Xbox Series S
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Series S.
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AMD has announced its next-generation AI-enhanced upscaling technology, 'FSR Diamond,' which is slated for future Xbox consoles. The article questions whether this new technology will also be made available for PC users.
Microsoft has reportedly pulled the plug on its strange ‘This is an Xbox’ marketing push
Microsoft has reportedly discontinued its 'This is an Xbox' marketing campaign, with the associated web page now removed. This move follows recent leadership changes within Xbox, including the departure of former president Sarah Bond and the retirement of gaming CEO Phil Spencer. The campaign, which aimed to position various devices as extensions of the Xbox ecosystem, had reportedly caused internal dissent among Xbox employees.
GDC Indie Spotlight: Mixtape, Replaced, and More | Official Xbox Podcast
The author discusses Xbox's current strategy, contrasting it with past leadership and PlayStation's approach to third-party support. They express optimism for Xbox's future, particularly regarding PC game compatibility on the console and potential for a wider game library compared to PlayStation's exclusive release cadence.
Phil Spencer Was Good for Xbox, but His Legacy Is Complicated - IGN
Phil Spencer is retiring after 38 years with Microsoft, concluding a 12-year tenure as Head of Xbox. His legacy is viewed as complicated, with shareholders seeing massive stock growth while some hardcore gamers point to increased subscription prices, fewer exclusives, and studio closures. Despite these criticisms, the article argues Spencer was a net positive, crediting him with saving Xbox during the Xbox One era, championing features like backwards compatibility and cross-play, and building a strong portfolio of studios and games.
A Tropico 7 closed beta will be taking place and you can register now
Kalypso Media has announced a closed beta for Tropico 7, scheduled to begin on March 31st for PC. Players can register their interest for the beta, which will include two campaign sections and two scenario missions, with applications closing on March 22nd. Tropico 7 is still planned for release this year on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Game Pass.
Battlefield 6 Free Trial Gives Players a Taste of Season 2 Maps and Modes Starting Next Week - IGN
EA is launching a free trial for Battlefield 6 starting March 17, offering access to the Hagental Base map and Nightfall mode from the upcoming Season 2 update. The trial will run for one week and also includes previously released content across various playlists. This initiative comes as the game attempts to regain player numbers following a delayed season and studio layoffs.
Free Play Days – Diablo IV, Killing Floor 3, Bassmaster Fishing, Worms W.M.D and Tropico 6
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members can play Killing Floor 3, Bassmaster Fishing, Worms W.M.D, and Tropico 6 for free from March 12-15. Additionally, Diablo IV is available for an open trial for all Xbox players from March 11-18, allowing progress to be carried over to the full game or Game Pass.
GTA Online Launches New Community Series Showcase With $1M Gift And Triple Rewards
Grand Theft Auto Online has launched its Community Series Showcase event, running from March 12th to April 1st. This event highlights player-created content with triple rewards on Community Series jobs, weekly bonuses, and a GTA$1 million gift for logging in. Players can also unlock free vehicles and cosmetic items.
Epic Games increases Fortnite V-Bucks "to help pay the bills"
Epic Games is increasing the price of Fortnite's in-game currency, V-Bucks, starting March 19, 2026, citing increased operational costs. Several V-Bucks pack sizes will be reduced, and the Fortnite Crew membership will offer fewer V-Bucks. The main battle pass price is also decreasing. This change follows Epic's successful dispute with Google over app store fees.
FORGE YOUR DESTINY IN A DYING WORLD – GREEDFALL: THE DYING WORLD IS AVAILABLE NOW
Spiders and NACON have released GreedFall: The Dying World, the 1.0 version of their highly anticipated RPG, available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This new installment is a prequel set three years before the original GreedFall, placing players as a native of Teer Fradee thrust into a world ravaged by war and disease, where their choices in diplomacy, stealth, or combat will shape the destiny of the continent.
'Technological Innovation Meets Timeless Class' in New Formula Legends Update Out Now
3DClouds has released a significant update for their racing game Formula Legends, available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, with Nintendo Switch to follow. The update introduces new free content including a late 2020s car, a late 1950s championship, and the Temple of Speed track. A paid DLC, the Late 2020s Season Pack, adds new teams, drivers, liveries, a modern championship, and the Azerbaijan track.
Shardpunk Arrives on Consoles March 26th
Shardpunk, a grid-based tactical game, will be released on consoles including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on March 26th. The game features turn-based combat, resource management, and survival elements. Development for its sequel, Shardpunk 2, is also underway for a simultaneous PC and console release.
Blast Zombies With Friends In John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando
John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, a co-op first-person shooter developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment, has officially launched on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. The game throws players into a monster-infested future inspired by 80s action-horror cinema, featuring teamwork, extensive firepower, and dark humor.
Wholesome shopkeeping game Trash Goblin comes to Xbox, PlayStation and Switch on March 26th!
The wholesome shopkeeping game Trash Goblin, developed by Spilt Milk Studios, is launching on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on March 26th, 2026. The console release will include the 1.4 "New Horizons" update, which adds new quests, characters, and improvements. Players will run a shop, discovering, cleaning, and upcycling trinkets to sell to customers.
Foxy Dumplings kicks off its first private playtests, and everyone is welcome to try their hand at running a food truck!
Soft Crunch Games has announced that their upcoming cozy game, Foxy Dumplings, will be starting private playtests on March 12th via Steam. The playtests will feature the game's introduction, first region, greenhouse mechanics, and dumpling making. The game is planned for release in 2026 on PC, macOS, Linux, Steam Deck, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
Microsoft has recommitted to its Xbox Backwards Compatibility Program going forward and will be 'rolling out new ways to play some of the most iconic games from our past'
Microsoft has recommitted to its Xbox Backwards Compatibility Program, confirming it will return in some form later this year. The company plans to "roll out new ways to play some of the most iconic games from our past" as part of its 25th anniversary. This initiative aims to keep games from four generations of Xbox playable across future consoles and Windows 11.
Forza Horizon 6’s Tokyo City Is So Big and Detailed That it Had its Own Development Team | IGN First - IGN
Playground Games is expanding its development capabilities for Forza Horizon 6, with a dedicated team focusing on the game's massive and detailed Tokyo City map. The new map is five times larger than Guanajuato from Forza Horizon 5 and features diverse districts including suburbs, a dockyard, an industrial area, and downtown. The game will also include other biomes like the Japan Alps, highlands, low mountains, coast, and plains, with an elevation-based approach to biome placement.
Crimson Desert Launch Trailer Released
Pearl Abyss has released the official launch trailer for Crimson Desert, an open-world action-adventure game set to release on March 19. The trailer showcases footage captured on PC and highlights the story of Greymane Kliff. Crimson Desert will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Claim the Forest: Shape of Wolves Launches On Xbox
Claim the Forest: Shape of Wolves has launched on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC. Developed and published by Afil Games, this cozy puzzle game challenges players to arrange wolf-shaped pieces to fill forest boards across 30 handcrafted levels. The game is available for £4.19 and features a peaceful woodland atmosphere.
DROP THE BOOM! TEARDOWN’S ONLINE MULTIPLAYER UPDATE BLASTS ONTO STEAM TODAY
Tuxedo Labs has released a major online multiplayer update for Teardown on PC via Steam, allowing up to 12 players to join in co-op campaign, competitive modes, and sandbox experiences. The update also introduces new official maps and enhances modding capabilities. Multiplayer is planned for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S later this year.