplay Trailer
June 6th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Gaming — Xbox — June 5th, 2026

As Xbox celebrates its 25th anniversary, I'm remembering some of the most memorable announcements for its consoles and games
From epic game trailers to historic console presentations, the Xbox brand has given us many fond memories over the past 25 years, and it's time we appreciate how far Xbox has come.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

Battlefield 6 Debuts Blastpoint With A Stylish New Mid-Season Trailer
It's nearly time to dive into Cairo Bazaar's narrow alleys and breakable walls, while Obliteration gives you a new take on an iconic mode.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

Halo Infinite is slipping down Xbox's most-played chart — but the Master Chief Collection refuses to be fragged
Halo Infinite drops in Xbox's most-played charts, while Halo: The Master Chief Collection maintains a surprisingly strong audience.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

Next Week on XBOX: New Games for June 8 to 12
Welcome to Next Week on XBOX! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
June 5th, 2026 — Source

State of Decay 3 "Nails the AAA Feel", Might Show Up During June 7th XBOX Showcase -- Rumor
A report has indicated that State of Decay 3 might be getting close to wrapping up development and has entered alpha testing.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

Subnautica 2 Dev Reveals What to Expect From Upcoming Early Access Updates
Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds has revealed new content coming to the underwater survival game in the weeks and months ahead, teasing a new vehicle and new region centred around the Collector Leviathan.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

Xbox CEO Outlines Exclusivity Conundrum: "As the 2nd Publisher, We Have to Reach Large Audiences, But Platforms Need Exclusives"
Yesterday, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma was featured in a live interview on Bloomberg Tech, where she discussed her first 100 days as the new head of Xbox (replacing Phil Spencer back in February) and what comes next.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

Xbox CEO outlines plans to become "the number one gaming and entertainment company" amid rising component costs and platform competition
07.13.2013
June 5th, 2026 — Source

XBOX CEO Wants to Make It the "Number One Gaming and Entertainment Company" by 2030
These goals, said Asha Sharma in an interview, have nothing to do with Microsoft's "30% accountability margin" requirements.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

Xbox "Must Have Exclusive Content," CEO Says
Asha Sharma looks ahead to her next 100 days as Xbox CEO while addressing exclusivity and the steps needed to make Microsoft's console #1.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

XBOX Wants to "Remain a Great Publisher" When it Comes to Exclusives, Says CEO
Asha Sharma said that a balance has to be found between using exclusives to grow the platform, and reaching a wider audience.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

Xbox's CEO just defined her mission: "My mandate is not 30% accountability margins, it's to be the number one."
It seems the historically high profit margins no longer apply to the new XBOX CEO, Asha Sharma.
June 5th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 30th, 2026

Latest Xbox update adds new custom colors, smarter service alerts, and more ways to personalize your console experience
Xbox expands personalization with new custom colors, smarter alerts, and quality‑of‑life upgrades.
May 30th, 2026 — Source

New Xbox Boss Says Decision to Continue to Show PS5 Logos During Its Xbox Games Showcase 'Was a Miss, and I Own It'
Xbox boss Asha Sharma has reacted to negative feedback at Microsoft's decision to continue to show competing platform logos at its upcoming Xbox Games Showcase, suggesting it will stop doing so for future shows.
May 30th, 2026 — Source

The indie game that toppled Forza Horizon 6 off Metacritic is now out for Xbox and PC — and I deeply regret letting it slip under my radar until now
Mina the Hollower is a new 2D action-adventure game from the creators of the modern indie classic, Shovel Knight. If you're an old-school fan of Game Boy Color games or Zelda, here's why this should be on your wishlist
May 30th, 2026 — Source

The Xbox Fan Freakout Over Logos Points To An Impossible Balancing Act
07.13.2013
May 30th, 2026 — Source

"We start out with Halo: Campaign Evolved" as Matt Booty outlines Xbox's 2026 lineup
Matt Booty outlined Xbox's upcoming lineup, potentially revealing the order of Halo, Minecraft Dungeons II, Gears of War: E-Day, and Call of Duty.
May 30th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Games Showcase 2026: Everything Announced
The Xbox Games Showcase returns to the Summer Games Fest season this year, but while the format remains the same, everything at the company has changed. With a new leadership team, led by head Asha Sharma, and the goal of reclaiming fans' goodwill following the disastrous "Everything is an Xbox" campaign, this year's showcase marked a sort of new beginning for the entire brand, returning to console exclusives.
May 30th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 29th, 2026

Hollow Knight: Silksong is getting a physical Xbox release, and that's worth celebrating
Hollow Knight: Silksong is getting a physical Xbox release, complete with a manual and poster, giving collectors something worth celebrating.
May 29th, 2026 — Source

New Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 Ratings Spark Remaster Rumours Ahead of Xbox Games Showcase
It's been a big week for the Call of Duty franchise. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 was finally revealed, and alongside it came the confirmation that the franchise will finally leave the previous console generation behind, with Warzone and Modern Warfare 4 both leaving PS4 and Xbox One behind. Now, two new ratings from South Korea's game ratings board has players thinking there's another major announcement coming, though it may not be what it seems.
May 29th, 2026 — Source

New Xbox Boss Asha Sharma Reportedly Warns Staff 'Hard Choices' Are Ahead, but Insists Recent Game Pass Changes Are Helping
Asha Sharma, the new boss of Xbox, has reportedly warned staff that "hard choices" are ahead as Microsoft works to rebuild its gaming brand in the eyes of core fans while growing revenue.
May 29th, 2026 — Source

Next Week on XBOX: New Games for June 1 to 5
Welcome to Next Week on XBOX! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
May 29th, 2026 — Source

Xbox CEO says it's already seeing positive impacts following Game Pass price cuts
"We will have to outwork the problem in front of us in our path to restore durable growth," says Asha Sharma
May 29th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 28th, 2026

A Deeper Look Inside Planet Zoo 2's Announce Trailer
This October, we'll be welcoming Zookeepers back with the sequel to the critically acclaimed Planet Zoo. Over six years ago, when we first launched Planet Zoo, we couldn't have foreseen just how passionate you, our community, would become. Now, it's time to once again build a wilder world and let your creativity soar in Frontier's most advanced zoo simulation game to date.
May 28th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

A viral horror game has shadow‑dropped on Xbox Game Pass, shaking up the week's lineup
The hugely popular Backrooms horror experience is now available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Premium as a surprise shadow drop.
May 28th, 2026 — Source

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 -- First Details on the Next Epic Call of Duty Campaign
Infinity Ward has just blown the doors off one of the biggest video game reveals of the year with the announcement of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 alongside its stunning reveal trailer that sets the stage for the next epic Call of Duty campaign launching later this year for XBOX Series X|S, XBOX on PC, Steam, Battle.net, PlayStation 5, and as an XBOX Play Anywhere title. Modern Warfare 4 will also be available at launch on Nintendo Switch 2 -- more details on that, including pre-order details on Switch 2, are coming later this Summer. Learn more about pre-orders here on the official Call of Duty Blog.
May 28th, 2026 — Source

Free Play Days -- Gears of War Reloaded, Formula Legends, High on Life 2 and Dying Light
A stellar line up to end the month of May with Free Play Days! Formula Legends and Dying Light are available this weekend for XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members to play from Thursday May 28 until Sunday, May 31.
May 28th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 23rd, 2026

DriftGuard adds experimental Xbox calibration for stick drift fixes
DriftGuard calibration tool supports Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo controllers
May 23rd, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 22nd, 2026

Bubsy Returns in Bubsy 4D, A Modern Intergalactic Platforming Adventure, Out Today
That's right, it's your old pal, Bubsy! After over 30 years, the infamous, wise-cracking bobcat is back in a new intergalactic adventure, Bubsy 4D, available on XBOX platforms today.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

Crimson Desert's Post-Launch Evolution Is Unlike Anything Else This Year
Through a steady mix of meaningful improvements and frequent updates, Crimson Desert is becoming the game its launch version only hinted at.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

Fable Still On Track For 2026 Release, As Playground Games Reaffirms Launch Window In New Recruitment Drive
The South Korean and Australian rating boards have rated Fable, making it even more likely that it will launch this year.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 Is Better Than Forza Horizon 5 In More Ways Than You Think
More than just a simple upgrade, Playground Games' latest shines with incredible progression and a world that invites exploration.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 Races Toward Estimated 5M Sales and $325M in Week One Despite Game Pass Cannibalizing Some Sales
Forza Horizon 6 launched earlier this week (or at the end of last week if you bought the Premium Edition), and according to a new report from Alinea Analytics, the latest driving game from developer Playground Games is, unsurprisingly, a massive hit as it nears an estimated 5 million copies sold and $325 million earned in gross revenue in its first week on store shelves.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

How Microsoft's new Gaming Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball could save Microsoft's Xbox business
Ball literally wrote the book on the future of gaming. Now, Asha Sharma has hired him to navigate Xbox through its most turbulent era yet.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

Next Week on XBOX: New Games for May 25 to 29
Welcome to Next Week on XBOX! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate -- Deathwatch: Redefined Brutal Turn-Based Tactics on XBOX
Revealed at Warhammer Skulls on May 21, Complex Games returns to the grimdark universe in Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate -- Deathwatch, offering fans total turn-based tactical control of the battlefields of the 41st millennium on XBOX Series X|S.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

XBOX's New CSO Wants to Revive "Storied Franchises" and Strengthen "The Console Business"
One of XBOX's new leadership hires is all set to hit the ground running and bring the troubled console into the new era.
May 22nd, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 21st, 2026

Helldivers 2 To Get NVIDIA DLSS 4.5, FSR 4.03 Support, But PlayStation 5 Pro Owners Will Only Get PSSR 1.0
The popular Helldivers 2 is the rare modern game that launched on PC without supporting any major upscaling technology like NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR, but this is set to change next week, on May 27, with the release of a new set of technical improvements (whose implementation is sadly broken). Console users will also get some of these improvements, but PlayStation 5 Pro players will inevitably be disappointed by the decision not to bring support for the latest iteration of the PSSR upscaler.
May 21st, 2026 — Source

House Flipper 2: Sakura DLC Offers a Trip to Japan
Ever dreamt about visiting Japan during the cherry blossom season? Or imagined moving to the countryside to renovate an abandoned house? The new House Flipper 2 DLC sets out to explore both traditional and modern Japanese architecture while staying true to the game's cozy, relaxing atmosphere.
May 21st, 2026 — Source

Inside the Massive Xbox 2026 Games Showcase
The Xbox Games Showcase 2026 revealed a variety of updates and announcements that emphasize the evolving landscape of Xbox's gaming lineup. Among the highlights was "Halo Campaign Evolved," a prequel built using Unreal Engine 5 that introduces three new missions and expands the series' lore, with a release planned for later this year. Colt Eastwood examines how Xbox is balancing its legacy franchises with new developments, including remastered titles like Fallout: New Vegas and advancements in cloud-based gaming experiences.
May 21st, 2026 — Source

Subnautica 2 Has Sold Over 4 Million Copies in Five Days of Early Access
It's early days yet for Unknown Worlds' sequel, which recently entered early access, but the response has been incredible.
May 21st, 2026 — Source

Subnautica 2 Team Apologizes for Earlier Statements, Working on Creature Balance and Mitigation Tools
"Our current direction is not based on judging players who want combat, and it is not because we think those players are wrong."
May 21st, 2026 — Source

The next Xbox may drop the disc drive, but players seem ready for disc‑to‑digital — if it's even real
Project Helix raises new questions about physical games, backward compatibility, and whether disc‑to‑digital will be an essential part of the Xbox ecosystem.
May 21st, 2026 — Source

XBOX Cancelled Game Pass Family Plan Due to Objection From EA -- Rumor
A report has noted that it wasn't actually Microsoft's fault, and that EA "hated" the idea of bringing family plan options to Game Pass.
May 21st, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 18th, 2026

A Tourist's Guide to Forza Horizon 6, From A Designer's Perspective
It's almost time -- Forza Horizon 6 launches tomorrow -- and plans to take us on a road trip of epic proportions around a mesmerizing recreation of Japan. From the snow-covered alpine hills to the dense, bustling streets of Tokyo City and all things in-between, the Forza team has put together the series' biggest and most explorative adventure yet.
May 18th, 2026 — Source

ASUS Reveals Cyberpunk 2077-Themed ROG Xbox Ally X Case Mod
Asus has revealed a new case mod designed by Taiwanese modders AK Mod and CDPR, turning the ROG Xbox Ally X into a sleek Cyberpunk 2077-themed gaming handheld. Unlike most graphics cards, which incorporate some very basic imagery and/or designs, this case mod goes all out and is undoubtedly truly a Cyberpunk 2077-inspired art piece.
May 18th, 2026 — Source

Exodus Deep Dive Confirmed for June 6th, Following the Future Games Show Summer Showcase
The showcase returns with over 40 announcements for indie and triple-A titles, hosted by Alix Wilton Regan and Troy Baker.
May 18th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 Review: Japan Setting Dethrones Britain as the Series' Best Map, Refines Every System Playground Has Built Yet
Forza Horizon has become a bit of a staple for me. Having reviewed Forza Horizon 3, Forza Horizon 4, and Forza Horizon 5, watching the progression of what has arguably become my favourite racing game series (not franchise, because the regular Forza games can bugger off), surpassing Gran Turismo. The question is, moving to the land of Kaiju and Utada Hikaru, does Forza Horizon 6 live up to the standards set before it?
May 18th, 2026 — Source

Subnautica 2 Developers Say Players Who Want to Kill Things Should "Go Play Sons of the Forest"
"We aren't a killing game," said a level designer for Subnautica 2 when asked by players if there were plans to add more combat.
May 18th, 2026 — Source

The time to replace your current Xbox / PC game with 'REPLACED' is now | All sci-fi fans get on deck for this stunning experience.
REPLACED has taught me many things I didn't even know about myself. This is a pixel-art masterclass. And this is why.
May 18th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 17th, 2026

Forza Horizon 6 boots up in just 4 seconds instead of 90 with new Advanced Shader Delivery tech and AMD GPUs — Microsoft claims 95% reduction in gaming load times
Only available with games downloaded via the Xbox PC app.
May 17th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft is rebuilding XBOX and Windows 11 while Surface collects dust
Xbox and Windows 11 are finally getting the leadership and fixes fans have asked for. Surface is still waiting for its turn.
May 17th, 2026 — Source

The Xbox Elite 3 controller has leaked, but I think it's missing one crucial feature Xbox cannot continue to ignore
A modest refresh that leaves long‑time Elite users wanting more from Microsoft's flagship pad
May 17th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Has Seemingly Rebranded to XBOX (Seriously)
Following a seemingly innocent Twitter poll, CEO Asha Sharma unveiled an all-caps version of the gaming division's name.
May 17th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 16th, 2026

Microsoft appears to rebrand Xbox as XBOX
Microsoft changes Xbox account name to XBOX after fan poll
May 16th, 2026 — Source

The Internet Reacts To Xbox Trying To Rebrand As XBOX
This is no longer an Xbox, it's now an XBOX
May 16th, 2026 — Source

Xbox finally fixes its clinical PC achievements problem — a welcome change for handheld players
Goodbye sterile Windows pop-ups, hello Xbox achievements!
May 16th, 2026 — Source

Xbox has officially (kind of) become XBOX because apparently we weren't typing loud enough
A simple usage of caps lock seems to signal a new era for Xbox... sorry XBOX
May 16th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 15th, 2026

13 Things To Know Before Playing Forza Horizon 6
The new open-world Xbox racer is a blast and these tips should help you have a great time in Japan
May 15th, 2026 — Source

"A masterpiece": Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred review (story to endgame) Blizzard proves beyond all doubt that it's still among the world's best game artisans.
Diablo 4 "Lord of Hatred" expansion review: Hundreds of hours played, two expansions in, and mountains of painstaking improvements — I'm confident in saying Diablo 4 is now one of Blizzard's best ever games.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 Makes Cherry Blossoms Unbreakable Because 'They're An Iconic Element Of Japanese Culture'
Playground Games also opted to not include some Japanese temples and shrines to avoid being disrespectful
May 15th, 2026 — Source

GIGABYTE Announces OLED Monitor Bundle with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Elevating Gaming Across Every Genre
GIGABYTE, the world's leading computer brand, announced a new limited-time bundle campaign offering gamers an enhanced way to experience today's most popular titles. Starting April 24 through May 31, 2026, customers who purchase select GIGABYTE OLED gaming monitors will receive three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, unlocking access to a vast library of high-quality games across genres.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft's Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 leaks out
Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 images show extra bottom controls
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Next Week on XBOX: New Games for May 18 to 22
Welcome to Next Week on XBOX! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
May 15th, 2026 — Source

New Xbox Elite 3 controller spotted. Here's the one thing it needs
Two new Xbox controllers surfaced in regulatory filings. They seem good, but without Hall effect or TMR sticks they won't be worth it.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

PlayStation's Bungie Acquisition: How the Deal Turned Against Sony
PlayStation's $765 million write-down following its acquisition of Bungie highlights the challenges of aligning corporate goals in the gaming industry. As reported by Bellular News, the deal was intended to bolster PlayStation's live-service gaming strategy, but it has faced significant setbacks. Bungie's flagship game, Destiny 2, has struggled with declining player engagement and the planned reboot of Marathon has been delayed indefinitely after receiving poor initial feedback. These issues, combined with leadership changes and layoffs, have disrupted PlayStation's efforts to expand its live-service portfolio.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Saccharine Echo: Paranormal Dating Novel or Something More?
While the otome genre has its own conventions and distinctive features, Saccharine Echo reimagines some of them to create a fresh, cross-genre experience. Out today on XBOX Series X|S, it combines themes uncommon for a romantic visual novel with pixel art and vivid characters, creating a story that leaves a lasting impression.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Share of the Week: EA Sports FC 26
Players capture goals and fanfare in EA Sports FC 26, available as a PlayStation Plus Monthly Game for May.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Subnautica 2 Is Off To A Massive Start
Subnautica 2 is putting up some truly impressive concurrent player count numbers immediately after launch.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Elite Series 3 Leak Points to Dual Scroll Wheels and Swappable Battery
It's a great time for fans of premium controllers: not only did the new Steam Controller just release to high sales and critical acclaim, but now leaked photos confirm the existence of an Xbox Elite Series 3 controller.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Xbox mode got overshadowed by this awesome new addition to Windows 11 in the latest Patch Tuesday update
The May Patch Tuesday update introduces Xbox mode, haptics for supported mice, and a bunch of improvements.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Series X Could Outrun PlayStation 5 With AMD FSR 4.1 Thanks To 2x Hardware Edge And Better SDK Support
Since their launch, multiplatform games released on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 have had very few differences, and those that do exist are often too minor to affect the average player. However, according to a recent analysis from Moore's Law Is Dead, AMD FSR 4.1 coming to RDNA 2 GPUs in the near future could allow the current-generation system from Microsoft to strike a major victory against the competition thanks to its hardware and software development kit.
May 15th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 14th, 2026

All Treasure Car Locations In Forza Horizon 6
Nine new treasure cars are tucked away in Forza Horizon 6, and you'll have only a photo for each of them as a clue.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Devolver snubs Xbox fans: "Grand finale" Talos Principle 3 will skip Xbox completely
It's another example of Xbox's predicament, as publishers seem to begin snubbing Xbox at an increasing clip. Talos Principle 3 will skip Xbox, with PS5 and PC versions planned only.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Embrace the Gamepad on Your Gaming PC: The Xbox Mode Guide
Your gaming PC just got a lot more console-like.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 -- 15 More Details You May Not Know
The sheer scale of Playground Games' newest open-world racer ensures even more notable details before its May 19th launch.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 is the "most confident, most refined, and most fun" yet — the best-looking racer on Xbox and PC
Playground Games proves once again why it's the top dog when it comes to racing games, as Forza Horizon looks better than ever.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 review: a stunning open-world Japanese adventure
Stunning views of Japan, diverse biomes, a massive map with tons of things to discover, a big list of cars, and so much more.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6: The Kotaku Review
Xbox's new open-world racing game doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it didn't really need to
May 14th, 2026 — Source

How to Enable Xbox: Embrace the Gamepad on Your Gaming PC
Microsoft finally bridged the gap between PC and console. From a unified game library to improved performance, here's how the new native Xbox Mode transforms your humdrum PC into the ultimate couch-gaming machine.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Leaked images show Microsoft's new Xbox Cloud Gaming controller
A Brazilian regulator has published photos of an unreleased Xbox controller.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft compact Xbox controller leaks with Wi-Fi 6 for cloud gaming
Compact Xbox Cloud Gaming controller appears in leaked photos
May 14th, 2026 — Source

"Playground does it again:" Our Forza Horizon 6 review roundup points to a major win for Xbox with the highest rated game of 2026 so far
Forza Horizon 6 reviews are in, and Playground Games may have delivered one of the franchise's strongest entries yet.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

s&box's New Update Punishes AI Slop Content By Ranking It Lower To Discourage Users From 'Making Everything Look Like The Same Sh*t'
The new tools will help s&box's devs "identify and discourage the AI Slop" that's currently littering the game's discovery tab
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 Developer Reported Around £5 Million in Profit As of June 30th, 2025
The company noted that its work on the Enhanced Edition of Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 has paid off with better critical acclaim.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Why Xbox Just Removed Its Biggest Multiplayer Paywall
Microsoft's recent announcement marks a significant shift in the gaming landscape, as Xbox Live multiplayer is now free for all players. This decision eliminates the long-standing paywall that previously restricted access to online multiplayer features, opening the door for broader participation in games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone. As highlighted by Colt Eastwood, this move aligns with industry trends and reflects Microsoft's commitment to fostering a more inclusive gaming environment. By removing this barrier, the company is making online gaming more accessible to casual and budget-conscious players, signaling a new era for the Xbox ecosystem.
May 14th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 11th, 2026

A Tourist Guide: Top 5 Landmarks to Visit in Outbound, Out Today
The wait is officially over. Outbound launches on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC today, and we finally get to trade our office chairs for a driver's seat and take our dream camper-vans out onto the open road!
May 11th, 2026 — Source

Discord adds a free Xbox Game Pass 'starter edition' for Nitro subscribers
Nitro members will also get discounts off Logitech and SteelSeries gear.
May 11th, 2026 — Source or Source

Discord Nitro Subscribers Now Get Game Pass Included
Yet another version of Xbox Game Pass has been confirmed.
May 11th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 Disastrously Leaks Online Over A Week Ahead Of Its Official Release
An unencrypted Steam build appears to have gotten out in the wild
May 11th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 has leaked a week ahead of launch
Microsoft's Xbox division can't get a break these days. Forza Horizon, from studio Playground Games, was set to arrive on May 19th, but has been leaked online and cracked by pirates, Video Games Chronicle reported. Downloads for the PC version starting popping up on sharing sites like GameDrive after Steam users reportedly got hold of an unencrypted preload version of the game. 
May 11th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 Suffers Massive Leak Just Days Before Launch
It turns out that yes, some people would download a car (game) illegally.
May 11th, 2026 — Source

Gears Of War Creator Lays Out Vision For A New Game, And It Sounds Intriguing
Dude Huge wants to make a game called Hollow Point.
May 11th, 2026 — Source

Gears of War: E-Day Lands Between Halo and Fable as WWE Sponsorship Hints at September Slot in Xbox's Calendar
We might have a probable launch month for Gears of War: E-Day, The Coalition's new installment in the third-person shooter series.
May 11th, 2026 — Source

How a fan‑made Minecraft modpack recreates a full Halo roguelike experience with iconic weapons, enemies, and survival rules
Halo Rogue transforms Minecraft Java Edition into a Halo-inspired survival roguelike complete with Covenant enemies, Halo weapons, and iconic locations.
May 11th, 2026 — Source

Sandisk's official Xbox Ally / X microSD card is solid — but should you actually buy it?
I was able to grab Sandisk's official microSD card for the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X range. But ... it's honestly not much more than a logo. Here's what you need to know.
May 11th, 2026 — Source

"We currently only support Steam and EGS stores for PC": A major upcoming sequel ditches Xbox PC and Xbox Play Anywhere — is this an emerging trend?
Aliens: Fireteam Elite was a surprise win for Xbox PC and Play Anywhere a few years ago. The sequel has not only ditched Play Anywhere, but Xbox PC all up.
May 11th, 2026 — Source

WWE Teaser Might Have Revealed the Gears of War: E-Day Release Date
Marcus and Rey Fenix Tag Team?
May 11th, 2026 — Source

XBOX Game Pass and Discord: Building on Our Partnership to Bring More Benefits to Players
For years, XBOX and Discord have worked together to make it easier to connect, chat, and play together across devices. From bringing Discord voice to XBOX consoles to enabling live streaming directly to your Discord friends, we've been focused on meeting players where they already are and making gaming more social along the way.
May 11th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass Price, Day-One Games, And Tiers In 2026 Explained
With several different Xbox Game Pass memberships available, here's a quick breakdown on what you get with each one.
May 11th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition launches through Discord Nitro
Discord adds Xbox Game Pass access to Nitro membership
May 11th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Owners Accidentally Get Lego Batman Early As PC Players Bemoan Surprise Denuvo DRM
Fans are already bracing for spoilers
May 11th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 10th, 2026

A new Subnautica 2 gameplay trailer just dropped ahead of its Early Access release
We're just a few days from the Early Access release of Subnautica 2 after a long wait, and the team has been sharing glimpses into the gameplay to drum up the hype. This weekend, the developers at Unknown Worlds hosted a two-hour livestream showcasing the first dive for anyone itching to get a deeper look at the game. The team also dropped a short gameplay trailer, which you can check out below. Subnautica 2 will be available in Early Access on May 14 from Steam, Xbox and Epic.
May 10th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Asher Sharma's Xbox Reveal: Project Helix Details and Halo Remakes Confirmed
Xbox's recent announcements have set the stage for significant developments across its platform, with updates spanning hardware, game franchises and leadership strategy. As highlighted by Colt Eastwood, one of the most notable reveals is more details about Project Helix, Microsoft's next-generation hardware platform expected to launch within the next two years. Designed with a focus on personalization and advanced capabilities, Project Helix is projected to range in price from $800 to $1,200, aiming to cater to diverse gaming preferences.
May 10th, 2026 — Source

Early Xbox Mode testing reveals single-monitor limitation for Windows gamers
Early testing of Microsoft's new Xbox Mode for Windows has revealed that the interface does not support multi-monitor configurations. User reports suggest that activating the controller-friendly full-screen interface causes secondary displays to black out, restricting the user to a single-monitor experience.
May 10th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft keeps fixing Windows and Xbox, but the community keeps complaining
A week of Windows and Xbox improvements meets a community that still isn't ready to give Microsoft credit.
May 10th, 2026 — Source

Winhanced just made the Xbox app feel outdated on handheld gaming PCs, and I can't believe how much smoother it is
Full Game Pass support, cloud gaming, remote play, and TDP controls make Winhanced feel far more complete than what Xbox themselves are currently offering.
May 10th, 2026 — Source

Xbox's most underrated co‑op shooter gets a surprise sequel, and its 4‑player bug‑hunt vibe has me very excited
Aliens: Fireteam Elite is coming back with a sequel, and it's bringing with it new Xenomorphs, a new class, new guns, and 4-player crossplay co-op
May 10th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 9th, 2026

"62% won't pay $70 anymore": Gen Z's shift toward Xbox Game Pass has me rethinking how we buy video games and subscriptions
A new gaming study suggests audiences are moving away from ownership, and Xbox Game Pass may finally benefit from that shift.
May 9th, 2026 — Source

Subnautica 2 Gameplay Trailer Teases the Mysterious Tree Ahead of Early Access
"You're going to die here. And that's all right," teases the mysterious voice in Unknown Worlds' latest gameplay reveal.
May 9th, 2026 — Source

"We want a real voice": Why developers at Double Fine are launching a union effort and what it signals for the wider Xbox ecosystem
For those unfamiliar with Double Fine, the studio is best known for creating Psychonauts back in 2005. Microsoft later acquired the studio in 2019, and it went on to release Psychonauts 2 in 2021. More recently, Double Fine released titles like Keeper and Kiln, both of which were received quite positively online.
May 9th, 2026 — Source

Workers for Xbox studio Double Fine are forming a union
Double Fine, the first-party Xbox game developer behind Psychonauts, is forming a union. As Aftermath reports, the studio has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on May 7 to form a union with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) involving all 42 regular part-time and full-time employees. 
May 9th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 8th, 2026

Arty-Facts: Why Two Point Museum's New DLC is the Most Creative One Yet
In the world of Two Point Museum, moving from dusting fossils to commissioning works of art might seem like a pretty big change in scenery -- but that's exactly what the next adventure has in store for our curators. As one of the most eagerly awaited DLCs, finally bringing an art museum to Arty-Facts felt like the perfect next step for Two Point.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Control Resonant: Remedy on the Exciting Sequel, Xbox Play Anywhere, and Self-Publishing
A highlight for independent developers is having the creative control in the direction of the experience they want to bring to the player. It's what makes indies such a unique facet of game development today.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Crimson Desert's Next Patch Adds New Special Mounts and Material Extraction, Out in "Next Few Days"
The "extraction" feature lets you recover "materials used in equipment refinement," potentially providing an upgrade rollback option.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 Launch Trailer Packs in Tons of Drifts and Gorgeous Japan Scenery
Set to the tune of "Enchanting Stranger" by Milk Talk, it's a quick peek at all the sights and spectacles that players will encounter.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for May 11 to 15
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
May 8th, 2026 — Source

