Xbox Series S
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Series S.
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Tides of Tomorrow Review – A Bold Narrative Adventure That Truly Feels Unique | Invision Game Community
Tides of Tomorrow is a unique narrative adventure game from DigixArt and THQ Nordic, featuring an innovative asynchronous multiplayer system where players' choices influence others. Set in a future flooded world where humanity battles a disease turning them into plastic, the game offers a compelling story, engaging characters, and a standout soundtrack. It is available on PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X.
Path of Exile 2 will effectively be Steam Deck verified by the end of May, which bodes very well for the prospect of a Switch 2 release
Path of Exile 2 is set to be Steam Deck verified by the end of May, with developer Grinding Gear Games implementing necessary UI scaling and default settings in patch 0.5.0. While no exploratory work has been done for a Nintendo Switch 2 release, the studio has completed all requirements for Steam Deck verification. The game is currently in early access on PC and consoles, with a full 1.0 release planned for this year.
Xbox plans to share more on its next console, Project Helix, 'later this year'
Xbox VP of next generation Jason Ronald confirmed that more details about the upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix, will be revealed later this year. Early hardware is expected to ship to developers in early 2027, suggesting a potential consumer release within the next couple of years. This announcement follows the discontinuation of Copilot for Xbox and abandonment of Xbox mobile app functionality.
Paper Pixel Cuts Straight To The Retro Action On Xbox
Paper Pixel, a pixel art platformer developed by Joffre Macedo Neto and published by JM Neto Game Dev, has launched on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One for £4.19. The game focuses on straightforward, retro-inspired action with tight controls and challenging stages, eschewing complex systems for a more direct experience.
The Best Casino-Style Xbox Games to Play in 2026 (Without Spending Real Money)
This guide highlights six Xbox and Game Pass titles that incorporate casino mechanics without requiring real money, focusing on elements like risk, math, and strategy. Games such as Balatro, Inscryption, and Luck be a Landlord are featured for their engaging gameplay loops and casino-inspired design.
Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it
Grinding Gear Games aims for a full 1.0 release of Path of Exile 2 by the end of the year, following the ExileCon convention in November. While the endgame content is crucial for the final release, some promised character classes may be delayed post-launch to meet the target date. The game director Jonathan Rogers expressed confidence in delivering a complete experience with the current class roster, with additional classes to follow.
Free Play Days – Catan and Deadside
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members can play Catan Console Edition and Deadside for free from May 7 to May 10. Both games are available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, with discounts offered for continued play after the Free Play Days event. Deadside's inclusion features its recent 1.8 update with new content and an overhauled crafting system.
RGG Studio's Stranger Than Heaven is seemingly the most original action-RPG I've seen yet: here are four ways…
RGG Studio's new action RPG, Stranger Than Heaven, is set to be a significant departure from the Yakuza series, featuring a narrative that spans 50 years of the protagonist's life in Japan. The game will launch this winter on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, and will include a more realistic combat system and unique mechanics like collecting world sounds for musical compositions. It will also be available day one on Xbox Game Pass.
007: First Light isn't Hitman and IO Interactive is "really happy" people are starting to realise that
IO Interactive is pleased that players are recognizing 007: First Light is a distinct experience from their Hitman series. Developers emphasize that the James Bond title is a more linear, cinematic third-person stealth-action game, designed for a broader audience than Hitman. The team focused on elevating combat and simplifying the mental load to create a more accessible, action-packed Bond adventure.
Haneda Girl Is On Xbox And PlayStation – Hotline Miami Meets Celeste
Haneda Girl has launched on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, following its PC release. Developed by Studio Koba and published by Aeternum Game Studios, the 2D action platformer features a blend of fast-paced combat and precision platforming, with players able to switch between two distinct playstyles. The game is also noted for its replayability and influences from titles like Celeste and Hotline Miami. A Nintendo Switch version is planned but has been delayed.
