Category: Xbox

Recent reports have surfaced regarding the potential pricing of the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handheld gaming devices before any official announcement from Xbox and ASUS. Speculation suggests that these devices might start at a price point of $800, significantly higher than the $400 MSRP for the 256 GB LCD Steam Deck.

Although Xbox’s own handheld console has been reportedly canceled, the June 8th Xbox Games Showcase provided insights into the future of Xbox handheld gaming. Xbox president Sarah Bond introduced the new ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X consoles, designed to let gamers enjoy a selection of popular titles from the Xbox Series X|S.

Shortly after the showcase, a partnership between Xbox and AMD was announced, aimed at enhancing the next generation of Xbox products, including home consoles, cloud technologies, and accessories. Details surrounding the Xbox Ally devices remain limited, but recent leaks have indicated the possible prices for each model.

Reports from 3DJuegos and Insider Gaming reveal that the Xbox Ally may be priced at €599 (approximately $699) in Europe, while the Xbox Ally X could retail for €899 (around $1,049). It’s important to note that these figures might be placeholder prices, and the official U.S. pricing has yet to be confirmed.

In comparison, the previous ASUS ROG Ally X with the Z1 Extreme chip is already priced similarly at €899, while the base ROG Ally generally ranges between €500 and €700. If the leaked pricing holds true, gamers can expect comparable costs for both the ROG and Xbox versions of these handhelds.

The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are slated for release in holiday 2025, with the next-generation Xbox console anticipated for 2027. Development efforts for this upcoming console continue at a rapid pace, paralleling projects like the ROG Xbox Ally and intended improvements to Windows 11, tailored for handheld gaming.

Xbox Game Pass subscribers are in for a treat with the return of the comedy-packed sci-fi first-person shooter, High on Life. Developed by Squanch Games, this game originally launched in 2022 as a day-one title on the Xbox Game Pass. In 2023, fans welcomed a DLC titled High on Knife, which delved into the backstory of one of the game’s main characters. July’s lineup for Xbox Game Pass has been quite appealing.

Recently, the service added Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 as a day-one release. Prior to that, subscribers were introduced to Little Nightmares 2, the critically acclaimed horror title from 2021. Now, the subscription is bringing back High on Life, a unique first-person shooter known for its quirky humor. On July 15, High on Life will again be available through the Xbox Game Pass.

The game follows a teenager who encounters a talking handgun during an alien invasion. Together, they embark on a mission to defeat an array of villainous aliens while also searching for more sentient weapons. The game’s standout feature is its distinctive dark humor, with the primary weapon, Kenny, and other talking guns providing witty commentary throughout the action-packed campaign. In addition to High on Life, Xbox Game Pass has four more games launching in July, including Abiotic Factor on July 22, Wheel World on July 23, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers on July 24, and Grounded 2 – Early Access on July 29.

Currently, High on Life boasts “Very Positive” reviews on Steam, reflecting its popularity. While it’s uncertain how long the game will stay on Xbox Game Pass, it’s expected to be available for several months across various tiers. Additionally, fans of the talking gun trope can look forward to a sequel, High on Life 2, which is set to release in winter 2025. Interestingly, Kenny is voiced by Justin Roiland, known for his work on the series Rick and Morty.

However, Roiland will not return for the upcoming sequel following legal issues, although the franchise has shown it can thrive without him.

Call of Duty: WW2 has emerged as one of the most-played games on Xbox following its recent addition to Game Pass on July 30. This move has been well-received by subscribers, propelling the game into the top 10 most popular titles on the platform.

On Xbox, its player count has surged over 1,000%, climbing to the ninth position from a previous ranking of 163rd, indicating a strong demand for classic Call of Duty experiences among gamers. However, the PC version of Call of Duty: WW2 is facing considerable challenges.

Players have reported rampant hacking issues, which have dissuaded many from continuing to play. The PC community is calling on Activision to address these problems, hoping that a fix could lead to similar popularity for the game on that platform as seen on Xbox.

Interestingly, prior to its launch on Game Pass, an unreleased battle royale mode for Call of Duty: WW2 was rumored to exist. Leaked footage indicated that Sledgehammer Games had considered this addition before pivoting to Warzone in later titles.

The now-vacant space on Game Pass might open the door for even more classic Call of Duty titles in the future, especially now that Microsoft owns Activision. Call of Duty: WW2 delivers a powerful World War II experience, taking players through D-Day and various iconic battles throughout Europe.

The game offers three distinct modes: Campaign, Multiplayer, and Cooperative. Players can engage in authentic combat with classic run-and-gun gameplay while experiencing a well-crafted narrative.

With its robust presentation and engaging gameplay, Call of Duty: WW2 continues to resonate, particularly among fans of first-person shooters.

Microsoft’s recent decision to lay off around 9,000 employees across various departments has notably impacted its Xbox division. This move indicates a profound shift that may have serious implications for Xbox Game Pass, which is central to Microsoft’s gaming strategy. The intention behind Xbox Game Pass is to create a subscription model akin to Netflix, providing subscribers with day-one access to new games and a vast library of titles.