RGG Studio's Stranger Than Heaven officially arrives some time "This Winter"
First teased back during 2024's The Game Awards, Ryu Ga Gotoku (RGG) studio -- known best for their work on the Like a Dragon (Yakuza) series -- unveiled Project Century: a brand new IP from the team. Since revealed to be officially titled 'Stranger Than Heaven' the team have now confirmed that this much-anticipated title will arrive some time "This Winter."
May 8th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Sony Aims to "Improve the Performance" of Marathon by Focusing on Content, Player Acquisition
Sony CFO Lin Tao has said that, while Bungie's acquisition has led to losses, the critical reception for Marathon has been quite strong.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Development Kit to Offer Power Optimization Options to Help Handheld Development
The company has also seemingly created a prototype Xbox handheld, dubbed Project Green Leaf, to help it develop these features.
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox mode on Windows 11 blanks secondary monitors in multi-display setups
Xbox mode still needs work for desktop PCs
May 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox's Leaked Project Green Leaf Ditches PlayStation's Hardware-Level Approach, Prioritizing Developer Flexibility to Deliver 30% Power Savings on Windows Handhelds
While Microsoft has reportedly canned its dedicated Xbox handheld, it seems the company is still interested in handheld gaming in some form, working on the leaked Xbox Project Green Leaf to address the efficiency gap between Windows-based handhelds and the Steam Deck by integrating power-saving measures directly into the Xbox GDK.
May 8th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Gaming — Xbox — May 7th, 2026

A new Halo Studios report claims the Xbox studio is actively developing "Halo Next" — with fresh details on the Endless, the Flood, and Joseph Staten's original plans.
Details of Halo Studios' next campaign are reportedly surfacing.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

Free Play Days -- Catan and Deadside
We got a double header this weekend with Free Play Days! Catan and Deadside are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members to play from Thursday May 7 until Sunday, May 10.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

Inside the return of Xbox
Microsoft's new Xbox CEO is starting to make bigger changes.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

Mixtape: Decks, Debauchery and Dreams Carry This New Narrative Experience, Out Now with Game Pass
As author Nick Hornby once wrote in his seminal novel 'High Fidelity': "Making a tape is like writing a letter -- there's a lot of erasing and rethinking and starting again..." and I think that same logic can be applied to the making of a video game too. There are a hell of a lot of rules, according to Hornby.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

There's actually a good deal happening now on the Xbox Series X
If overpriced consoles aren't your cup of tea, we found deals on fast Qi 2.2 power banks, AirTags, and Lego's flowers.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

Xbox continues its brand refresh with a slick new boot-up animation that leans into nostalgia and the return of "Team Green"
Xbox is introducing a brand new boot-up animation for Xbox consoles as part of the company's ongoing brand refresh.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

Xbox shows off new console boot up sequence as part of brand refresh
In the wake of Asha Sharma's appointment as the new CEO of Xbox, we've seen the console maker rather quickly pivot away from its previous brand identity which it had built over the past couple generations. Following the unveiling of their new logo, Xbox have now shared a look at the new console boot up sequence coming to all systems soon.
May 7th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — May 4th, 2026

Halo 2 and Halo 3 remakes are reportedly in development
Within the next few months, Halo Studios will ship its first project, a remake of the original Halo campaign built in Unreal Engine 5. According to rumours, Halo: Campaign Evolved may just be the beginning, with remakes also planned for Halo 2 and Halo 3.
May 4th, 2026 — Source

Not seeing Xbox mode in Windows 11 yet? Unlock it using this free tool
Not seeing Xbox mode in Windows 11 yet? Unlock it using this free toolWindows 11's new Xbox mode boosts gaming performance. Here's how to enable it using ViVeTool, even while waiting for the official rollout.
May 4th, 2026 — Source

Subnautica 2 Coming to Xbox Game Preview on May 14
The wait is almost over! On May 14, Subnautica 2 will enter Game Preview on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, available day one as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
May 4th, 2026 — Source

To save Xbox, Asha Sharma doesn't have to defeat PlayStation or Steam — she has to defeat Microsoft itself.
I've been covering Xbox for over a decade, and the same cycle keeps coming up time and time again: Microsoft itself is Xbox's biggest enemy. And to save Xbox, Asha Sharma will need to convince CEO Satya Nadella that subsidizing their recent sprint of poor decisions will take more than one or even two fiscal years.
May 4th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — April 27th, 2026

Aphelion's Audio Team Explains Its Immersive Soundscape
Aphelion is out tomorrow, and my colleagues (Kevin England, Sound Designer, and Mathieu Fiorentini, Senior Sound Designer) and I wanted to talk about one of the highlights of the game: music and sound design.
April 27th, 2026 — Source

Don't sleep on 'MOUSE: P.I. For Hire,' a new and fantastic boomer shooter on Xbox — Mickey Mouse, it ain't!
Allow me to introduce you to one of the best artistic creations since Cup Head.
April 27th, 2026 — Source

Krauser Joins Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, Celebrating One Year
Once feared as the Emperor of Darkness, Krauser ruled society's underworld with absolute cruelty—until he was said to have fallen in battle to the indomitable Hungry Wolf. Or so the story goes. Those rumors, carefully spread by his own son, painted Krauser as a relic of the past: defeated, dethroned, forgotten.
April 27th, 2026 — Source

"Memory costs will impact pricing, availability": Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has concerns over the next-gen 'Project Helix' console rollout
Sharma outlines how rising memory costs could shape "Project Helix", while keeping launch timing firmly unconfirmed for now.
April 27th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Confirms Rising Memory Costs Will Impact Next-Gen Xbox Pricing
Asha Sharma, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Xbox, has gone on record saying that yes indeed, "memory costs will impact pricing" of Microsoft's next-generation game console. Not maybe, not might, but will. Not that this is any surprise, given everything that has already transpired, but it serves as a sobering reminder that we're not yet out of the woods and may not be for quite some time still.
April 27th, 2026 — Source

Valor Mortis, Gungrave G.O.R.E: Blood Heat Will Have Demos at Summer Game Fest: Play Days 2026
Spotlighted by Xbox, other titles with demos include Aniimo, Grave Seasons, Don't Fret, Erosion, and, of all things, Grounded 2.
April 27th, 2026 — Source

Xbox at Summer Game Fest Play Days 2026: Meet the Developers of This Year's Featured Games
Spring is in the air, which means Summer Game Fest is right around the corner. This year, Xbox has assembled a phenomenal crew of developers from all over the world -- from Sacramento to Kraków to Hangzhou -- eager to share their work at Summer Game Fest Play Days.
April 27th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — April 26th, 2026

Why Xbox's Leaked $1,200 Project Helix Console Might Actually Be a Bargain
Xbox's Project Helix represents a bold step in gaming hardware, blending console and PC functionalities into a single hybrid device. According to Colt Eastwood, the system is expected to launch with a price range of $1,000 to $1,200. "Boy that escalated quickly, I mean that really got out of hand fast". Relying on third-party manufacturing rather than traditional in-house production. Notable features include AMD's RDNA 5 GPUs and a high-performance APU, which aim to match the capabilities of gaming PCs typically priced between $2,000 and $3,000.
April 24th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — April 24th, 2026

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced adds ray tracing, reworked combat, and handheld support
Black Flag is back, and it looks more like a remake than a remaster
April 24th, 2026 — Source

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Producer Says Game's Reveal Was 'Toned Down' After Complaints That Ubisoft Had Removed Blood
During the game's big livestream premiere, numerous viewers commented on the lack of claret seen in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced gameplay, leaving action sequences looking oddly sanitized. In response, producer Justin Ng has now addressed the situation via social media, and confirmed that gameplay shown during the reveal had been "toned down."
April 24th, 2026 — Source

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Teases Blackbeard's Treasure Quest in New Cinematic Trailer
A new addition with the remake sees Edward Kenway seemingly embarking on a treasure hunt after discovering a map from an old friend.
April 24th, 2026 — Source

Black Flag Remake Dev Reacts To Feedback: 'There WILL Be Blood In The Final Game, And It Will Not Be A Paid DLC'
Assassin's Creed fans have been picking over the reveal footage with lots of questions
April 24th, 2026 — Source

"Game Pass Starter Edition" For Discord Nitro Members Leaks
Yet another version of Game Pass is on the way.
April 24th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — April 23rd, 2026

5 more AWESOME Xbox April indies: Take a break from getting beat up in Hades 2
Manage a bookshop or break out as a hit content creator in these newly released games brought to you by ID@Xbox.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

"A fantastic option for players of all skill levels": One of our favorite budget Xbox/PC controllers is having its biggest sale of 2026
The GameSir G7 SE offers great controls for Xbox and PC, with Hall-Effect sensors to prevent stick drift.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Anno 117, Age of Mythology: Retold, and more join Xbox Free Play Days
It's Free Play Days time for Xbox fans, and this time, it's brought MLB The Show 26, The Survivalists, Anno 117, and more to try out.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Call of Duty Franchise's Older Entries Are Coming to Game Pass This Year -- Rumor
Currently, only WW2, the recent Modern Warfare trilogy, and the last two Black Ops games are available through Game Pass.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 03 Reloaded has a release date and a HEAP of content, as well as a dose of RoboCop
The content train does not stop for Call of Duty, and the next barrel full is dropping just a week.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 5 Quietly Became a PS5 Blockbuster With 5 Million Sales, Burying Any Hope of Xbox Returning to Exclusives
Forza Horizon 5 launched on PlayStation 5 last year, and a few short months after its release, it was evident how the game was a smashing success on Sony's console, outselling even first-party games. Today, co-developer Virtuos confirmed on its official website that the racing game they helped develop was one of the best-selling games in 2025, surpassing 5 million copies worldwide.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Free Play Days -- MLB The Show 26, Anno 117: Pax Romana, The Survivalists and Age of Mythology: Retold
Chase the rainy days away this weekend with Free Play Days! MLB The Show 26, Anno 117: Pax Romana and The Survivalists are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members to play from Thursday, April 23 until Sunday, April 26.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Game Pass Might Lose More Day One Game Releases Than Call of Duty, Says Analyst
By getting a 12-month window for Game Pass releases, analyst Piers Harding-Rolls believes other studios could also generate more revenue.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Halo Studios' Rumoured Battle Royale Halo Has Reportedly Pivoted to an Extraction Shooter
We've been hearing rumors of Halo Studios looking to add a battle royale mode to the Halo franchise, either as a new individual title or as a game mode in a larger game, for years now. Whether it was actually the case or not, to players, the idea of a Halo battle royale always seemed like Xbox trying to chase one of the most popular genre trends in the video game industry. That seems to be the same thing driving the latest rumor about what's coming next from Halo Studios, which claims that the battle royale mode has pivoted to chase the latest trend, extraction shooters.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

JNG Studio Reveals its F2P Cozy Party Game, Project ATOM is Officially Called Totopia, First Beta Launches Next Month
Project ATOM was first revealed last year as a new cozy free-to-play party platformer from developer JNG Studio. Now, during today's ID@Xbox Spring Showcase 2026 event, it's still a cozy free-to-play party platformer, but it has an official title, as it is now called Totopia. Developer JNG Studio also confirmed that the game's first public beta playtest will take place next month, starting on May 7, 2026.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Kiln: Let's Get Started on Your Pottery Party Brawler Journey with These Launch Day Tips
It's time to get fired up! Kiln is now available for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, PlayStation 5, Steam, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and with support for Xbox Play Anywhere and Handheld Optimized!
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Microsoft brings Xbox back, scraps Microsoft Gaming
Xbox is Microsoft's gaming identity moving forward.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Microsoft doesn't know what to do with Call of Duty and is trying everything except making the game good again
Call of Duty leaves Game Pass at possibly the worst time with GTA 6 looming, but the bigger problem seems to be no actual plan for the future of the franchise.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Finally 'Actively Investigating' Why Some Xbox 360 Games Haven't Been Working On New Consoles For Months [Update: A Fix Is Out]
With apologies to the retro fans
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Microsoft GDK update adds native ARM64 preview for Xbox PC game builds
Microsoft April 2026 GDK adds native ARM64 game build preview
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Offers One-Time 'Voluntary Retirement Program' For The First Time In 50 Years
Also: Orbitals continues to look excellent in its new gameplay trailer
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Reduces Prices on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
The catch? The new Call of Duty will no longer be available day one.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Microsoft teases upcoming Game Pass x Discord improvements
Xbox's new CEO Asha Sharma has been quick to take action following the executive's recent appointment, announcing that Game Pass prices would be coming down, while Call of Duty will no longer be a day-one addition to the service. Teasing even more changes, Sharma has revealed that Xbox's partnership with the social platform Discord is set to grow further.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Microsoft's next Xbox could get Asus and MSI variants, leaker claims
Project Helix could blur the line between console hardware and the PC ecosystem
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

More Call Of Duty Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass This Year - Report
Only a small selection of the popular FPS franchise is available on the subscription service currently.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

NVIDIA rolls out GeForce NOW labels for Xbox Game Pass and Ubisoft+ titles
NVIDIA updates GeForce NOW with Game Pass and Ubisoft+ library labels
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Online Multiplayer Chaos Meets Creativity In Double Fine's Pottery Party Brawler, Kiln
A bold new kind of multiplayer experience is taking shape.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

"Over 2 billion matches restored": I'm diving back into my Bungie-era Halo stats with this incredible fan-made 'Halo Archive'
A dedicated fan effort has restored billions of Halo match stats, giving players a chance to revisit their Bungie era history and relive those standout multiplayer moments.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

"Pearl Abyss delivers": Crimson Desert's biggest Xbox patch so far brings major gameplay changes and meaningful updates
Crimson Desert's latest patch is one of its biggest yet, adding difficulty settings, expanding core systems, and introducing new content alongside combat and visual improvements.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Play One of the Best Games of 2025 Right Now on Xbox Game Pass
You can also play Vampire Crawlers, the follow-up to the popular game Vampire Survivors.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive is Coming to Xbox Series X/S in Q3 2026
Sung Jinwoo's adventure is coming to a new platform, but can it manage to leave the PC version's problems behind? We certainly hope so.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

The quiet surrender: Why Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam all handed social to Discord
I've been thinking about how platforms quietly stepped away from social features, and how Discord is filling that gap.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

There Are No Ghosts At The Grand Trailer Showcases its 30 Day Limit, Gameplay and Story
The trailer gives us the lowdown on protagonist Chris David, and his dual gameplay of renovating a hotel and hunting ghosts.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Welcome Back, Captain -- Here's What's New in Assassins Creed Black Flag Resynced
As one of the Xbox One's headline launch window games in November 2013, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag became synonymous with the console's release. Many of you might have fond memories of picking up the two together, booting up the console for the first time, and stepping into the sun-drenched Caribbean rendered in higher definition than ever before, the lazy holiday period spread out in front of you. Bliss.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass Review: It's a Little Pricier, but Still a Great Gaming Deal
This service makes PC, cloud and handheld gaming easy for everyone at every price.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Helix Leak Points to $3000 PC-Class Performance in Next-Gen Console
A new round of leaks surrounding Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Project Helix suggests the company is preparing a significant shift in console hardware strategy, with performance targets that approach high-end gaming PCs. According to claims from leaker Moore's Law Is Dead, the system could deliver performance comparable to a $2,000 to $3,000 desktop gaming PC, while potentially launching at a considerably lower price point in the $1,000 to $1,200 range. The reported specifications indicate that Helix may rely on a semi-standard AMD APU rather than a fully custom design. This would mark a departure from traditional console development, aligning the platform more closely with PC hardware principles.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Xbox 'Teaming Up' With Discord For New Game Pass Offering
Put your money where your mouth is.
April 23rd, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — April 21st, 2026

5 Graphics Cards That Could Outperform Xbox Series X
Modern consoles and PCs are more similar than they are distinct. The Sony PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X both have AMD SoCs that use its Zen 2 and RDNA CPU and GPU architectures, albeit with custom specs. Console-exclusive games are also the exception now, with many Xbox and PS5 titles coming to PC sooner or later.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

ASUS and MSI may build Xbox Next Project Helix systems, leaker says
Leaker says Project Helix may power both Microsoft Xbox hardware and OEM systems from ASUS and MSI
April 21st, 2026 — Source

"Coming soon": It looks like you'll finally be able to spend Microsoft Rewards directly on your Xbox console
Microsoft is rolling out a new Rewards feature that will let Xbox users spend points directly on console when making purchases.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, Citizen Sleeper and more leave Game Pass
The next round of titles for Xbox Game Pass has been announced, including big hitters like Final Fantasy V and Double Fine's latest game, Kiln. There are also some rather big names leaving the Game Pass library this month too, however, including Crytek's multiplayer hit, Hunt Showdown 1896.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

GameSir Announces T7 Pro Sugar Whirl Xbox Controller
Step into a dreamscape of play with the GameSir T7 Pro Wireless "Sugar Whirl" -- a part of Pastel Collection. Inspired by the delicate swirl of cotton candy and morning skies, its translucent blending shell blends soft pinks, blues, and lavenders into a controller that's as stunning as it is precise. Designed for effortless style and graceful control.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

"It's an understatement to say it's an amazing value for the money": How is it that this Hall Effect Xbox controller with 1000Hz Polling on PC is this cheap?
Many controllers focus on being purely wired or wireless, but there are a few that can do so while being compatible with multiple platforms, albeit at a high cost.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

"It may feel different at first": Microsoft Teams will stop you from leaving meetings or raising your hand accidentally
Small UI tweaks aim to cut down on accidental hand raises and premature exits.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

"Protect and elevate the Xbox brand": Microsoft hires for major new comms role, pointing to a potential shift in PR strategy
Microsoft has listed and closed applications for a Senior Manager, Xbox Brand and Reputation role.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

"Project Helix will be available as a 1st party Xbox console": Microsoft pushes back on swirling third-party hardware rumors
Jason Ronald provides a direct response, signaling continued commitment to in-house console hardware under Project Helix.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

StarCraft Shooter's Art-Style is Closer to StarCraft 2 Cinematics Than Overwatch -- Rumor
On a scale between the realistic style of Diablo 4 and Overwatch's stylized look, the StarCraft project is described as closer to the former.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

Vampire Crawlers, Kiln and more to join Xbox Game Pass
Twice a month, Microsoft updates its Xbox Game Pass library with a number of new titles. For the remainder of April, subscribers can look forward to a variety of exciting indies alongside smaller Xbox Studios titles, including but not limited to Vampire Crawlers; Kiln and Little Rocket Lab.
April 21st, 2026 — Source

Xbox Helix may use standard RDNA 5 graphics, according to latest rumor
New Xbox Helix leak narrows custom silicon to CPU and NPU
April 21st, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — April 17th, 2026

7 Reasons to Get Excited for Directive 8020 on Xbox
Pre-orders are now open for Directive 8020, a cinematic sci-fi survival horror game from Supermassive Games, launching May 12 on Xbox Series X|S.
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Assassin's Creed Franchise Gets New Video Celebrating Combat Systems Through the Years
The video showcased how combat in the Assassin's Creed series has moved on from being counter-focused to including RPG systems.
April 17th, 2026 — Source

"Cloud Gaming with monthly time limit": Microsoft's code hints at an Xbox Game Pass 'TRITON' codename and new 'Duet' tier
Xbox may be testing new limits for cloud gaming as 'TRITON' and 'Duet' codenames surface again, hinting at subscription variety.
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Crimson Desert's Success Reveals the Importance of Imperfections in Gaming
With over five million sales and counting, Crimson Desert is a testament to the appeal of audacious, albeit rough gameplay.
April 17th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Everyone's Waiting for GTA 6, But Many Are Still Not Ready for Crimson Desert
Rockstar's highly-anticipated offering is sure to hog the spotlight this year, but Crimson Desert has managed to craft an experience that's going to be at the back of our minds even as our eyes are on GTA 6.
April 17th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Fable's Development Was Helped by Blizzard's Cinematics Team
Microsoft Gaming's Matt Booty spoke about how studios under the Xbox banner work together to help each other on various aspects.
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Game Pass Rumor Details
Campaign evolved.
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Inside Project Helix: Microsoft's Console-PC Hybrid Coming In 2027
Microsoft's announcement of Project Helix introduces a hybrid system that merges console and PC gaming into a unified platform. Set for release in late 2027, this next-generation Xbox features a custom AMD chipset that incorporates DirectX's latest graphics API and FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). According to Colt Eastwood, this hardware combination is designed to deliver high frame rates and improved visual fidelity, even in graphically demanding games. Additionally, the system supports cross-play functionality and shared game libraries, aiming to enhance accessibility across devices.
April 17th, 2026 — Source

"It really is coming along": Xbox games head Matt Booty was asked which upcoming game from Microsoft stands out — here's what he said (and why I agree)
Xbox CCO Matt Booty says Clockwork Revolution and the teams at InXile "punch above their weight."
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Xbox mode is now rolling out to Windows 11 PCs through Insider Preview
Microsoft's Xbox mode reaches Windows 11 tablets, laptops and desktops
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 20 to 24
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
April 17th, 2026 — Source

One Of The Best Call Of Duty Games Just Came To Game Pass
This fantastic Call of Duty game is now available on Game Pass, and not just for Ultimate subscribers.
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Play One of the Best Games of 2025 Right Now on Xbox Game Pass
You can also play Vampire Crawlers, the follow-up to the popular game Vampire Survivors.
April 17th, 2026 — Source

'People of Note': Turn-based combat becomes a full-blown musical experience in this new Xbox Play Anywhere title from Annapurna Interactive
People of Note cranks up the volume on music puns while you jam out to its heartfelt narrative.
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Samson Launches for Consoles This Fall, New Content Coming in May and June
The next patch also drops on April 22nd and includes combat improvements, new car variants, damage adjustments, and much more.
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Someone discovered Seagate's Xbox Storage Expansion cards can be used on PC — which has made their value more meaningful with these discounts
The Seagate Storage Expansion Cards are costly but reliable ways to expand your Xbox storage, but thanks to these discounts and a recent discovery that an accessory can make them usable on PC, their value has doubled
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Warhammer Survivors Reveals the Mighty Ork Menace and Xbox Launch in 2026
If you haven't heard of Warhammer Survivors, it's a fast-paced roguelite survivors' game, where you'll choose from a roster of iconic Warhammer champions and lead them against endless tides of enemies from the Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar universes.
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Xbox CCO teases upcoming Gears of War: E-Day Direct presentation
The Gears of War series remains as one of the big 3 Xbox franchises in many people's eyes (alongside Halo and Forza), with the long-awaited Gears of War: E-Day set to be its big return following roughly half-a-decade of absence. Ahead of the game's big blowout event scheduled for this June, Xbox's CCO Matt Booty has offered some slight teasers on what to expect from the upcoming presentation.
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Xbox reportedly considering 'first-party only' tier for Game Pass
Recently we learned through a leaked internal memo that the new leadership at Xbox now believes Game Pass to be too expensive, tasking the team with exploring ideas for new tiers and other ways to make pricing more flexible. One of the ideas already floating around is a new Game Pass tier that only includes access to first-party Xbox titles.
April 17th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — April 14th, 2026

Dosa Divas Brings the Heat With Turn-based Combat and Spicy Meals
Hi everyone, I'm Chandana Ekanayake, the Co-Founder and Creative Director at Outerloop Games. The team and I just launched Dosa Divas, a narrative RPG all about cooking delicious meals, reconciling with loved ones, and rebuilding communities. You can play the game starting today on Xbox Series X|S.
April 14th, 2026 — Source

Ex-Microsoft Xbox lead says he thinks Phil Spencer "did a fantastic job," and believes new CEO Asha Sharma has an "edge" — "I'm very optimistic."
Former Xbox VP Ed Fries believes Asha Sharma can "make things happen, change the world" as its CEO.
April 14th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft's new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma says Game Pass "has become too expensive for players," suggesting a price change — "we need a better value equation"
After last year's huge Xbox Game Pass price hike, it sounds like Microsoft wants to make it more affordable.
April 14th, 2026 — Source

New Xbox head thinks Game Pass has become too expensive for players
We are six months on from Microsoft's big shake-up of the Game Pass services, introducing new tiers and raising prices across the board, including a 50% price increase on the Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Now, new Xbox head, Asha Sharma, is telling employees that Game Pass needs "a better value equation".
April 14th, 2026 — Source

Play One of the Best Games of 2025 Right Now on Xbox Game Pass
You can also play Vampire Crawlers, the follow-up to the popular game Vampire Survivors.
April 14th, 2026 — Source

Replaced Dev Issues Warning
Long-awaited cyberpunk cinematic platformer Replaced is out today on PC and Xbox, but comes packed with an unfortunate game-breaking bug at launch on Series S. A patch has been promised for this week to fix the issue.
April 14th, 2026 — Source

"This is a pattern, not a coincidence": Halo Studios report highlights alleged leadership failures and staff treatment concerns
A new report builds on earlier claims, with multiple former developers speaking out following Glenn Israel's departure.
April 14th, 2026 — Source

Xbox boss reportedly says Game Pass "has become too expensive for players"
Internal memo suggests that subscription service requires "a better value equation"
April 14th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Boss Says Game Pass Is Too Expensive In Leaked Microsoft Memo
If you feel that Microsoft's Game Pass subscription tiers have become too expensive these days, you'll be delighted to learn that Asha Sharma, the new chief of Xbox, agrees with you.
April 14th, 2026 — Source

"Xbox users spend more than PS5": Grand Theft Auto V leak reveals GTA Online earnings — as consoles dominate PC
Leaked data reveals Rockstar Games' revenue, while consoles continue to significantly outpace PC across the board.
April 14th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — April 13th, 2026

4A Games Announces the Fourth Mainline Metro Game, Metro 2039, Full Reveal Coming This Thursday
4A Games, the studio behind the beloved Metro series has announced the next entry, Metro 2039, with a full reveal set for this coming Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST, as part of an 'Xbox First Look' event. This comes after a rumor that a new Metro game would be revealed popped up at the end of last week, amidst rumors of a State of Play event also set for this Thursday.
April 13th, 2026 — Source

Dome Keeper Multiplayer is Here! Will You Compete or Team Together?
Last December was a huge milestone for Bippinbits and Raw Fury: After five years of being a PC-only game, we released Dome Keeper on Xbox Series X|S. Not only that, but we reached an even wider audience by being included on Game Pass. Since then, more than 200,000 players have joined our community and shared their love for the game on socials, through screenshots, clips, videos, and tips. We couldn't be more grateful!
April 13th, 2026 — Source

Former Xbox Veteran Says Canceling The Last of Us Online Was the Right Call, Criticizes Naughty Dog and Sony for Green-lighting It in the First Place
"When people get mad about the cancellation, I think we're focusing on the wrong thing."
April 13th, 2026 — Source

Future Call of Duty games might not launch Day-One on Xbox Game Pass
Over its nearly 10 years of operation, Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass has undergone many different iterations. That said, throughout all of it, one standard which has remained true is the fact that first-party Microsoft titles would launch day-and-date onto the subscription service in conjunction with their wider releases. It seems as though this could come to an end however, with one insider claiming that future Call of Duty entries in particular could be exempt from day-one Game Pass launches.
April 13th, 2026 — Source

'Metro 2039' confirmed for "Xbox First Look" show: New format will spotlight games throughout the year.
Xbox's showcase production team has been on a big tear this year, and another new format is on the horizon: starting with the return of Metro.
April 13th, 2026 — Source or Source

Microsoft's new Xbox Gamepad Cursor adds a virtual mouse to handhelds
This new Xbox mode feature is ideal for apps that aren't designed for a controller.
April 13th, 2026 — Source

Play One of the Best Games of 2025 Right Now on Xbox Game Pass
You can also play Vampire Crawlers, the follow-up to the popular game Vampire Survivors.
April 13th, 2026 — Source

Project Helix
Project Helix is the codename for Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, described as a console‑PC hybrid built around a custom AMD system on chip codenamed Magnus and a Windows-based front end called the Xbox Full Screen Experience (later rebranded as Xbox mode).
April 13th, 2026 — Source

Valve customs record suggest first large shipment of 2026 Steam Controller
Valve customs record suggest first large shipment of 2026 Steam Controller
April 13th, 2026 — Source

Xbox's Biggest PS5 Port Yet Is Crashing So Much Some Are Calling It 'Unplayable'
Microsoft's biggest PS5 port yet is getting a rough reception
April 13th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — April 12th, 2026

Are Xbox Exclusives Returning Under Asha Sharma?
Xbox's current direction has drawn attention with discussions around the potential revival of exclusive titles under Asha Sharma's leadership. According to Colt Eastwood, key issues such as management struggles at Halo Studios and the extended development timeline of State of Decay 3 illustrate the challenges Xbox faces in maintaining its first-party lineup. These examples underscore the tension between delivering high-quality games and navigating internal hurdles, which remain central to Xbox's efforts to strengthen its position in the gaming industry.
April 12th, 2026 — Source

Call of Duty Could Be Removed From Game Pass This Year -- Rumor
After launching on day one for Game Pass for two consecutive years, Microsoft may be reconsidering its strategy for the future.
April 12th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Fable "Internally Delayed," Could Launch in December to Avoid GTA 6 -- Rumor
"It's still supposed to come out this year, but that probably means December," says Giant Bomb's Jeff Grubb about the upcoming RPG.
April 12th, 2026 — Source

Former Perfect Dark Design Director is Now Working on Blizzard's StarCraft Shooter -- Rumor
Drew Murray joined Blizzard Entertainment back in January and is seemingly involved in the rumored first-person shooter.
April 12th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Next-Gen Xbox Swag Is Already Circulating With Influencers
Do we know what Helix's deal is? No. Do we know what a hat with "HELIX" written on it looks like? Yes!
April 12th, 2026 — Source

Sapphire NITRO+ RX 9070 XT hits 9 reported 12V-2×6 connector melt cases
A new Reddit post has added another public report of a melted 12V-2×6 power connection on the Sapphire NITRO+ Radeon RX 9070 XT.
April 12th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — April 11th, 2026

