Xbox Series S
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Series S.
Latest coverage
'I honestly think the next step is a gameplay trailer' — GTA 6 fans are expecting an update from Rockstar Games next month, if not the long-awaited trailer 3
Fans are anticipating a new update or gameplay trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 around Take-Two Interactive's upcoming financial report on August 7. Despite the game's November 19 release date, official gameplay footage has yet to be shown, leading to speculation about when Rockstar Games will initiate its marketing push. The report's unusual timing before market open has further fueled fan expectations for significant news.
Xbox needs to make a choice, says former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden: be a publisher or a platform, but you can't be both
Former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden argues that Xbox must choose between being a major game publisher or a platform holder, stating it cannot effectively be both. He highlights the need for exclusive content to support a platform, contrasting it with the multiplatform approach required for a top publisher, a dilemma exacerbated by recent Xbox layoffs and strategic shifts.
Jokers, Deuces And Big Bids – Black Spades Lands On Xbox
Black Spades, a digital adaptation of the classic card game, has launched on Xbox Series X|S. Developed and published by Konsole Kingz, the game aims to provide an authentic Spades experience with customizable house rules, including Jokers, Deuces, and Reneg calling. Priced at £23.74, it focuses on recreating the competitive spirit of traditional card games for both new and experienced players.
Football Icon Ronaldinho Joins GOALS as the Latest Original
The free-to-play football game GOALS has added global football legend Ronaldinho as its second "Original" character, following KSI. Ronaldinho is now available in the in-game store for players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC. While visually faithful, his in-game attributes will evolve based on his team's progression, allowing for unique player development.
Once Human is Coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S on August 25th
Starry Studio and NetEase Games announced that the survival shooter Once Human will launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on August 25th. The console release will feature cross-platform multiplayer and progression, with options for Quality (4K/60 FPS) and Performance (120 FPS) modes. Pre-orders for starter and radiance gift packages are now available.
Bungie gives Destiny 2 players a final farewell gift as the game enters maintenance mode
Bungie has released a final update and a free emblem for Destiny 2 as the game enters maintenance mode. While regular server downtimes will occur, major content updates and patches are no longer expected, though critical bug fixes might still be addressed. This marks the end of an era for the online loot shooter, which saw a significant player resurgence following its last major update.
Rainbow and Maximum Entertainment Announce Winx Club: The Magic is Back Now Available on Xbox
Maximum Entertainment and Rainbow have announced that Winx Club: The Magic is Back is now available on Xbox Series X|S. The game, inspired by the Winx Club franchise and its new animated series, features exploration, puzzle-solving, combat, and cooperative gameplay with six playable fairies. It was previously released on PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5.
Famitsu sales (6/29/26 – 7/5/26) – first week sales revealed for Rhythm Heaven Groove
Famitsu has released its latest Japanese hardware and software sales data for the week of June 29 to July 5. Rhythm Heaven Groove debuted at the top of the software charts with 393,378 units sold on the Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo Switch family of consoles continues to dominate hardware sales, with the new Switch 2 model leading the pack.
FiiO just launched the FG3, the brand's first-ever gaming headset that only costs $70
FiiO has launched its first gaming headset, the FiiO FG3, priced at $69.99. The headset features a coaxial driver arrangement with 50mm and 16mm dynamic drivers, a 10 Hz to 40 kHz frequency response, and a dual-core DSP chip supporting 192kHz/24bit sampling rates. It offers plug-and-play compatibility with PCs, smartphones, laptops, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
You can complete medieval vampire RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker even quicker than previously thought - before even the prologue ends
It is possible to complete the medieval vampire RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker even before the prologue concludes by defeating the main antagonist, Brencis. While extremely difficult and achieved by only a few developers internally at Rebel Wolves, this ending is confirmed by publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game is set to release on September 3rd for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X.
Asdivine Knot for PC & Consoles: Wishlisting begins on XBOX, Steam and PlayStation!