To make this strategy successful, sustaining a consistent influx of new games is crucial. Microsoft has pursued significant acquisitions to secure high-profile releases for Xbox Game Pass, exemplified by Bethesda’s Starfield and Activision’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Moreover, Microsoft established its own studio, The Initiative, with expectations of producing new games for Xbox and Game Pass.

Recent successes for Xbox Game Pass have raised optimism, but the scale of the layoffs raises concerns about its future. Some have compared this moment to the “Avengers: Endgame” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, suggesting that Xbox Game Pass might experience a subsequent slump. The layoffs have led to the cancellation of key projects like the Perfect Dark reboot and Rare’s Everwild, leaving consumers anxious about Microsoft’s ability to follow through on its promises and eroding confidence in Xbox Game Pass.

After the layoffs, industry giants such as Bethesda, Halo Studios, and Blizzard have also felt the effects, diminishing the workforce behind major franchises. The situation has even affected Call of Duty studios, raising further alarms given the franchise’s history of generating substantial revenue. With a new Xbox console set to be released, these layoff decisions cast doubt on the potential of Microsoft’s gaming hardware and leave fans worried about the long-term viability of Xbox Game Pass.

According to a senior official at Virtuos, the Nintendo Switch 2’s performance is slightly below that of the Xbox Series S, but this difference may not significantly affect the porting of well-optimized games. The compatibility between titles on the two platforms will vary depending on the game itself. Established in Singapore in 2004, Virtuos Ltd. is a major game development studio with over 4,200 employees by 2025. The studio is well-known for its expertise in porting games to new platforms, having successfully handled numerous projects, including the acclaimed remaster of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion.

Virtuos also owns the Irish studio Black Shamrock, which it acquired in 2017. The Nintendo Switch 2 combines familiar elements with exciting new features and system enhancements. During an interview with Wccftech, Black Shamrock’s Technical Director, Eoin O’Grady, discussed the console’s hardware capabilities. He indicated that while the Switch 2’s GPU performance is slightly less powerful than that of the Xbox Series S, it compensates in some areas through its support of technologies like DLSS, which the Series S lacks.

O’Grady is optimistic about the potential for Xbox Series S games to be effectively ported to the Switch 2. He noted that most modern games are GPU-bound, making it feasible for the Switch 2 to run a significant number of Series S titles. Specifically, he suggested that any game running at 60 frames per second (fps) on the Series S should transition smoothly to the Switch 2. Games that can achieve 30fps on the Series S and are not limited by CPU performance should also be easily ported.

O’Grady mentioned that the Switch 2 may support hardware-accelerated ray tracing, particularly in areas like shadows and reflections, albeit with some limitations. However, the potential for a surge of third-party games on the console might be tempered by limited access to development kits. Only a select few companies received these kits before the Switch 2’s planned launch in early June 2025, which has delayed the start of many porting projects.

The developers of Xbox Retro Classics have exciting news for gamers: they plan to introduce over 100 new titles to the Xbox Game Pass during 2025 and into the following year. Launched on May 21, the service started with more than 50 classic games from Activision.

In addition to a diverse library, Xbox Retro Classics features special achievements, challenge modes, and high-score rankings, providing added motivation for players to compete. Since its debut, Xbox Retro Classics has seen the addition of a few titles, but this latest announcement will significantly expand the library, essentially tripling the offerings.

The service is backed by the Antstream Arcade team, which has also developed a separate cloud gaming platform. This platform gives Xbox players access to over 1,300 classic games and has gained traction, now being available on the latest PlayStation consoles, including the PS5.

Looking ahead, the Antstream Arcade team has hinted at a roadmap containing approximately 120 classic retro titles set to launch in the near future. While they have not specified which games will be included in the Xbox Retro Classics, fans can look forward to new challenges and tournaments for these upcoming titles.

Despite past collaborations with major brands like Disney, it’s unclear whether any of those titles will feature in the new batch for Xbox. This news arrives as speculation about a potential price increase for Xbox Game Pass circulates.

While Microsoft’s future pricing strategies remain uncertain, the addition of numerous titles could enhance the service’s value. For now, while gamers anticipate the arrival of the 120 new titles, several exciting new retro games, including remakes like Legend of Mana and Trials of Mana, will soon be available on Xbox Game Pass.

A World of Keflings, a beloved city-building game from almost 15 years ago, is making its return to the gaming world with a release on Steam scheduled for July 29, 2025. Originally developed by NinjaBee and launched for Xbox 360 in December 2010, the game enjoyed a warm reception, particularly among casual gamers. This success followed the praise received by its predecessor, A Kingdom of Keflings, which was released in 2008. The announcement for the Steam port came in June, alongside an engaging trailer that highlighted the game’s charming features.

Players can expect a wide array of city-building options, cooperative gameplay for up to eight participants, and an impressive selection of 40 co-op emotes. Localization support will be available for eight languages, including Spanish and Japanese, ensuring a broader audience can enjoy the game. Players will step into the shoes of city-planning giants, aiding the Keflings across three unique in-game worlds. The gameplay revolves around constructing customizable structures and fulfilling various quests, like rescuing a princess or helping quirky witches.