Let's talk about it: Which Xbox console is the best-looking of all time and why is it the Xbox One X?
Microsoft has had a fair selection of different Xbox consoles over the years, but which do you think is the best design?
April 11th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Apologizes for Battery-Less Xbox Controllers, Sends Rechargeable Kits To Correct
Traditionally, Microsoft has included AA batteries with its Xbox game controllers as a way to help users get right into the game as soon as possible. However, apparently since at least December, Microsoft has accidentally been packaging and shipping its controllers without batteries.
April 11th, 2026 — Source

"Truthfully, I still think Bethesda is just part of something that is not authentic and is not genuine" — Pete Hines reflects on Bethesda after Microsoft's acquisition
The former Bethesda publishing head explains why he stayed post-acquisition, detailing frustration, mental strain, and the breaking point that led to his exit
April 11th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Project Helix Insiders Just Revealed the Radical New Dashboard
Microsoft's Project Helix introduces a hybrid gaming system that combines console and PC capabilities, aiming to streamline user experiences across platforms. A key feature of this initiative is the "Full Screen Experience" dashboard, currently being tested by Insider Hub members. According to Colt Eastwood, the dashboard prioritizes customization and cross-platform functionality, bringing services like Steam, Xbox Game Pass and Epic Games together in one interface.
April 11th, 2026 — Source

You Could Be Owed A Free Rechargeable Xbox Controller Battery - Here's Why
Were you lucky enough to grab an Xbox before the price hikes? If you did, you perhaps threw in an extra controller while you were at it. Or you may have received an Xbox controller for Christmas. Either way, it seems a whole batch of Xbox controllers sold since December 2025 now qualify for a free rechargeable battery pack.
April 11th, 2026 — Source or Source

Gaming — Xbox — April 9th, 2026

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Introduces First-Person Perspective for Story Scenes
While previous games have always been in third-person, the upcoming sequel lets players "freely change that perspective."
April 9th, 2026 — Source

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally Gets Improved Desktop Navigation via Game Bar's Gamepad Cursor
Aside from SteamOS being more tailored to the gaming handheld form factor, one of the Steam Deck's major differentiating factors is its trackpads, which make navigating desktop mode significantly less painful than it would otherwise be. While this trait is shared by the likes of the Lenovo Legion Go, it is not present on the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, making navigating Windows more challenging.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Former Microsoft Xbox VP says AI is "the big question mark" for the future of gaming — he believes "There won't be a line where it's 'AI' and 'not AI' anymore"
Ex-Microsoft gaming VP Ed Fries: "AI is being integrated in so many ways that it would be impossible not to use AI."
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Fresh Xbox discoveries point to "Duet" codename: A possible companion to "Triton" and more Game Pass subscription tiers?
A new codename has appeared in backend data, prompting speculation about Game Pass tiers and subscription bundles.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Graveyard Keeper giveaway is live on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation just as sequel gets announced
Lazy Bear Games has just announced a zombie-infested Graveyard Keeper II, just as the original management game is being given away.
April 9th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

I finally played Forza Horizon 6 and Japan is a spectacle the likes of which we've never seen
It just feels right that this year's Forza Horizon is in Japan. The spectacle is real.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Kiln: Double Fine Shares Their Favorite Pots as Open Beta Goes Live
We're just a few short weeks away from the launch of Double Fine's unique pottery brawler, with Kiln rolling ever closer to its April 23, 2026, launch date. If you can't wait to start playing, Kiln's Open Beta Throwdown is live starting today, and you can participate on Steam using the "Request Access" button until April 11, playing through a sampling of what the full game has to offer and helping fine tune its multiplayer magic alongside many other players and the team at Double Fine.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Play Hades 2, the Award-Winning Sequel, on Xbox Game Pass Now
You can also celebrate the start of the NHL playoffs with EA Sports NHL 26.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Subnautica, Project Motor Racing, and more games join Free Play Days for the weekend
From the four Free Play Days games available over this weekend, only one of them needs a Game Pass subscription to try out.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Windows and Xbox are now prioritizing user feedback in a huge pivot ... but why now? I can't help but be suspicious — it smells a bit like panic.
Is Microsoft's big AI push falling off the rails? Possibly, but not for the reasons you might think.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Achievements Get Visual Refresh and a Couple QoL Features
Microsoft has announced that the long-awaited visual refresh to Xbox Achievements is now available to Xbox Insiders. The team has given achievement notifications an overhaul with a new look and feel, including updated icons and animations for classic and rare achievements.
April 9th, 2026 — Source or Source

Xbox handheld owners finally get the one feature they've begged for, and it instantly fixes one of the platform's most annoying problems
A new Xbox Insider update adds joystick cursor support, offering a more intuitive way to navigate handheld devices compared to existing solutions like those available in Armoury Crate.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — April 8th, 2026

Asus ROG Xbox Ally review: The cheapest Windows handheld gets points for showing up
With the Steam Deck OLED in and out of stock, should you consider going the Windows route instead?
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Available for Xbox Insiders: New Improvements to Achievements
Starting today, select Xbox Insiders can begin testing improvements to Achievements that make it easier to celebrate your accomplishments and curate how they appear on your profile. These features will roll out to more Insiders over time, with broader availability coming later to all players. We're excited to hear what you think, and we'll keep bringing you more of the features you've been asking for.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Check Out Sierra's Gameplay in This New Overwatch Trailer
The new damage hero joins the Overwatch roster next week, swinging around on her drone.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 Devs: Custom Garages, Exploring Tokyo and... a GIANT ROBOT!? | Official Xbox Podcast
In this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're revving our engines and hitting the streets in Forza Horizon 6. We're talking to the devs about what it takes to translate the idyllic countrysides and fast-paced cities of Japan into an experience that has something for everyone.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 Is On Track To Be The Best One Yet
The next entry in Xbox's best franchise seems to be bigger and better
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 gives would-be racers another gorgeous open world to explore
Playground Games' latest is shaping up to be another strong entry in an important series for Xbox.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 Preview: Collectibles, Seamless Races and Open World Design Make for the Most Explorable Adventure Yet
The Forza Horizon games know how to make an entrance, and Forza Horizon 6 is no outlier.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Four new features I found in the Forza Horizon 6 preview that will change how you play the game
Smaller new features that add up to a big impact on how you play
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Halo Campaign Evolved Leak Reveals Late July Release Date and Early Access Period for PC, PS5, and Xbox
Halo Campaign Evolved, the Unreal Engine 5-powered remake of the first entry in the series, is launching on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S on July 28, according to reliable leaker grunt.api, with an early access period coming a few days earlier.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Here's a closer look at the gigantic Forza Horizon 6 Japan map, easily the greatest in the series' history
Japan is the right setting for Forza Horizon, even if it took until 2026 to get it.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

"I'm already sold": Xbox's new Forza Horizon 6 limited‑edition accessories are (almost) here — and they might be even cooler than I expected
A new report points to upcoming Forza Horizon 6-themed Xbox accessories, including pricing details and a return to limited-edition hardware releases.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

If you bought an Xbox controller recently: Read this — Microsoft says you might be eligible for free batteries.
Did you buy an Xbox controller between December 2025 and April 2026? You might be in luck.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Invincible VS Open Beta Begins Tomorrow: What You Need to Know
The time is upon us! Invincible VS's Open Beta kicks off tomorrow, April 9, giving players one final chance to step into the arena before launch. Whether you're a first-time fighter or an experienced brawler, now is the time to show us what you're made of.
April 8th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Halo: Campaign Evolved tipped for July release
It sounds like Halo: Campaign Evolved will be releasing much sooner than expected. The game was announced last year, with a vague 2026 release window but recent leaks point to a July release date.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Marathon Officially Adds Duos Queue in Season 2, New Experimental Playlist Coming Next Week
If you've been playing Marathon as part of a duo and enjoying it, you're getting a little break as the Outpost Duos option goes away.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

No Man's Sky: Assemble Your Creatures for Battle in the Xeno Arena with the Newest Free Update
Last month's Remnant update caused much hilarity as you tooled with your newfangled gravity guns and customisable exocraft, transporting precarious industrial cargo across uneven terrain in a classic risk versus reward fight. Our latest update is a whole different beast.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

The Real Reason Xbox's Project Helix PC Console Hybrid Has Gamers Worried
Xbox's Project Helix is an initiative designed to merge the convenience of console gaming with the flexibility of PC platforms. By incorporating technologies like FidelityFX Super Resolution and advanced ray tracing, it aims to enhance gaming performance and visual quality. However, as Kevin Kenson explains, this strategy raises concerns about compatibility and the potential loss of the simplicity that has traditionally defined console gaming.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Achievements Are Getting A Visual Overhaul And Other Welcome Changes
See the new look of Xbox Achievements.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Controllers Have Been Shipping Without Batteries For Months, But Microsoft Is Finally Compensating People
If you received an Xbox controller without the promised batteries, you can request a free rechargeable USB-C battery.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Xbox's new era needs games like Forza Horizon 6
Microsoft's most reliable franchise is back with what's shaping up to be another excellent entry.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

"You wanna live forever?!": A boomer shooter inspired by the satirical world of 'Starship Troopers' will have you blasting bugs on Xbox
Experience parallel campaigns as both a member of the United Citizen Federation and as an arachnid army hell bent on the destruction of the human race.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — April 6th, 2026

"Gameplay so good I nearly missed Age of Empires 4's new DLC announcement" — Red Bull's $250,000 Wololo Londinium tournament wraps up today, and you don't want to miss the finale
Yue Fei's Legacy is Age of Empires 4's next DLC, and it's set to launch next month.
April 6th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

State of Decay 3 Mixes the Second Game's Systemic Features With the "Heart and Soul" of the First
Undead Labs confirms that the sequel occurs "years into the future," with the zombie menace "presenting itself in a new way."
April 6th, 2026 — Source

State Of Decay 3 Trailer Was Basically Fake As Dev Dashes Fan Hopes For Zombie Deer
A 2020 Xbox reveal trailer was a hype video for a game that didn't even sort of exist yet
April 6th, 2026 — Source

State Of Decay 3's Announcement Trailer Wasn't Actually The Game
The trailer also featured things that won't be in the full game, like zombie deer.
April 6th, 2026 — Source

Xbox's long-awaited State of Decay 3 finally hits alpha
The long-anticipated survival sequel State of Decay 3 has finally re-emerged with the official announcement of its first alpha playtest. After years of sporadic updates and a perceived silence that left many fans questioning the project's status, Undead Labs released a new trailer signaling that development is reaching a major milestone. This news comes nearly six years after the game's reveal, providing a much-needed sign of life for the Xbox exclusive.
April 6th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Gaming — Xbox — April 3rd, 2026

A rare price drop hits the budget Xbox Ally, and it changes the value equation in a big way: A true Windows-based answer to the Steam Deck
ASUS' ROG Xbox Ally is the affordable little brother of the Xbox Ally X, with specs closer to the Steam Deck.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

CD Projekt CEO weighs in on the impact of Xbox Game Pass and Asha Sharma's new role: "She's a super smart person."
Michał Nowakowski outlines why bringing The Witcher 3 to Game Pass now makes sense.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Gears Of War Actor's Gears 6 Fanfic Involves Marcus Fighting His Zombie Son
The ending of Gears 5 puts any potential sequel in a pickle.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

GTA 5 Among Five Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass in April 2026
Xbox has already confirmed which video games will be leaving the Game Pass catalog in April 2026. The company has not yet announced the new additions, although we already know all the games that were added in the second batch of March, including the first days of April.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

GTA 6 Team "Probably Rebuilt the Entire RAGE Engine," Says Former Rockstar Audio Engineer
"I'll be amazed if they didn't because the architecture of technology has advanced significantly since GTA 5," says Rob Carr.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Legion Go 2 now costs $2000, twice as much as ROG Xbox Ally X
Best Buy now lists Lenovo Legion Go 2 at 48% above launch price
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Man Finds Xbox 360 Dev Kit At Garage Sale With A Hidden Gem Game Inside
Even over 20 years after its launch, there are still surprises surrounding the Xbox 360. There are numerous hidden features Xbox 360 players should know about, and there are discoveries made now and then pertaining to the console's history. One that recently came to light stemmed from a garage sale of all places, where someone purchased what many might perceive as just an ordinary Xbox 360 for $5. This would be a solid deal on its own, but it's even better with the knowledge that this was an Xbox 360 development kit — one with some remarkable stuff within it for "Grand Theft Auto" enthusiasts.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Much like the game's zombies, State of Decay 3 is somehow still alive
Developer Undead Labs will hold a series of playtests beginning next month.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 6 to 10
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Sony's next-gen handheld rumoured to outperform Xbox Series S
Sony might finally be ready to jump back into the handheld market with more than just a streaming accessory. According to recent reports, Sony's long-rumoured next-gen handheld (codenamed Project Canis) is being designed to outperform the Xbox Series S.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

State of Decay 3 Alpha Starts in May With 4 Player Co-op, Base-Building and "Lots" of Combat
Franchise co-creator Brant Fitzgerald also promises "plenty of other opportunities" throughout 2026 for those interested.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

State of Decay 3 Is Back From The Dead, And You Might Be Able To Play It Soon
Undead Labs will host State of Decay 3 alpha playtests starting in May.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

State of Decay 3 rises from the dead six years after reveal with playtests
Undead Labs has announced that it will be hosting playtests for State of Decay 3 throughout the year, and fans can sign up now.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon -- Merlin's Tomb DLC Adds a New End-Game Dungeon for Free
Arthur's going to have his hands full as he takes on new challenges in the free end-game dungeon (and unearths new rewards).
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

This fan-made Xbox website brings back the golden era of Xbox 360 voice chat messages — its distortion makes your mic sound just as bad as it did 20 years ago
Relive the days of Xbox 360 voice chat messaging with this awesome fan site.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Why Xbox Is Dropping Its Online Multiplayer Paywall By 2027
Xbox is making significant adjustments to its gaming strategy, focusing on exclusivity, accessibility and player engagement. Under the guidance of new CEO Asha Sharma, the company has introduced initiatives such as the revival of Xbox FanFest and a new "Triton" tier for Game Pass. Notably, as Colt Eastwood highlights, Xbox plans to remove the paywall for online multiplayer by 2027, a decision that could differentiate it from competitors like PlayStation and Nintendo while reshaping its approach to community-focused gaming.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Windows 11 gets haptic feedback for mice and trackpads, Xbox mode, and more in new builds
Builds 26300.8155 and 26220.8148 bring haptif feedback for compatible input devices, bug fixes, and Xbox mode.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Xbox and Blizzard are hiring for "an upcoming AAA open-world shooter" that uses the Unreal Engine — is this the new StarCraft FPS we've been waiting for?
A new Blizzard job listing is keeping the dream of a new StarCraft FPS game alive.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

You can finally play this long-awaited Xbox game soon — its studio is hosting alpha playtests next month, and you can sign up for them now
Undead Labs' State of Decay 3 will finally soon be in our hands six years after its announcement.
April 3rd, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — April 2nd, 2026

Call of Duty studio head at Xbox dev is retiring after over 36 years — he shipped 42 games, 18 CoD titles, and this criminally underrated shooter I love
Raven Software founder Brian Raffel is stepping down for a "well-earned retirement."
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

Exodus Drops Yet Another Sneak Peek, This Time of a Snow-Covered World
It's an "ancient frozen world" this time around, although we only get to see some mysterious structures in the distance.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Garry's Mod successor 's&box' finally launches later this month
Since as far back as 2017, Garry's Mod creator Garry Newman has been working on a spiritual successor to the iconic Source Engine-based sandbox. Utilising Valve's new Source 2 Engine, Newman's upcoming project -- s&box -- has now finally gotten an official release date.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

GTA 5 Among a Handful of Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass This Month
With GTA 6 waiting in the wings.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

Indie Selects for April 2026: Big on Building, Strategy, and Action
April Indie Selects bursts onto the scene with a lineup that's as bold and varied as the season itself. This month's lineup spans cultures, genres, and generations—whether it's a graffiti-fueled shooter steeped in Brazilian street art, a tactical game show imagining the future through a sharp strategic lens, or a serene galaxy restoration tale built around connection and care.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

Sony's new PlayStation handheld rumored to top Xbox Series S, Steam Deck 2 may arrive (much) later
KeplerL2: Sony handheld GPU is ahead of Xbox Series S
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

That Early Build of GTA 4 Found on an Xbox 360 Dev Kit didn't Last Long
Here we go again.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

The Division 2's Latest Season Brings New Escalation Difficulty, Prototype Gear, and More
Partake in Escalation missions, which become progressively more difficult, to earn Prototype Gear equipped with unique Augments.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

The Witcher 4's RTX Mega Geometry Demo Features 60 Million Plants, Runs at 4K/80 FPS With DLSS
While this doesn't represent actual gameplay from CD Projekt RED's sequel, it is impressive seeing the technology deliver such dense scenes.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox FanFest Goes On Tour For 25th Anniversary, Making Stops In 7 Countries
Xbox FanFest is back, and in a big way.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — April 1st, 2026

15 Things Crimson Desert Secretly Lets You Do
The developer has squirrelled away a lot of mechanics that you might not have realized are in the game. Fortunately, we're here to help you figure out some of the most useful ones.
April 1st, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

From Frogspawn to Frog Sqwad: The Making of A Sticky, Snacky New Multiplayer Game
When we formed Panic Stations in June 2025, we didn't want to spend years in pre-production. We had a goal to launch our first game within 12 months. We wanted to move fast. Having worked together previously, we jumped straight into development. Our mission was simple: Maximize fun per minute. To keep that momentum, everyone at Panic Stations is hands-on. We're all in the engine, breaking things, making them better, breaking them again and then finding success!
April 1st, 2026 — Source

Gears 6 Was Suggested Before The Coalition Settled on Gears of War: E-Day, Says JD's Voice Actor
Liam McIntyre said that "I love those guys and just want them to make a game they feel nails the Gears experience everyone loves."
April 1st, 2026 — Source

Microsoft launches Xbox PC Remote Tools public preview for remote game deployment and debugging
Xbox PC Remote Tools now available in preview, no GDK or Xbox app required
April 1st, 2026 — Source

Mouse: P.I. For Hire -- 15 Gameplay Details You Need to Know
Can this run-and-gun, "rubber hose" mousecapade fire more than rubber bullets, or is its eye-catching visuals simply a mousetrap in disguise?
April 1st, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

PS6 Handheld Could Outperform Xbox Series S, Leak Claims
Sony may be preparing a very ambitious return to the handheld console market. A new leak about the device, currently known as Project Canis, suggests a machine capable of outperforming the Xbox Series S in both rasterization and ray tracing, while also using a new version of the company's upscaling technology to improve image quality.
April 1st, 2026 — Source

PS6 Handheld Will Reportedly Beat the Xbox Series S In Both Raster and Ray Tracing; PSSR 3 Will Outperform NVIDIA DLSS 4.5
Sony's return to the handheld market with the PS6 Handheld is set to be very interesting as, according to known AMD leaker KeplerL2, the system will outperform the Xbox Series S in both rasterization and ray tracing. Furthermore, it is expected to deliver superior image quality with PSSR 3 over what the Nintendo Switch 2 can achieve with its NVIDIA DLSS "Light".
April 1st, 2026 — Source

Why Saying Crimson Desert Is "Boring" Early On Misses the Point
Crimson Desert does take its time to get some momentum going but that doesn't mean it's devoid of an engaging gameplay loop altogether.
April 1st, 2026 — Source

Xbox games are getting tougher to fit onto a console, but these World Backup Day bargains for 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB Expansion Cards will solve that issue
WD_Black and Seagate's storage expansion cards for Xbox Series X|S with Quick Resume and Plug & Play support are having massive discounts in honor of the annual World Backup Day.
April 1st, 2026 — Source

Xbox just made PC game development way easier — and it could speed up how fast games ship
Microsoft's new Xbox PC Remote Tools streamline pairing, deployment, and debugging across Windows handhelds and desktops, helping developers iterate faster.
April 1st, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — March 31st, 2026

Ascend to Zero -- Introducing This Unique Time-Bending Roguelike
I'm thrilled to reveal the Xbox version of Ascend to Zero, a time-bending action roguelike from Flyway Games that was part of last week's Xbox Partner Preview broadcast.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Darksiders Warmastered Edition is Coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S on May 19th
The remastered version was originally released on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Wii U back in 2016, and brought improved visuals.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Early Never-Seen-Before GTA 4 Build Leaks Online After Gamer Discovers Abandoned Xbox 360 Dev Kit
"I wasn't entirely sure what it was, but I knew it was something good."
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Explosive Update For Mario Kart World Adds A Fan-Favorite Mode And Nerfs A Pesky Item
It'll be a (Bob-omb) blast.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

This ultra-rare Xbox 360 development console revealed a Grand Theft Auto beta build with "zombies" and more cut content
Hidden inside a £5 Xbox 360 devkit, a GTA IV beta build showcases a glimpse into Rockstar's development process.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Wargaming Console and PC Titles to Get In-Game Benefits with Xbox Game Pass
If you're an Xbox Game Pass subscriber on any tier, Wargaming's free-to play titles across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Xbox on PC will soon begin to offer you new benefits.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

What Xbox Has Planned for Its Massive 25th Anniversary Showcase
The Xbox Games Showcase 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal event for the gaming community, offering a comprehensive look at what lies ahead for Xbox enthusiasts. Scheduled for June 7 at 10 AM Pacific Time, the showcase promises a mix of first gameplay reveals, major announcements and insights into the future of Xbox gaming. As colteastwood highlights, this year's event not only focuses on new titles from Xbox Game Studios but also includes contributions from renowned third-party developers, making sure a diverse lineup. One standout feature is the Gears of War: E-Day Direct, a dedicated segment exploring the origins of the iconic franchise, which will follow immediately after the main showcase.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Xbox app update adds Display widget and Automatic Super Resolution controls for ROG Xbox Ally X
Microsoft expands Xbox app handheld tools with Display widget
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Xbox App and Game Bar Overlay Get Nifty Features for Gaming Handhelds
Since the launch of the Steam Deck and the subsequent competing Windows gaming handhelds, Microsoft has been working on improving its UI for gaming consoles, culminating with the recent adoption of the Windows Full Screen Experience, which was later renamed to Xbox Mode. The latest update to Microsoft's gaming experience, however, comes by way of the Xbox app and its overlay, as spotted by ROGAllyLife.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Xbox games are getting tougher to fit onto a console, but these World Backup Day bargains for 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB Expansion Cards will solve that issue
WD_Black and Seagate's storage expansion cards for Xbox Series X|S with Quick Resume and Plug & Play support are having massive discounts in honor of the annual World Backup Day.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Xbox's Latest Collab Lets You Slurp Your Way To Rewards
It's thirsty work.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — March 24th, 2026

New Xbox CEO Could Make Game Pass Less Expensive, Report Says
Asha Sharma is reportedly trying to make Xbox "more enticing to a broader range of customers."
March 24th, 2026 — Source

New Xbox CEO "Willing To Question Everything," Xbox Exec Says
Sharma doesn't come to Microsoft with the same kinds of biases others might have, Jason Ronald says.
March 24th, 2026 — Source

Tech Moves: More changes at Xbox; Remitly taps new accounting chief; Atlassian CTO steps down
— There's more shake-up within Microsoft's gaming unit as Lori Wright announced she is leaving "in the coming weeks." Wright spent nine years at Microsoft, most recently leading global partnerships and business development and marketing for Xbox.
March 24th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Full Screen Experience begins rebrand to "Xbox mode"
Xbox mode branding appears in the Xbox app on Windows
March 24th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Full Screen Experience Gets Renamed Into "Xbox mode"
Microsoft is renaming its Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) to the simpler "Xbox mode" to make the feature more appealing to a broader audience. Announced at this March's GDC 2026 conference, Microsoft confirmed that Xbox FSE is gradually being rebranded as Xbox mode, branded with a lower-case "m". This mode has been shown to enhance performance and reduce RAM usage, making it attractive to handheld console gamers and enthusiasts who plan to use it on their PCs to boost performance by minimizing background task load. In CPU-intensive games, this mode can provide a few extra frames per second and overall lower RAM usage, resulting in a smoother experience.
March 24th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Partner Preview March 2026: Everything Announced
Following the January 2026 Xbox Developer Direct, Xbox hosted another Partner Preview in late March 2026, the first under new Xbox head Asha Sharma, to bring new information on upcoming games from third-party partners, new reveals, and Xbox Game Pass announcements which will further cement this year as a banner year for the brand.
March 24th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Xbox Portfolio GM Says Devs Looking to Release on Next-Gen Xbox 'Should Be Developing for Xbox Console and PC Today'
"We're working hard so developers can make one Xbox build in the future and it'll run on console, PC, streaming, and cloud surfaces."
March 24th, 2026 — Source

Xbox's Next Big Showcase is Almost Here: What to Expect on March 26
Xbox's upcoming Partner Preview on March 26, 2026, will provide updates on major titles such as Crimson Desert and Starfield, while also reflecting a shift in strategy under the leadership of Asha Sharma. According to colteastwood, Xbox is placing greater emphasis on strategic partnerships and community engagement, aiming to align its offerings with changing industry dynamics. This approach highlights a focus on delivering consistent, high-quality content in a competitive gaming market.
March 24th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — March 22nd, 2026

Crimson Desert is "too much in the best and worst ways," and that's exactly why it's unforgettable
I've never played a single-player game of this scale. A kingdom begging to be lost in.
March 22nd, 2026 — Source

'Crimson Desert' issues on Xbox PC underpins the vast amount of work required for Xbox Helix — Xbox PC can't afford to be this unreliable forever
"Crimson Desert" should've been a big win for Xbox Play Anywhere on PC, but what followed was a swath of issues that casts a bit of a question mark over Xbox Helix.
March 22nd, 2026 — Source

Modder turns Xbox Series X into gaming PC with RTX 5060
PhasedTech builds RTX 5060 PC inside Xbox Series X shell
March 22nd, 2026 — Source

Xbox Loses Partnership Lead Lori Wright as Strategy Questions Grow
Xbox is navigating a period of significant change, marked by leadership departures and evolving strategies. Lori Wright, the Corporate Vice President of Xbox overseeing third-party relations and global partnerships, is among the latest to leave the company. This follows other notable exits, including Sarah Bond and raises concerns about how these shifts might affect Xbox's ability to maintain strong industry relationships. As RGT 85 explains, these changes come as Xbox works to balance ambitious initiatives like Project Helix with the challenges of sustaining its position in a competitive gaming market.
March 22nd, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — March 21st, 2026

Xbox Project Helix Specs Leak: Why Microsoft's New Console is Amazing
Microsoft's highly anticipated gaming console, codenamed Project Helix, is set to transform the gaming landscape. By seamlessly merging the console and PC ecosystems, it promises to deliver unmatched performance, innovative AI capabilities, and a unified gaming experience. Positioned as a hybrid device, Project Helix aims to cater to both console enthusiasts and PC gamers, offering a versatile solution that could reshape the future of gaming. However, its premium price tag may position it as a high-end option for dedicated gamers.
March 21st, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Xbox Series X transformed into a gaming PC with 3D printed components, low-profile RTX 5060, and NUC 12 Extreme
Microsoft's next-generation Xbox will be capable of playing PC Games, but in the meantime, you'll have to use this mod to make the outgoing Xbox play PC games natively.
March 21st, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Gaming — Xbox — March 20th, 2026

Disco Elysium, Absolum and More Indie Darlings Head to Xbox Game Pass
It's definitely a good month to reup your subscription.
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Former Xbox Boss Is Reportedly Making A Phone For Amazon, 12 Years After First Effort Failed
J Allard joined Amazon in 2024 and now we know what he's working on.
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Forza Horizon 6 will include hundreds of new customisation options
In the lead up to the upcoming release of Playground Games' Forza Horizon 6, the team have been sharing an increasing number of details pertaining to all aspects of the game, from its open-world to the return of Seasonal changes and more. As part of their latest deep-dive, Playground Games have confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 is upping the ante with its customisation -- offering hundreds of new options.
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Is Jeff Kaplan's The Legend Of California Coming To PS5 Or Xbox? Here's What We Know
The developer of the Rust-meets-Red Dead game tells us, "We'll be in touch."
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Life is Strange: Reunion, Icarus, and over 40 new games are coming to Xbox next week
Over 40 new titles are coming to Xbox next week, including Life is Strange:Reunion, Icarus, Screamer, RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic, and more
March 20th, 2026 — Source

New Look At Xbox's Gaming Copilot Leaves A Bad Impression
Xbox's gaming AI could be helpful, but it's way too eager to please.
March 20th, 2026 — Source

New Xbox Features Raise Questions About the Claimed Two-Week Build
Xbox has rolled out a set of updates that aim to enhance both functionality and personalization for its users. As highlighted by RGT 85, these updates include a new toggle for Quick Resume, allowing players to control which games remain active in the feature and the ability to create up to 10 customizable groups on the home screen for improved navigation. Additionally, users can now personalize their console's appearance with new color options, while a cleaner interface design streamlines the overall experience.
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 23 to 27
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let's jump in!
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Nomori's Ghibli-Inspired Aesthetic Belies a Mind-Bending Portal Puzzler
If you love games that challenge your perception and reward thinking outside of the box, upcoming physics puzzler Nomori may be right up your alley. At the recent ID@Xbox event at GDC, I was able to play through the demo and chat with Studio Director Marnix Licht, who leads Enchanted Works' small remote team distributed across the Netherlands.
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Space Marine 2's Controversial Chapter Voice Pack DLC is Now Free Following Fan Backlash
Saber and Focus have spoken up about the game's first real controversy, and it's looking like a genuine effort at some damage control.
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — March 18th, 2026

