Microsoft
Microsoft business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Can the SideWinder Game Pad, Microsoft's first game controller, work on modern PCs? I bought three of them to find out
This article investigates the compatibility of Microsoft's original SideWinder Game Pad 1.0 with modern PCs. Despite its historical significance and innovative features for its time, the controller faces significant hurdles due to outdated connectivity ports and a lack of driver support, making it difficult to use with contemporary systems.
Over $12 million worth of AI chips seized by Malaysian authorities after suspected smuggling syndicate tries to sneak servers through customs under false pretenses
Malaysian authorities seized $12.11 million worth of AI chips hidden within 30 server units at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The servers, falsely declared as electronic components, were being smuggled to undisclosed Asian countries, bypassing trade permit requirements. This incident is suspected to be linked to a larger syndicate involved in similar smuggling attempts totaling nearly $25 million.
Xbox Revenue Declines Despite Microsoft Growth
Microsoft's first fiscal quarter of 2027, ending September 30, 2026, saw a 2.3% decline in Xbox revenue, falling to $5.379 billion. This decrease occurred despite strong overall growth for Microsoft, primarily driven by its cloud computing services. The report did not provide specific figures for console sales or Xbox Game Pass performance.
'It’s so much easier to steal this than to rob a bank': $100,000,000+ worth of AI data center freight…
The rapid expansion of AI data centers across the US has led to a surge in sophisticated cargo theft, with thieves targeting shipments of server equipment and other high-value components. Incidents include highway robberies and elaborate online heists, resulting in over $100 million in stolen freight since June. Law enforcement agencies and private security firms are increasing efforts to combat these organized criminal operations.
Xbox leader Asha Sharma says there's "more demand than consoles available" as Xbox hardware sales dip by 14%
Xbox hardware sales have seen a 14% year-on-year dip, despite Xbox leader Asha Sharma claiming demand outstrips supply. Microsoft's financial results show a 2% decline in overall Xbox revenue, attributed to lower console sales and reduced third-party content and Game Pass revenue, though first-party content and PC gaming showed growth. The company is facing ongoing restructuring and external criticism regarding its cloud services.
Xbox first-party content partially offsets 2% drop in Q1 revenue, hardware decreases 14%
Microsoft reported strong overall revenue for the first quarter, with Xbox content and services revenue seeing a slight 2% decrease, partially offset by growth in first-party titles like Minecraft and Call of Duty. Hardware sales declined 14%, but the company anticipates mid to high-single digit growth for Xbox content and services in the next quarter, driven by upcoming game launches. The report also noted ongoing workforce reductions within the Xbox division.
Asha Sharma Insists There's 'More Demand Than Consoles Available' as Xbox Hardware Sales Continue to Plummet
Asha Sharma, the head of Xbox, claims that demand for the console outstrips supply, despite reports of plummeting hardware sales. This statement comes as Microsoft's gaming division approaches the critical holiday season.
Xbox revenue falls 2% in first results since layoffs as decline narrows from 10%
Xbox's revenue saw a 2% decline in the July-September quarter, marking its fifth consecutive decrease, though the drop is less severe than in previous periods. While console sales and Game Pass subscriptions continue to shrink, Microsoft is anticipating stronger growth during the holiday quarter. The company's content and services business experienced a smaller 1% slip when currency changes are excluded, exceeding Microsoft's own forecasts.
Evening Reading - October 28, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers several gaming and tech updates, including release date announcements for Witchbrook and City of None, the Forsaken Update for No Man's Sky, and new Dead by Daylight characters. It also touches on financial results for Microsoft and Google, and the 19th anniversary of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.
Microsoft (MSFT) CEO Satya Nadella says Minecraft had record revenue and engagement in Q1 FY27
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that Minecraft achieved record revenue and engagement during the first fiscal quarter of FY27. This marks a significant achievement for the game, which continues to perform strongly 17 years after its initial release.
Magical PS5 Life Sim Gets Trailer, Sets Release Date
Chucklefish and Robotality have announced that the magical life simulation game Witchbrook will launch on January 28, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, with a PC release on Steam and the Microsoft Store. The game allows players to attend Witchbrook College, study magic, build relationships, and customize their character and home.
