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Ex-Blizzard boss says an $1,800 Xbox "will never sell" and current-gen consoles are "fine for 99% of the…
Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra believes a next-generation Xbox console priced between $1,200 and $1,800 would be a commercial failure. He argues that consoles are mass-market devices requiring a low entry price, suggesting manufacturers should instead focus on optimizing current-generation hardware like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
PS6 and Project Helix Could Set a Worrying New Price Benchmark
Rumors suggest that the upcoming PlayStation 6 and Xbox's Project Helix consoles could see significant price increases due to rising hardware component costs, potentially reaching $1,200 to $1,800. This marks a worrying trend for the accessibility of next-generation gaming hardware, with potential delays also indicated.
Xbox Cloud Gaming Hours Now Live for Insiders, Prices Revealed
Xbox is introducing purchasable cloud gaming playtime for users without a Game Pass subscription, with introductory pricing for 10, 25, and 50-hour bundles. This change, rolling out in November, aims to lower access costs and expand audiences. Game Pass subscribers will also face new monthly playtime caps.
Xbox Cloud Gaming Hourly Prices Revealed For Non-Game Pass Members
Microsoft has revealed introductory hourly pricing for Xbox Cloud Gaming for users without a Game Pass subscription, with options like 10 hours for $4, 25 hours for $8, and 50 hours for $12. These "cloud playtime packs" will offer an ad-free experience with perks like shorter wait times. Additionally, Game Pass subscribers will face new monthly hour limits starting in November, though Microsoft estimates this will impact only about 4% of users.
Cloud Playtime Now Available to Test with XBOX Insiders
Xbox Insiders can now test purchasing cloud playtime without a Game Pass subscription. This preview offers introductory pricing for cloud gaming hours, with packs ranging from 10 hours for $3.99 to 50 hours for $11.99, providing an ad-free experience with improved streaming quality and reduced wait times. The feature is expected to roll out more broadly in November.
Nvidia Just Tackled One Of PC Gaming’s Biggest Headaches: Shader Compilation
Nvidia has released version 621.01 drivers that enable Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) for its RTX graphics cards, addressing a major PC gaming headache: shader compilation times. This technology, also supported by AMD and previously used by Microsoft in games like Gears of War: E-Day, significantly reduces the time it takes for games to become playable after installation or driver updates by downloading precompiled shaders. Early testing shows dramatic improvements, making PC gaming startup times more comparable to consoles.
AMD's FSR 4.1 upscaling is coming to Xbox Series X|S
Microsoft and AMD have announced that AMD's FSR 4.1 upscaling technology will be coming to Xbox Series X|S consoles soon. This machine-learning-based temporal upscaler renders games at a lower resolution and reconstructs them at a higher one. While FSR 4.1 will also support various PC hardware and handhelds, its implementation on Xbox Series X|S will require developers to patch their games, and gains may not match dedicated hardware like the PS5 Pro.
Xbox follows in PlayStation's footsteps, introducing AMD FSR 4.1, targeting better graphics and performance on Series X/S
Microsoft announced that AMD's FSR 4.1 image upscaling technology will be coming to Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, as well as handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally. This AI-driven technology renders games at a lower resolution and upscales them for improved visuals and performance, potentially extending the life of current-generation hardware. The move follows Sony's recent introduction of its own upscaling technology, QSSR, for the PlayStation 5.
Halo Special Edition Xbox Console Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Is Now Available
Hallmark has released a new Keepsake Ornament designed after the Halo Special Edition of the original Xbox console, which was first launched by Microsoft in 2004. This collectible item celebrates the iconic design of the early Xbox.
Halo 3 Looks Like It Could Come To Browsers Via Xbox Labs
Xbox chief technology officer Scott Van Vliet posted a video showing Halo 3 booting up within the Microsoft Edge web browser, hinting at potential browser-based gaming through Xbox Labs. This development follows a trend of older games being ported to browsers and suggests a future where Xbox 360 titles could be playable via web interfaces, potentially with cloud saves and customizable dashboards.