Available for Xbox Insiders: More Groups on Home, Custom User Colors, Quick Resume Settings, and More
At Xbox, your feedback helps shape how we build and improve the player experience. Starting today, select Xbox Insiders can begin testing several highly requested updates coming soon to Xbox consoles. These features will roll out more broadly to additional Insiders and then to all players over time. We're excited to hear what you think, and we'll keep bringing you more of the features you've been asking for throughout the year.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Double Fine's Pottery Party Brawler Kiln Arrives April 23 (Plus a Direct Look at the First Public Play Sessions)
If you've been eager to start smacking clay, breaking pots, and quenching fires in Double Fine's multiplayer online pottery party brawler, the wait is almost over: Kiln launches everywhere on April 23.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

GameStop Declares Your PS3, Wii U And Xbox 360 Officially Retro With A Trade-In Perk
Much to the chagrin of gamers of a certain age, retro video game consoles encompass far more than the 8-bit systems of yesteryear. Now, even more players are about to feel the sting of their childhood gaming systems being hit with the retro tag, as GameStop has announced that the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii U are old enough to qualify for this designation.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

GameStop Will Give You Extra Cash for Your 'Retro' PS3, Xbox 360, or Wii U
Customers who trade in these consoles, their games, accessories, or other older systems get an extra 10% in store credit on top of the usual value.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Grand Theft Auto 6 Won't be Too Big For Older Audiences, Says Take-Two Interactive CEO
Strauss Zelnick spoke about Take-Two having plenty of experience with working on games for different audiences, like WWE 2K and NBA 2K.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

I bounced off of Cyberpunk 2077 for 2 months when I first played it, and that makes it perfect for Xbox Game Pass
Opinion | The grind is worth it -- and finally, so is the Game Pass Ultimate price tag
March 18th, 2026 — Source

New wave of Game Pass titles announced, including Resident Evil, Yakuza and more
The next wave of titles for Xbox Game Pass has been announced. Shortly after the game's appearance in the PlayStation Plus Extra library, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Yakuza 8) is now also available on Game Pass. Some other hits, like Disco Elysium and Resident Evil 7 are also re-joining the Game Pass library.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Pragmata Loves Being a Video Game
The last time I played Pragmata, I came away delighted by how it was inserting a truly new idea into a very familiar genre, building a hacking minigame into the fabric of third-person shooter combat. Almost a year later, my second playthrough -- two hours long, set within the game's second chapter -- has me no less impressed, but now focused on how Capcom has approached everything around that new mechanic with a sense of unabashed joy.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Take-Two CEO backs Asha Sharma — "I'm going to bet on her continuing to do great"
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick shares his thoughts on Xbox's new leader Asha Sharma, offering support and explaining what really matters when running a games business.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Xbox Rolls Out Console Feature Major Nelson Proposed Years Ago
Select Xbox Insiders can now try out several new console features, including Quick Resume settings that can be customized on a per-game basis.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — March 16th, 2026

Bliss breaks Xbox One security with a hardware-level glitch attack
The original Xbox One has finally been compromised at the hardware level, ending a run that lasted since the console's 2013 launch. At RE//verse 2026, security researcher Markus "Doom" Gaasedelen presented an exploit called Bliss, described as a double voltage glitch technique that defeats the system's early boot protections and enables unsigned code execution at every level of the platform. That includes access extending into the hypervisor, operating system, and security processor, making this a full low-level compromise rather than a limited software entry point.
March 16th, 2026 — Source

Despite ID@Xbox generating hundreds of millions in sales, Xbox still eyes store discovery improvements
After confirming major indie success through ID@Xbox, Xbox is now tweaking how its store highlights new releases to ensure a wider range of games are discovered.
March 16th, 2026 — Source

Gaming Copilot coming to current-gen Xbox consoles in 2026
Xbox product manager for gaming says AI assistant will be brought to "more services that players are playing"
March 16th, 2026 — Source

Hacker unveils exploit that cracks the "unbreakable" Xbox One at the silicon level
The technique hijacks the console's boot process and bypasses Microsoft's security architecture
March 16th, 2026 — Source

Playing Xbox 360 Games on Your iPhone Is Now a Reality
Apple devices are slowly turning into surprisingly capable gaming machines. Thanks to an ambitious new software project called XenIOS, you can now run Xbox 360 games directly on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This suddenly makes a massive library of classic console titles playable on the iPhone you already carry in your pocket.
March 16th, 2026 — Source

The Wolf Among Us 2 Being Co-Developed by Trick Studio, Original Coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S -- Rumor
Trick Studio is believed to be the likely candidate for this as the studio has previously worked on The Expanse: A Telltale Series.
March 16th, 2026 — Source

Xbox's Project Moorcroft quietly evolved — here's what replaced it
An interview with ID@Xbox global director Guy Richards sheds light on what really happened to Project Moorcroft and why demos remain part of Xbox's strategy.
March 16th, 2026 — Source

Your Xbox Series X's HDMI Ports Can Be Replaced - Here's What It Might Cost
Even as gaming console technology has advanced, they still have their issues. A modern console, like the Xbox Series X, might develop some issues over time, but it's not a lost cause. Repairs are indeed possible, and it's possible for stuff like faulty HDMI ports going bad. Various services offer HDMI port replacement, though there's some range in pricing. On one end of the spectrum are the likes of eStarland, where port repair costs $89.99, while places like Logistics sit on the other end at $130 for full replacement. Some have even claimed services quoting as high as $200 for this job, so before getting it done, thorough research is a good idea.
March 16th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — March 13th, 2026

A free Xbox Ally X update could deliver up to 30% smoother performance for your handheld games — "Automatic Super Resolution" preview starts soon
Xbox is bringing Automatic Super Resolution to the Xbox Ally X in April. The AI upscaling feature aims to improve performance while keeping games sharp.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Gaming Copilot AI Assistant Is Coming To Current-Gen Xbox Consoles This Year
The chatbot assistant has been in a beta state on PC and mobile.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Gaming Copilot is Coming to Xbox Series X/S in 2026
The feature has been available as a beta on Windows 11, and allows players to ask for help with games, or even their achievement history.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

ID@Xbox at GDC 2026: Indie Developers at the Heart of Great Games
We first started talking to game developers about ID@Xbox at GDC way back in 2013, and we love using the show as a great way to connect with them and take stock of the year. It's been an excellent show this week, from Jason Ronald offering the first public information on Project Helix to hundreds of meetings with game developers to showcasing some fantastic games at our ID@Xbox Xbox Play Anywhere showcase.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes arrives in April
It's compatible with a wide range of VR headsets.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Microsoft confirms Project Helix with a custom AMD chip built for next‑gen Xbox, plus new FSR Diamond tech that promises sharper, cleaner visuals for everyone
A GDC presentation has finally given us a clearer picture of Project Helix, Xbox's next console built around AMD hardware, AI powered graphics technology, and PC compatibility.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Tips and Tricks to Master your First Adventures in Azuria
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection arrives today, and the kingdom of Azuria (and beyond) awaits. True to Monster Hunter form, this land is as mysterious and challenging as it is beautiful, and so, we've put together some tips, tricks and light explainers to aid you on your first steps as Captain of the Rangers and your path to becoming a renowned Monstie wrangler.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 16 to 20
In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Project Helix - Next-Gen Xbox Release Date Rumor, Specs, And Everything Else We Know
The next Xbox will be expensive, and it'll play PC games.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

ROG Xbox Ally X gaming handheld to get Auto Super Resolution boost in April — Microsoft touts 30% performance boost thanks to AI-powered image upscaling
AI-upscaling expands to handheld Xbox hardware.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

ROG Xbox Ally X to get Automatic Super Resolution preview in April
Xbox says Automatic Super Resolution preview for ROG Xbox Ally X starts in April
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Square Enix shadowdrops Bravely Default onto Xbox and PC — I'm so happy to see this classic JRPG finally escape Nintendo's prison for other platforms
Bravely Default, a fan-favorite turn-based JRPG that harkens back to the 16-bit era of Final Fantasy games, has finally been remastered and ported to non-Nintendo platforms after over a decade
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Stormind Games Reveals Remothered: Red Nun's Legacy, Promises "The Conclusion Long-Time Fans Have Been Waiting Years to Play"
Developer Stormind Games is returning to its Remothered series and has revealed Remothered: The Nun's Legacy at the Future Games Spring Showcase 2026. The third and seemingly final installment in the series is a game Stormind Games says it wanted to make "out of a strong sense of respect and responsibility toward Remothered and its community, who thought this project had been abandoned."
March 13th, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Subnautica 2 Shows Off its Base-Building Systems in Latest Developer Diary
Developers from across the studio's teams have discussed the new systems Subnautica 2 will offer for base-building and customization.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Will there actually be any such thing as a Project Helix "native" game? | Opinion
The Xbox keynote at GDC revealed some details of the next Xbox hardware -- but the unanswered questions are where the real story lies
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Xbox just wiped out most of the excuses game developers use to skip the platform
Microsoft revealed major changes to Xbox development, including faster onboarding, public tools, and free backend services through PlayFab Foundation Mode.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — March 12th, 2026

AMD Rumored to Ready FSR Diamond for Xbox Project Helix
AMD is reportedly working on a new graphics feature stack called FSR Diamond for Microsoft's next-generation Xbox platform, known in current rumors as Project Helix. At this point, both the console and the technology remain unofficial, but the report is interesting because it hints at a larger shift in how AMD may approach rendering on future hardware. Rather than being a straightforward continuation of FidelityFX Super Resolution, FSR Diamond is being described as a more advanced package that could combine AI-assisted upscaling, frame generation, neural rendering techniques, and improved ray tracing support.
March 12, 2026 — Source

Google Play Pulls An Xbox "Play Anywhere," Lets You Buy One Shared PC/Mobile Game
Players can now purchase games on mobile devices and pick up where they left off on PC.
March 12, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Abruptly Ends This Is An Xbox Campaign To Prepare For Future Hardware
In yet another sign that Microsoft is going all-in with its renewed focus on Xbox and the brand's transformation back to its console roots, the controversial 'This is an Xbox' marketing campaign is being scrubbed from its website. It hasn't entirely disappeared, but a visit to the blog post announcing the controversial campaign just 16 months ago now reads, "Oops! That page cannot be found."
March 12, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Has Seemingly Retired "This is an Xbox" Marketing Campaign
The marketing campaign revolved around taking advantage of Microsoft's infrastructure to promote services like cloud gaming on mobile.
March 12, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Plans 'Xbox Mode' for Windows 11 PCs Starting in April
Microsoft says Xbox mode is coming to Windows 11 in April, bringing a console-style interface, faster game loading tools, and a unified PC strategy.
March 12, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Teases "Iconic" Xbox Games for Backwards Compatibility With "Entirely New Ways" to Play
While the company hasn't offered more details about this, it might be teasing the idea of Xbox and Xbox 360 games being playable on PC.
March 12, 2026 — Source

Microsoft teases "iconic games from the past" coming to Xbox preservation program
Microsoft made a big slash last generation with the announcement and rollout of their backwards compatibility program, bringing older Xbox 360 and OG Xbox titles forward (many with improvements). Though the program has been relatively quiet in recent years, Microsoft have now teased that they "will release some iconic games from the past" later this year.
March 12, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Xbox Project Helix Dev Kits Arriving 2027 for Custom AMD Chip
Microsoft's unveiling of Project Helix at the 2026 Game Developer Conference has introduced a bold step toward unifying Xbox and PC gaming. As highlighted by RGT 85, this next-generation console is built around a custom AMD System-on-Chip (SoC), incorporating features like FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) Next for enhanced visuals and neural texture compression to optimize data efficiency. These advancements aim to deliver high-quality gaming experiences across platforms while maintaining scalability for diverse hardware configurations. The inclusion of backward compatibility with four generations of Xbox games further underscores Microsoft's focus on preserving gaming history alongside technological progress.
March 12, 2026 — Source

Microsoft's "This Is an Xbox" Campaign Might Already Be Over
Just as Microsoft shares the first details on the next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, at GDC 2026, it seems that its much-criticized "This Is an Xbox" marketing campaign is already over. As spotted by Game Developer, nearly all of its mentions on the official Xbox Wire blog have been removed.
March 12, 2026 — Source

Microsoft's weird "This is an Xbox" marketing appears to be getting quietly swept under the rug amid leadership changes
This news story is not an Xbox
March 12, 2026 — Source

New Xbox Console Project Helix Targets late-2027 or 2028 Launch: GDC 2026
Xbox has officially unveiled its next-generation console, Project Helix, at the 2026 Game Developers Conference (GDC). Built in collaboration with AMD, the system features the custom "Magnus" chip, which integrates neural rendering and DirectX13 to enhance graphics and performance. According to colteastwood, the console emphasizes unifying Xbox and PC gaming ecosystems, with specific advancements like crossplay functionality and expanded support for developers aiming to streamline game creation across platforms.
March 12, 2026 — Source

"This is an Xbox" campaign vanishes overnight as Microsoft begins to "Build for What's Next"
Official Xbox websites no longer show "This is an Xbox."
March 12, 2026 — Source

Windows 11 "Xbox Mode" UI coming to all PCs in April
New features coming to DirectX, and DirectStorage is back
March 12, 2026 — Source

Xbox Confirms Yet Another Phil Spencer-Era Initiative Is Dead
Project Moorcroft is no longer planned as an Xbox Game Pass initiative.
March 12, 2026 — Source

Xbox Mode officially comes to Windows PCs starting next month
With Microsoft's next Xbox said to be pretty much a PC in most aspects, the company has been working on its 'Xbox Mode' front-end to make for a more user-friendly and seamless experience. Already available in an early form via the ROG Xbox Ally, Microsoft have now revealed that their new Xbox mode will start rolling out to PCs beginning next month.
March 12, 2026 — Source

Xbox Next "Project Helix"
Everything We Know About Microsoft's Upcoming Console
March 12, 2026 — Source

Your Windows 11 PC is about to feel a lot more like an Xbox
Starting April 2026, Microsoft will roll out Xbox Mode to all Windows 11 PCs for console-like gaming, a full-screen interface, and easy controller use.
March 12, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — March 11th, 2026

Classic Old-School Roleplaying -- Choice and Adventure in GreedFall: The Dying World
If there's something an RPG needs, it's choices. Choices that can change the balance, transform lives, and even reduce homes to ash. GreedFall: The Dying World has all of this (and more) packed into a tightly woven story, waiting for you to unravel it.
March 11, 2026 — Source

Fallout Game in Development at Xbox-Owned Studio Might Have Been Canceled; Bethesda Would Rather Staff Up Than Give It (or Elder Scrolls) to Others
According to Jeff Gerstmann, a Fallout game was being developed by an Xbox-owned studio but will no longer see the light of day. Also, Bethesda won't relinquish control of new Fallout or Elder Scrolls games to other studios.
March 11, 2026 — Source

I feel like I can't escape Xbox drama, as even new retro handheld emulators are causing a stir over app charges
I really figured hiding from Xbox Project Helix drama and trying to run Microsoft's OG system on one of the best retro handhelds would be less chaotic. Yet, my pals at Time Extension have highlighted that while someone has ported Xemu, the popular Windows and Linux emulator, to Android, they've also caused an uproar by slapping an $8 price tag on the app.
March 11, 2026 — Source

'It's Basically a PC That Uses The Windows Full Screen Experience': Xbox Project Helix Reportedly Will Only 'Emulate' A Console Experience
[UPDATE 2 - March 11, 7:25 AM] Xbox Engineering Lead Eden Marie chimed in today, saying that she finds "hard to believe people are tweeting about UWP" in 2026. While this doesn't outright deny the rumors, it still makes it pretty clear that the Xbox Project Helix won't just run UWP game builds.
March 11, 2026 — Source

Microsoft confirms AMD FSR Next and ML Multi Frame Generation for Project Helix
Finally, AMD ML Multi Frame Generation
March 11, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Teases Next-Gen Xbox Project Helix At GDC 2026
Microsoft's Xbox gaming division has been in a bit of freefall as of late, with its longtime CEO Phil Spencer departing the company alongside heir apparent Sarah Bond. New CEO Asha Sharma is quickly trying to steady the ship, having unveiled the gaming brand's upcoming console last week, dubbed Project Helix. Now, Xbox is giving gamers a sneak peek of what it's cooking up during this year's Game Developer's Conference (GDC).
March 11, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Teases Project Helix Development Kits at GDC 2026 With New Images
The company has posted a few black and white pictures, with two of them bearing a resemblance to the dev kits for Xbox One and One X.
March 11, 2026 — Source

Palworld Updates Will Continue After 1.0, But Not Like No Man's Sky, Says Publishing Head
John Buckley noted that the linear progression offered by Palworld's gameplay makes decade-long content support difficult.
March 11, 2026 — Source

Performance settings for this RPG show Xbox players what to expect — Series S might be a mistake for Crimson Desert
I can't help but wonder what development might have been like for Pearl Abyss without the Xbox Series S.
March 11, 2026 — Source

Xbox Project Helix Gets Key Updates, Including When Devs Will Get The System
Microsoft has shared new details about its plans for next-gen gaming.
March 11, 2026 — Source

Xbox Project Helix Leak Points to $1,000-plus Hybrid Hardware
The recent leak surrounding Xbox's ambitious Project Helix has left the gaming community grappling with its implications. As outlined by RGT 85, the leaked details highlight a significant shift in Microsoft's strategy, with the device aiming to unify PC and console gaming through the Universal Windows Platform (UWP). However, the high price point, exceeding $1,000, and reliance on emulation for backward compatibility suggest a product designed for a niche audience rather than the broader market.
March 11, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — March 5th, 2026

10 Tips To Help You Survive Your First Runs in Marathon, Available Today on Xbox Series X|S
Starting today on Xbox Series X|S, you can begin scavenging the planet of Tau Ceti IV as a cybernetic mercenary in the new survival extraction shooter, Marathon.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Crimson Desert impresses some RPG fans with its dialogue fast-forward feature, but leaves others questioning "why" it's even a thing: "TikTok has ruined this generation"
"What is the point of playing a story title if you're not even invested?"
March 5, 2026 — Source

Crimson Desert Studio Wants to Strike Balance Between Raising Awareness and Not Over-Promising
"You don't want to let people down at launch by making them anticipate something to such a high level," says Pearl Abyss's Will Powers.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Following a Tail -- How Mouse: P.I. For Hire Ties a Slapstick Cartoon Mystery to This Year's Most Surprising Shooter
It's a little mind-boggling how many elements the developers at Fumi Games are packing into the upcoming Mouse: P.I. For Hire. It's blending an old school shooter inside a black and white noir thriller, mixed with a chunk of cartoon violence, complimented by a catchy big band soundtrack, and tons of hand-drawn animation in a world dominated by mice and rats. Yeah, it's a lot.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Free Play Days -- Call of Duty Black Ops 7, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, FBC: Firebreak and Black Desert
Lock in and load up this weekend with Free Play Days! Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and Black Desert are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members to play from Thursday March 5 until Sunday, March 8.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Meet the 8 Colossal Machines of Docked, Out Now on Xbox Series X|S
It's time to punch in for your shift on the docks! Docked, the new port management game from Saber Interactive, the makers of enjoyably challenging experiences like SnowRunner and RoadCraft, launches today on Xbox Series X|S! After a devastating hurricane leaves Port Wake in pieces, it's up to you to take up the job of lead operator and help get the family business back in shape and growing again. To do so, you'll have to learn the ins and outs of eight massive steel beasts and master how they work.
March 5, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Messy Up: Unleash Pet Chaos on Xbox & Windows with Couch Co-op Fun
We're Liquid Meow Games— a small team of students who turned our love for playful chaos into a game. We're so excited to finally bring Messy Up to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows Store, complete with Xbox Play Anywhere support!
March 5, 2026 — Source

Microsoft confirms "Project Helix" codename for next Xbox, mentions PC game support
Next Xbox will play PC games, new Xbox boss confirms
March 5, 2026 — Source

Microsoft teases its next Xbox, says 'Project Helix' will play PC games too
The new Xbox boss Asha Sharma revealed the codename as one of her first big announcements.
March 5, 2026 — Source

PlayStation Doesn't Want to Fail the Same Way as Xbox
Sorry PC players, but Sony has more at stake than game sales outside of PlayStation 5.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Resident Evil Requiem is dominating the Xbox charts as the series' fastest-selling entry — I guess we do buy games after all
Resident Evil Requiem has raced past 5 million copies in just five days and is climbing the Xbox sales charts.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Rockstar Expands its GTA+ Subscription to NBA 2K26 Next Week, Giving PS5 and Xbox Series Limited-Time Access to the Full Game
Grand Theft Auto developer Rockstar Games' parent company, Take-Two Interactive, is also the owner of 2K, the massive publisher and developer behind several titles, though most notably the annual basketball series, NBA 2K. Today, Rockstar announced that it would be combining the two franchises, with players subscribed to GTA+, which grants special bonuses in-game Grand Theft Auto V, getting access to NBA 2K26 on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles for a limited time starting next week.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, Black Ops 7, and more join Xbox Free Play Days
Another Free Play Days offer has just kicked off, giving Xbox players the chance to try out a new selection of games over the weekend. Microsoft's latest promotion includes some high-profile titles, including hits like Call of Duty Black Ops 7 and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. From them, only two titles are exclusive for Game Pass subscribers, while the remaining duo can be played without any sort of membership requirement.
March 5, 2026 — Source

'Valve Doesn't Make Many Mistakes': Former Xbox Exec Believes The Steam Machine Will Be PlayStation's Biggest Competitor In The Future
Although the Steam Machine has yet to be released, the new Valve hardware has sparked quite a bit of discussion among gaming enthusiasts. While some believe it will end up being a niche system, others believe Valve's gaming system could send the console market into an upheaval, especially if it is priced right.
March 5, 2026 — Source

"Where does Xbox fit all of a sudden?": Former Microsoft VP says it "maybe" should have taken "full advantage of Minecraft" while it had a chance instead of getting distracted by Bethesda exclusives
Former Xbox and Sega boss Peter Moore says that he believes Microsoft hasn't taken advantage of owning Minecraft as it should.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — March 4th, 2026

Control Resonant: Getting to Grips With Remedy's First-Ever Melee Action Game
The Oldest House leaking into New York is all I needed to hear to be excited about Control Resonant, Remedy Entertainment's long-anticipated follow-up to their excellent 2019 paranormal action-adventure, Control. As they recently showed us with Alan Wake 2, the folks at Remedy are not afraid to take big swings with sequels, and Control Resonant looks no less surprising and delightful than its studio and series pedigree would suggest.
March 4, 2026 — Source

Highguard Had the Most Players on PS5, Followed by Xbox Series X/S and Steam
Studio head Chad Grenier called concurrent player counts at launch as "actually quite good," comparing it to Apex Legends' launch.
March 4, 2026 — Source

Indie Selects for March 2026: Fresh Contrasts for a New Season
As we step into spring, this lineup is all about fresh contrasts—bright blooms and deep shadows, cozy comfort and adrenaline spikes. Dive into an ultra-violent sci‑fi third-person action adventure, then slow the pace with an action RPG that's equally at home in a warm, cozy sim loop. Take a detour into darkly funny criminal commerce with a money-laundering sim where you literally wash cash, then brace for an FMV psychological-horror interactive movie steeped in centuries-old Black Forest tales of vengeful spirits.
March 4, 2026 — Source

Ninja Gaiden 4: The Two Masters Trailer Celebrates Launch With Brutal New Gameplay
The DLC gives us a great look at the new enemies, environments, and weapons that protagonists Ryu and Yakumo will encounter.
March 4, 2026 — Source

Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf Will Run at 4K/60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series S will run it at 1440p/60 FPS, while the Switch 2 can do 720p/60 FPS in handheld, 1080p/60 FPS when docked.
March 4, 2026 — Source

Razer Introduces BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed for Xbox and PlayStation -- White Edition
Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today unveiled the Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed for Xbox -- White Edition and Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed for PlayStation -- White Edition.
March 4, 2026 — Source or Source

Xbox backward compatibility wishlists surge in this fan-made community survey — with a surprising show of love for the OG Xbox
An independent project tracks backward compatibility requests, and early results show original Xbox titles are in demand.
March 4, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — March 3rd, 2026

After Witcher 3, Microsoft is bringing Cyberpunk 2077 to Xbox Game Pass
RPG fans on Xbox Game Pass are in for a treat, as following Witcher 3 and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Cyberpunk 2077 is now coming to the service.
March 3, 2026 — Source

An old Xbox AI patent is going viral for the wrong reasons — assistive tech is actually one of the best use case scenarios for AI
The AI background of the new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has thrust an old Xbox patent into the spotlight.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Cyberpunk 2077, Planet of Lana II, and More
Wake up samurai, we have games to play. Whether you want to check out haunted kingdoms, Night City, or the track, we have something for you.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Cyberpunk 2077 confirmed for Xbox Game Pass — March's first update confirmation includes Planet of Lana II, and more
From Night City to cinematic puzzle adventures, Xbox Game Pass continues to expand its lineup with notable additions in the first half of March.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Cyberpunk 2077 Headlines the New Batch of Xbox Game Pass Games for March 2026
After teasing its arrival in a post on X (formerly Twitter), an Xbox Wire blog post confirms that Cyberpunk 2077 will headline the new batch of games coming to Xbox Game Pass in the first wave of games joining Microsoft's gaming subscription service for March 2026.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Five new ID@Xbox games you might've missed — From star-crossed lovers to hack-and-slash frenzies
Our Spring roundup is overflowing with indie games that are ready to sweep you off your feet.
March 3, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

From Sketch to Puzzle: Crafting Planet of Lana II's Clever Challenges
When we began the game design process for this sequel, we had a clear goal in mind: Create deeper and more elaborate mechanics and puzzles, while at the same time maintaining the flow and accessibility of the first game.
March 3, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Game Pass additions for March include Cyberpunk 2077 and F1 25
Hollow Knight: Silksong is also coming to the lower Premium tier.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Invincible VS Adds Dupli-Kate to The Roster, New Trailer Highlights Devastating Clone Combos
Kate Cha brings a very versatile moveset and some excellent uses of her cloning abilities to keep opponents guessing in every fight.
March 3, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Iron Galaxy may have teased a Fallout New Vegas remaster
For years, fans have wanted to see Obsidian's Fallout: New Vegas remastered for newer hardware. Development may have actually just begun on that exact thing, according to a teaser from Iron Galaxy Studios.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Microsoft files patent for an AI that plays your Xbox games for you
According to a recently published patent, Microsoft is exploring the idea of an AI helper that can step in and finish your Xbox games when you get stuck.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Strikes Back At SteamOS With New ROG Xbox Ally X Highlight Reels
Microsoft partnered up with ASUS to release the excellent ROG Xbox Ally X last year, to do battle with the SteamOS powered Steam Deck. Because it has jumped into the handheld gaming PC battle a bit late it has been working to continually to play catch up by adding new features, the latest of which is Highlight Reels, now available to Xbox Insiders.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Microsoft's next-gen Xbox vision just entered preview — or at least a single feature has — but you'll need an NPU to see it
The new AI-powered "highlight reels" feature gives us a glimpse of the next-gen Xbox, but Insiders can use it now on the Xbox Ally X.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Play As Solid Snake in Rainbow Six Siege Today
Solid Snake is now available as a new, permanent Operator in Rainbow Six Siege, bringing with him an enemy-pinpointing powerhouse of a gadget that delivers intel to a degree that Siege has never seen. The master of infiltration from the Metal Gear Solid series also packs a new suppressed pistol, and has the ability to replenish his secondary gadgets throughout the round using his On-Site Procurement prowess. He joins the roster today with the launch of Operation Silent Hunt, a new season packed with Metal Gear Solid series collaborations, including the brand new [REDACTED] event debuting in a few weeks (yes, that's the actual name), which pairs Solid Snake with another iconic stealth Operator: Sam Fisher from the Splinter Cell series (known as Zero in Rainbow Six Siege).
March 3, 2026 — Source

ROG Xbox Ally X gets Highlight Reels preview through Game Highlights in Xbox PC app
Microsoft tests Highlight Reels auto clips on ROG Xbox Ally X using Gaming Copilot
March 3, 2026 — Source

Rumored Fallout 3 and New Vegas remastered dev says "Nope," teases involvement again immediately — "Now pardon us as we retreat back into our vault"
Iron Galaxy Studios says it's not working on Fallout 3 and New Vegas remastered, but I don't buy it.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Update Adds New Mini-Bosses, Terrain Updates, and A Player Home
The Forlorn Swords sees numerous updates, including new paths and enemy placements, while console players get a new 40 FPS mode.
March 3, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

The Witcher 3's New DLC Exists, Says Trusted Insider, But CD Projekt RED Remains Silent
If you're hoping to join Geralt for one last adventure before Ciri takes over as our Witcher on duty, this one's likely to have you smiling.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Tides of Tomorrow -- A World in Technicolor 
Coming from a port city in the south of France, I've always had a close relationship with the sea. I saw it every day as I walked along the docks each morning on my way to school. Tides of Tomorrow is, for me, a project with strong symbolism thanks to its maritime world and everything one can imagine beyond the horizon. If you gaze out across the vast, mysterious waters long enough, you just might see a lawless ocean where every aspect of humanity—good and bad—emerges in raw, unfiltered ways.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Not a "Live-Service" Game, Studio Doesn't "Nickel-and-Dime" Players
In an interview, Saber Interactive CCO Tim Willits spoke about how the studio wants to continue long-term support for Space Marine 2.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Xbox Could Soon Feature Integrated AI and Human Helpers to Take Control Over For Challenging Segments
Ever since video games have been a thing, players have always sought the help of others to overcome difficult segments. While how they seek help has changed a lot over the years, moving from guides published in magazines to online walkthroughs and videos, the need for guidance for particularly challenging segments is as strong as it has ever been.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass adds Cyberpunk 2077 and more this month
Cyberpunk 2077 made its debut on subscription services a short while ago when it joined the PlayStation Plus Extra library. Now, the game is also joining Xbox Game Pass, but only for consoles, with no PC version being offered.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass teases new addition with "V" hint, Cyberpunk 2077 suspected
Microsoft hints at a "V" Game Pass drop, Cyberpunk 2077 may be next
March 3, 2026 — Source

