Category: Xbox

A founding member of the original Xbox project has expressed concerns regarding Microsoft’s commitment to its console hardware business. The platform skepticism reflects worries about the sustainability of Xbox’s current content strategy in light of dwindling hardware sales.

After substantial investments in acquiring developers, Microsoft began shifting towards multi-platform game publishing in February 2024. This transition became evident when it released Obsidian’s Pentiment on the latest PlayStation consoles and the Nintendo Switch.

Over the following months, titles such as Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves also went multi-platform, with Forza Horizon 5 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle following a year later. By June 2025, Microsoft announced two third-party Xbox devices, further emphasizing its diminishing focus on in-house hardware.

Amid these changes, a credible source indicated that Microsoft has abandoned plans for an in-house Xbox handheld console, opting instead for collaborations with third-party companies. This strategic shift has drawn scrutiny from Laura Fryer, a key figure in the Xbox project and former director of the Xbox Advanced Technology Group.

In a video posted to her YouTube channel, Fryer analyzed Microsoft’s new direction, suggesting it is easier to rebrand existing hardware, like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, than to develop in-house products. Fryer has stated bluntly, “I think Xbox hardware is dead,” asserting that Microsoft’s focus on Xbox Game Pass reflects this shift.

She highlighted the release of the first-ever $80 Xbox game, The Outer Worlds 2, as evidence that the company is prioritizing subscription services over traditional game sales. While Fryer acknowledged Microsoft’s extensive IP library and some successes like Oblivion Remastered, she questioned the long-term viability of this strategy.

She posed critical questions about the future of Xbox, seeking answers on what will keep the platform relevant in 25 years. Despite Fryer’s assertions about first-party hardware being effectively finished, rumors suggest that Microsoft is still working on a new in-house console.

Insider reports indicate that this next-gen Xbox may take the form of a PC in a TV-friendly shell, projected to launch between late 2027 and 2028, coinciding with the anticipated PS6. However, plans for a handheld console, which Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer had confirmed as a prototype, seem to be on hold as the company shifts toward portable gaming partnerships.

The Xbox Game Pass subscription service is enjoying remarkable success, consistently adding exciting new games. Early 2025 featured several standout titles, but April marked a significant turning point.

This month could be remembered as one of the best ever for Game Pass, introducing the highly-anticipated Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a day-one release, alongside the captivating first-person puzzle game Blue Prince and the unexpected arrival of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. May continued the momentum with the addition of Doom: The Dark Ages on its release day, while June brought fresh content with titles like The Alters.

The upcoming months appear promising as well, with notable releases scheduled, including Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers in July, Gears of War: Reloaded in August, and a trio of day-one games in October featuring Ninja Gaiden 4, Keeper, and The Outer Worlds 2. Additionally, if there are no further delays, fans may finally see Hollow Knight: Silksong added to Game Pass by year-end.

However, some critics wonder if Xbox Game Pass might eventually experience a decline similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) after its peak with Avengers: Endgame. While the MCU enjoyed immense popularity for over a decade, its recent films have struggled to generate the same excitement.

This raises an intriguing question about the longevity of Xbox Game Pass’s current success. Currently, the platform boasts an impressive lineup of both available and upcoming titles.

While 2025 could represent the high point of Game Pass, it doesn’t mean the service will lack big releases in the future. As the service rolls into 2026, there are high expectations for new games like Fable, a Gears of War prequel, and a potential Halo remake.

It remains uncertain whether Game Pass will replicate its 2025 success, but it certainly suggests a bright future ahead.

Activision has officially confirmed that Jack Black will make a cameo in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, set to launch on July 11, 2025. The Hollywood actor will reprise his role as Officer Dick, originally featured in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2.

In addition to Officer Dick, Black will portray a new character named Constable Richard, a British adaptation of his original role. Fans can catch a preview of Constable Richard in a teaser video released by Activision.

Jack Black’s history with the Tony Hawk’s franchise dates back to the 2020 remaster, where he enthusiastically accepted the role of Officer Dick without expecting any payment. His passion for the series and his excitement about being part of it after 20 years made the collaboration all the more special.

Black is no stranger to the gaming world, having made memorable appearances in various titles over the years. The evolution of Officer Dick between the games adds an interesting twist.

In the previous title, he was depicted as a school security guard notorious for his disdain for skaters. According to game director Kurt Tillmanns, the character has taken on a new role as a campus security sheriff in the upcoming remaster.

