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Acer and Gigabyte will launch RTX Spark laptops too, but not before Microsoft and Co.
Nvidia has announced that its Arm-based RTX Spark laptops, combining CPU and GPU for AI and gaming, will be available this fall from partners including Asus, Dell Technologies, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft Surface, and MSI. Acer and Gigabyte will follow with their models later. The article also touches on the upcoming DLSS 5 technology, expected to launch by the end of 2026.
Disgaea Creator Says Sony May As Well Scrap PlayStation Consoles If It’s Killing Game Discs
Disgaea series creator Sohei Niikawa believes Sony should discontinue PlayStation consoles if it plans to eliminate physical game discs by 2028. Niikawa argues that physical editions foster a connection between fans and developers and serve as sentimental keepsakes. He suggests that executives making these decisions may not understand the value fans place on physical media.
Microsoft Announces Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC, With New Features and Achievements
Microsoft has announced the expansion of Xbox Backward Compatibility to PC, enabling players to enjoy classic console titles on their computers and handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Ally. This new feature also introduces additional functionalities and achievements for these older games.
"The goal is to provide what we can": Elder Scrolls Online Crown Store undergoing changes due to "team bandwidth" in wake of Xbox layoffs
The Elder Scrolls Online is making changes to its Crown Store, including the removal of the web-based store, due to team bandwidth issues following recent layoffs at Microsoft and ZeniMax. Players will now need to log into the game to browse and purchase items, and the monthly Crown Store Showcase blog will become more list-like. Community manager Kevin Gbolie stated these adjustments are necessary to manage workload, with the goal of continuing to provide content despite reduced capacity.
Stalker 2 Turned a Profit Before It Came Out Thanks to Money Microsoft Paid for Xbox Exclusivity
The founder of GSC Game World, the developer of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, stated that the game became profitable before its release due to Microsoft's payment for Xbox exclusivity. This deal secured the game's position as an Xbox console exclusive.
Xbox launches new backwards compatibility program on PC, starting with four games from the early 2000s
Microsoft's Xbox division has launched a new backwards compatibility program for PC, making four original Xbox titles available on the Xbox app. These enhanced versions of Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, Blinx: The Time Sweeper, and Fuzion Frenzy feature upscaled resolution and other improvements. This initiative is part of a broader effort to preserve Xbox's gaming legacy and bring classic titles to PC.
Should the PS6 and next Xbox have back buttons on their controllers? Have your say
This article discusses whether the PlayStation 6 and next Xbox controllers should include back buttons as a standard feature. It highlights the increasing prevalence of back buttons on PC controllers and argues that Sony and Microsoft should integrate them into their official next-gen offerings, citing cost-effectiveness and player demand. The piece also touches on potential pricing strategies and the blurring lines between console and PC gaming.
We Need Physical Video Games
This opinion piece argues for the continued importance of physical video game media, contrasting it with the perceived downsides of an all-digital future. The author highlights personal experiences with physical games and discusses concerns about ownership, preservation, and the impact of digital-only distribution on the gaming landscape.
Of all the platforms, Xbox is the only one to have just grown year-on-year - but there's a big catch
US video game spending in June dropped 21% year-on-year, with hardware sales declining significantly by 62%. While the Nintendo Switch 2 launch in June 2025 skewed comparisons, Xbox Series X/S was the only platform to see hardware spending growth, albeit from a low base. Subscriptions were the sole segment to experience growth.
The History of Game Pass: How the Service Became Xbox’s Greatest Weapon
Introduced in 2017, Xbox Game Pass has evolved from a niche subscription service into a cornerstone of Microsoft's gaming strategy. By offering a vast library of games for a monthly fee, including all first-party titles at launch, it significantly lowered the barrier to entry and encouraged game discovery. Acquisitions of major studios like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard further bolstered its content, while cloud gaming expanded accessibility across devices. Despite challenges like licensing and profitability, Game Pass remains a key competitive advantage for Xbox, shaping the future of game distribution and player engagement.