Xbox's Starfield reportedly has a PS5 release date according to a new leak — Bethesda's RPG may be coming to PlayStation sooner than I thought
A new leak suggests the Xbox RPG Starfield is coming to PS5 in just a few weeks.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — March 2nd, 2026

At Microsoft's big Xbox all-hands meeting, leaders paid tribute to the team, Sarah Bond, Phil Spencer, and the future — "We are going to start with console, and make sure that we understand that this is our reference experience."
Microsoft's gaming team had a big all-hands meeting last week, and the mood was emotional, but also energized and jubilant. Here's what outgoing CEO Phil Spencer and incoming CEO Asha Sharma had to say.
March 2, 2026 — Source

Coming Home -- World of Warcraft: Midnight's New Housing Feature Adds a Cozy Paradise Within Azeroth
Over the years, World of Warcraft has started to feel like a big plate of comfort food to me, with big servings of quests piled up high, a generous scoop of lore on the side, with a nice, refreshing new expansion every so often to wash it down. It's familiar. It's cozy. It's home.
March 2, 2026 — Source

Former Xbox Exec Reveals She Was Kicked Out After Refusing to Put on a Bathrobe at GDC
Fryer was working directly below Xbox founder Seamus Blackley (yes, the same guy who just claimed the whole division would eventually be shuttered by new CEO Asha Sharma) in 2000. After Blackley left, she became Director of the Xbox Advanced Technology Group. In this role, she cultivated worldwide Xbox Developer Support, launched XNA, created the Xbox Advisory Board, and ran Xbox game developer events around the world.
March 2, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Gaming's New CEO Says "Return to Xbox" Will Begin With the Console -- Rumor
Xbox may be embarking on a new era of fame for its consoles, shaking off the lethargy of its last few years under new leadership.
March 2, 2026 — Source

Whoa, Xbox may be teasing Cyberpunk 2077 coming to Game Pass — "Something v cool is coming soon"
A new teaser from Microsoft and Xbox suggest Cyberpunk 2077 could arrive on Game Pass soon.
March 2, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — February 24th, 2026

"Don't judge the resume, judge the K/D": Ex Activision Blizzard exec defends new Xbox CEO with absolutely zero gaming experience, says "it IS learnable"
"I hope you'll give Asha that opportunity to load in, learn, and show what she can do"
February 24, 2026 — Source

I didn't think it could be done, but Super Meat Boy 3D's Steam next fest demo proves Team Meat's masocore platformer translates to 3D shockingly well
Before making two of the best roguelikes of all time in The Binding of Isaac and Mewgenics, Edmund McMillen was known for creating Super Meat Boy alongside Tommy Refenes, a platformer that helped popularize the "masocore" subgenre, even if it has roots in Mario hacks and the likes of I Wanna Be the Guy and the game's flash predecessor Meat Boy. McMillen has since left Team Meat, but Super Meat Boy persists as the studio has continued the franchise.
February 24, 2026 — Source

Life Is Strange: Reunion -- New Story Details, How You Play as Two Characters, and More
Last week we ran a remote hands-on session for a select group of journalists and content creators from all over the world, the first impressions from which will be hitting the internet right about... now!
February 24, 2026 — Source

Marathon Xbox-Exclusive Rewards Revealed Ahead Of Open Beta, And They Look Like Minecraft Trinkets
Xbox players can make their Marathon weapons very charming if they take part in the open beta.
February 24, 2026 — Source

Marathon's exclusive weapon charms are inspired by Minecraft — manage your expectations accordingly
With launch set for March 5, Marathon details its Xbox exclusives, upcoming server slam, and firm stance on cheaters.
February 24, 2026 — Source

Microsoft is using NPUs to automatically capture Xbox game highlights
Automatic game capture feature could come to Copilot+ PCs, too
February 24, 2026 — Source

Microsoft Xbox Leadership Shake-Up Signals AI Shift
Microsoft is retiring Xbox chief Phil Spencer and naming CoreAI executive Asha Sharma CEO of Microsoft Gaming, tightening the division's connection to Microsoft's AI push.
February 24, 2026 — Source

New Xbox CEO Can Probably Kick Your Ass
Black belt boss.
February 24, 2026 — Source

New Xbox CEO Wants To "Return To Our Roots"
"I don't pretend to be the best gamer and even though I'm playing, that's still not my goal."
February 24, 2026 — Source

New Xbox boss promises no 'bad AI' and a 'return to Xbox'
The incoming CEO of Microsoft's gaming business says she has "no tolerance for bad AI." There's way too much wiggle room in that statement.
February 24, 2026 — Source

New Xbox boss says "I don't pretend to be the best gamer," but that's not her goal, anyway: "My focus is to make Xbox the best place to play, return to our roots, ship great things, and become stronger"
Asha Sharma says her Xbox gamertag was created "recently to learn and understand this world"
February 24, 2026 — Source

Radical News -- Alopex Enters the Fight in TMNT: Splintered Fate!
Our mutant arctic fox brings all her ninja assassin powers to the brawl. She swings her sickle-like kama around her, slicing foes with ease. She tosses kunai at close range to deal a major blast of damage. And the best part: she can briefly become invulnerable while targeting multiple enemies in rapid succession. Ninja powers that modify shuriken also affect her kunai, so try her out with the Ninja, Flame, and Water Powers for major impact.
February 24, 2026 — Source

Xbox Names Asha Sharma CEO After Phil Spencer Steps Down
The Xbox brand finds itself at a pivotal juncture. Following the departure of long-time leaders Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond, Microsoft has entrusted Asha Sharma with the role of CEO for Xbox. Sharma, a recognized expert in artificial intelligence but a relative newcomer to the gaming industry, faces a formidable task: addressing declining fan engagement, reinvigorating the growth of Game Pass, and tackling ongoing hardware sales challenges. Her leadership will be instrumental in determining whether Xbox can reclaim its position as a dominant force in the gaming landscape.
February 24, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Gaming — Xbox — February 17th, 2026

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Kingdom Come Deliverance II, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, EA Sports College Football 26, and More!
Happy Tuesday everyone -- I know this day of the week is always better when it comes with a side of games coming soon, games available today, and updates you might have missed for some of your favorites. Let's jump in!
February 17, 2026 — Source

Game Pass adds The Witcher 3 Complete Edition, Kingdom Come 2 and more
The second wave of Game Pass titles for February 2026 has now been announced, with massive RPGs like The Witcher 3 Complete Edition and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 leading the charge.
February 17, 2026 — Source

High on Life 2 is absolutely hilarious gaming with some awkward mic drops — and it's on Xbox Game Pass, too
Squanch Games manages to capture the magic of the original, but with a few awkward performance issues.
February 17, 2026 — Source

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and The Witcher 3 are coming to Game Pass
EA Sports College Football 26 and Aerial Knight's DropShot are also among the highlights of a stacked late-February slate.
February 17, 2026 — Source

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition (Console Only) Come to Xbox Game Pass Soon
Microsoft has announced a fresh batch of games that are landing soon on Xbox Game Pass, and there's a lot of love for roleplaying game fans, starting with the previously teased Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. The first-person historical RPG from Warhorse Studios will be available starting March 3 on the Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass tiers.
February 17, 2026 — Source

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Heading to Xbox Game Pass
Happy Tuesday everyone—I know this day of the week is always better when it comes with a side of games coming soon, games available today, and updates you might have missed for some of your favorites. Let's jump in!
February 17, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — February 15th, 2026

PlayStation is "Still Our Lead Platform" — Squanch CEO says as High on Life 2 launches on Xbox Game Pass
High on Life 2 arrives across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, with its CEO discussing Game Pass exposure, sales cannibalization, and long-term franchise growth.
February 15, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — February 13th, 2026

1V1 NOW by Xbox Game Pass: The 1st Official 1v1 Competition in Rainbow Six Siege!
For 6 years, Rainbow Six Siege has been part of the Xbox Game Pass family of products. Rainbow Six Siege is 5v5 online tactical shooter that combine raw shooting skills with map knowledge and awareness. Two teams of five play against each other, Attackers and Defenders. The objective of the attacker is to defuse a bomb placed by the defenders, the first team to win 7 rounds win the game. And for the past 10 years, Ubisoft has been running official esports competition all over the world. Teams from all over the world compete to win the prize that matters the most, the Six Invitational.
February 13, 2026 — Source

Art of the Joke: How High On Life 2 Turns 'Funny' Into 'Fun to Play'
The original High On Life connected with me on the absurdist comedy level like nothing else I had ever played before. I've laughed plenty in other games, but what Squanch Games pulled off in the original clicked with me on several hysterical levels. It hit me at the start with what seemingly felt like a joke-a-minute and never really let up, on everything from fart sounds to sight gags to snappy dialog. I really enjoyed my time with it.
February 13, 2026 — Source

How David Lynch, Alien, and Slumber Parties Inspired the Creation of Reanimal
When I was five years old, unbeknownst to my babysitter at the time, I snuck out of bed to watch "Poltergeist" while hiding beside the couch, utterly terrified. The scene where the clown doll comes to life and drags the little boy under his bed stuck with me in particular. I had a clown marionette in my room at the time, which I tangled up irrevocably and buried in the back of the closet. Being scared out of my mind is one of my earliest memories.
February 13, 2026 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 16 to 20
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
February 13, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — February 12th, 2026

ARC Raiders, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Borderlands 4 Among 2025's Best-Performing Games on Xbox
ARC Raiders, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Borderlands 4 Among 2025's Best-Performing Games on Xbox
February 12, 2026 — Source

Battlefield 6 Season 2 Brings Psychochemical Smoke, Two Light Helicopters, and More on February 17th
Dirt bikes, new weapons, a limited-time mode focused on combat in darkness, and Operation Augur are also due in the coming months.
February 12, 2026 — Source

Best VPNs for Xbox in 2026: Unblock Streaming Apps, Lower Ping and Avoid DDoS Attacks
The best VPNs for Xbox can help you unblock geo-restricted content, lower ping and avoid DDoS attacks.
February 12, 2026 — Source

High on Life 2 is louder, weirder, and somehow better, according to early reviews
Early scores suggest High on Life 2 builds confidently on its predecessor, delivering more chaos, more jokes, and a slightly stronger critical reception overall.
February 12, 2026 — Source

I'm grateful Skyrim 'dumbed down' The Elder Scrolls
Opinion | Without Skyrim's simplicity, I would never have played Oblivion or Morrowind
February 12, 2026 — Source

Monster Hunter Stories 3 is Ready to Step Out of the Shadow of the Mainline Series
Of all the action-RPG franchises to make you work for an epic moment, Monster Hunter is up there among the ones that push you hardest, and the Monster Hunter Stories series is no exception to the rule. You take on the lowest rank Monsters, you get pummelled into the dirt until you learn how to beat them, and then you excitedly hurry back home to build a new weapon and a cool set of armor from the creature you've just murked, ready to go through the entire process again with a slightly harder monster. It's a rewarding battle, but a tough one, and Monster Hunter's greatest secrets are often reserved for those that take the time to fully embrace its many systems.
February 12, 2026 — Source

Razer Introduces the BlackShark V3 for Xbox - White Edition
Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today unveiled the BlackShark V3 for Xbox - White Edition, expanding the lineup with a crisp new finish that complements any Xbox setup. Already celebrated for its comfort, isolation, and competitive clarity, the BlackShark V3 now offers players a bold new way to elevate their console battlestation.
February 12, 2026 — Source

Xbox at GDC 2026: Build for What's Next
The future of Xbox starts now.
February 12, 2026 — Source

Xbox Dev Summit Will Include "Next Generation" Console Talk on March 11
Our favorite time of the year is nearly upon us: the annual (and newly renamed) GDC Festival of Gaming is next month! We're looking forward to seeing old friends, making new ones, and sharing our vision for empowering developers today and into the future. This year, GDC takes place from March 9-13 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, California.
February 12, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — February 11th, 2026

Celebrating the 2025 Xbox Excellence Awards
2025 was an incredible year for gaming and, before we run full-tilt into 2026, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the titles that Xbox players made a part of their year, across all devices -- from console, to PC, to handheld, to cloud. Today, we're announcing the recipients of the 2025 Xbox Excellence Awards.
February 11, 2026 — Source

Crafting Speed: The Technology, Creativity, and Art Behind Ride 6's Track Design
Hello to all bikers out there! The wait is finally over: Ride 6 is out tomorrow, and it's time to rev up and start a new adventure. Over the past two years, we've poured our hearts into creating an experience that celebrates every aspect of motorcycle culture. Today, we're excited to pull back the curtain on one of the pillars of this new chapter: how we brought over 40 tracks to life in the game.
February 11, 2026 — Source

No Man's Sky: Remnant Introduces A Powerful New Gravity Gun Perfect for Turning Trash into Treasure
In 2025, Xbox Travellers in No Man's Sky were treated to one of our biggest years yet, with no less than 5 major updates (Worlds Part II, Relics, Beacon, Breach and the ground-breaking Voyagers). Today we're pleased to announce that our first update of 2026, our 10th anniversary year, is already rolling out. It's called Remnant and it introduces something that we and the community have been aching to introduce to No Man's Sky since the beginning...a fully operational gravity gun!
February 11, 2026 — Source or Source

Replaced Demo Lets You Delve Into Its Alternate 1980s Cyberpunk Setting Today
The free demo is live on Steam and provides a sizable sampler of the gorgeous title's exploration, platforming, and combat.
February 11, 2026 — Source

Xbox President Sarah Bond Gets Massive Stock Award At Her Other Job
Bond also gets paid $125,000 annually for her role as a director.
February 11, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Gaming — Xbox — February 6th, 2026

Assassin's Creed Co-Op Project LEAGUE Has Been Cancelled -- Rumor
The project was reportedly cancelled in light of Ubisoft's corporate restructuring and Vantage Studios deeming it too expensive.
February 6, 2026 — Source

Borderlands 4's Bounty Pack 2 is Out on February 27, Story Pack 1 in March
Bounty Pack 2, dubbed Legend of the Stone Demon, will be accompanied by a free update that brings an entirely new tier of loot rarity.
February 6, 2026 — Source

Epic plans to bring its Games Store to the next-gen Xbox on 'Day-One'
Microsoft has all-but-abandoned the Xbox console in recent years, with many of its first-party releases -- past, present and future -- being ported over to the likes of the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. This move away from exclusivity is set to be further entrenched with the next generation of Xbox consoles, with Epic Games now officially confirming that their Games Store will arrive on the next Xbox on day-one.
February 6, 2026 — Source

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is heading to Xbox alongside Switch 2
This week during a Nintendo Direct stream, Square Enix officially confirmed that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will be launching on the Switch 2 later this year. As expected, the publisher has also confirmed that the game will be releasing on Xbox too.
February 6, 2026 — Source

Gears of War: E-Day Launching in Second Half of 2026, Microsoft Wants to Avoid GTA 6 -- Rumor
Double Fine Productions' Kiln is also allegedly launching this April - roughly a month before the release of Forza Horizon 6.
February 6, 2026 — Source

Microsoft plans to "expand" Xbox Game Pass, and merge PC Game Pass with another tier — more third-party service bundles may be on the way, too
After last year's big Game Pass revamp, Microsoft and Xbox are looking to overhaul it further.
February 6, 2026 — Source

Xbox reportedly wants Halo remake and Gears E-Day to launch well before GTA 6
It appears that both Halo and Gears of War could be returning earlier than expected. According to one proven insider, both Halo: Campaign Evolved and Gears of War: E-Day are targeting a summer 2026 release window.
February 6, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — February 4th, 2026

20 Upcoming Xbox Series X | S Games To Watch In 2026 And Beyond
With this feature, we will be taking a look at 20 of the most promising Xbox games of 2026 and beyond.
February 4, 2026 — Source

AMD CEO Says Next-Gen Xbox Could Launch As Soon As 2027
Xbox's chipset partner is "ready to support a launch in 2027."
February 4, 2026 — Source or Source

4

AMD Confirms Steam Machine in Early 2026, Xbox SoC Powered by RDNA 5 in 2027
AMD posted its record fourth quarter revenue of $10.3 billion in 2025, and during the earnings call, the company issued some guidance on the upcoming product portfolio. During the call, AMD confirmed that Valve's Steam Machine is on track and shipping early this year, while its custom SoC division that designs processors for PlayStation and Xbox consoles will deliver an RDNA 5-based SoC for the next-generation Xbox console.
February 4, 2026 — Source

AMD gives an update on next Xbox console and Steam Machine release plans
AMD is building the chips for almost every console that's coming out, and it has given an update on how the Xbox and Steam Machine chips are progressing.
February 4, 2026 — Source

AMD hints at a 2027 launch window for Microsoft's next Xbox console
The long-time hardware collaborators are moving toward their most advanced console silicon yet
February 4, 2026 — Source

AMD says Steam Machine is on track to ship early this year, and Xbox 2027 SoC work is progressing
During AMD's Q4 2025 earnings call, CEO Lisa Su pointed to two semi-custom projects. Su said Valve is on track to ship an AMD-powered Steam Machine early this year. Su didn't go into detail about when exactly.
February 4, 2026 — Source

AMD's CEO suggests the next Xbox could be closer than we thought
Since 2025, Microsoft has had a multi-year collaboration with AMD involving both desktop and laptop devices.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Here's Why You Should Care About the Next-Gen Xbox Launch
It's going to make a bad time for the gaming industry even worse if Xbox can't pull off a win.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Intel's Arc B390 iGPU is close match to Xbox Series S in Alan Wake 2, test shows
Panther Lake iGPU matches Xbox Series S in Digital Foundry's Alan Wake 2 test
February 4, 2026 — Source

Safer Internet Day 2026: Xbox Transparency Report and Tools to Play with Confidence
Bringing the joy of gaming to everyone means protecting the people who play, and that responsibility has been core to Xbox since the beginning. We know that gaming just might be the most fulfilling, socially connected, and powerful form of entertainment today, and it's crucial we continue protecting the shared moments and experiences that come from playing games together.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Xbox Cloud Gaming Ad-Supported Tier: When Does It Start, How Much Will It Cost and More
Ads could remove the sting of Xbox Game Pass price hikes, but will it be worth it?
February 4, 2026 — Source

Xbox gamers may soon get access to a Switch emulator — Nintendo lawyers won't be happy to see "Ryujinx" on Series X|S
Following successful emulator ports on Xbox, attention has now turned to the Nintendo Switch, with Ryujinx winning a poll among the Xbox emulation community.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — February 2nd, 2026

Anime Inspired Life/Farm Sim Starsand Island Debuts Next Week on Steam Early Access & Xbox Preview
Today, Chinese developer Seed Sparkle Lab confirmed that its debut game, the anime-inspired life/farming simulation Starsand Island, will launch on Wednesday, February 11, on Steam Early Access and Xbox Game Preview.
February 2, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X mod pushes memory to 64GB capacity
The mod starts with a full disassembly and motherboard removal. The modder then flips the board and pulls the factory RAM packages from under the heat spreader tape. The stock setup uses 6GB Micron LPDDR5X packages rated at 8533 MT/s, which modder replaces with 16GB SK hynix packages to reach 64GB total. So, there are no changes to the memory bus, rather the memory density.
February 2, 2026 — Source

Crimson Desert Developer May Add More Content Post-Launch "If The Appetite is There"
Pearl Abyss America's Will Powers points to the 11+ year support that Black Desert has received, including weekly updates.
February 2, 2026 — Source

Modder more than doubles Asus ROG Xbox Ally X's memory with massive 64GB RAM upgrade — advanced soldering and BIOS modification unlock more capacity
Handheld gaming meets workstation-level memory
February 2, 2026 — Source

Nioh 3 might come to Xbox for the first time in the nearly 10-year-old franchise as a flashy new trailer confirms 6 months of PS5 exclusivity
The Nioh series could potentially be making its Xbox or Nintendo debut with Nioh 3 as Sony confirms six months of exclusivity.
February 2, 2026 — Source or Watch Video or Source

Gaming — Xbox — January 30th, 2026

Crimson Desert's Engine Offers Native 4K/60 FPS and Ray Tracing, Pearl Abyss Focused on Optimization
"Off-the-shelf engines weren't able to deliver the uncompromised vision that the team set forth to create," says Pearl Abyss's Will Powers.
January 30, 2026 — Source

Helldivers 2 surged on Xbox at launch — before PlayStation's larger install base drove stronger long-term sales for its breakout hit
New estimates from Alinea Analytics reveal how Helldivers 2 was a huge success on Xbox and PlayStation.
January 30, 2026 — Source

Is there a future for the Xbox platform? | Opinion
Microsoft's status as a leading publisher is assured -- but with weak new financials casting doubt on its strategic transition, the path forward for the Xbox is unclear
January 30, 2026 — Source

New Xbox achievement visuals appear in Xbox Cloud Gaming — but gamers shouldn't expect any system overhauls anytime soon
A redesigned Xbox Cloud Gaming interface reveals updated achievement visuals, offering a small but noticeable refresh, but no system overhaul is planned.
January 30, 2026 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 2 to 6
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
January 30, 2026 — Source

People of Note Welcomes Joe Zieja, Erika Ishii, Debra Wilson and More to the Cast!
Today, we're happy to announce the rest of the cast joining our pop diva protagonist on her grand adventure into stardom.
January 30, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Resident Evil Requiem Director Says Leon's Brutality Will Make Players Ask What's Wrong With Him
Koshi Nakanishi spoke about how Leon has continued to fight since his previous appearance and that he is now "world-weary".
January 30, 2026 — Source

World War Z x The Walking Dead Lurches onto Xbox Today
When two of the most iconic zombie universes collide, the result is something uniquely intense, atmospheric, and unmistakably thrilling. Today we've launched World War Z x The Walking Dead, bringing four legendary survivors into the heart‑pounding co‑op action of World War Z.
January 30, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — January 19th, 2026

Palworld 1.0 is "Shaping Up To Be Our Biggest Update Ever," Says Pocketpair, While Teasing New Pals
Launching later this year, Update 1.0 even includes a massive new whale Pal that players can ride on en route to the World Tree.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Sequel Might Come Out This Year -- Rumour
A new rumour indicates that Respawn Entertainment and EA might reveal the sequel in May, with a release planned for September.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — January 15th, 2026

Bungie Confirms Marathon Release Date Following Xbox Store Leak
After a user on Reddit shared a video that leaked the release date for Marathon on the Xbox Store, Bungie has gone ahead and confirmed that its extraction shooter will indeed arrive on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, with full cross-play and cross-save support this coming March 5, 2026.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Bungie confirms Marathon release for March, hours after the Xbox store spoiled the Destiny and Halo studio's big surprise
Bungie confirms Marathon release for March, hours after the Xbox store spoiled the Destiny and Halo studio's big surprise
January 19, 2026 — Source

Bungie's Marathon reportedly gets a March 5 release date via Xbox leak
A pre-order trailer for Bungie's Marathon briefly appeared on an Xbox community listing, then spread across social media. Several outlets confirmed the video was visible through Xbox Clubs or a related Xbox Store page before being pulled.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Bungie's Marathon now has an official release date after earlier leak — continues its slow rebuild following early backlash
Marathon's release date is now officially locked in for March 2026.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Last years most addictive Xbox Game Pass title gets a major new update
The Regal Update brings more balls to Ball X Pit
January 19, 2026 — Source

Reports of ad-supported Xbox game streams show Microsoft's lack of imagination
Xbox maker needs some fresher ideas for expanding access to cloud gaming.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Xbox Cloud Gaming Advert-supported Access Tier Could be Announced Soon
Last week, users of Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming service noticed "one hour of ad supported play time per session" messages popping up during the launch of play sessions. Jez Corden, of Windows Central fame, believes that the popular subscription-based streaming model will offer a new product tier in the near future. The noted Xbox insider has reached out to industry contacts for comment regarding aforementioned leaks that mentioned an advert-supported branch.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Xbox Cloud Gaming Is Getting An Ad-Supported Tier For Timed Play Sessions
The current hardware landscape is a tough one for gamers, as even more price increases are likely to come this year. This challenging environment has meant that cloud gaming services have become a more enticing option, and it looks as if Microsoft is going to attempt to tap into this market by opening up its Xbox Cloud Gaming service to more users.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Xbox is preparing to bring ads to cloud gaming
Xbox appears to be laying the groundwork for ads in its cloud gaming service, according to a new report from Windows Central.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — January 15th, 2026

EA Play: Usher in the New Year with Rewards for Battlefield 6 and More
A new year comes with endless possibility ... and a new batch of rewards to claim, starting with Battlefield 6 — EA's latest title and the new standard of FPS combat. Purchase Battlefield 6 with your 10% member discount on the digital version of the full game and grab an EA Play Deployment Pack, EA Play Season 1 Pack, and Battle Pass XP Boost.
January 15, 2026 — Source

Seven EA Sports games join Xbox Free Play Days this weekend
The weekend is fast approaching, and the first Free Play Days promotion of 2026 has just been kicked off by Microsoft, bringing in a fresh bunch of titles for Xbox gamers to try out. The latest weekend event landed today with a whopping seven games to try. From them, only four titles are exclusive for Game Pass subscribers, while the remaining trio can be played without any sort of membership requirement.
January 15, 2026 — Source

This decade's best horror game picks up "Xbox Play Anywhere" support on PC and Xbox Ally — but ... don't download it yet
Resident Evil Village hits Xbox Game Pass on January 20, 2026. The landmark horror title concludes Ethan Winters' story, and will set the scene for Resident Evil Requiem launching on February 27, 2026.
January 15, 2026 — Source

Ultimate General: Civil War is Coming to Xbox on March 4
I am incredibly excited to announce that Ultimate General: Civil War is officially coming to Xbox consoles on March 4. For the first time, console players can experience the tactical depth of this acclaimed strategy game from the comfort of their living room.
January 15, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass Subscribers Can Play This Award Winning Resident Evil Game Now
Subscribers can play several other games, including Star Wars Outlaws, on Game Pass now.
January 15, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Studios in 2026: Every Game in Development Right Now
With the PS5 getting a couple of heavy hitters this year, the Xbox must catch up if it wants to stay relevant in a gaming landscape that's become quite difficult for them. However, there's a lot to be excited about as the best of Xbox is gearing up to make its 25th anniversary an occasion to remember.
January 15, 2026 — Source

Xbox Reveals Developer_Direct 2026 Streaming Options - Broadcasting on January 22
The show will also be streamed simultaneously on regional Xbox channels around the globe, as well as on Steam. It will air on China's Bilibili platform later the next day. The YouTube stream will be broadcast in 4K/60, and as with any live broadcast, there may be dips in streaming quality based on your bandwidth.
January 15, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — January 14th, 2026

An Update to Our Shared Commitment to Safer Gaming
Nintendo, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Microsoft continue to collaborate to improve player safety across our platforms. We believe gaming is for everyone and strive to provide experiences that are positive and enjoyable for all, especially for our youngest players. We work to accomplish this by pursuing a multidisciplinary approach, integrating advanced technology, research-driven insights, supportive community efforts, and skilled human oversight.
January 14, 2026 — Source or Source

One of the best Xbox Play Anywhere games just got its notorious save bug fixed for Xbox Ally and Xbox PC
Death Stranding for Xbox PC has had a nasty save bug for the past few years, Microsoft, Kojima Productions, and 505 Games teamed up to get it fixed.
January 14, 2026 — Source

Oops! Microsoft possibly just leaked Xbox's Forza Horizon 6 release date with an in-game pop-up — here's when the big open-world racer might come out
Forza Horizon 6 is coming to Xbox and PC in May, if this leaked release date is real.
January 14, 2026 — Source or Source

Xbox is cooked. Why your next gaming console will be a PC
With Microsoft bored of Xbox, it's now time for PCs to shine where consoles once dominated.
January 14, 2026 — Source

Xbox Series X/S Sold Over 12 Million in First 18 Months, per Former VP's LinkedIn
These sales figures come from at-the-time vice president of global expansion, hardware and studios integration at Xbox, Mark Stanley.
January 14, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — January 9th, 2026

2026 Xbox Developer Direct will include Fable, Forza and more
At the tail-end of last year, Microsoft casually confirmed that they would be hosting another edition of their annual Xbox Developer Direct this January. With January 2026 here, the console maker has now made the announcement official -- confirming that Fable, Forza Horizon 6 and more will be shown off.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Always online? Free-to-play? Nope, Xbox-published action RPG wants to be a "full game" now, switching to "buy once, offline" glory: "You will own the complete experience permanently"
The Towerborne devs pivot away from their original vision
January 9, 2026 — Source or Watch Video

Before winning both indie awards at The Game Awards, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's lead said "we'd rather this category went to a smaller studio"
"I don't think we really needed this [nomination], even if it's appreciated"
January 9, 2026 — Source

