Xbox Series S
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Series S.
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DayZ’s Badlands Expansion is Out in October, New Teaser Showcases Nasdara Map’s Desert Environment
Bohemia Interactive announced that the DayZ expansion, Badlands, will launch in October 2026, featuring the largest map in the game's history, Nasdara. This desert environment will test players' survival skills with scarce resources and introduce a significant rebuilding mechanic, allowing players to restore over 5,000 ruined structures with various materials and defensive options. The expansion also adds new weapons and equipment, with a preparatory update already live.
Former PlayStation boss says Sony needs 'more games for more people' to justify a $1,000 PS6
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden believes Sony needs to innovate with game content to justify the projected $1,000 price tag for the PlayStation 6. He argues that focusing on a narrow range of popular titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 limits the industry's reach, and developers should create more diverse games to attract a wider audience.
Dragon's Dogma 2 producer says Capcom is improving performance on PS5 and Xbox ahead of Dark Arisen's launch and that the Switch 2 version is 'exceeding' expectations
Capcom producer Naoto Oyama stated that performance improvements for Dragon's Dogma 2, including a 60FPS Performance Mode on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, will be implemented via an August title update. The Nintendo Switch 2 version is reportedly exceeding expectations, targeting 30FPS and higher, with Capcom's RE Engine proving a good fit for the platform.
Counter-Strike 2 for Console Gamers: What Xbox Players Need to Know
Counter-Strike 2, a major PC title, is not planned for a native console release on Xbox due to its design favoring keyboard and mouse input and historical issues with console ports. While direct play on Xbox is unavailable, players can access it via PC Game Pass on a Windows PC or through cloud streaming services like GeForce NOW using the Xbox's Edge browser, though the latter may introduce input lag unsuitable for competitive play.
Famitsu sales (7/6/26 – 7/12/26) – first week sales revealed for Digimon Story: Time Stranger, Granblue Fantasy on Nintendo Switch 2
Famitsu has released its latest Japanese hardware and software sales data for the week of July 6th to July 12th. The Nintendo Switch 2 led hardware sales with 28,755 units, followed by the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition. Top software titles included Rhythm Heaven Groove, Magical Girl Witch Trial, and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, with new releases like Digimon Story: Time Stranger and Granblue Fantasy: Relink - Endless Ragnarok charting on both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
Riders Ready! MAVRIX 1.0 Launches Today, With New Head-to-Head Multiplayer Mode
MAVRIX has launched its 1.0 version today, introducing a new head-to-head multiplayer mode where up to five players can compete directly on racetracks and slopestyle trails with commentary from Rob Warner. The game is available on Xbox Series X|S and day one with Xbox Game Pass, featuring a large open world with over 30 official trails.
The Blood of Dawnwalker director isn't worried about the impact of what a delayed next-gen could mean for Rebel Wolves, says 'If we work on the consoles we have right now, it's easier'
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of Rebel Wolves' upcoming RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker, believes a delay in next-generation consoles would be beneficial for the studio. He stated that working with current-generation hardware like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, along with PC, is easier and requires less work than managing additional builds for new platforms.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Starts Season 3 on July 23rd With Rick Strowd, More Details Revealed
SNK Corporation has detailed Season 3 plans for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, revealing a "Destined for Revenge" theme and a staggered release schedule for new characters. Rick Strowd launches July 23rd, followed by Duck King, Kim Kaphwan, and Laocorn Gaudeamus in subsequent months, with two mystery characters planned for October and December. A new "Revenge Edition" will bundle all season passes, and DLC characters are now available for individual purchase.
Zombie-Checkpoint-Simulator-Hit Quarantine Zone: The Last Check ist ab sofort für Xbox Series X|S und im Xbox Game Pass erhältlich
Brigada Games and Devolver Digital announced that the zombie checkpoint simulator Quarantine Zone: The Last Check is now available on Xbox Series X|S and via Xbox Game Pass. The game, previously a success on PC, tasks players with managing a checkpoint during a zombie outbreak, checking survivors, managing resources, and defending against infected hordes.
Buy Grand Theft Auto Online (Xbox Series X|S)
Grand Theft Auto Online is now available on Xbox Series X|S with enhanced visuals, faster loading times, and new content. Players can migrate their Grand Theft Auto V Story Mode progress and GTA Online characters and progression to the new consoles. The release includes new vehicle upgrades, the Career Builder, and access to all previous updates.