PlayStation "may as well eliminate the hardware" if Sony is ending physical discs, says creator of Disgaea RPG…
Sohei Niikawa, creator of the Disgaea series and former president of Nippon Ichi Software, has criticized Sony's decision to end physical game discs for PlayStation by 2028. He argues that physical editions are crucial for collectors, fans, and preserving game history, suggesting that if Sony eliminates discs, they might as well eliminate the hardware itself. This sentiment echoes concerns raised by other industry figures like Hideo Kojima and Yoko Taro regarding the future of physical media.
Xbox Cloud Gaming in 2026: Is the Technology Ready for Mass Adoption?
By 2026, Xbox Cloud Gaming has significantly improved in streaming quality, latency, and device compatibility, making it a practical option for many players. While network infrastructure remains the primary variable for consistent performance, cloud gaming is increasingly seen as a complementary access method to traditional consoles rather than a replacement. As broadband networks and server infrastructure continue to expand, Xbox Cloud Gaming is poised to become a more significant part of the global gaming landscape.
Best-selling games in the U.S. for June 2026 – Star Fox makes the top 5
Circana has released the top ten best-selling video games in the U.S. for June 2026. UFC 6 topped the list, followed by Meccha Chameleon and 007 First Light. Nintendo titles Star Fox and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream also performed well, ranking fourth and sixth respectively.
Sony's decision to kill off PlayStation discs could destroy the $7.2bn used game market, according to analysts
Sony's decision to cease PlayStation disc manufacturing by January 2028 could decimate the global $7.2 billion used game market, according to analysts. This move, which will likely extend to the PlayStation 6, removes physical game purchases as an option, potentially impacting affordability for consumers and revenue for retailers like GameStop and CEX.
The Elder Scrolls Online is already feeling the impact of Xbox's layoffs, ironically hurting the cash shop
Following recent layoffs at ZeniMax, The Elder Scrolls Online is already experiencing operational changes due to reduced staff. Community manager Kevin Gbolie announced the removal of the web-based Crown Store and modifications to the monthly Crown Store Showcase blog to manage workload. These changes highlight the ironic impact of the layoffs on the game's premium cash shop operations.
Here's your next batch of Xbox Game Pass games for July
Xbox has announced new games coming to its Game Pass subscription service throughout July and into early August. Headlining the additions are Halo: Campaign Evolved and Hell Is Us, with other titles like The Planet Crafter and Beast of Reincarnation also joining the lineup. Several games will also be leaving the service on July 31st.
Blizzard's calling time on Overwatch's hero customising Stadium mode, and I may well be the only person that's sad about that
Blizzard Entertainment is discontinuing active development on Overwatch's Stadium mode due to low player engagement, with only three percent of the player base actively playing it. Game director Aaron Keller announced that while the mode will remain accessible, it will not receive new heroes or maps. The company is exploring alternative game formats, including experiments with 6v6 role queues and a 1-3-2 flex role queue, to address issues with the tank role in standard 5v5 matches.
Asha Sharma-appointed Xbox VP of engineering leaves just three months after moving over from Microsoft's CoreAI team
Jared Palmer, Xbox's Vice President of Engineering, has left the company after only three months to join AI firm Cognition. Palmer was part of a team led by Asha Sharma, who also recently moved to Xbox from Microsoft's CoreAI division. His departure comes during a period of significant restructuring and layoffs within Xbox.
Steam Deck sales are seemingly down an estimated 82% - Bear with me while I put on my surprised face
Steam Deck sales have reportedly dropped by an estimated 82%, with weekly unit sales falling between 1,400 and 3,000 following Valve's price increases. While the author acknowledges pricing as a major factor, they also suggest the age of the hardware and competition from devices like the ASUS ROG Ally may be contributing to the decline. Despite the dip, the author believes the Steam Deck remains a strong contender in the handheld market.
South of Midnight wins Game and Experience of the Year at Games for Change Awards 2026
Compulsion Games' South of Midnight was named Game and Experience of the Year at the 2026 Games for Change Awards. The ceremony also recognized Hexecutable's Consume Me for Best Narrative and Best Gameplay, and Paintbucket Games' The Darkest Files for Best in Learning. Jenn Panattoni received the Vanguard Award for her significant contributions to the industry, including establishing the Xbox Social Impact team.