How Much Does Microsoft Charge To Repair An Elite Xbox Controller?
Gaming peripherals don't last forever, and controllers are no exception. With heavy use and frequent gaming sessions, Xbox controllers can be hit with all kinds of problems, like stick drift or connection issues. Replacing a broken controller isn't cheap — especially if you have the Elite Xbox Controller. Elite Series 2 controllers are designed with competitive gaming in mind, offering increased customization and performance in comparison to standard models.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Hyperkin The Competitor review: a unique mix of Xbox and PlayStation controller
I strongly believe that the best controller layout is the one that Microsoft uses in its Xbox Wireless Controller. Asymmetrical sticks are better for ergonomics, and all of my gamepads are just like that. When Hyperkin offered me the chance to take a look at The Competitor, its new DualSense-like controller, I thought it would be a great opportunity to see what the other side has to offer. The Competitor is an interesting mix of both worlds, and after several weeks of use, here are my thoughts about it.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 12 to 16
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
January 9, 2026 — Source

What Is The Average Lifespan Of An Xbox Controller?
While companies in the video game hardware industry tried to push motion controls several times, they all quickly realized that the best way to provide input is with a good old-fashioned controller. There have been debates over the years about which controller is the best all around, but a staple in the world of console gaming is definitely the Xbox controller.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Xbox accidentally unleashes a wave of Elder Scrolls 6 hopium while trying to hype up GTA 6 and Forza Horizon 6: "Big year for games ending in 6"
The Elder Scrolls 6 has been a nugget of a concept of an idea in peoples' minds for so long that it doesn't take much to trigger strong fan reactions. Even vaguely alluding to games with the number six in the title is enough to stir up passionate speculation from Skyrim lovers, like some sort of sleeper agent activation code, as evidenced by Xbox's maybe unintentional slip up last night.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Xbox Developer Direct 2026 Features a 'Secret' Fourth Game, Says Insider
The secret game is Kiln, a multiplayer 'pottery party-brawler' from Double Fine Productions that was conceived during one of the studio's regular 'Amnesia Fortnight' internal game jams. Kiln will be released this Spring on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S and X.
January 9, 2026 — Source or Source

Xbox is bringing Avowed to PS5
Obsidian's fantasy RPG will no longer be a console exclusive as of February 17.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — January 8th, 2026

Developer_Direct Returns January 22: Watch Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation Gameplay, Direct from the Studios
2026 is going to be an incredible year for Xbox players -- you might even call it a... fabled year. To celebrate, we're kicking it off with the fourth installment of our Developer_Direct broadcast on January 22, bringing you news, new gameplay, and insights directly from the incredible teams working on titles coming this year.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Fable & Forza Horizon 6 Will be Showcased During Late January Developer_Direct
2026 is going to be an incredible year for Xbox players—you might even call it a... fabled year. To celebrate, we're kicking it off with the fourth installment of our Developer_Direct broadcast on January 22, bringing you news, new gameplay, and insights directly from the incredible teams working on titles coming this year. Presented by the game creators themselves, Developer_Direct will once again give you an inside look at not just the games, but the studios working to bring them to life.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Fable will get its "first deep dive" alongside Forza Horizon 6 gameplay and more during Xbox Developer Direct later this month
Xbox has confirmed that it will once again be having a Developer Direct showcase with the first deep dive into Fable and and Forza Horizon 6 planned for January 22.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Grounded 2's Next Update Will Bring a New Biome, New and Returning Bugs, Ladybuggy
The update will see the return of wasps and ants, along with the addition of two types of earwigs for players to take on in battle.
January 8, 2026 — Source

How To Set Up An Xbox Controller On Your TV With Bluetooth
When it comes to console gaming, both PlayStation and Xbox deliver high-fidelity titles like "Red Dead Redemption 2" and "Arc Raiders" at a price point that's tough to match with a similarly spec'd gaming PC. You also get controllers with your console, which inarguably offer a more relaxed gaming experience. The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 and the PlayStation 5 DualSense are regarded as some of the best game controllers of all time.
January 8, 2026 — Source

How to watch the Xbox Developer Direct 2026 showcase: When it starts and everything you need to know
Excited to watch Microsoft's preview of several Xbox games coming this year? Here's how to tune in.
January 8, 2026 — Source

PlayStation might be massively outselling Xbox hardware, but user engagement may tell a different story — Why even Sony can't ignore Xbox's shooter audience
Data from Alinea suggests that Xbox "shooter box" stereotypes may be real, as Xbox and PlayStation hit neck and neck on some games despite user base disparities.
January 8, 2026 — Source

The 8BitDo Pro 3 has so much nostalgic charm, but it brings back one of the cardinal sins of any gaming controller
8BitDo Pro 3 review: "The TMR tech inside this pad feels somewhat wasted"
January 8, 2026 — Source

There's a new Xbox and PC gaming showcase in town that puts games first, while saying no to paid placements — here's where, when, and how to watch it
Crimson Desert, Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, The Blood of Dawnwalker, Atomic Heart 2, and many more Xbox and PC games will be featured at the New Game Plus Showcase
January 8, 2026 — Source

Towerborne Launches February 26 with Massive Full Game Update
First and foremost, we at Stoic want to take a moment and salute our amazing community who joined us in the Towerborne early access journey. It's no exaggeration to say that the game would not be what it is without our community. Thank you to every Ace for your valuable feedback, passion, ideas and dedication which shaped Towerborne into our full game release.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Upcoming Xbox Developer Direct show promises the "first deep dive" into Fable — "It's time to show you more. Much more."
Xbox's next Developer Direct offers long-awaited details for Fable, alongside Forza Horizon 6, and others.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Xbox Ally X is available again at Best Buy — order now for immediate shipping and have the handheld delivered as fast as possible
The Xbox Ally X, one of our favorite premium gaming handhelds for playing AAA Xbox and PC games on the go, has found new stock at Best Buy, just in time to start 2026 with a bang.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Xbox Developer Direct Returns This Month, Will Feature a Look at Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Game Freak's New Non-Pokemon Game
Xbox has announced the return of its Xbox Developer Direct event on January 22, 2026, which so far looks to be a Playground Games-focused event with a look at both Forza Horizon 6 and Fable, though tagging along and not to be outdone is Pokemon developer Game Freak, which will be showcasing its upcoming non-Pokemon game, Beast of Reincarnation.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass Subscribers Can Play This Award Winning Resident Evil Game Now
Subscribers can play several other games, including Star Wars Outlaws, on Game Pass now.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Xbox showcase with Fable and Forza Horizon 6 gameplay lands in two weeks
While it didn't have much to show at The Game Awards 2025 presentation last month, Microsoft teased that it will have a brand-new Developer_Direct event in January. Now, the company has gone ahead and confirmed what fans will get to see at the event and the date it's happening on.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Xbox's Developer Direct returns on January 22nd with Fable and Forza Horizon 6 gameplay
The new installments in two of Microsoft's biggest Xbox franchises are releasing this year.
January 8, 2026 — Source or Source or Source

Gaming — Xbox — January 7th, 2026

2XKO on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S -- Here Are 15 Must Know Things
After launching on PC, Riot Games' free-to-play fighting game is finally coming to consoles. Here's what you should know.
January 7, 2026 — Source

ARC Raiders Went From Free-to-Play to $40 Because of Helldivers 2
"Given how much time they seem to spend in the game, I hope people feel like we've given them value for money," says Patrick Söderlund.
January 7, 2026 — Source

EXCLUSIVE: Fallout 3 is getting a remaster after all, and New Vegas is, too — but that's not what the TV show's countdown timer is for
Fallout 3 and New Vegas are getting remasters, though we know next to nothing about them right now.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Explore a Galaxy Far, Far Away in Star Wars Outlaws on Xbox Game Pass Now
Some Game Pass subscribers can play Resident Evil Village soon, too.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Fallout 3 And New Vegas Remakes, Wolfenstein 3, New Warcraft Mobile Games Are Rumored
Microsoft is cooking up a lot of new games, it appears.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Fallout 3 is Getting The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered Treatment -- Rumor
It also seems that Fallout: New Vegas will receive a remaster, though it's unknown whether Obsidian Entertainment is involved.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Fallout 3's iconic VATS system almost didn't make it into the RPG in time, and Bethesda was worried no one would even want to use it: "Is this even fun?"
"We only just got that working by the time it shipped"
January 7, 2026 — Source

Fallout New Vegas and Fallout 3 Remakes Will Arrive "Eventually," According to New Report
After Bethesda gave The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion the Unreal Engine 5 remaster treatment with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, according to a new report from Jez Corden at Windows Central, both Fallout 3 and Fallout New Vegas are due for the same treatment "eventually."
January 7, 2026 — Source

Fortnite and Call of Duty dominated 2025 on Xbox and PlayStation — and show once again why Steam player counts don't always tell the story
The most played games of 2025 are exactly the same as 2024, albeit in a different order. Not one of them is that surprising.
January 7, 2026 — Source

How to set up parental controls for Xbox Ally and other Windows-based devices for safer gaming
Learn how to manage screen time limits, app restrictions, spending controls, and online safety across Windows handhelds, including the Xbox Ally.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Lenovo Legion Go 2 (SteamOS) versus Xbox Ally X: Which is the best handheld gaming PC?
The new SteamOS Legion Go 2 offers a very different playing experience from the Xbox Ally X, but which one should you actually buy? Here's how they compare.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Next Xbox -- Microsoft Reportedly Prepping "Major Updates" for Windows 11 Full Screen Experience
Existing Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S titles will still apparently run on the hardware, with the promise of backwards compatibility.
January 7, 2026 — Source

The Blood of Dawnwalker Director Says "Our Vampires Are Different" From Other Depictions
Traditional aspects of vampire lore like silver, sunlight, and garlic will "work in different ways," said director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz.
January 7, 2026 — Source

There's a new Xbox and PC gaming showcase in town that puts games first, while saying no to paid placements — here's where, when, and how to watch it
Crimson Desert, Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, The Blood of Dawnwalker, Atomic Heart 2, and many more Xbox and PC games will be featured at the New Game Plus Showcase
January 7, 2026 — Source

Xbox Gear Shop finally gives an update after being closed for five months — something special for Xbox's 25th anniversary?
Microsoft's official online store for Xbox-branded merchandise is coming back soon with new and old gear
January 7, 2026 — Source

Xbox in 2026 — What to expect from Team Green this year, and beyond
It's an interesting, and potentially pivotal year for Xbox in 2026. After a somewhat unprecedented year of negative headlines, Xbox has an opportunity to turn it around this year.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — January 6th, 2026

8BitDo Ultimate 3E Modular Xbox Controller Can Swap Buttons And Joysticks On The Fly
8BitDo is releasing an evolved version of its Ultimate 3 controller this summer, and it's aimed squarely at the high-end gamepad market—meet the 8BitDo Ultimate 3E. The Ultimate 3E builds upon the foundation of the Ultimate 3 with two additional bumpers, swappable D-Pad, and even swappable face buttons. Like Ultimate 3, Ultimate 3E also has hall-effect triggers and analog sticks, though Ultimate 3E has further upgraded the triggers with an actuation adjustment slider, and the analogs to higher-precision also-driftless TMR sticks.
January 6, 2026 — Source or Source

Cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass is coming to Hisense and TCL TVs later this year
It'll be easier to game than ever on V homeOS and Google TV hardware.
January 6, 2026 — Source or Source

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Star Wars Outlaws, Resident Evil Village, and More
Brews & Bastards is an intoxicating, twin-stick shooter, overflowing with action-packed combat, potent brews and outlandish bosses. Select from a group of inebriated heroes and descend, drink, and destroy your way through hordes of drunken demons in search of the stolen Brew Stone.
January 6, 2026 — Source

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined to release a free demo on Xbox this week — progress can even be carried into the full game with a bonus reward
Play an early portion of the upcoming remake of Dragon Quest VII with a new playable set to be released on January 7, 2026.
January 6, 2026 — Source

Grand Theft Auto 6 is the Most Anticipated 2026 Release for Many Japanese Developers
Many Japanese developers expressed the belief that Grand Theft Auto 6's release will mark the start of a new generation for gaming.
January 6, 2026 — Source

HyperX made a Hit Box-style leverless fight stick with native Xbox compatibility and TMR sensors — it's (obviously) drift-proof and customizable with 3D printers
The HyperX Clutch Tachi features a detachable faceplate, and you can design your own replacement using 3D-printable blueprints.
January 6, 2026 — Source

Lies of P Developer Plans to Introduce "Successful IP" Over Next Five or Ten Years
"The Lies of P franchise will need to be continued. That's a given," said NEOWIZ co-CEO Sean Kim in an interview discussing the future.
January 6, 2026 — Source

Star Wars Outlaws and Resident Evil Village heads to Xbox Game Pass as January headliners
It's a new year, and it has been a few weeks since Microsoft's game subscription platform, Xbox Game Pass, received any new titles. That's changing today, as a brand-new wave of games has just been announced, and it includes some heavy hitters like Star Wars Outlaws, Resident Evil Village, and Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition. Even the original Final Fantasy from Square Enix, with modernizations, is included in this month's additions.
January 6, 2026 — Source or Source or Source

What to expect from Xbox in 2026: Fable, Gears of War, and several huge anniversaries that Microsoft should celebrate
Opinion | After setting a low bar in 2025, Microsoft needs to aim higher
January 6, 2026 — Source

Xbox Cloud Gaming is coming to Hisense Smart TVs in 2026 — for gamers who can't afford an Xbox console after the price hikes?
Soon, you will be able to stream critically acclaimed Xbox titles on V homeOS-powered Smart TVs.
January 6, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass Announces First Game Library Updates of 2026
Welcome to the new year, friends! Happy to be back with more games and more fun. Let's get to it!
January 6, 2026 — Source

Xbox Game Pass Starts 2026 with a "Damn Good Month," Adding RE Village, Star Wars: Outlaws, and More
The first batch of Xbox Game Pass games for 2026 has been revealed, with a strong lineup of seven games joining the service, including Resident Evil Village and Star Wars: Outlaws, and three titles already included in the service at the Ultimate tier now available at the second-rung, Premium tier.
January 6, 2026 — Source or Source

Xbox Game Pass Takes You to a Galaxy Far, Far Away in Star Wars Outlaws
Game Pass subscribers can play other games, like Resident Evil Village and Atomfall, starting in January, too.
January 6, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — January 5th, 2026

Arc Raiders Dev Defends Use Of AI Yet Again
"People have to take a step back and understand what it is and how it can be a big help to developers and be a tremendous benefit to players."
January 5, 2026 — Source

Arc Raiders Player Screaming For Help Gets Frantic Visit From Real-Life Neighbor
The neighbor, apparently a firefighter, just wanted to see if the player needed help extracting from the building.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Audeze upgrades its Maxwell gaming headset with magnetic ear pads
The Maxwell 2 gaming headset costs $329 with support for PlayStation and $349 for Xbox.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Bright Memory devs officially unveil their next project
Bright Memory Infinite was one of the first Xbox Series X games to be shown off all the way back in 2020. While the game did not blow up in popularity, it seemed to have achieved what it set out to -- all the while getting a bunch of major and welcome updates. Half a decade on however and the team have moved over to their next project -- which is said to be a "3rd person action shooter set in Republic of China."
January 5, 2026 — Source

GTA 6 Is Already My Most Anticipated Game of 2026, And It's Not Even Close
With this feature, we dive deep into the excitement surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6 and list down 10 big reasons why it's our most anticipated game of the year.
January 5, 2026 — Source

There Will Soon Be Another Way To Play Xbox Games Without An Xbox
Microsoft continues to expand beyond the console.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Wccftech's Most Anticipated Shooter Games of 2026 -- The Year of Xbox Studios?
2025 was an explosive year for shooter games. The schedule of the new year is also quite juicy, mostly thanks to Xbox Studios releasing two games based on its heavy-hitting shooter franchises in the same year: Halo Campaign Evolved and Gears of War E-Day. Those two, plus Bungie's Marathon, are arguably the most anticipated shooter games of 2026 based on what we currently know, but history has shown there can always be interesting surprises throughout the year. Scroll down below to read our full shortlist and the honorable mentions, too.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Xbox App Coming to Select Hisense & V homeOS-powered Smart TVs
As we step into the new year, many of us are looking for fresh ways to play, connect, and explore. That's why we're excited to announce a new partnership with V (formerly VIDAA) that expands where your gaming adventures can happen: the Xbox app is coming to select Hisense and V homeOS-powered Smart TVs in 2026. This partnership is all about giving you more freedom and flexibility to play how you want. Xbox Game Pass subscribers—including Ultimate, Premium, and Essential subscribers—will be able to stream hundreds of games, from new releases to fan favorites, directly through the Xbox app on supported TVs via Xbox Cloud Gaming.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Xbox to Bring Cloud Gaming to Select Hisense and V homeOS-powered Smart TVs
As we step into the new year, many of us are looking for fresh ways to play, connect, and explore. That's why we're excited to announce a new partnership with V (formerly VIDAA) that expands where your gaming adventures can happen: the Xbox app is coming to select Hisense and V homeOS-powered Smart TVs in 2026.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Xbox veteran Albert Penello has passed away
The Microsoft alumnus died aged 53 after a battle with cancer
January 5, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — January 2nd, 2026

Xbox Faced Its Worst Year in UK History With Console Sales Dropping 39 Percent
Microsoft closes out 2025 in the worst way for its console line-up, prompting concerns despite a stacked 2026 release schedule.
January 2, 2026 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — December 26th, 2025

Xbox Ally starter guide: 7 essential steps every new owner should do first
Did you get a shiny new Xbox Ally or Xbox Ally X recently? If so, consider following these steps to improve your experience before diving into those similarly shiny games.
December 26, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — December 21st, 2025

GTA 6 Reportedly Features "Many Planned Features" Typically Found in MMORPGs
Former Star Wars: The Old Republic producer Richard Vogel claims Rockstar's open-world title "could evolve into an MMORPG."
December 21, 2025 — Source

My 2026 New Year's resolution is to finally play these 8 Xbox and PC games in my backlog — mostly because new releases are getting too expensive
From modern hits I skipped out on to revisiting childhood classics, here are my top priority Xbox and PC games from my backlog I plan to finally play and beat in 2026.
December 21, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — December 19th, 2025

A Nintendo Wii-like console that's giving the PS5 and Xbox Series X a run for their money wants to succeed where the Mario maker failed: "We are standing on a giant's shoulder"
"they only buy Wii Fit, Wii Sports and not many others... that's a bit of a problem"
December 19, 2025 — Source

Gears of War: E-Day is The Coalition's Most Ambitious Project
On behalf of the team at The Coalition and our partner studios Sumo Digital and Disbelief Games, we'd like to say thanks for playing! Whether you've been with us since 2006 or you picked up a Lancer for the first time this year on a new platform, you're a part of the Gears family and we salute you for spending time with us.
December 19, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

Getting Started with Xbox Cloud Gaming
Consoles and PCs now have a powerful new partner offering even more ways to play: the cloud. With Xbox Cloud Gaming, you have access to a huge and dynamic library of the latest and greatest titles, wherever there's a compatible screen, a stable internet connection, and a cloud-supported Xbox Game Pass subscription.
December 19, 2025 — Source

'Giving the Covenant Back Their Bomb' To 'Ensure Halo's New Era Doesn't Fail': Halo 2 and 3 Remakes Are Reportedly in The Works
Although the Halo series has faced some challenges lately, it's undeniable that the franchise remains one of the most popular modern gaming series ever. Halo Studios is well aware of the current general perception of their series, and by reportedly "giving the Covenant back their bomb", and remaking Halo 2 and Halo 3, it wants to ensure the franchise's new era doesn't fail with a new game whose reception is uncertain.
December 19, 2025 — Source

"I did not see it coming. I was absolutely blindsided" — star of Xbox's canceled Perfect Dark reboot and the next Tomb Raider shares her "devastating" story
As Alix Wilton-Regan moves on from Perfect Dark to Tomb Raider, she reveals how shocking Xbox's cancelation was.
December 19, 2025 — Source

"Is there a place and what's the right one?" Bethesda's Todd Howard suggests iconic Fallout actor could come to the TV show — he might even be in Season 2
Ron Perlman has a role in nearly every Fallout game, and may have one in the TV show, too.
December 19, 2025 — Source

Master Chief Drives Warthog Onto Football Field, Performs Coin Toss At Xbox Bowl
Here are some scenes and stories from the first-ever Xbox Bowl in Texas.
December 19, 2025 — Source

Outbreak: Shades of Horror Gifts Co-op Festive Frights on Xbox Series X|S Today
This year's festive feast is being served with an extra heaping of zombie flesh! My name is Julia Wolbach, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Dead Drop Studios. I'm overjoyed to welcome you to the doomed city of Cypress Ridge just in time for the holidays because Outbreak: Shades of Horror is releasing on Xbox Series X|S today!
December 19, 2025 — Source

Perfect Dark Hit Milestones "That the Client Was Really Happy With" Before Cancellation
Voice actor of Perfect Dark protagonist Joanna Wilton-Regan recounted her time working on the game, and her surprise at its cancellation.
December 19, 2025 — Source

Starfield's Second DLC Reportedly Pushed Back Because Of GTA 6 Delay
The word is out about a closed-door preview of the changes coming in Starfield's second DLC.
December 19, 2025 — Source

The 25 Best Xbox Games Right Now
Whether you're gaming on an Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S or streaming with Xbox Cloud Gaming, CNET's experts have rounded up the best Xbox games for you in 2025 and beyond.
December 19, 2025 — Source

The Journey of BlazBlue Entropy Effect X
From day one, the team at 91Act carried an ambitious vision: to stand out on the global stage of action game development. Even their name, "91Act," is a pun of the phrase "Jiu Yao ACT" (means "We only want to make ACT games") in Chinese -- a nod to the team's desire to express creativity freely in the 2D action game scene.
December 19, 2025 — Source

Xbox reportedly not doing a player wrap-up for 2025 due to marketing budget reallocation
Popularised by the likes of Spotify, most services nowadays offer their users a year-in-review of sorts, in which you can learn about your consumption habits from the past 12 months. While Xbox has offered wrap-ups for previous years, an insider is claiming that budget reallocations have led to Microsoft cancelling 2025's Xbox year-in-review.
December 19, 2025 — Source or Source

Gaming — Xbox — December 15th, 2025

Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition Xbox Series X|S version is now live with 60 FPS — and it's a free upgrade for existing owners
Larian Studios' Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition has a free upgrade, now live on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Hyperkin Competitor Review: Satisfactory Budget Controller For PC And Xbox
Hyperkin has tons of controllers for popular consoles, including Xbox, Nintendo, and PlayStation, and a lot of those target the budget/mid-range segment. One such new controller arrived this October, offering a layout that is a hybrid of Xbox and PlayStation controllers, but is meant for Xbox consoles and PC. I have always liked the location of analog sticks on the PlayStation controllers, and The Competitor brings exactly that, but you get the Xbox face button layout as you would expect.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Microsoft's Xbox Ally X handheld shows ambition and promise, even if the execution isn't ready for prime time
Bold vision, shaky execution — classic Microsoft.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Preview: Death Howl brings tense tactical horror to Xbox and PC, where survival meets the pain of grief
Indie horror gets loud — Death Howl is here to make you scream.
December 15, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

The Best Games of 2025 — The Windows Central team ranks our favorite titles across Xbox and Windows PC
Hey gang, Jez here with a round-up of our favorite Xbox and PC games for 2025, alongside some strong honorable mentions you should definitely check out.
December 15, 2025 — Source

This massive FPS game I love is getting a surprise DLC-style content update this week — it got a huge Xbox sale just in time (UPDATE: It's delayed)
STALKER 2's new "Storied Untold" patch is adding a big new storyline with new quests, locations, loot, and more.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Xbox Developer Direct confirmed for January 2026
One of the few decisions made by Xbox in recent years which has turned out to be a success has been the launching of their Xbox Developer Direct Showcase. Having taken place in January of 2024 and 2025, it comes as little surprise that Microsoft is planning a 2026 edition of the showcase -- now confirmed to be going live next month.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — December 12th, 2025

After Black Ops 7 Disappoints, Xbox Boss Says Annual Call Of Duty Releases Are "Really Difficult"
Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty also stated that he's "really proud" of the game.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Amid The Game Awards hubbub, Xbox quietly announces a January Developer Direct featuring the Fable and Forza Horizon 6 studio
Playground Games is on a roll
December 12, 2025 — Source

EA's $55 Billion Sale Price Reflects Gaming's "Place In Modern Entertainment," Xbox Boss Says
"Games have really become a foundational part of entertainment."
December 12, 2025 — Source

Erangel: Subzero — A New Chapter of Survival Arrives in PUBG This December
Erangel, PUBG's most iconic battleground, is about to face transformation unlike anything players have seen before. With the Erangel: Subzero update, the familiar landscapes of the island are plunged into a deep freeze, reshaping not only the map's atmosphere but also the core survival experience. This update is more than a visual refresh; it expands the lore of the PUBG universe, evolves gameplay in meaningful ways, and marks the beginning of an ongoing environmental shift that will continue to unfold over time.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Gears Of War: E-Day Is Still Coming In 2026, Microsoft Assures Fans
The upcoming Gears of War prequel may have skipped The Game Awards, but E-Day remains on track for next year.
December 12, 2025 — Source

I finally looked up translations for Expedition 33's main songs — I had no idea how much they gave away the plot this whole time
PSA: Don't look up the lyric translations to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's main songs before beating the game. They give away the story.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Captures Iconic Eras of Batman, Pre-Order Today
The Caped Crusader, the World's Greatest Detective, DC's Dark Knight — whatever name you prefer, Batman has transcended the medium in which he was created and become modern day folklore; a tale we are all so familiar with, that stands shoulder to shoulder with ancient myths and legends… but this legend only comes out at night and has a really cool car.
December 12, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

Lords of the Fallen 2 Will Allow Players to Chop Of All the Limbs Off Enemies
The studio's creative strategist also spoke about striking a balance between character-focused narrative and environmental storytelling.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Microsoft Wishes Xbox Game Pass Subscribers a Bloody Christmas With Mortal Kombat 1
"Get over here!" and celebrate the holidays with Scorpion.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 15 to 19
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
December 12, 2025 — Source

No Law Developers Were Aware That it Would Draw Comparisons With Cyberpunk 2077
The game's creative directors emphasised that No Law will focus on being a more intimate experience with tongue-in-cheek writing.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Ontos is "Not Really a Horror Game in the Traditional Sense" Says Creative Director
Ontos will take players to the moon base Samsara where protagonist Aditi will partake in strange morality-questioning Experiments.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Romero Games working on smaller shooter that borrows from its cancelled project
"We have 50 million worth of game that we can take pieces out of and put into a brand new indie game"
December 12, 2025 — Source

Tomb Raider: Catalyst's Story Will Take Place "Years After" Tomb Raider: Underworld
Game director Will Kerslake has also confirmed that the reboot trilogy will serve as Lara Croft's origin story going forward.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Is Still a Brutal Masterpiece a Year Later
Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment have done fairly well to keep Titus' latest fight alive over the past year, and it looks like there's going to be another year of additions to Space Marine 2. But is it all worth your time and money?
December 12, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

Xbox Ally X Durability Test: Is It Worth the Price Tag?
The Xbox Ally X, a $1,000 handheld gaming console co-branded with ROG, positions itself as a premium alternative to the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. Designed as a portable Windows-based gaming device, it promises high performance, modularity, and durability. However, its steep price and certain design choices raise questions about its overall value when compared to its competitors.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Xbox Developer Direct Confirmed For January 2026, But It Won't Have Everything
2026 is the 25th anniversary of Xbox, and Microsoft has a lot planned.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Xbox leadership gets a shake-up in 2026 — current CFO Tim Stuart transitions to COO of ZeniMax Media
Tim Stuart will be COO of ZeniMax in 2026, with Xavier Pokorzynski stepping into the role of Microsoft Gaming CFO.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — December 11th, 2025

The best Xbox controller to buy right now
From basic and affordable to premium and ultra-customizable, these are the best controllers we've tested for Xbox.
December 11, 2025 — Source

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim's Recent Live Action Trailer Believed by Fans to Tease The Elder Scrolls 6
While fans are speculating that The Elder Scrolls 6 might be coming out in 2027, other fans are noting that this might be reaching.
December 11, 2025 — Source

The Official Fallout Pip-Boy Xbox Controller Is Now Available To Preorder
Brave the wasteland with this Fallout-inspired Xbox controller.
December 11, 2025 — Source

The Xbox Year in Review is still MIA, but don't worry, TrueAchievements is here to save the day
Look back on all your accomplishments and find out which is your most-played Xbox game of 2025 with My Year On Xbox powered by TrueAchievements
December 11, 2025 — Source

Vault Boy has seen some things, and it shows on this new Xbox Design Lab controller
Vault Boy's trauma is showing on this new Xbox Design Lab controller
December 11, 2025 — Source

Why Is the Splinter Cell Remake Still Taking So Long?
Is Splinter Cell Remake still happening? Yes, apparently, but we have no idea when exactly.
December 11, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

Xbox Free Play Days has Hunter: Call of the Wild and more games to try this weekend
Another weekend is almost here, and Microsoft is back on schedule with another bunch of games for Xbox gamers to try out. The latest Free Play Days event landed today with three more games to play until the promotion's end. From the trio, only a single title is exclusive for Game Pass subscribers, while the remaining two games can be played without any sort of membership requirement.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Xbox suffers a brutal 69% drop in Pornhub traffic as PlayStation dominates
Yes, some people watch porn on their consoles
December 11, 2025 — Source

Xbox's Age of Empires and Age of Mythology: Retold are getting more expansions in 2026 — including these fan-favorite factions
Age of Empires 4 is getting Vikings in 2026, while Age of Empires 2 and Age of Mythology: Retold are heading to South America.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — December 5th, 2025

Clockwork Revolution is the "Most Complex Game" Brian Fargo Has Ever Worked On
The complexity, according to Fargo, comes from the level of character creation as well as the world's reactivity to players' actions.
December 5, 2025 — Source