Civilization 7 is getting a mammoth update with all new mechanics, reworked victories, and the ability to play as a…
Firaxis Games is releasing a major 'Test of Time' update for Sid Meier's Civilization VII on May 19, 2026, overhauling core mechanics like victory conditions and introducing 'Time-Tested civs' that can be played for an entire game. The update also includes balance changes, new narrative events, and a free new leader, aiming to address player feedback on the game's departures from the franchise's established formula.
Xbox will "offer a closer look at Project Helix", the successor to its Series X/S consoles, later today
Microsoft will host its first Xbox Game Dev Update to reveal "Project Helix," the successor to its Xbox Series X/S consoles. General manager Chris Charla and VP Jason Ronald will present details on the custom AMD-based SoC, co-designed for next-generation DirectX, which aims to improve developer workflows and performance. While primarily aimed at developers, the presentation is expected to offer insights into the future of Xbox and PC gaming.
Xbox boss reveals what the next gen Project Helix will sound like
Xbox head Asha Sharma has revealed the new boot-up animation and sound for Xbox consoles, which will also be featured on the upcoming next-generation console codenamed Project Helix, expected in 2027. This branding update is part of a larger effort to revitalize the Xbox brand, with fans responding positively to the changes. The article also touches on the potential for improved backwards compatibility for older titles on the new hardware.
Project Helix Will “Lean Heavily” Into Zstandard to Directly Stream Assets From the SSD
Microsoft VP Jason Ronald revealed that the upcoming "Project Helix" console will heavily utilize Zstandard for direct asset streaming from the SSD, employing advanced neural texture compression techniques. The company is also preparing to send alpha kits to developers in 2027, with an alleged Holiday 2027 launch window. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged that memory shortages could impact the console's pricing and availability.
Project Helix’s Ray Tracing is “An Order of Magnitude” Beyond Xbox Series X/S, Says Microsoft
Microsoft's Vice President of Xbox's Next Generation division, Jason Ronald, revealed details about Project Helix, highlighting its advanced ray tracing capabilities. He stated that the upcoming console's ray tracing performance will be an order of magnitude beyond the current Xbox Series X and S. The console will also feature AMD FSR integration for machine learning upscaling and Multi Frame Generation.
Take-Two says their primary console platforms remain Xbox and PlayStation
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that the company's primary console platforms are the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. While Take-Two has supported the Nintendo Switch, Zelnick indicated it is not their main platform for AAA releases, citing properties like the Grand Theft Auto series. He also mentioned that Borderlands 4 will be fully addressed from a consumer perspective before being brought to more platforms.
Xbox CEO introduces new boot-up sound after executive overhaul, but it sounds pretty close to the current one
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a new boot-up sound for Xbox consoles, set to arrive on May 13. While Sharma shared the sound herself, it is noted to be very similar to the current Xbox Series X/S sound. This change comes amid other executive shifts and a reported decline in Xbox hardware sales.
Paradox Interactive to Publish Urban Games’ Transport Fever 3 in 2026
Paradox Interactive will publish Urban Games' upcoming title, Transport Fever 3, set to release in 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game will feature deep transport empire management across four distinct environments with over 250 authentic vehicles. This partnership aims to leverage Paradox's expertise in management titles to enhance the game's development and reach.
Xbox abandons AI Copilot and then hires a bunch of CoreAI staff
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has announced the discontinuation of the AI Copilot companion for consoles and the winding down of its mobile functionality, citing a need to move faster and address player friction. This decision comes as several former CoreAI division employees, including Jared Palmer and Tim Allen, have been hired into leadership roles within Xbox. The company also confirmed Project Helix as its next console and a price drop for Xbox Game Pass.
New Xbox Boot-Up Sequence Goes Green
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced that a new boot-up sequence featuring the green Xbox logo will arrive for Xbox Series X and S consoles on May 13. This change replaces the previous white-on-black animation and slightly alters the sound effect. Sharma also mentioned upcoming events like the Xbox Games Showcase and a Gears of War: E-Day presentation.