Project Helix reportedly launching in late 2028, projected to cost between $1,200 and $1,800
Xbox is reportedly planning a next-generation console codenamed 'Project Helix' for a late 2028 launch, with an estimated price of $1,200 to $1,800. The company is also developing a new handheld device for late next year and considering a tiered Game Pass overhaul. These plans come amidst significant restructuring, including layoffs and a reassessment of past business strategies.
Xbox is reportedly queuing up for three more layoff rounds starting as soon as this month
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning three more rounds of layoffs, with the first potentially starting this month. CEO Asha Sharma is described as 'resetting' the brand, and sources indicate that more studios may be consolidated. While plans could change, further firings are also anticipated in November and January 2027.
Microsoft is encouraging Xbox owners to sell their consoles in bizarre promotion
Microsoft is reportedly emailing lapsed Xbox owners, encouraging them to trade in their consoles to Best Buy for up to $375. This promotion, aimed at boosting active player numbers and Game Pass subscriptions, has been met with criticism for its optics and the current low sales of Xbox consoles in the US.
Prospective Buyers Reportedly Value Xbox As High As $150 Billion
A new report suggests that private equity firms have considered purchasing Microsoft's Xbox division for as much as $150 billion. Despite these considerations, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has previously stated that Xbox is not for sale. The article also touches on Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's comments about Xbox needing to improve its financial performance, which has led to layoffs and studio departures.
Xbox is reportedly planning three waves of layoffs between now and January as part of its plan to cut 3,200 jobs by the…
Xbox is reportedly planning three more waves of layoffs in November and January 2027 as part of its plan to cut 3,200 jobs by the end of the fiscal year. These cuts have reportedly demoralized employees and led to the separation from several studios, with Ninja Theory at risk of closing. The article also touches on internal projections for the next-gen Xbox and an upcoming Xbox Game Pass overhaul.
It's not just Xbox celebrating 25 years - retro translucent green tech is taking over
In celebration of Xbox's 25th anniversary, various brands like 8BitDo, GameSir, and Razer are releasing retro-themed translucent green gaming accessories. These officially licensed products, ranging from charging docks to keyboards and mice, evoke a nostalgic '90s aesthetic and are available now, unlike the limited edition Xbox X25 console which faces pre-order difficulties.
Here's our second wave of Xbox Game Pass games for October 2026
Microsoft has announced the second wave of games coming to Xbox Game Pass in October 2026. The additions include the console debuts of The Séance of Blake Manor and Mouthwashing, alongside Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade. Several games are also departing the service.
If the idea of an $1,800 Xbox that doesn't even run physical games horrifies you, I'd pick up an Evercade…
The Evercade Nexus offers a compelling alternative to prohibitively expensive next-gen consoles, providing a portable and affordable way to play physical retro games. While lacking some modern features, its commitment to cartridges and a growing ecosystem makes it a strong choice for players valuing ownership and approachable gaming.
Xbox reportedly planning three more rounds of layoffs, with the first wave coming as early as this month
Xbox is reportedly planning three additional rounds of layoffs, with the first wave expected this month, followed by others in November and January 2027, as part of CEO Asha Sharma's business reset. This follows a September round of job cuts and a larger wave in July, with remaining reductions to be distributed across future quarters. Concerns are rising about the fate of The Coalition, the studio behind Gears of War: E-Day, and whether potential layoffs could impact promised bonuses.
Further Xbox layoff rounds reportedly planned for this month, November, and January, while a Game Pass overhaul is in the works
Xbox is reportedly planning further rounds of layoffs in November and January, following earlier cuts this year, with a total of 3200 employees expected to be affected. Concurrently, an overhaul of the Xbox Game Pass service is underway, aiming to offer subscribers more granular control over features like cloud gaming and multiplayer. The report also mentions ongoing development of a next-generation handheld console and a future console expected around 2028, with high projected costs.
