Windows
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Windows.
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Microsoft teams up with Nvidia, AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm to share 'our dream of bringing console-level GPU…
Microsoft has announced a significant update to DirectX, introducing new tooling features aimed at bringing console-level GPU developer tools to Windows. The company collaborated with GPU hardware partners AMD, Intel, Nvidia, and Qualcomm on this release, which includes new DirectX dump files for debugging and a shader explorer for analyzing compiled shaders.
Timberborn Officially Launches
The "lumberpunk" strategy game Timberborn has officially launched after its Early Access period. It is now available for Windows and macOS on digital storefronts including the Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Steam, with a 20% launch discount.
Rhell: Warped Worlds & Troubled Times Released
Rhell: Warped Worlds & Troubled Times, a 2.5D semi-open world puzzle/adventure game developed by SlugGlove and published by Yogscast Games, has been released on Steam for Windows and Linux. A playable demo is also available.
Solasta II Early Access
Solasta II has launched into Early Access on Steam for Windows. This turn-based RPG sequel is deeply integrated with the Dungeons & Dragons SRD 5.2 ruleset, to the point of being described as a tabletop RPG.
Playdigious Opens Pre-Registration for Roguelike Kingdom Builder 9 Kings on Android
Pre-registration for the roguelike kingdom builder 9 Kings is now open on Android. Developed by Sad Socket and published by Playdigious, the game challenges players to build a kingdom capable of surviving endless threats through strategic combinations of buildings, units, and spells. 9 Kings was previously released in early access for Windows and macOS in May 2025.
Get Isonzo and Cozy Grove for Free
The Epic Games Store is offering free copies of the World War I shooter Isonzo for Windows and macOS, and the life-simulation game Cozy Grove for Windows. This is part of their ongoing weekly giveaway promotion.
MEDIA ALERT: New Pokémon Trading Card Game: Mega Evolution—Chaos Rising Expansion Sees Mega Greninja Facing Off with Mega Floette
The Pokémon Company International announced the upcoming release of the Mega Evolution—Chaos Rising expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game on May 22, 2026. The expansion will feature Mega Greninja ex, Mega Floette ex, and other powerful Pokémon ex cards. It will be available in booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, and collections, with prerelease tournaments starting May 9, 2026, and digital availability on Pokémon TCG Live from May 21, 2026.
Free Queen's Wish 2 DLC
Spiderweb Software has released Queen's Wish: The Judgment as free DLC for their retro turn-based RPG, Queen's Wish 2: The Tormentor. The new content is available for Windows, macOS, and iOS. Queen's Wish 2: The Tormentor is also on sale at GOG.com.
Everything can be a console in a few weeks’ time as Microsoft plans to bring an ‘Xbox Mode’ to all Windows devices
Microsoft is bringing its 'Xbox Mode' to all Windows devices starting in April, transforming them into a console-like experience. This feature, inspired by the ASUS ROG Ally's success, will offer a unified interface for games from various platforms and include technologies like Advanced Shader Delivery. The move aims to create a more consistent and distinct Xbox gaming experience across different devices.
From GDC: Building the Next Generation of Xbox
Microsoft is developing a next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, in partnership with AMD, aiming for significant advancements in rendering and ray tracing. The company is also rolling out 'Xbox mode' to Windows 11, enhancing cross-platform play and game preservation efforts, with alpha hardware versions planned for developers in 2027.
Ranger’s Path: National Park Simulator Early Access
Ranger's Path: National Park Simulator has launched its Early Access period, allowing players to experience the great outdoors. The simulation game is available for Windows on the Epic Games Store.
Bait. Haul. Survive: Antarctic fishing horror Crabmeat is now available for PC
The first-person survival horror game Crabmeat, developed by Searching Interactive, is now available on PC via Steam for Windows. The game features a point-and-click gameplay blend and tasks players with catching Southern King Crabs to pay off a debt within seven days. A 10% launch discount is available for a limited time.
MacBook Neo review: Apple puts every $600 Windows PC to shame
The Apple MacBook Neo is a $599 laptop that offers a premium user experience, outperforming similarly priced Windows PCs in screen quality, trackpad usability, and overall performance. Despite compromises like 8GB of RAM and an A18 Pro chip, it handles basic productivity tasks and light gaming through cloud streaming effectively, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious users and those switching from Windows.
Pluto Released
The roguelike deckbuilder Pluto has been released on Steam for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Developed by Siege World Interactive and indie.io, the game features an unusual spellcasting mechanic.
Angel Engine Released
Angel Engine, a horror surgery simulation game, has been released on Steam for Windows. Developed by Black Lantern Collective and HMS Studios, the game adapts an online series that airs on TikTok and is set in the far future.
Wine 11.4 released with DirectSound and MSXML improvements
The Wine 11.4 development release is now available, featuring reimplemented SAX reader in MSXML and resampling optimizations in DirectSound. This update also includes better Unix timezone matching and various bug fixes for applications like Roblox Studio and FL Studio. Valve is expected to update Proton with a new version after the main Wine release.
Over The Top: WWI Released
Over The Top: WWI, a multiplayer first-person shooter set during World War I, has been released on Steam for Windows. The game is developed by Flying Squirrel Entertainment and published by GG Publishing.
Heart of the Machine Officially Launches
Heart of the Machine, a strategy RPG from Arcen Games and Hooded Horse, has officially launched after completing its Early Access period. The game is now available for Windows and macOS on platforms including the Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Steam.
Machine Mind Released
Machine Mind, an action game with survival and real-time strategy elements, is now available on Steam for Windows and macOS. Developed by Chudo-Yudo and Targem, the game is set in a post-apocalyptic desert environment.
Lost and Found Co. Released
Lost and Found Co., a hidden object adventure game, has been released on Steam for Windows and macOS. Developed by Bit Egg and Gamirror Games, the game features cozy environments as shown in its launch trailer.