Notably, the game does not include enemies or time limits, nor does it feature character death, making it an inviting experience for fans of cozy titles akin to Stardew Valley. The upcoming Steam version promises to be “updated for modern machines” while maintaining the essential gameplay that fans love. Early comparisons show improved visuals, including sharper textures and enhanced lighting. NinjaBee’s game designer, Steve Taylor, expressed excitement about bringing A World of Keflings to a new audience, noting that fans had long requested this port.

The revival of A World of Keflings indicates a potential trend, as other Xbox 360 titles might also be poised for re-release, making it an exciting time for enthusiasts of this classic console.

Xbox Game Pass has welcomed two exciting titles for its subscribers: Rise of the Tomb Raider and Little Nightmares 2. These acclaimed games add to the impressive collection available through Microsoft’s subscription service, which features a rotating selection of hundreds of titles, including some that are available on launch day. Xbox Game Pass continues to provide significant value for gamers, with an array of choices to suit various interests.

In recent months, Xbox Game Pass has experienced remarkable success, leading some to wonder if this streak can be sustained. Among the standout additions in 2025 are Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, and Balatro, all of which have garnered attention from subscribers. With such a wealth of options, determining which games stand out can be a challenge.

For July, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can anticipate the arrival of Little Nightmares 2 and Rise of the Tomb Raider, two titles that promise to engage players. Both games were originally released several years ago, ensuring they are available to subscribers across all tiers except Core. Rise of the Tomb Raider, launched in 2015, follows Lara Croft on her adventurous journey in pursuit of a legendary city in Siberia.

With a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic, the game has been praised for its stunning graphics, rich storytelling, and captivating stealth gameplay. Little Nightmares 2, a follow-up to Tarsier Studios’ popular adventure game, introduces new characters and challenges as players control Six and Mono through the eerie world of Pale City. The game has received a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, making it appealing to fans of both horror and stealth genres.

While the complete lineup for July’s Xbox Game Pass titles has yet to be announced, subscribers can look forward to other exciting releases, such as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 on July 11 and the much-anticipated Wuchang: Fallen Feathers on July 24.

Microsoft has revealed the Xbox Game Pass Wave 1 lineup for July 2025, featuring seven new games set to be added to its subscription service over the next two weeks. The company regularly keeps fans updated on the upcoming titles, allowing them to anticipate what’s joining the service. The Xbox Game Pass model has become more complex following Microsoft’s decision to divide the service into different tiers. The original version, now called Xbox Game Pass Standard, seldom includes day-one releases.

Xbox Game Pass Core offers a limited selection of titles but includes the benefits previously tied to Xbox Live Gold, such as online multiplayer access. The PC Game Pass is self-explanatory, while Xbox Game Pass Ultimate encompasses all lower-tier benefits along with exclusive perks. With these various tiers in mind, subscribers can look forward to several exciting titles. Legend of Mana and Trials of Mana are scheduled to arrive on Game Pass Standard on July 2.

The following day, Ultimate Chicken Horse will be available on all tiers except for Core. On July 8, The Ascent will return to Ultimate, PC, and Standard, while Minami Lane will be added to Ultimate and PC on July 9. A highly anticipated release, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, will launch as a day-one game on Game Pass Ultimate and PC on July 11, followed by High on Life, which arrives on multiple tiers on July 15. Interestingly, High on Life is making a return to Game Pass after previously being removed, coinciding with the news that High on Life 2 will also debut as a day-one Xbox Game Pass game.

This allows subscribers who missed the original to experience it before the sequel arrives. Additional titles expected in July include Wheel World on July 23, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers on July 24, and Grounded 2 for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers on July 29.

Microsoft has announced that six games will be leaving its subscription service, Xbox Game Pass, on July 15. Among the titles departing are notable games like Mafia: Definitive Edition and The Callisto Protocol. With new releases and in-game benefits on the horizon for July, gamers are encouraged to try these titles before they vanish. The rise of subscription services in gaming has been notable in recent years.

While services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass initially focused on granting access to additional games, they have evolved to include various in-game perks. For instance, Rockstar Games’ GTA+ provides subscribers with extra currency and early access to new in-game content, along with the opportunity to play other Rockstar titles such as Red Dead Redemption and Bully. Despite the increasing competition in the subscription market, Xbox Game Pass retains its appeal, primarily due to its day-one releases and a strong library of games. However, it is important for subscribers to remember that games come and go from the service.

Along with new titles being added, six specific games will be unavailable after July 15. These include Flock, Mafia: Definitive Edition, Magical Delicacy, Tchia, The Callisto Protocol, and The Case of the Golden Idol. Until the cutoff date, these games can be accessed through the Cloud, Console, and PC variants of Xbox Game Pass. Among these games, Mafia: Definitive Edition stands out, particularly with the upcoming release of Mafia: The Old Country on August 8.

The 2020 remake showcases updated graphics and a more intricate storyline that aligns with contemporary gaming mechanics. While it’s disappointing for subscribers to see familiar titles leave, Xbox Game Pass did complement this news by adding two highly rated games, Little Nightmares 2 and Rise of the Tomb Raider, on July 1, with more exciting additions expected throughout the month.