While the methods for unlocking Officer Dick or Constable Richard have yet to be revealed, anticipation is high among fans. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series has become synonymous with quirky celebrity cameos, embracing both real and fictional personalities.

Alongside Jack Black, the franchise has featured notable figures like Billie Joe Armstrong, Gene Simmons, and popular fictional characters from the comics and gaming world. The upcoming remasters promise to keep this tradition alive while appealing to both new and returning players.

Xbox fans recently discovered that the Xbox 360 has received a new update affecting its dashboard. This update comes nearly a year after Microsoft announced the shutdown of the console’s marketplace, which took place on July 29, 2024. This closure significantly limited access to numerous games from the renowned seventh-generation console. In August 2023, Microsoft revealed the impending marketplace closure, aligning with the Xbox 360’s nearly 19-year lifespan since its launch in 2005.

The Xbox 360 played a crucial role in transforming gaming by making online connectivity an essential feature for future consoles. Before the marketplace shut down, players could purchase digital versions of various titles, including indie games, Xbox Live Arcade offerings, and major releases like Grand Theft Auto 4 and the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Leading up to the shutdown, Microsoft and its partners provided substantial discounts on digital games, allowing players to build their libraries economically. Post-shutdown, gamers wanting to experience classic Xbox 360 titles will have to obtain physical copies unless they downloaded them previously.

On June 24, Reddit user trackwalker discovered that the Xbox 360 dashboard had received an update, and others across the U.S. reported similar updates on their consoles. This update appears to address image-stretching issues affecting game thumbnails when users inserted game discs. While the update seems limited in function, many gamers express appreciation for Microsoft’s continued support of the console despite the marketplace’s inaccessibility. Some fans are hopeful that no further changes will come to the dashboard, believing it is currently in its best state.

Meanwhile, others await the update’s rollout to their consoles, as it seems to have primarily affected users in the United States. There have been rumors regarding a potential “Xbox Classics” initiative for backward compatibility with Xbox 360 titles; however, insiders have dismissed these claims, confirming Microsoft’s in-house emulation team is overseeing such efforts. Nonetheless, many Xbox 360 games remain accessible through backward compatibility on newer Xbox Series X|S consoles.

Over a month after the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 debuted on the PlayStation Store, it has now become available for wishlist on the Xbox Store, ahead of its release in the upcoming year. Xbox Series X/S owners can enjoy a small pre-load file of around 300 MB, which serves only as a placeholder, unlike PlayStation users who do not have access to this feature. Last month, Rockstar Games delighted fans by releasing the second trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6.

This nearly three-minute trailer came along with an updated website that showcased over 70 new screenshots, offering significant insights into the game’s settings and characters. Jason and Lucia are confirmed as the main protagonists, who will navigate a criminal conspiracy that spirals out of control. According to Rockstar, the duo must rely on each other as their survival hinges on teamwork.

While incorporating characters from Grand Theft Auto 5 could appeal to longtime fans, it also poses a risk of conflicting with the new direction and storytelling approach in Grand Theft Auto 6. Following the release of the trailer, Rockstar launched an official product page for Grand Theft Auto 6 on the PlayStation Store, featuring promotional art and the ability for players to add the game to their wishlist. However, Xbox fans had to wait until recently for a similar page to appear.

Now, Xbox users can wishlist the game and initiate a small pre-load, but they should manage their expectations; the downloaded file is merely a small placeholder. Fans eager for the full game will need to exercise patience, as Rockstar has announced that Grand Theft Auto 6 will now be released on May 26, 2026. The initial launch was planned for Fall 2025 but was postponed to ensure it meets player expectations.

There has been no official announcement regarding the PC version, but historical patterns suggest it may arrive on that platform after the console launch.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has recently expanded its library with the addition of Volcano Princess, a unique RPG featuring an innovative parenting mechanic. This marks the twelfth new title to join the subscription service since early June and the seventy-third overall release in 2025. Developed by the Chinese studio Egg Hatcher, Volcano Princess offers a distinctive blend of role-playing and social simulation in a whimsical setting governed by a Volcano Goddess. In this quirky game, players assume the role of a widowed father who raises his daughter while facing the trials and tribulations of parenthood.