'Don't Bother Guessing. You're Not Going to Guess Right' — Tim Cain, One of the Creators of the Original Fallout, Has Rejoined Xbox Studio Obsidian to Work on a Mystery Project
Tim Cain, one of the creators of the original Fallout video game, has rejoined Xbox studio Obsidian Entertainment to work on a mystery project.
December 5, 2025 — Source

Microsoft Reportedly Boosting Xbox Production Output, Linked to Tentative Foxconn Vietnam Expansion
Two days ago, a low-key Reuters news article described recent efforts made by Fushan Technology (a Foxconn subsidiary) and Luxshare-ICT (a Chinese firm) to expand games console production facilities in Vietnam. Insiders believe that Fushan Tech is seeking permission to bolster an existing plant—leaked documents, submitted to a local government body, mention a major manufacturing goal. Once permitted, the Foxconn off-shoot supposedly wants to produce "up to 4.8 million Microsoft Xbox gaming devices (per annum), as well as "parts of the consoles, and other unspecified electromagnetic devices." Allegedly, Luxshare-ICT has lodged a similar request—pending a decision regarding an upgraded facility's annual "(up to) 4.5 million game consoles" production target.
December 5, 2025 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 8 to 12
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
December 5, 2025 — Source

ROG Xbox Ally X versus Legion Go 2: Is OLED Worth The Extra Cash?
Handheld gaming has reached new heights, offering devices that deliver console-quality experiences in a portable format. Among the leading options are the ROG Xbox Ally X and the Lenovo Legion Go 2, two Windows-based gaming devices tailored to different user preferences. While the Ally X emphasizes comfort and simplicity, the Legion Go 2 focuses on versatility and premium features. In the video below, Jon Valiagas gives us a detailed comparison to help us decide which device aligns best with your gaming needs.
December 5, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

The Elder Scrolls 6 Creative Director Believes Grand Theft Auto 6 Will Come Out First
"I've got my fingers crossed for [Grand Theft Auto 6]," said Todd Howard when asked if it will come out before The Elder Scrolls 6.
December 5, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — December 3rd, 2025

Call Of Duty Is Underperforming In 2025, Analyst Says, Citing Burnout, Creative Decisions, And AI Slop
"Xbox dropped the ball on the wrong year."
December 3, 2025 — Source

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Is the Biggest New Third-Party Game Launch on Xbox Game Pass of 2025
Fresh from sweeping the Golden Joysticks and poised to do the same at The Game Awards, Sandfall Interactive's phenomenal debut RPG is one of the most buzzed-about releases of the year, so it should surprise no one when we announce that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the biggest new third-party game launch on Xbox Game Pass of 2025. That's based on the number of unique users in the first 30 days of its availability, which means a huge number of Xbox players joined Maelle, Gustave, Esquie, and the gang on their journey right from the beginning.
December 3, 2025 — Source or Source

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 lead says Xbox Game Pass "lowered that barrier of entry" for his turn-based RPG, a genre that "might put people who prefer more real-time action games off"
"They could just try it and see how it feels"
December 3, 2025 — Source

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wasn't Just An Enormous Sales Success, It Was Also The Biggest New Third-Party Launch on Xbox Game Pass in 2025, Despite Launching Two Days After The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
The highly-acclaimed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 just added yet another accolade to its name — as it's now the biggest new third-party game launch on Xbox Game Pass in 2025.
December 3, 2025 — Source

Hela's Cozy Co-op Gameplay Presented During BIG Winter Showcase
Hela is a cozy co-op adventure where you play as a tiny mouse on a heartfelt mission to help a kind witch and the land she cares for. Explore freely, solve creative puzzles, and use teamwork—or the clever Shade System—to find the small wonders tucked throughout the world.
December 3, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

How would you improve Xbox PC? Falconeer dev Tomas Sala imagines a more community-focused Xbox PC experience, for devs and players — "I would love to see that."
Tomas Sala, developer of The Falconeer and Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles, talks with Windows Central about improvements he'd like to see on Xbox PC store.
December 3, 2025 — Source

Nightdive Explains How the Game's Original Source Code Transformed Blood: Refreshed Supply
On the surface, Blood: Refreshed Supply may not seem all that different from 2019's Blood: Fresh Supply. Both are remasters of the 1997 horror FPS from Monolith Productions, courtesy of the remaster specialists at Nightdive Studios.
December 3, 2025 — Source

Red Dead Redemption -- Xbox Series X/S Players Facing Issues in Getting Free Upgrade for Xbox 360 Version
Rockstar Games has acknowledged that Xbox players have been facing issues, and is working with Microsoft to resolve this as soon as it can.
December 3, 2025 — Source

Red Dead Redemption's free Xbox Series X upgrade is currently broken with fans baffled after being asked to buy the whole game again, but Rockstar is "working with Microsoft to resolve it"
Don't pay full price, the free version is on its way
December 3, 2025 — Source or Source

Xbox Cloud Gaming datamine reveals Microsoft has been quietly removing "Stream Your Own Games" — and a possible new Xbox dashboard?
You can now buy games to play specifically on Xbox Cloud Gaming, but it seems that Microsoft still has the capacity to remove games from the service. What if you purchased it specifically for cloud gaming?
December 3, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — November 30th, 2025

Next Dead Rising in Development Since 2023, Features Frank West and New Hollywood Setting -- Rumor
The sequel reportedly features a new zombie virus, a villainous film director, and returning mechanics like the time limit.
November 30, 2025 — Source

ROG Ally X Update Boost Performance, Adds Core Controls, Smart Xbox Profiles & More
What if your handheld gaming device could adapt to your every move, delivering peak performance when you need it most and conserving energy when you don't? The latest update for the ROG Xbox Ally X is here to do just that, promising a massive performance boost that could redefine how you game on the go. Packed with innovative enhancements like game-specific optimization profiles and advanced performance controls, this update isn't just an incremental improvement, it's a fantastic option. Whether you're tackling the high-octane chaos of Call of Duty: Warzone or exploring the magical world of Hogwarts Legacy, this update ensures your device is running at its absolute best, no matter the challenge.
November 30, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — November 29th, 2025

Microsoft and Crocs release limited-edition Xbox-themed footwear for $80 — black Classic Clogs with Xbox-style controller charms
*Console not included.
November 29, 2025 — Source

Saints Row creator admits he took Grand Theft Auto's design "wholesale," but feels there were "enough differentiating factors" overall; "Am I playing a GTA game? No! But I kinda feel like I am"
Chris Stockman also says the game wouldn't have been as successful if GTA 4 had already launched on Xbox 360
November 29, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — November 26th, 2025

30 Must-Play Xbox Series X Games You Can't Skip [2025 Edition]
Despite continuously losing out to PlayStation, Microsoft's eighth-gen console has built up a solid library of must-play games.
November 23, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

Asus and Xbox roll out 'Default Game Profiles' preview update for ROG Xbox Ally
The collaboration between Asus and Microsoft continues to deepen with a significant software update for the ROG Xbox Ally series of handhelds. The latest patch, which is available now in preview, introduces a feature designed to remove the guesswork from balancing performance and battery life.
November 23, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

Could Death Stranding 2 ever come to Xbox? A recent PC rating for Hideo Kojima's sequel makes it a far more realistic possibility
Death Stranding 2's early PC rating arrives much sooner than the first game's rollout, suggesting the sequel could reach PC and later Xbox far earlier than expected.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Housing in World of Warcraft Is Giving Players a Huge Creative Suite to Make Azeroth Their Own
When it comes to hotly anticipated World of Warcraft updates, few have sizzled for longer than Player Housing -- a feature that will bring liveable homes and dynamic neighbourhoods to the ever-evolving world of Azeroth. And the best news? It's almost here -- scheduled to land in the final patch of The War Within starting on December 2.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Indie Selects for November 2025 (and More Cool Things!)
The holiday season is here, and the ID@Xbox team is excited to share this month's Indie Selects! Before we dive in, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support of independent games on Xbox as we celebrate the second year of this program. Thank you for exploring our staff picks and for championing the incredible creators who make these experiences possible.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Master Chief Design Took Nine Tries To Get Right: "It Took Forever," Creator Says
"I went through so many ringers to try to find the right look, the right feel."
November 23, 2025 — Source

Rockstar Games Co-Founder Left Due to Disagreement With Brother About Studio's Direction -- Rumour
Well-regarded Grand Theft Auto leaker Tez2 noted that if Dan Houser wanted to leave over union busting he would have done it in 2018.
November 23, 2025 — Source

ROG Xbox Ally, Xbox Ally X Get Default Game Profiles That Automate Tweaking Performance Settings
The feature is available in preview right now, and is launching with support for 40 games including Hollow Knight: Silksong and Fortnite.
November 23, 2025 — Source

We Bullied Microsoft Into Making Its Handheld Feel More Like an Xbox
No console should make players adjust graphics settings per game to get a good experience.
November 23, 2025 — Source

World's Most Expensive Copy Of Fortnite Just Sold For An Eye-Popping Sum
Someone paid tens of thousands of dollars for a 2017 copy of the game.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Xbox Cloud Gaming Expands to More Countries, Is Increasingly Popular Among Game Pass Users
Today, Microsoft announced that Xbox Cloud Gaming launched in India, the world's fastest-growing gaming market with over 500 million gamers as of 2025, earlier this month. In total, Xbox Cloud Gaming is now available in the following 29 countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Xbox Cloud Gaming Usage Is Way Up, Microsoft Says
Microsoft has released some new data points that highlight how Xbox Cloud Gaming is growing. The company said in a blog post that cloud gaming hours from Game Pass members increased by 45% compared to the same time in 2024. Additionally, Microsoft said cloud gaming users on console are spending 45% more time streaming games via the cloud and 24% more on other devices.
November 23, 2025 — Source or Source or Source

Xbox ROG Ally Can Now Automatically Fine-Tune Frame Rate, Power Consumption
The preview launch covers first-party games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and 7, Forza Horizon 5, Gears of War: Reloaded, DOOM: The Dark Ages, and more.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — November 22nd, 2025

Everything you Need to Know about Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury
Hello Xbox fans! Thanks for reading. I am thrilled to announce that our game Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury, which is based on the "Paws of Fury" movie, is out now on Xbox Series X|S, just in time for the holidays. Whether you're playing solo or teaming up in local co-op with your friends and family, we wanted the game to feel fun-packed, wacky, and full of surprises. So, let me tell you a little bit about our game.
November 22, 2025 — Source

Nacon Launches Xbox Controller Revolution X Unlimited Anniversary Edition
To mark the anniversary of the Xbox 360, NACON, designer of premium gaming accessories, is celebrating video game history alongside Xbox with a Revolution X Unlimited controller in the legendary Xbox 360 colors. Xbox and PC players can now pre-order this anniversary edition on nacongaming.com.
November 22, 2025 — Source

This Xbox and PC controller doesn't get enough attention — it's packed with the latest tech and costs so much less than the competition
The GameSir G7 Pro is a near-perfect controller for both Xbox and PC gaming with its Hall Effect Triggers, TMR thumbsticks, comfy ergonomics, and other worthwhile features
November 22, 2025 — Source

The Top 20 Games That Defined the Xbox 360
Not necessarily the best -- but yes, all of them are great.
November 22, 2025 — Source

Xbox Full Screen Experience Comes to Every Windows PC
After expanding the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) to third-party handhelds, Microsoft is now offering regular Windows PCs the opportunity to play games using Xbox FSE. With the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307) to the Dev and Beta channels, Xbox FSE can now be accessed on laptops, desktops, and tablets that aren't traditional handhelds like the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally. Users with KB5070307 and the Xbox app installed can navigate to Game Bar > Settings or press Win + F11 to toggle Xbox FSE.
November 22, 2025 — Source or Source

Gaming — Xbox — November 21st, 2025

A Balatro-Like Slots Machine Game Surprise-Launched On Xbox Game Pass
The roguelike has sold over 1 million copies on Steam.
November 21, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

Amid Concern Over Steam Machine Price, Former Xbox Exec Calls on Valve to 'Please Just Let Third-Parties Use SteamOS' to Make the Hardware With Different Configurations
"SteamOS will take off and your Store revenue will only go up."
November 21, 2025 — Source

Don't like Xbox Full Screen Experience on your handheld? — Stop it from booting or replace it with your favorite game launcher
XFSE is now available for all Windows handhelds, but if it's not to your taste, AnyFSE can make another game launcher boot at startup.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Football Manager 26 Console: 7 Tips For New and Returning Players
Football Manager 26 Console is out now, ready for you to step into the dugout and take your favourite team to footballing glory.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Former Xbox exec and Blizzard boss urges Valve to "please just let 3rd parties use SteamOS" to make their own Steam Machines: "SteamOS will take off and your Store revenue will only go up"
Although some argue that goes against what the Steam Deck's best asset is
November 21, 2025 — Source

Microsoft is now testing the Xbox full screen experience on all Windows 11 PCs
Third-party tool unlocks the controller-friendly interface for everyone
November 21, 2025 — Source

Microsoft launches Xbox full screen experience preview for Windows 11 gaming PCs — expanding beyond handhelds for the first time
You can now try out the new Xbox full screen experience mode on a Windows 11-powered gaming PC, as Microsoft expands support beyond handhelds.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Microsoft makes Full Screen Experience available to all Windows 11 gaming handhelds — highly requested feature no longer exclusive to the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X
Windows Insiders can soon get in on the fun, too.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Microsoft Rolls Out Xbox Full Screen Experience To All Windows 11 Handhelds
During the recent Xbox Partner Preview, Microsoft announced several upcoming Xbox and PC games, but also highlighted that the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) would be rolling out to all PC gaming handhelds and eventually expanding to other Windows 11 PCs through the Windows Insider Program.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Nacon Launches Xbox Controller Revolution X Unlimited Anniversary Edition
To mark the anniversary of the Xbox 360, NACON, designer of premium gaming accessories, is celebrating video game history alongside Xbox with a Revolution X Unlimited controller in the legendary Xbox 360 colors. Xbox and PC players can now pre-order this anniversary edition on nacongaming.com.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Spikeball Smash Brings the Party to Xbox Today
If you don't live near a beach, you might not know roundnet, the clever twist on volleyball invented by Jeff Knurek in 1989. The game simmered for years, then exploded when Spikeball was founded. It took over college quads, grew into a pro circuit, and now it's coming for a new arena: your Xbox.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Starting today, Full Screen Experience for Windows 11 PCs is available for Xbox Insiders!
Today the full screen experience (FSE) is generally available on Windows 11 handhelds currently in market, bringing performance optimizations and the ability to boot directly into Xbox for a smoother, more seamless way to play. Designed to minimize friction and get players into their games faster, this update helps deliver a console-like experience on handheld devices.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Vampire Survivors studio reveals spin-off Vampire Crawlers
Poncle, the developer behind the breakout hit Vampire Survivors, has unveiled a spin-off game called Vampire Crawlers. The announcement, teased with a satirical trailer promising high-fidelity graphics before revealing more 2D pixel art, shows the studio is applying its unique chaos engine to an entirely new genre.
November 21, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

Xbox Full Screen Experience testing expands to all Windows 11 machines
Microsoft rolled out the new Xbox Full Screen Experience to the ROG Xbox Ally devices first, bringing a console-like UI coupled with performance optimizations. Starting today, the company is bringing the Full Screen Experience to all Windows 11 handhelds in the market. At the same time, the feature has entered the testing phase for other Windows 11 PC form factors like desktops, laptops, and tablets.
November 21, 2025 — Source

You can now try the Xbox Full Screen Experience on any PC, laptop, or tablet
Previously, it was only available on PC handhelds.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — November 20th, 2025

Despite fierce competition, the official Xbox controller is still the best controller you can buy — when Microsoft drops it to this price
The official controller is a perfect example of refining an iconic design, and now it's affordable with a bundled USB-C cable, too.
November 20, 2025 — Source

Free Play Days -- Nowhere Prophet, One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4, For the King II, Wildgate and more
Plenty to explore this weekend with Free Play Days! Police Simulator: Patrol Officers (XPA), Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game and Wildgate are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members to play from Thursday, November 20 until Sunday, November 23.
November 20, 2025 — Source

ROG Xbox Ally Bazzite OS versus Steam Deck: Which Linux Handheld Wins the Battle?
What if the Steam Deck wasn't the only handheld gaming device redefining portable play? Enter the ROG Xbox Ally, a sleek contender that dares to challenge Valve's beloved console, particularly for Linux enthusiasts. With its 1080p variable refresh rate display, AMD Ryzen Z2A APU, and RDNA 2 GPU, the Ally promises sharper visuals and a touch more power under the hood. But is it truly the "Steam Deck Super," or just another incremental upgrade in an increasingly crowded market?
November 20, 2025 — Source

Silent Hill 2 Remake is Already Available for Xbox Series X/S in Australia
Rumored to be announced during today's Xbox Partner Preview, the survival horror remake is available in Australia at 50 percent off.
November 20, 2025 — Source

STALKER 2 To Get First DLC in 2026; Still No News on Multiplayer and Cross-Platform Mods
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl launches today on Sony's PlayStation 5 console, exactly one year after its initial release on PC and Xbox Series S|X, following the end of the timed console exclusivity deal with Microsoft.
November 20, 2025 — Source

To get GTA on Xbox, Microsoft had to convince Rockstar that its console wasn't "going to be a flop," former exec says
Bringing GTA to Xbox was "a big moment," says Peter Moore
November 20, 2025 — Source

Wishlisting your way to Xbox savings — this simple trick could save you money on your next purchase
Save money on your Xbox games with a simple wishlist trick you might be missing. A quick wishlist tip that can unlock surprise discounts on the Xbox Store
November 20, 2025 — Source

Xbox Partner Preview November 2025: Everything Announced
Highlights include follow-ups for Vampire Survivors and Raji.
November 20, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — November 14th, 2025

Assassin's Creed Mirage: Valley of Memory Update Brings New Missions, New Area to Explore, and More
Assassin's Creed Mirage: Valley of Memory launches November 18 for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. The major update is free for all Assassin's Creed Mirage players, bringing over six hours of new content, exciting player-requested features, and more.
November 14, 2025 — Source

ASUS Says Market Response to the Xbox ROG Ally Has Been 'Extremely Positive'
Like many other companies this week, Taiwanese computer, electronics, and phone manufacturer ASUS posted its quarterly reports, and Chief Financial Officer Nick Wu spoke about the new ROG Ally products, released last month in partnership with Xbox. During the Q3 2025 investor call, Wu claimed the market response has been highly positive, and demand for these pricier devices has surprised even ASUS.
November 14, 2025 — Source

Building a Trusted Gaming Future: How Security Powers Fair Play
With the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, it's a timely reminder of the responsibility we share to uphold the integrity of play. We put together this guide on the latest security features and actions players can take to make sure they're ready to jump into Call of Duty today.
November 14, 2025 — Source

Capcom brings its beloved JRPG to Xbox in excellent form: saddle up for Monster Hunter Stories 1 and 2 ahead of Stories 3's release
The Monster Hunter Stories Collection, featuring the turn-based RPGs Stories 1 (remastered) and Stories 2, is now live on Xbox! experience the charming saga with HD graphics, 60 FPS, and full voice acting. ride on!
November 14, 2025 — Source

Former Xbox exec Major Nelson praises Valve's Steam Machine as "choice is always good," but doesn't think it should be dragged into a console war: "Not everything needs a winner or loser"
Valve's PC/console hybrid is already being pitted against Xbox, PS5, and Switch 2
November 14, 2025 — Source

Fortnite is coming to the Xbox PC store
If you don't want to use the Epic Games Launcher to play Fortnite, you can use Xbox's instead.
November 14, 2025 — Source or Source

Fortnite is getting Xbox Play Anywhere support alongside Game Pass Ultimate benefits
Microsoft is partnering up with Epic Games to make Xbox and Fortnite a little closer. Starting next week, Fortnite will be launching on the Xbox store for PC with full Play Anywhere support, while Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members are also gaining Crew benefits for no extra cost. There are some Rocket League bonuses attached to the incoming perks too.
November 14, 2025 — Source

Helldivers 2 CEO is just as surprised as you that hit game is on Xbox, but stresses that the move made sense: "It turns out if you give the players what they want, they'll be happy"
The move seems to be going over very well
November 14, 2025 — Source

Microsoft Is Making It Easier For New Devs To Make Xbox Games
Almost everything you need to know about bringing your game to Xbox is now online.
November 14, 2025 — Source

Monster Hunter Stories: How the Turn-Based RPG Spin-Off Became a Pillar of the Iconic Action Series
Riders, rejoice- Monster Hunter Stories and Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin -- the first two entries in the turn-based, story-rich Monster Hunter Stories series, are available November 14 on Xbox Series X|S!
November 14, 2025 — Source

Microsoft's Xbox Magnus Hints at a 2027 Beast: But Will Old Games Work?
Have you ever imagined a gaming console that doesn't just blur the line between console and PC but completely redefines it? Enter the Xbox Magnus, Microsoft's boldest leap into the future of gaming. Powered by the new Magnus chip, this next-gen hybrid console promises to deliver a 20-30% performance edge over its fiercest competitors, including the PlayStation 6. With its sleek design and ambitious features, the Xbox Magnus isn't just a console, it's a statement.
November 14, 2025 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for November 17 to 21
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
November 14, 2025 — Source

ROG Xbox Ally, Xbox Ally X Have Seen "Extremely Positive" Market Response Since Launch
Asus CFO Nick Wu believes that there is demand in the market for premium, high-end handheld gaming PCs that the ROG Ally devices can fill.
November 14, 2025 — Source

Spray Paint Simulator Update with More Colors, Better Flow, Smoother
Grab your spray tool, and step back into Spatterville—there's a new coat of polish on Spray Paint Simulator! This update focuses on player creativity, smoother gameplay, and better performance. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a new painter just learning the ropes, you'll find this update makes your work smoother, faster, and a lot more colorful.
November 14, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — November 13th, 2025

Free Play Days -- Grand Theft Auto Online, Rubber Bandits, Soccer Story, Train Sim World 6: Standard Edition and Wreckfest
Ah snap, here we go again with tons to play this weekend with Free Play Days! Train Sim World 6: Standard Edition (Console + PC with XPA) is available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members to play from Thursday November 13 until Sunday, November 16.
November 13, 2025 — Source

Helldivers II "is doing extremely well" thanks in part to Xbox launch
Helldivers II is easily one of PlayStation's biggest success stories in recent years, with the co-op PvE shooter selling over 15 million copies within its first year on the market across PS5 and PC. The game then received a major boost in eyes following its surprise arrival on Xbox in late August of this year. According to Sony, this most recent launch has helped the game see "a significant increase in sales of the title year-on-year."
November 13, 2025 — Source

Replaying Halo: The Master Chief Collection has become my annual tradition, and co-op makes the classics hit as hard as they did 15 years ago
Over the years, Halo has become a massive part of my life. Like many, I grew up with the franchise and have distinct memories of staying up later than I'd like to admit, playing multiplayer with my friends, or trying our best to beat any given level on Legendary with them. As I've gotten older and much of my life has changed, one thing has remained the same: staying up unreasonably late to play through the Halo campaign with my buddies.
November 13, 2025 — Source

Sacred 2 Remaster: Behind the Scenes of A Legendary RPG
Sacred 2 is an action RPG that first made its debut in the early 2000s, quickly earning a loyal following for its ambitious world and distinct personality. It offered a massive, seamless map filled with sprawling towns, dense forests, scorching deserts, and perilous dungeons—all ripe for exploration. Its roster of diverse characters came with rich backstories and unique combat styles that set it apart from other RPGs of its time.
November 13, 2025 — Source

Silent Hill f Gets Casual Difficulty Mode, Additional Skip Option in New Game+ With Latest Update
The ability to skip some content in New Game+ comes after you complete the mural puzzle, but you won't get related achievements.
November 13, 2025 — Source

Valve's Steam Machine Is Beating Xbox at Its Own Game
When PC's biggest game distributor develops a console, you know that players still demand an easy couch-based experience.
November 13, 2025 — Source

Valve's Steam Machine is "great news" for Microsoft because it means Xbox can just "make great games" and worry less about hardware, says former Blizzard exec: "All will go in the right direction"
Mike Ybarra has some wise words for Xbox
November 13, 2025 — Source

Xbox boss Phil Spencer says "we welcome new options for players" as Valve unveils new rival hardware in the Steam Machine, saying new competition is how "gaming moves forward"
Microsoft is all about giving players options
November 13, 2025 — Source

Xbox Magnus versus PS6: Xbox's Massive Advantage Over Playstation Explained
What if the next-generation console war isn't just about power or exclusives, but about redefining what it means to game? The Xbox Magnus, set to release a full year ahead of the PlayStation 6, is poised to do just that. With bold innovations like free multiplayer access and a hybrid console-PC design, Xbox isn't just challenging the status quo, it's rewriting it.
November 13, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — November 9th, 2025

New Xbox Magnus Console: 50M Sales Target With Windows, Steam & Game Pass Support
What does it take to shake up an industry as competitive and innovation-driven as gaming? For Xbox, the answer seems to lie in a staggering commitment: an order of 50 million AMD chips for its next-generation console, the Xbox Magnus. This bold move signals more than just a hardware upgrade, it's a declaration of intent to redefine the boundaries between consoles and gaming PCs. Imagine a device that caters to both the simplicity craved by console loyalists and the customization demanded by PC enthusiasts. With the Xbox Magnus, Microsoft is betting big on a future where gamers no longer have to choose between power and accessibility.
November 9, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — November 8th, 2025

Halo Infinite's Last Update Arrives This Month As Devs Move To Other Halo Projects
After four years, Halo: Infinite proves to be finite after all, but the team isn't leaving Halo behind.
November 8, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

Silent Hill 2 Remake's Xbox port release date leaked by Microsoft itself, and its imminent launch might be good news for the game's rumored Born From a Wish DLC
The Xbox port appears to be coming out this month
November 8, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — November 6th, 2025

Candy Crush Saga's Music Season: All the Details, Including a New Thundercat Music Video Collab
Every year, Candy Crush Saga celebrates Music Season, a unique event bringing the joy of music to the Candy Kingdom. This year's Music Season hits all the right notes with an in-game event that lets players create their own soundtrack while helping the Kingdom get concert-ready.
November 6, 2025 — Source

How your choices in The Outer Worlds 2 shape the fate of Arcadia
The Outer Worlds 2 is available on Game Pass | Xbox now
November 6, 2025 — Source

The Outer Worlds 2 lets players craft a commander that matches their playstyle
The Outer Worlds 2 is available on Game Pass | Xbox now
November 6, 2025 — Source

The Outer Worlds 2 shows why RPGs are still the most rewarding games to play
The Outer Worlds 2 is available on Game Pass | Xbox now
November 6, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — November 5th, 2025

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Gets New Trailer, System Requirements, Pre-load Details, and More Info Ahead of Launch
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is just around the corner, with a November 14 PC launch across Xbox on PC, Battle.net, and Steam. In partnership with Treyarch, Call of Duty PC lead developer Beenox is working hard to create the best experience possible for PC players.
November 5, 2025 — Source

Concept art leaks for cancelled Avalanche game 'Contraband'
While Contraband was announced in 2021 with a planned 2022 release date, the game continued to face delays and as a result, Microsoft ultimately pulled the publishing deal for the title. It is still unclear whether or not Avalanche will be able to revive the project, but in the meantime, newly leaked screenshots have given us a good look at what could have been.
November 5, 2025 — Source

How KOF Studio Modified Chun-Li for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
Get ready, fighting game fans! The queen of kicks is styling her way into South Town! Chun-Li descends with power, elegance and style, ready to fight. As the iconic heroine of Street Fighter, bringing her to life in the world of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves was no small feat.
November 5, 2025 — Source

Inside Dante's Purgatorio, the Cancelled Sequel to EA's Dante's Inferno
Visceral's doomed follow-up would have been a battle between Heaven and Hell.
November 5, 2025 — Source

Red Dead Redemption 3 Will "Probably" Happen, But Series is a "Cohesive Two-Game Arc," Says Houser
Houser calls the Arthur-John saga complete but predicts Rockstar will ride again on Red Dead without his hand on the wheel.
November 5, 2025 — Source

Xbox wants to know how fun Ghost of Yotei is in a new survey, and fans immediately have some questions of their own: "Does this mean the game will be available on Xbox?"
Xbox is probably just doing some market research, but fans can live in hope
November 5, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — October 31st, 2025

How Every Kilometer Tells a Story in Truck Driver: The Dutch Connection
The third entry in Soedesco's trucking franchise keeps the authentic feel of hauling cargo but adds something rare for the genre: a story. You'll meet Felix, a veteran driver with over thirty years behind the wheel, and Lucas, a newcomer eager to prove himself and make his mark. What begins as mentorship soon becomes a father-and-son bond forged through shared passion, countless kilometers, and midnight deliveries.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Microsoft's CEO compared Xbox to TikTok — and the internet is confused for the wrong reason (here's why)
Microsoft's CEO raised eyebrows by saying Xbox competes with TikTok — but the real story is about attention, not consoles.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for November 3 to 7
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
October 31, 2025 — Source

Obsidian didn't add this cool feature to The Outer Worlds 2 until the game was well into development — here's how it happened
The Rifts are a huge threat in The Outer Worlds 2, but Obsidian didn't actually have them as part of the gameplay at first.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Silent Hill 2 Remake May Be Coming To Xbox Series X|S Soon
The ESRB has added Xbox to the Silent Hill 2 remake rating, which may indicate a release in the near future.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Silent Hill 2 Remake's ESRB Rating on Xbox Series X/S Suggests Upcoming Release
Bloober Team's acclaimed survival horror remake has been a timed console exclusive on PlayStation 5 for over a year now.
October 31, 2025 — Source or Source

