Xbox Series S
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Series S.
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Microsoft Gives Xbox Players Double Rewards Points on Birthdays
Microsoft has launched a new Xbox Rewards 'birthday bonus' feature that grants players double points on all Xbox Store purchases made during their birthday week. This initiative aims to personalize the player experience and strengthen community ties, fitting into Microsoft's broader strategy of making Xbox feel more like a community. The bonus is exclusive to the digital storefront and reflects the company's data advantage in offering personalized rewards.
Tears of Metal Is Coming to Xbox and Game Pass
Paper Cult announced that Tears of Metal, a medieval co-op roguelike, will be released on Xbox Series X|S, Game Pass, Microsoft Store, and Steam. The game is set to enter Early Access in Spring 2026 and features players reclaiming their island from invaders with various powers and upgrades.
Two Fresh Indie Games Hit Steam This May: Co-Op Shooter Meets Strategy Deckbuilder
Nuntius Games announced two new indie titles for May 2026: Alien Strike: Blasting the Intruders, a three-player co-op run 'n gun game, and Heroes of Magic and Steel, a tactical strategy deckbuilder. Both games will initially launch on Steam, with console versions planned for Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series S/X, and PlayStation 4/5 at a later date.
Xbox CEO Will Take “Data and Strategic Driven” Approach to Exclusivity, Won’t Commit to Time Frame
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company will adopt a data-driven and strategic approach to decisions regarding game exclusivity, emphasizing that the right decision is more important than a fast one. While no specific timeframe for announcements was given, Sharma indicated that more information will be shared when ready. The company is also focusing on improving the Xbox Series X/S platform experience and has adjusted its Game Pass offerings.
Evening Consolidation
A trailer has been released announcing the release date for DokeV on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S for June 17th. Additionally, The Shore: Enhanced Edition received a release date trailer on April 30th, and Until Then launched with an Xbox trailer.
Japan: Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream opens at 565,405 retail sales
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream debuted at the top of Japan's physical game sales charts with 565,405 units sold. The innovative action game Pragmata from Capcom also launched, selling 36,470 units on PlayStation 5. Nintendo Switch models were the best-selling hardware, followed by PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Japanese Charts: Tomodachi Life's Huge Start Crushes The Competition
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream debuted at the top of the Japanese charts, selling over 565,000 copies in its first week. Pragmata followed in second place, with Pokémon Pokopia, Mario Kart World, and Minecraft rounding out the top five. The strong performance of Tomodachi Life contributed to a significant sales bump for Nintendo Switch hardware.
Until Then Launches Today on Xbox Series X|S
Maximum Entertainment and Polychroma Games announced that the cinematic visual novel Until Then is now available on Xbox Series X|S. Previously released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, the game features a narrative-rich world, striking pixel-art, and an emotional storyline. An Afterimages DLC is planned for release later this year.
Kiln Pottery Brawler Launches Today on Xbox Game Pass
Double Fine has surprise-launched Kiln on Xbox Game Pass, a unique online multiplayer brawler where players sculpt and battle with ceramic fighters. The game features five themed maps, a level cap of 50, and launches with cross-platform support across Xbox Series X/S, PC, PlayStation 5, and Steam. Double Fine has also outlined a post-launch content roadmap including new maps, missions, and customization options.
Free Play Days – MLB The Show 26, Anno 117: Pax Romana, The Survivalists and Age of Mythology: Retold
Xbox is offering Free Play Days for several titles including MLB The Show 26, Anno 117: Pax Romana, and The Survivalists for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members until April 26. Age of Mythology: Retold is available for all Xbox players during the same period. Players can download and play these games and purchase them at a limited-time discount to keep progress and achievements.
Urban Jungle is Out Today on Xbox Series S & X!
Assemble Entertainment and Kylk Games announced that the cozy adventure game Urban Jungle is now available on Xbox Series X and S. The game allows players to create tranquil, plant-filled spaces and features a heartfelt narrative. A new DLC, Urban Jungle: Brother's Wedding Story DLC, also launched today.
Morning Consolidation
Recent updates for Xbox Series X/S allow users to disable the Quick Resume feature. Additionally, a PlayStation 5 system update, version 26.03-13.20.00.06, was released on April 23.
Famitsu sales (4/13/26 – 4/19/26) – first week sales revealed for Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, massive debut
Famitsu has released its latest Japanese hardware and software sales data for the week of April 13-19. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream debuted at number one with 565,405 units sold on Nintendo Switch. Pragmata and Pokemon Pokopia also saw significant new releases on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 respectively.
The best addition to Xbox's most recent update? You can now disable Quick Resume on Series X/S and stop it from crashing your games
Microsoft has released a new update for Xbox Series X/S consoles that allows players to disable the Quick Resume feature on a per-game basis. This addresses issues where Quick Resume can cause problems, particularly with online-focused games. The update provides a quality-of-life improvement by giving users more control over how their games are suspended and resumed.
Alien Strike and Heroes of Magic and Steel will be released in May
Nuntius Games has announced the May release dates for two upcoming titles: Alien Strike: Blasting the Intruders on May 7 and Heroes of Magic and Steel on May 28. Both games are initially launching on Steam, with future releases planned for Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series S/X, and PlayStation 4/5. Alien Strike is a cooperative run 'n gun with an anime-inspired aesthetic, while Heroes of Magic and Steel is a tactical strategy game featuring deckbuilding and hex grid battles.
Seagate has unveiled the FireCuda X Vault, a huge external hard drive with up to 20TB of storage
Seagate has launched the FireCuda X Vault, a new external hard drive available in 8TB and 20TB capacities, starting at $279.99. Designed exclusively for PC, it utilizes a bus-powered USB-C connection and features RGB lighting. While it includes Xbox branding and a month of Game Pass Ultimate, it is not compatible with Xbox Series X/S consoles but can be used for PC Game Pass titles or Steam libraries.
Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive is Coming to Xbox Series X/S in Q3 2026
Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive is scheduled to launch on Xbox Series X and S in the third quarter of 2026. The game, already available on PC, adapts the popular anime and manhwa, following Hunter Sung Jinwoo. While its pacing and presentation are highlights, the combat can be thrilling when it clicks, though the overall experience may primarily appeal to dedicated fans.
Transport Fever 3: Urban Games Announces Curated Mods Program and Steps up Beta Testing
Urban Games has announced a new Curated Mods Program for Transport Fever 3, granting early access and support to select modders to ensure high-quality mods are available at launch. The studio is also initiating closed beta tests for consoles, focusing on stability and performance. The game will feature enhanced modding tools and cross-platform mod availability, with a new automated mod-approval system developed in collaboration with Sony and Microsoft.
US Gaming Sales Data for March 2026 Shows Beasties Can't Beat Baseball
Circana's March 2026 US gaming sales data reveals MLB The Show 26 as the top-selling game for the month, surpassing Resident Evil Requiem. Despite strong performances from other titles like WWE 2K26 and Marathon, baseball and wrestling games dominated the charts. The Nintendo Switch led hardware sales, with the PlayStation 5 in second place, while the Xbox Series X|S showed declining performance.
DPS IDLE 2 Arrives On Xbox – But Can This Free Sequel Fix The Grind?
DPS IDLE 2, a free-to-play sequel from Desert Water Games and YDKR, has launched on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. This iteration introduces a card-based strategy system, deck building, and additional features like guilds and heroes, aiming to improve upon the progression issues of its predecessor. The game is available in two free versions, encouraging players to try its revamped idle gameplay loop.