KEMCO announced that the JRPG Asdivine Knot is coming to PC, Xbox consoles (including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows), Steam, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4. Store pages are now available for wishlisting, with the game set to launch on July 8, 2026. The title features turn-based combat, extensive customization options, and a story about faith and betrayal.
Rat Protocol (PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, X/S, PC)
Rat Protocol is a Sokoban-style block-pushing puzzle game where players guide a super-intelligent lab rat through maze puzzles. The game is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.
Xbox Layoffs Includes Backwards Compatibility Program and Cloud Gaming Lead
Xbox has undergone significant layoffs, impacting key figures like Kevin LaChapelle, vice president of Xbox Platform, who oversaw cloud gaming and the Xbox Backwards Compatibility Program. This move raises concerns about the future of game preservation and backwards compatibility efforts within the company, following earlier announcements of ending the program and then forming a new team for it. The layoffs also affected several studios, including Undead Labs, Ninja Theory, Double Fine Productions, and Compulsion Games.
'We want an experience that is close to a pen-and-paper RPG' — The Blood of Dawnwalker director says the game's big choices will offer more player freedom and 'boost immersion'
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of The Blood of Dawnwalker, aims to create an experience akin to a pen-and-paper RPG, emphasizing player freedom and impactful choices to boost immersion. He hopes the game, launching September 3 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, will be remembered for years to come.
'We said it's expensive as hell, but we thought it's worth it, because it's unique and different' — The Blood of Dawnwalker director says the RPG's day and night system with its human and vampire gameplay loops is 'almost two different games'
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of The Blood of Dawnwalker, described the game's day and night system as akin to "almost two different games" due to the distinct human and vampire gameplay loops. Despite the high development cost, the team at Rebel Wolves believed the unique concept was worth the investment. The RPG is set to release on September 3 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
'The world is living and it's not waiting for you' — The Blood of Dawnwalker director says the RPG's 30-day timer gives the story a 'sense of urgency' and 'emotional impact'
The Blood of Dawnwalker game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz explained that the game's 30-day timer is designed to create a sense of urgency and emotional impact for players. He stated that the world is dynamic and does not wait, meaning player choices and actions have consequences, contributing to the game's non-linearity. The RPG is set to release on September 3 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.
'Clair Obscur showed that you can take a genre and do it in a different and interesting way' — The Blood of Dawnwalker director says the ambitious game was made out of a 'love for RPGs'
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of The Blood of Dawnwalker, stated that the game was created by a team with a deep love for RPGs and that ambitious goals are necessary to create unique experiences in a saturated genre. He praised Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for its innovative approach to the genre. The Blood of Dawnwalker is set to release on September 3 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.
Xbox Layoffs Included 37-Year Veteran Who Designed One Of Xbox’s Best Features Ever
Microsoft's recent layoffs at Xbox have impacted 1,600 employees, including 37-year veteran Kevin LaChapelle, who was instrumental in developing the popular backwards compatibility feature for Xbox consoles. The company is also divesting several studios as part of a broader restructuring, with some strategic bets like Xbox Game Pass not meeting expectations.
Xbox’s New Plan After Brutal Cuts: Focus On The Thing Called Xbox
Following significant layoffs, Xbox is refocusing its strategy on its core business, including its flagship console hardware and major IPs like Minecraft. This shift aims to address issues like spreading resources too thin and declining hardware revenue, despite industry-wide cost increases and component shortages. The restructuring also involves making some studios independent or selling them off.
The Gaming Industry Is Eating Itself Alive
Xbox is undergoing a massive restructuring, including 3,200 layoffs, impacting numerous studios and divisions like Activision, Bethesda, and Blizzard. While some studios regain independence and first-party projects remain safe for now, the article criticizes Xbox's overall strategy, citing Game Pass's performance and declining hardware revenue. The piece also touches on PlayStation's similar issues with digital ownership and preservation, painting a bleak picture for the future of gaming costs and ownership.