Xbox hardware revenue decreased 14% year-over-year during Microsoft's (MSFT) Q1 FY27
Microsoft's Q1 FY27 earnings report indicates a 14% year-over-year decrease in Xbox hardware revenue and a 2% decline in content and services revenue. The drop in content and services is attributed to lower Xbox Game Pass and third-party content sales, partially offset by first-party titles. The report also notes a price increase for Xbox consoles in August 2026.
Microsoft (MSFT) Q1 FY27 earnings results beat revenue and EPS expectations
Microsoft reported its Q1 FY27 earnings, exceeding Wall Street's revenue expectations with $92.3 billion and beating EPS estimates with $4.92 per share. The company's strong performance was noted despite ongoing restructuring efforts, including voluntary buyouts for employees. Microsoft's continued investment in AI, particularly with products like Copilot, was highlighted as a key growth area.
Listen to Microsoft’s (MSFT) Q1 2027 earnings call here
Microsoft will report its Q1 2027 financial results on October 28, followed by an earnings call at 2:30 p.m. PT/5:30 p.m. ET. The call will feature discussions from Microsoft leadership regarding the quarter's performance and future outlook, with streams available on Shacknews' Twitch and X accounts, as well as Microsoft's investor relations website.
World of Warcraft: Forever console ports seem inevitable as Blizzard wants you to play the MMO "wherever you want,…
Blizzard Entertainment executive Holly Longdale indicated that console versions of World of Warcraft: Forever are likely in the future, stating the studio wants players to be able to play "wherever you want, and at some point on whatever you want." While gamepad support is a primary focus for the new MMO, the possibility of releases on platforms like PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 remains speculative.
Forget Xbox, Sony just launched its own translucent controllers in the form of the PS5 Prism collection — and they’re a nostalgic hit of retro gaming aesthetics that channel the late ‘90s in a fresh, modern way’
Sony has launched its new 'Prism' collection for the PlayStation 5, featuring translucent controllers and console covers in Flare Orange, Emerald Green, and Graphite Gray. This retro-inspired design channels the popular transparent aesthetics of the late 1990s, aiming to appeal to long-term PlayStation fans and capitalize on the current trend of translucent gaming hardware. The new accessories are priced slightly higher than standard editions and will be available for pre-order on November 10, 2026, with an official launch on February 4, 2027.
New Hunger Games Movie Comes Out The Day After GTA 6, But Is The Director Scared?
The new Hunger Games movie, Sunrise on the Reaping, is set to release on November 20, the day after Grand Theft Auto 6's highly anticipated launch. Director Francis Lawrence expressed hope that audiences will find time for both, while industry analyst Mat Piscatella noted that many publishers are intentionally avoiding releasing games near GTA 6 due to fear of its impact.
As Skydance merges with Warner Bros. and Paramount, the company offers voluntary redundancy and mandates return to the office
Skydance, the newly formed entity combining Warner Bros. and Paramount, has implemented a mandatory five-day return-to-office policy for all employees, citing the importance of in-person collaboration. The company has also offered voluntary buyouts as part of its integration process. This move follows similar return-to-office mandates from EA and voluntary buyout offers from Microsoft.
"We basically rewrote the entire State of Decay game": Undead Labs spent years trying to make State of Decay 3 into a full-blown zombie apocalypse MMO
Undead Labs spent years developing State of Decay 3 as a full-scale zombie apocalypse MMO, a vision initially held by founder Jeff Strain. After a significant pivot in late 2022, the studio rewrote the game to return to the scale of its predecessors. This pivot, coupled with Xbox cutting ties, led to layoffs but allowed the studio to secure new publishing support.
Interior Night studio head Charu Desodt appointed chair of BAFTA Games Committee
Charu Desodt, studio director at Interior Night, has been appointed the new chair of the BAFTA Games Committee, succeeding Tara Saunders. Desodt brings over 25 years of industry experience from companies like Microsoft and Sony. Hilary Rosen also takes on a new role as Chair of the BAFTA Board of Trustees.
