Xbox
Xbox business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Morning Consolidation
Xbox has clarified a rumor regarding 'Project Helix,' though the explanation raises further questions. Separately, Gematsu announced that Splatoon Raiders will launch on July 23. The End of The Sun has released a launch trailer for PlayStation 5, and Albion Online is now available on Xbox.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price Update
Xbox has updated its Game Pass pricing, with Game Pass Ultimate now costing $22.99 per month and PC Game Pass at $13.99 per month. Future Call of Duty titles will not launch on Game Pass, but will be added approximately one year later during the holiday season.
A limited edition Forza Horizon 6 Xbox wireless controller and headset have been officially announced and will launch alongside the upcoming game — here's how to preorder yours
Xbox has officially announced a limited edition collection of accessories for the upcoming Forza Horizon 6, including a wireless controller and headset. These items, inspired by the game's Japan setting, will launch alongside Forza Horizon 6 on May 19, 2026. The controller is priced at $89.99 and the headset at $134.99, with both featuring Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth capabilities for various platforms.
Today's Game Pass Change Is A Great One. The Next One Will Hurt.
Xbox has unexpectedly lowered the price of Game Pass Ultimate back to $23 per month, a move that benefits many subscribers despite removing day-one Call of Duty access. This price drop, preceded by an internal memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, is seen as a precursor to a potential introduction of an ad-supported tier for Game Pass. The author expresses concern that this could lead to the widespread adoption of intrusive advertising in console and PC gaming, citing examples from other services that have introduced ads over time.
28-Year Xbox Veteran Kiki Wolfkill Leaves The Company In A "Difficult But Exhilarating Decision"
Kiki Wolfkill, a 28-year veteran at Microsoft and Xbox, has departed the company. Wolfkill held various significant roles, including executive producer on Halo 4 and head of Xbox film and TV, and was instrumental in the Halo franchise's development and transmedia efforts. Her departure comes amidst reported internal issues at 343 Industries, though no direct connection to Wolfkill was specified.
Xbox Reveals Gorgeous Forza Horizon 6 Controller, Headset, and Charging Dock
Xbox has unveiled limited edition accessories for Forza Horizon 6, including a controller and headset inspired by Japanese Touge tracks. These accessories, along with a matching charging dock from 8BitDo, are compatible across the Xbox ecosystem and are available for pre-order ahead of the game's May 19th launch on Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Official Xbox Podcast – Kiln: The Pottery Brawler About Creation and Destruction
The Official Xbox Podcast features an interview discussing Kiln, a new indie game described as a pottery brawler focused on creation and destruction. The discussion likely covers the game's unique mechanics and artistic direction.
Xbox Game Pass gets "grim prognosis" from former PlayStation CEO, new Xbox head Asha Sharma tells him they…
Former PlayStation CEO Shawn Layden suggested that Xbox should discontinue the Game Pass subscription service, citing its increasing cost. New Xbox lead Asha Sharma has expressed interest in discussing these concerns with industry veterans.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Xbox Game Pass is adding several new titles to its subscription service, including the games Kiln, Aphelion, and Final Fantasy V. The announcement highlights the ongoing expansion of content available through Microsoft's subscription and cloud gaming offerings.
Xbox reveal a Forza Horizon 6 Limited Edition Controller and Headset available now for pre-order
Xbox has unveiled a limited edition controller and wireless headset collection for the upcoming Forza Horizon 6, available for pre-order now. The accessories feature designs inspired by Japanese street racing culture and are expected to ship before the game's May 19 launch. A matching charging dock is also available.
Top Racers Need Top Gear – Introducing the Forza Horizon 6 Limited Edition Controller and Headset
Microsoft and Xbox have unveiled new Limited Edition accessories for the upcoming Forza Horizon 6, including a vibrant controller and a custom-designed wireless headset inspired by Japanese street racing culture. These accessories, along with a collaborative charging dock from 8BitDo, are available for preorder and feature unique designs and custom sound effects.
We Like Big Pots And We Cannot Lie: Xbox's Kiln Sweepstakes Gets Cheeky
Double Fine's new game, Kiln, is being promoted with a cheeky sweepstakes by Xbox, featuring unique ceramic art pieces. The game, described as a pottery power-fantasy, launches on April 23 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, and will be available day-one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (18th April)
Several Nintendo Life staff members share their weekend gaming plans, including playing Pragmata, Pentiment, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, and Tomodachi Life. Discussions also touch on the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie, Seamus Blackley's thoughts on Nintendo's next console, and the passing of voice actor Jock Blaney.
Evening Consolidation
Matt Booty discussed upcoming Xbox showcases and studio developments in the Official Xbox Podcast. Additionally, Xbox Wire announced that Football Manager Console 2026 and South Park: Snow Day! will be available through Free Play Days, with new games also coming to Xbox next week.
Ubisoft union workers agree settlement, legal advice for game devs, and is Xbox Game Pass too expensive? - Patch Notes #48
Union workers at the shuttered Ubisoft Halifax studio have reached a confidential settlement. Xbox's new gaming chief, Asha Sharma, reportedly believes Xbox Game Pass has become too expensive. Additionally, the article touches on the winding down of Ludum Dare, a potential Fortnite extraction shooter with Disney characters, Roblox's new age-based accounts, Among Us surpassing one billion downloads, legal advice for game developers regarding generative AI and IP, and the upcoming Playdate Season 3.
GeForce NOW Review (India): The Future of Gaming… Still Buffering on Mobile?
NVIDIA's GeForce NOW cloud gaming service has launched in India, aiming to transform mobile devices into gaming machines. While it offers access to thousands of PC titles with high-fidelity streaming, a stable, high-speed internet connection and often a dedicated gamepad are essential for a good experience. The service is best suited for gamers with existing internet infrastructure and game libraries, providing a glimpse into the future of mobile gaming but not yet a fully mature solution.
Gears of War: E-Day Direct is a “Fantastic, Full 30 Minutes of Stuff to See,” Says Xbox’s Matt Booty
Xbox's Matt Booty confirmed that the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day Direct will feature a full 30 minutes of gameplay and insights from developer The Coalition. The ambitious prequel is rumored to be targeting a release in the latter half of the year, with discussions ongoing about potential multiplatform releases beyond Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Gears of War: E-Day Developer is “Righting the Ship” for the Franchise, Says Former Designer
Former Gears of War designer Cliff Bleszinski praised The Coalition's direction for Gears of War: E-Day, believing they are revitalizing the franchise by focusing on the Locust as a primary threat. He highlighted the importance of the Marcus and Dom relationship and criticized the inclusion of robots and Lambent in previous titles. The game is slated for a 2026 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with a dedicated Xbox Games Showcase Direct planned for June 7th.
After 7 years, Metro 2039 brings us a voiced protagonist, old friends turned Nazis, and 'a much darker tone'
Metro 2039 was revealed at the Xbox First Look event, showcasing a darker tone and a voiced protagonist. The game features the Novoreich faction, led by a corrupted version of the character Hunter, and incorporates themes inspired by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Developed by 4A Games, it is set to release this winter.
Ex-PlayStation boss says Microsoft is 'trying so hard to will' Xbox Game Pass 'into health' and suggests 'a clarifying post mortem would do the entire industry some good'
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden commented on Xbox's efforts to sustain Xbox Game Pass, suggesting the service is struggling despite Microsoft's attempts to improve its value. This follows a leaked memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledging the subscription service's current high cost and outlining plans for future evolution. Layden also stated that a thorough analysis of the service's performance would benefit the entire industry.