The Best 'Xbox' Handheld Experience Ignores Xbox Altogether
The Windows 'full screen experience' could be so much better if it copied the Steam Deck.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — October 30th, 2025

Arc Raiders Invites Us Into the Extraction Shooter
My favorite shooters accommodate a wide range of players. I didn't have the fastest twitch reflexes as a teenager, let alone now nearing 40, so I'll never do well in a straight battle of headshots and KDR. But I've poured hundreds of hours into Overwatch and Helldivers 2 because they reward strategic thinking and offer an interesting range of different playstyles, which in turn produces a more compellingly wide range of stories. They also allow me to play alongside more skilled friends without feeling like anyone is compromising their fun.
October 30, 2025 — Source

Free Play Days -- Call of Duty Black Ops 6 (MP & Zombies), Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, Dead by Daylight, CATAN, and More
Before we leave October, here's a mammoth selection of titles for you try with Free Play Days! Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (MP + Zombies), Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 (Console + PC), Dead by Daylight, Catan and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader (Console + PC) are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members to play from Thursday, October 30 until Sunday, November 2.
October 30, 2025 — Source

How the Bard Found His Way into Halls of Torment
Halls of Torment is out on Xbox and we're super excited to share some insight about the content we've added to the game for this special occasion. For quite some time during the development we've planned to reward our players with a special treat once they manage to beat the final Lord in the base game -- the base game being the game without additional DLCs. But initially we struggled to determine what this special reward should be.
October 30, 2025 — Source

Microsoft Azure Outage Is Affecting Xbox Game Downloads, Minecraft and More
The issues Microsoft's Azure cloud service experienced yesterday have been solved, and all affected services, including Xbox game downloads are now back online.
October 30, 2025 — Source

Microsoft unveils faster game downloads for Xbox app, Shader Delivery for Xbox Ally, more
Today, Microsoft gave a look at the new features it is pushing out to its hardware and software on the Xbox side. The October Update is targeting Xbox home consoles, the PC app, and even changes dedicated to the newly released ROG Xbox handhelds.
October 30, 2025 — Source

MindsEye Mysteriously Removes Free Roam, Brings Back ARCADIA for User-Created Missions
ARCADIA promises an "ever-expanding world of missions, races, puzzles, and challenges," but requires constant online connectivity.
October 30, 2025 — Source

ROG Xbox Ally X Review: A Powerful Gaming PC or Overhyped is it Worth $999?
Have you ever wondered if a handheld gaming PC could truly rival the seamless experience of a console? Enter the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, a device that boldly claims to merge the best of both worlds. With its sleek, Xbox-inspired design and the raw power of an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, it promises to deliver console-level gaming on the go. But at a hefty $999 price tag, it raises a crucial question: is it truly worth the investment, or is it just another overhyped gadget?
October 30, 2025 — Source

Setting the World Stage for Virtua Fighter's Return to Xbox
Ready? Go! Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage officially launches today for Xbox Series X|S, marking its triumphant return to the Xbox platform after an almost 20-year absence. A lot has happened with Virtua Fighter over those many years, and the timing couldn't be more perfect for Xbox players to get back into the ring to compete in what we feel is the most refined Virtua Fighterentry yet.
October 30, 2025 — Source

Xbox Hardware Revenue Fell by 29 Percent, Games and Services Grew by 1 Percent in Latest Quarter
The 1 percent growth in Xbox games and services was referred to by Microsoft as being "relatively unchanged" over previous quarters.
October 30, 2025 — Source

Xbox isn't doing great in terms of hardware sales
Xbox hardware sales have continued to take a downward turn, showing a sharp decrease of 29% year-over-year for Q1 2026. This follows a 22% decrease from the previous quarter, and a 29% increase for each of the first two quarters of 2025.
October 30, 2025 — Source

Xbox October Update: ROG Xbox Ally Available Now, Handheld Compatibility Program, and More
Over the Summer we've introduced a wave of new features and devices designed to make gaming more seamless, personalized, and rewarding -- whether you're at home, on the go, or diving into cloud play. As we move into the Fall, we continue our quest to add improved innovation for our players.
October 30, 2025 — Source

Xbox Q1 hardware sales down 29% while third-party content experiences "better-than-expected performance"
Overall gaming revenue falls 2%, offset by a 1% growth in Xbox content and services
October 30, 2025 — Source

Xbox Revenues See $113 Million Decline Amid Hardware Sales Drop And Limited Gaming Content and Services Growth
Xbox gaming revenues have declined by $113 million, or 2%, due to drop in hardware sales and limited growth of gaming content and services in Q1 FY2026 over the prior year, Microsoft confirmed in its latest financial report.
October 30, 2025 — Source

Xbox sales are down again, but Microsoft doesn't seem worried
Microsoft's gaming strategy is working everywhere except Xbox hardware
October 30, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — October 26th, 2025

Call of Duty: Warzone's overhaul detailed — can it compete with Battlefield 6 RedSec battle royale?
The studio behind Call of Duty: Warzone has detailed its bold plans for the year ahead, but with a big new contender on the horizon, will it be enough?
October 26, 2025 — Source

GameStop declares "end of console wars" as Xbox says its competition is now TikTok and movies
GameStop has joined the ongoing discussion around Xbox's multiplatform strategy with a post declaring the "official cessation of the console wars."
October 26, 2025 — Source

Xbox's Bold New Strategy: What It Means for Gamers and Studios
What happens when a gaming giant shifts its focus from creativity to profitability? That's the question Microsoft's Xbox division is grappling with as it embarks on a bold transformation. With a target of achieving a 30% profit margin—a figure far above the gaming industry average, Microsoft is reshaping its gaming strategy in ways that are both ambitious and controversial. From raising prices on consoles and subscriptions to prioritizing blockbuster franchises over experimental projects, the changes are sparking debates among gamers and industry insiders alike. For long-time Xbox fans, this moment feels like a crossroads: will these moves secure the brand's future, or will they erode the community-driven identity that once set Xbox apart?
October 26, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — October 25th, 2025

"Halo is on PlayStation going forward, starting with Halo: Campaign Evolved": As Xbox's most iconic FPS hits PS5, devs hint that the days of exclusivity are over
"As the Master Chief once said: 'I think we're just getting started.'"
October 25, 2025 — Source

Phil Spencer swears Forza Motorsport isn't dead — just parked indefinitely
Phil Spencer says Forza Motorsport is alive. Fans swear they've heard this before.
October 25, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — October 24th, 2025

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Review: The Fastest Handheld Gaming PC, But Not the Best Xbox
This is the most powerful handheld gaming PC yet, and while it offers solutions to some key problems, it's not as alluringly simple as a conventional Xbox.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Ball X Pit Is Rolling, With 400,000 Copies Sold In First Week
The roguelite title is also available on Xbox Game Pass.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Football Manager 26 kicks off on Xbox Game Pass — here's which tier you'll need to play
After the cancellation of last year's game, Football Manager 26 marks a return for the popular franchise, and you might not need to buy it.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Gearing Up for Icarus: Dean Hall Reveals his Survival Tips and More
"It taps into the same psychology as real survival training: the need to test yourself, to see if you can do better with what you've learned," says Dean Hall, answering my question about what it is about Icarus: Console Edition's gameplay that will create a "just one more run" compulsion for players. And he should know. After all, the founder and creative mind of New Zealand-based studio RocketWerkz is a master of both real-life and digital survival.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Instruments of Destruction Explodes onto Xbox Series X|S
I've been working as a solo developer for over 15 years now, and this has been by far my most ambitious game to date. Most of my games have been smaller, more arcade-style titles like Fireball 2 (which launched on Xbox Series X|S earlier this year) that are designed for short bursts, but Instruments of Destruction has a whole lot more that I've added across five years of development.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Microsoft's ROG Xbox Ally Runs Faster and Smoother on Linux Than on Windows
Even the controller's responsiveness was said to be more reliable on Linux.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for October 27 to 31
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
October 24, 2025 — Source

Next-gen Xbox console will focus on "connecting all your devices in one place," Phil Spencer teases, with the handheld ROG Xbox Ally a sign of things to com
Lining up with Sarah Bond's recent comments
October 24, 2025 — Source

Obsidian's Favorite Character Builds for The Outer Worlds 2
The Outer Worlds 2 is the latest role-playing game from Obsidian Entertainment, full of dangerous fun in a new star system that's just waiting for us to explore. This studio has been home to some of our favorite games over the years, most recently Avowed and Grounded 2, and our time with The Outer Worlds 2 is shaping up to be some of their greatest work yet.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Phil Spencer says next-gen Xbox is first-party — the Xbox Ally hints at what's next
Microsoft Gaming's CEO confirms Microsoft is building the next Xbox, teasing a cross-device future as Xbox shifts priorities.
October 24, 2025 — Source

"Someone go tell Nintendo that": Former Blizzard president responds to Xbox boss saying exclusives are "antiquated," says "Nintendo has continually dominated with outstanding games"
I for one am shocked the company that doesn't make exclusives sees them as "antiquated"
October 24, 2025 — Source

Will Black Ops 7 launch on Xbox Game Pass? Here's the latest
The latest Call of Duty is set to launch on November 14, but what's the deal with Xbox Game Pass? Here's what you need to know.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Xbox Is Doing Better in Japan Thanks to Growing Importance of PC, Phil Spencer Says
Although the perception of Xbox is at an all-time low, the brand is doing better in Japan, a region that is notoriously one of the worst for Microsoft's video gaming division
October 24, 2025 — Source

Xbox Primarily Uses AI For Security So Far, Says Phil Spencer
Phil Spencer hasn't ruled out using AI for creative purposes, but it's largely used for operational purposes at Xbox.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Your Xbox Ally X doesn't run at potential out of the box — Here are 6 tweaks every ASUS ROG gaming handheld owner should make
The Xbox Ally X is a powerful handheld gaming PC, but you can get it to run even smoother with the right settings and customizations.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — October 20th, 2025

Battle in the Heavens: Ninja Gaiden 4 Makes Gaming History in the Air
To celebrate the launch of Ninja Gaiden 4, we took the fight sky-high — literally. Imagine this: two helicopters slicing through the Miami night sky, one carrying a 26-foot wide screen (200+ sq ft in size), the other with Team Ninja Community Manager, Emmanuel "Master" Rodriguez, and diamond-certified recording artist Swae Lee.
October 20, 2025 — Source

Ex-Blizzard president Mike Ybarra says awkward Microsoft "this is an Xbox" campaign is the "wrong idea, wrong time": "Whoever came up with this clearly doesn't play games"
Are you sure it's an Xbox?
October 20, 2025 — Source

Former PlayStation boss praises Microsoft's publishing strategy, but can't get his head around Xbox's Game Pass price hike: "I don't understand"
Shuhei Yoshida believes Microsoft is carving out its own path
October 20, 2025 — Source

Halo Infinite Is Getting The Needler Model From Halo: Combat Evolved
Days before the rumored reveal of a Halo: Combat Evolved remake,the Needler weapon from that game is heading to Halo Infinite.
October 20, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

Microsoft let Asus set the prices for Xbox ROG Ally, confirms Xbox President — work on next-gen console hardware is already underway with AMD
ROG Xbox Ally's pricing has been a point of contention.
October 20, 2025 — Source

Microsoft might be working on an official Xbox emulator for PC
Earlier this year, a rumour began doing the rounds claiming that Microsoft was working on an official Xbox emulator for Windows devices. At the time, doubt was cast on the rumour but now months later, it has resurfaced.
October 20, 2025 — Source

Xbox Dropping Hardware And Exclusive Games Could Be Good For Business, Former Exec Says
"I don't see any healing happening--just more needle pushing deeper and deeper."
October 20, 2025 — Source or Source

Xbox President Feels "Really Good" About The $1000 Price Tag For The New ROG Ally Handheld
With strong pre-launch sales, Microsoft says that the price of the Xbox ROG Ally accurately reflects the value provided by the device.
October 20, 2025 — Source

Xbox President says ASUS set ROG Xbox Ally prices, confirms next-gen Xbox with AMD in development
Perhaps one of the most frustrating things about the ROG Xbox Ally is its price. Many didn't believe it would launch at such a high cost, especially since it's more expensive than an Xbox Series X console. While the compact design and complexity could explain some of the markup, underneath, the ROG Xbox Ally still uses the same screen and battery setup as the Ally X.
October 20, 2025 — Source or Source

Xbox ROG Ally X versus ROG Xbox Ally Compared: Affordable or Premium?
Would you spend $600 on a gaming device, or would you double that for a premium experience? The Xbox ROG Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally are shaking up the portable gaming landscape, but their differences go beyond just price tags. These two devices, both promising seamless Xbox integration and Windows-based gaming, cater to very different audiences. Whether you're a casual gamer looking for affordability or a performance enthusiast chasing innovative specs, the choice between these two models isn't as straightforward as it seems.
October 20, 2025 — Source

Xbox Series S earns big praise — Battlefield 6 runs shockingly well on the tiny console
EA's latest shooter proves optimization pays off, with Battlefield 6 running smoothly on Xbox's smallest console, per Digital Foundry.
October 20, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — October 17th, 2025

Keeper Review -- Saving Light
A unique narrative with an unlikely pairing results in one of the more unorthodox - and compelling - adventures this year.
October 17, 2025 — Source

Keeper review: "One of the most wonderfully bizarre games I've ever played -- a stunning slice of magic"
I underestimated Keeper, and having played many, many Double Fine games, I really shouldn't have. What I expected to be a funny little tale about a lighthouse coming to life and finding a friend in a scatty seabird became an entirely unexpected journey. OK, yes, it still is a funny little tale about a lighthouse and a seabird, but it's far more complicated than that.
October 17, 2025 — Source

Keeper: A Note from Its Creator on Launch Day
Hi there, my name is Lee Petty, and I'm a Creative Lead here at Double Fine Productions. I've been at Double Fine for almost 20 years! I was the Art Director for Brütal Legend and Broken Age, but was also the Creative Lead for Stacking, Headlander, Autonomous, and RAD.
October 17, 2025 — Source

Microsoft is reportedly moving Surface and Xbox production — no prizes for guessing why
As trade tensions heat up between the U.S. and China, Microsoft is reportedly shifting Surface production overseas and encouraging Xbox manufacturing abroad in a move that could reshape its hardware future.
October 17, 2025 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for October 20 to 24
The definitive ninja hack & slash franchise returns with Ninja Gaiden 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in this high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat. Pre-order now to receive the Dark Dragon Descendant Yakumo Skin at launch.
October 17, 2025 — Source

Painkiller, Brutally Reimagined: How Anshar Studios Gave the Cult Classic New Life
Mark your calendar: Painkiller launches on Xbox Series X|S on October 21. For Anshar Studios the opportunity felt both familiar and thrilling. This was a cult classic with a legacy of speed, brutality, and gothic flair. The project came with a clear set of constraints: cooperative gameplay and a need to honor the original's DNA. For Anshar, these weren't limitations: they were a creative opportunity.
October 17, 2025 — Source

ROG XBOX Ally Hands-On First Look: Can it Handle Your Favorite AAA Games?
Imagine holding the power of a gaming console in your hands, an experience that feels like an Xbox squeezed into a sleek, portable shell. That's the promise of the ROG XBOX Ally, a handheld gaming device that aims to redefine casual gaming. But can it truly deliver on this ambitious vision, or does it fall short of the hype? With its ergonomic design, a 7-inch 1080p display, and the versatility of Windows 11, the ROG XBOX Ally seems poised to carve out a niche for itself.
October 17, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — October 15th, 2025

1000xResist Arrives on PS5, Xbox Series X/S Next Month, Also Coming to Xbox Game Pass
One of the best narratives in gaming to come out of 2024, and one of the best games from 2024 that initially launched on PC and Nintendo Switch, is finally arriving on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S later this year. 1000xResist from the new Canadian indie studio Sunset Visitor will arrive on the rest of the current-gen consoles next month, on November 4, 2025.
October 15, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

Asus' ROG Xbox Ally nails the hardware. But Windows still needs work on handhelds
A hands-on session for the new devices left me thinking the Xbox Fullscreen Interface could use a little more time in the oven.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Review
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is a handheld gaming PC with a Z2 Extreme processor, offering excellent performance and the new Xbox Full Screen Experience for streamlined gaming. It's available October 16, 2025, starting at $599.
October 15, 2025 — Source

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X Review -- This Is an Xbox?
Before I sat down in front of a television set with a controller in my hand to play a video game, I played games inches away from my face while squeezing my Game Boy for hours on end. There's many a childhood photo of me with my face buried in a handheld device, with a personal favourite being one where I'm deep into my Game Boy Advance SP on a beach. Those handheld beginnings and the handheld-focused gaming upbringing I had make me, in theory, one of the many who would get a lot of use out of a device like the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X review: Getting a grip on Windows gaming
Finally, a version of Windows 11 focused on gaming handhelds.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Review: Sorry, Consoles—PC Gaming Just Got Way Better
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X has controller-like grips, but it's far more of a PC than an Xbox with a screen.
October 15, 2025 — Source

ASUS Talks ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X -- "This Is The Way Forward For Us"
Last week, I spent an afternoon at the Steam Whistle Brewery in downtown Toronto. A short walk away from the CN Tower, Scotiabank Arena, and the Rogers Centre, I didn't cross the tourists in this bustling hub to play hooky for a beer or two at the downtown brewery. I was there on behalf of Wccftech to spend a little more hands-on time with the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, as well as hear from Whitson Gordon, ASUS's head of content for ROG and senior manager of marketing content, and Sascha Krohn, the global director of technical marketing at ASUS.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Best Xbox Ally microSD cards 2025: Large capacity, UHS-I & UHS-II compatibility, fast read speeds, and more
Here's the best of the best microSDs to get your Xbox Ally the most storage space with the fastest transfer speeds attainable.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Dbrand promises it's learnt from past mistakes with its Killswitch ROG Xbox Ally X case
No more Switch 2 shenanigans
October 15, 2025 — Source

Halo: Combat Evolved Remake Rumored to Get Full Remake Treatment with Sprinting
According to leaker Halo Leaks, the rumored new Halo: Combat Evolved edition is getting the full remake treatment, similar to CAPCOM's latest Resident Evil games. This includes the ability for the main character, Master Chief, to sprint (which was, of course, absent in the original game) and modern gameplay mechanics.
October 15, 2025 — Source

How to Avoid The New Xbox Game Pass Price Hike in 2025
Is it worth securing your membership at this price?
October 15, 2025 — Source

How to change VRAM on the Xbox Ally (and why you absolutely should)
For those jumping into the wonderful world of the Xbox Ally and PC gaming handhelds, there's one setting you should absolutely change out of the box.
October 15, 2025 — Source

How to enter BIOS on Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handhelds — Turn off startup noise and animation, adjust fans, customize performance, and more
Getting to Xbox Ally BIOS is easy, if you know what to do. Here is the best way to access it.
October 15, 2025 — Source

I regret to inform you that I've fallen for the $1,000 ROG Xbox Ally X
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X review
October 15, 2025 — Source

I tested the Xbox Ally X for dozens of hours, and it's almost everything you want in a handheld — future updates could make it the full package
The Xbox Ally X offers several improvements over the previous ROG Ally X classic, but is it worth buying? We evaluated its performance and features to find out.
October 15, 2025 — Source

If you weren't already convinced a new Halo game is being announced this month, Master Chief's voice actor has teased "BIG NEWS A'COMIN!"
Master Chief voice actor Steve Downes has joined the chorus of people hinting that something big will be announced at this year's Halo World Championships.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Kings of infuriating brutal games now heading Ninja Gaiden 4 say fairness is the secret ingredient to difficulty: "Enemies are on equal footing with the player"
"That's something we talk about a lot at Team Ninja, and it's something we've always valued throughout the series"
October 15, 2025 — Source

Microsoft Offers a Glimpse at Where It's 'Designing, Prototyping and Testing For The Next Generation of Xbox'
"We very, very rarely take people in here."
October 15, 2025 — Source

PS6 versus Xbox Magnus Showdown: Which Console Will Dominate the Future?
Is the console war about to reach a new level? Leaked specs for the highly anticipated PlayStation 6 (PS6) and Xbox Magnus suggest a dramatic shift in gaming priorities, sparking heated debates among fans and tech enthusiasts alike. With the Xbox Magnus boasting a staggering 48GB of GDDR7 memory and innovative performance capabilities, it's being hailed as a potential powerhouse that could outclass even high-end gaming PCs.
October 15, 2025 — Source

ROG Xbox Ally Handhelds: Great Games to Play Right Away
The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X arrive tomorrow, October 16 -- and if you already play with Xbox on PC, own an Xbox console, have a Game Pass subscription, or play games on other leading PC storefronts, you'll almost certainly have a gaming library waiting for you as soon as you boot it up.
October 15, 2025 — Source

ROG Xbox Ally X: The Ars Technica review
The first portable "Xbox" fails to unify a messy world of competing PC gaming platforms.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Snacks, Controllers, Validation: The Outer Worlds 2's Moon Man Couch-Panion Has It All
07.13.2013
October 15, 2025 — Source

Sure, the ROG Xbox Ally X is impressive, but I still play this handheld every night (and it only costs $399)
The Ally that saw me through it all still holds up
October 15, 2025 — Source

The Best Xbox Ally X and Xbox Ally Accessories Available Now
From cases to storage upgrades and everything in between, here's what you need for your new Xbox handheld.
October 15, 2025 — Source

The first signs of an Xbox cloud save sync indicator materialize — but it doesn't work very well
The Xbox Ally range has highlighted continued software gaps in Microsoft's gaming ecosystem.
October 15, 2025 — Source

The more affordable Xbox Ally is a modest handheld that works as expected — but the Steam Deck casts a long shadow over it
With its comfortable grips and modest performance, the Xbox Ally can make for an excellent cloud gaming device, but is that enough? Our review.
October 15, 2025 — Source

The Outer Worlds 2 Moon Man Plushie Could Be Your Friend Or Kill You In Your Sleep
Somebody set this plushie for evil!
October 15, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

The Outer Worlds 2 wasn't going to have a third-person view until Obsidian saw the demand from fans: "We actually didn't start doing it until two years ago"
Obsidian brought in another studio to make sure The Outer Worlds 2 had the feature
October 15, 2025 — Source or Source

The ROG Xbox Ally X Makes Me Want to Play More PC Games
I still want to scream at Windows, but less than the last time I reviewed one of these.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Where to buy the ROG Xbox Ally: live stock updates for the new handheld PC
Microsoft's Xbox handheld is now available at retailers.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Xbox Ally and Ally X review: this is not an Xbox
Microsoft's first 'Xbox' handhelds are shipping not fully baked.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — October 13th, 2025

Everwild Screenshots Show Xbox's Canceled Fantasy World in Fresh Detail
New screenshots have surfaced of Everwild, the long-awaited fantasy game in development for more than a decade — until its cancelation this summer by Xbox.
October 13th — Source or Source or Source

Here are three ROG Xbox Ally accessories I'd grab before the handheld arrives
Get a head start with your Xbox handheld setup.
October 13th — Source

Xbox Products Aren't Being Removed by Target and Walmart, Despite Rumors to the Contrary
Despite rumors circulating on Reddit, Target and Walmart are not removing Xbox products. Microsoft confirmed they remain committed partners for Xbox.
October 13th — Source

Gaming — Xbox — October 10th, 2025

American and Euro Truck Simulator devs have some "hidden cards" on the roadmap after the PS5 and Xbox Series X ports, but they won't be launching until 2026 at the earliest
"At this point, we are sure that the games are not coming out in 2025 on the new platforms"
October 10, 2025 — Source

Battlefield@trade; 6
The ultimate all-out warfare experience. Fight in high-intensity infantry combat. Rip through the skies in aerial dogfights. Demolish your environment for a strategic advantage. Harness complete control over every action and movement using the Kinesthetic Combat System. In a war of tanks, fighter jets, and massive combat arsenals—the deadliest weapon is your squad. This is Battlefield 6.
October 10, 2025 — Source

Best Xbox game deals: Now is the best time to beef up your physical Xbox collection
Instead of paying $360 a year for game you don't own, build your physical backlog with the games you want to play for less
October 10, 2025 — Source

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 free trial is live now and players can dive into the entire campaign — but you'll need to act fast
A free trial for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 includes the entire campaign, and players can hop in from now until October 16.
October 10, 2025 — Source

Crimson Desert's Mounts Detailed in New Gameplay, Including a Late-Game Mech
Laying waste to enemies with a machine gun, missiles, and EMP blasts is contrary to the high fantasy setting, but it's still lots of fun.
October 10, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

Halo Art Director Of 17 Years Abruptly Departs Xbox With A Concerning Farewell Message
A veteran Halo Art Director abruptly departed Xbox, sharing a concerning message about potential issues within the studio, adding to Xbox's current struggles.
October 10, 2025 — Source

How to Avoid The New Xbox Game Pass Price Hike in 2025
Is it worth securing your membership at this price?
October 10, 2025 — Source

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle gets New Game+ mode and more in free update
Indiana Jones and The Great Circle launched last year to strong reviews from both critics and fans alike. Since then, the Xbox exclusive found its way onto PlayStation and released the Order of Giants DLC. Now, in celebration of developer Machine Games' 15th anniversary, a free surprise update has been announced and detailed, adding a New Game+ mode and more.
October 10, 2025 — Source

Little Nightmares III: Explore These 5 Spooky Locations With a Friend Today
The Little Nightmares series has become a dark delight for horror fans around the world, drawing millions of minds into the perilous grasp of the Nowhere. Today, the newest game in the series, Little Nightmares III, arrives for Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, and Xbox on PC as an Xbox Play Anywhere title. And for the first time, you'll be able face your childhood fears with a friend thanks to the online co-op feature.
October 10, 2025 — Source

Microsoft is Discussing 2027 Launch of Next-Generation Xbox With Partners- Rumour
The AMD Magnus APU slated to power the next-generation Xbox will also offer a fair amount of extra power over the PS6's rumoured chip.
October 10, 2025 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for October 13 to 17
In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
October 10, 2025 — Source

Next-Gen Xbox Rumored For AMD Magnus Chiplet Packing 48GB GDDR7 For Gaming
A next-gen Xbox, potentially releasing in 2027, is rumored to feature an AMD "Magnus" APU with Zen 6 CPU cores, RDNA 5 GPU, and up to 48 GB of GDDR7 VRAM, possibly supporting Windows.
October 10, 2025 — Source

The Outer Worlds 2 gets its own Xbox controller just weeks before the game's release date
Xbox Design Lab strikes again
October 10, 2025 — Source

Ubisoft Adds Two Classic RPGs To Game Pass
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of an iconic franchise, two of its classic video games have come to Game Pass.
October 10, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

Xbox Next Is Rumored to Target 2027 Launch; Partial Specs Leaked
Rumors suggest the next Xbox system will launch in 2027, powered by an AMD Magnus APU. Leaked specs include up to 48GB of GDDR7 RAM and a TDP of 250W to 350W.
October 10, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — October 8th, 2025

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Ninja Gaiden 4, Keeper, Ball x Pit, Supermarket Simulator, and More
https://gamingbolt.com/battlefield-6s-developers-say-not-targeting-ps4-xbox-one-helped-raise-the-floor-for-destruction
October 8, 2025 — Source

Get Ready For An Action-packed Adventure With The Outer Worlds 2 Xbox Design Lab Controllers
Experience big sequel energy with The Outer Worlds 2 Xbox Wireless Controller and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. The world needs a hero, but you will have to do. Embark on your own action-packed sci-fi RPG adventure with a new crew, new weapons, new enemies, new colony, and a new controller.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Microsoft halts Xbox Game Pass price rises in select markets
"Current subscribers [...] will continue renewing at their existing price for now, in line with local requirements," firm says
October 8, 2025 — Source

Microsoft Makes First Xbox Game Pass Lineup Announcement Since Raising the Price of Ultimate
Baldur's Gate, Keeper, Ninja Gaiden and more.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Ninja Gaiden 4, Keeper, and more arrive to Xbox Game Pass in October
Today, the company unveiled the first wave of the October games drop for Game Pass. These are the titles that will be made available in the coming two weeks, which include Double Fine's Keeper, Ninja Gaiden 4 from Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, and more.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Xbox Game Pass Price Increase Reportedly Won't Affect Every Existing Subscriber
Kari Perez, head of Xbox communications, confirmed in a statement to The Verge that the Xbox Game Pass Price increase is not going to affect current subscribers in certain countries in line with local requirements. Original story follows.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Gaming — Xbox — October 3rd, 2025

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 Development Stable Despite Xbox Technical Concerns, Director Says
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 will be coming to multiple consoles when it eventually launches.
October 3, 2025 — Source

How To Beat Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price Hike & Lock In The Old Rate
Microsoft increased Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to $29.99/month, but users can still get it for $19.99 by purchasing Amazon vouchers or through GameStop.
October 3, 2025 — Source

Microsoft Is Reportedly Preparing to Launch A Free Version of Xbox Cloud Gaming With Ads
Microsoft is reportedly launching a free, ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming, offering limited streaming hours and free-to-play games.
October 3, 2025 — Source or Source

Microsoft says its "trying to reinforce" Xbox Game Pass price increases "by adding more value"
"We understand price increases are never fun for anybody," says firm's director of gaming and platform communications
October 3, 2025 — Source

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for October 6 to 10
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change).
October 3, 2025 — Source

SCUF Gaming Introduces Valor Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox and PC
SCUF Gaming, creator of the high-performance gaming controller category and part of the Corsair family of brands, today announced the SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Performance Controller for Xbox and PC, available now starting at $189.99. The SCUF Valor Pro Wireless continues to build on SCUF's legacy of innovation and customization with key input from creators and international esports pros.
October 3, 2025 — Source