Each decision made during gameplay influences the daughter’s upbringing and future. Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has also highlighted an exciting coming-of-age adventure that will be available on Xbox Game Pass on launch day. Originally released on Steam in April 2023, Volcano Princess made its console debut on June 24 for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. This release coincides with its launch on Microsoft’s subscription service, calling attention to the fact that its original PC version is now also accessible to PC Game Pass users.

Furthermore, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can stream the game via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Volcano Princess has received an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, garnering over 39,000 player reviews. While it hasn’t attracted significant attention from professional critics, its positive feedback positions it as one of the top-tier social simulation options now available on Xbox Game Pass. Looking ahead, subscribers should note that on June 26, the service will introduce the console version of Against the Storm, alongside remastered versions of the initial three Warcraft games exclusively for PC Game Pass.

The month will culminate on June 30 with the arrival of Call of Duty: WWII. Additionally, July will see the introduction of acclaimed titles like Rise of the Tomb Raider and Little Nightmares 2. As the month progresses, fans can also look forward to a day-one release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 on July 11, with potential new additions anticipated in the interim.

Xbox enthusiasts can now anticipate the upcoming launch of the new GameSir G7 Pro controller, set to debut in just a few weeks. This officially licensed third-party controller from the well-known accessory manufacturer GameSir aims to offer a range of features at an appealing price point. However, Xbox users should note a significant drawback. The G7 Pro was teased earlier this year as a budget-friendly alternative to Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Series 2 controller.

It replaces the previous Tarantula Pro gamepad as GameSir’s flagship model, boasting advanced features. These include hall effect triggers, modular faceplates, and ultra-responsive wireless connectivity. The major downside for Xbox users is that the G7 Pro does not support wireless functionality on Xbox consoles due to current Microsoft protocol restrictions. While PC and Android gamers can enjoy the G7 Pro’s tri-mode connectivity—encompassing wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth—Xbox users will need to rely on a wired connection for gaming.

Fortunately, GameSir has announced that a wireless version designed specifically for Xbox is in the works, though it is expected to release later this year at a higher price than the wired G7 Pro, which retails for $80 starting on July 8, 2025. The G7 Pro promises enhanced performance with features such as TMR magnetic sticks, hall effect analog triggers, and a built-in gyroscope. Additionally, it includes four remappable macro buttons, customizable faceplates, and full audio support for 3.5mm connections on both wired and wireless PC setups. With a polling rate of 1000Hz and 6ms input latency via its 2.4GHz dongle, it caters well to competitive gamers.

Available in two colors—Mech White and Shadow Ember—this controller showcases GameSir’s commitment to quality design. While the G7 Pro is an excellent choice for PC and Android gamers at $80, Xbox users who prefer wireless gaming may want to wait for the dedicated variant. Although functional, the wired setup might not meet the expectations of those who desire a fully untethered gaming experience.

Recent insights from Xbox Cloud Gaming’s code suggest that Microsoft may be planning to increase prices for Xbox Game Pass subscriptions again. Although Xbox Game Pass is regarded as a top-tier subscription service with over 35 million users since its inception in July 2017, recent price hikes have caused discontent among gamers.

Another potential increase could be ill-received by the community. Xbox Game Pass has continuously attracted subscribers by offering early access to several significant titles, both first-party and third-party.

Notable recent additions include games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Forza Motorsport, and STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl, among others. However, a programmer named RedPhx, associated with the Better xCloud project, has discovered a new notification called “SubscriptionPriceIncrease” in the system’s code.

This alarming find points to the possibility of Microsoft’s plans to raise subscription costs for one or more tiers. Given that Microsoft recently raised the prices of its major first-party titles from $70 to $80, an increase in Game Pass pricing would not be unforeseen.

Last year, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier saw its price jump from $17 to $20 monthly, while the PC Game Pass increased from $10 to $12. Additionally, the introduction of the less popular Xbox Game Pass Standard tier, which lacks day-one release titles, had already left some users frustrated.

Therefore, implementing another price hike this year could further aggravate the community, though this report does not guarantee that an increase is imminent. As of now, Xbox Game Pass has continued to introduce exciting new releases in 2025, with highly rated titles like Oblivion Remastered and Doom: The Dark Ages.

Should prices indeed rise, the ongoing influx of new content may help to soften the blow for subscribers. Furthermore, several anticipated first-party titles are set to launch soon.

While some, like Fable, lack release dates, the month of October 2025 is poised to deliver major releases, including Keeper and The Outer Worlds 2. Until any official announcements are made regarding price changes, gamers should remain vigilant for updates.