City Builder Feudal Baron: King's Land Debuts on XBOX
Feudal Baron: King's Land, a medieval city builder with strategy and simulation elements, is launching on Xbox Series X|S on July 16, 2026, and on PlayStation 5 on August 8, 2026. Developed by Sim Farm S.A. and published by Ultimate Games S.A., the game allows players to build and grow a settlement, manage politics, and fight for influence. It was previously released on PC.
A delayed next generation of consoles is "better for us", says The Blood of Dawnwalker director, as price rises continue to plague the industry
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of The Blood of Dawnwalker, believes a delayed next-generation console launch would benefit developers like Rebel Wolves due to current component shortages and rising prices. He highlights the increased complexity and cost of developing for new hardware, suggesting that focusing on current-generation consoles is more manageable. The game is set to release on September 3rd for current-gen platforms, with future installments potentially targeting next-gen hardware.
Black Ops 7 Season 5 has been fully revealed, with the next Call of Duty update bringing a raft of fresh content
Activision has revealed the upcoming Season 5 content for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Call of Duty: Warzone, launching on July 23, 2026. The update introduces five new multiplayer maps, including the original Jubilee and remasters of Frequency and Dig, alongside new limited-time modes like Overdrive Domination. Players can also expect new weapons such as the FG42 assault rifle and dual Gremlin SMGs, with more content arriving in the mid-season update.
Gears of War: E-Day Supports Nvidia DLSS 4.5 and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation on Day One for PC
Gears of War: E-Day will feature Nvidia DLSS 4.5 and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation on PC at launch, with support for Ray Tracing and Reflex for low latency. The game is set to release on October 6th for Xbox Series X/S and PC, with an open beta for pre-orders and PC Game Pass subscribers starting August 6th.
God Of War Laufey Will Be On A Disc, And That Tells Us When It Could Launch By
Santa Monica Studio confirmed that God of War Laufey will be released on disc, leading to speculation about its launch date before Sony phases out physical media in January 2028. Reporter Jason Schreier previously indicated a February or March 2027 release target for the game, which focuses on Faye's story. The article also touches on Sony's business decision to abandon physical discs and mentions Marvel's Wolverine will also be on disc for PlayStation 5.
Expensive and pointless? Black Ops 1 and 2 PS4 and PS5 ports cost a lot of money and barely offer any upgrades over the originals
Activision has released ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, but players are criticizing the high price and lack of significant upgrades. The games do not support 4K resolution or 120Hz framerates on PS5, and offer minimal improvements over older versions. The DLC is also sold separately, increasing the total cost significantly, though discounts are available for PlayStation Plus members.
Xbox Rolling Out Disc-to-Digital Conversion for Insiders This Week – Rumor
Microsoft is reportedly testing a "Disc to Digital" feature for Xbox Insiders that would allow users to convert physical game discs into digital licenses. This feature, codenamed "Positron," is expected to support Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S titles, but not older console generations. The move could be a way for players to maintain access to their libraries if future Xbox consoles omit disc drives.
My greatest gaming experience was a 40-year-old game in VR - Reader's Feature
A reader shares their profound experience playing Tetris Effect in PlayStation VR, describing it as the greatest gaming experience they've ever had, surpassing even classics like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Despite initial console issues and a lost Meta Quest 2 library, the immersive VR version of Tetris Effect provided an unforgettable and near-perfect moment.
Something for the Weekend – 11/07/26
This week's news includes Microsoft confirming significant layoffs affecting multiple studios, Palworld's 1.0 launch with a large patch, and matchmaking issues for Black Ops players on PlayStation 4 and 5. God of War Laufey is slated for a 2027 release, and a petition to save physical games has garnered over 285,000 signatures.
From the Cookout to the Console: Black Spades Comes to XBOX Today
Black Spades, a new digital adaptation of the classic card game, has launched today on Xbox Series X|S. Developed by the independent Black-owned studio Konsole Kingz, the game aims to capture the nostalgic feel of playing Spades with family and friends, incorporating familiar house rules and traditions. The title also emphasizes representation in gaming and offers online matchmaking, voice chat, and cross-platform multiplayer.
