Xbox Series S
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Series S.
Latest coverage
Xbox prices will jump again this weekend, but please don't buy a brand new console today
Microsoft is increasing the prices of its Xbox Series X and Series S consoles starting August 1. The Xbox Series X will now cost $799.99 for the 1TB disc version and $749.99 for the digital version, while the 1TB Series S will be $599 and the 512GB model will be $499. The article advises consumers to consider purchasing refurbished consoles to mitigate these price hikes.
Control Resonant lead gameplay designer isn't worried about the game launching so close to GTA 6, says 'it's not really been a big consideration for us'
Remedy Entertainment's lead gameplay designer Sergey Mohov stated that the studio is not concerned about Control Resonant launching close to Grand Theft Auto 6. Mohov explained that the release date for Control Resonant has been set for September 24 for a while and is not a significant consideration for the team. He expressed personal excitement for Grand Theft Auto 6 but believes its release will not impact Control Resonant.
Nvidia GPUs see yet another price hike of up to 30 percent, as the generative AI hardware crisis worsens
Nvidia has implemented a third price hike on its GPUs this year, with increases ranging from 20 to 30 percent, affecting a wider range of its products. This surge is driven by the high demand for hardware in the generative AI sector. The rising costs are also impacting other components like Samsung's DRAM and have led to price increases for consoles such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Xbox revenue plunges $1.7bn, with hardware dropping 29% YoY
Microsoft's latest financial results reveal a significant 7% year-on-year decline in Xbox revenue for the full year and 10% in the fourth quarter, primarily driven by a 29% drop in hardware sales. Despite growth in Game Pass, content and services revenue also fell by 10%. The company announced widespread layoffs affecting 4,800 roles, including 1,600 at Xbox, as part of a restructuring aimed at long-term growth, with several studios transitioning to new management or becoming independent.
Crazy Taxi: World Tour to get multiplayer closed network test — MP3s & NPCs
Crazy Taxi: World Tour will conduct a closed multiplayer network test from September 11-13 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, featuring cross-play to assess online stability. Sign-ups are open until August 31. The game, slated for a 2027 release, will feature a new West Coast map and a global campaign where players chase down thieves who stole the protagonist's taxi.
Morning Consolidation
Microsoft's Xbox Series X and Series S consoles are reportedly losing $150 per unit sold. This financial information raises questions about the company's hardware sales strategy and profitability in the current market.
Tentpole Xbox release Halo: Campaign Evolved performs better on the PlayStation 5, with the PS5 Pro providing the best experience
A performance analysis of Halo: Campaign Evolved reveals that the game runs best on the PlayStation 5, with the PS5 Pro offering the optimal experience. While the game performs well across all tested platforms including Xbox Series X and S, the PlayStation versions exhibit fewer cutscene stutters and a slightly cleaner image due to PSSR technology on the Pro model.
Xbox still not making a profit on console sales despite price rise says report
A report indicates that Microsoft's Xbox Series X/S consoles continue to be sold at a significant loss, even after a recent price increase. Component shortages, particularly for RAM, have driven up costs, with Microsoft reportedly losing around $150 per unit sold. This contrasts with Sony's PlayStation 5, which has been profitable since 2021, and Nintendo's Switch, which traditionally sells hardware at a profit, though it also faces increased costs.
Xbox Series X/S Consoles Are Still Sold at a Loss Even After Price Hikes – Rumor
Despite price increases, Microsoft's Xbox Series X/S consoles are reportedly still sold at a loss of around $150 each, a situation expected to continue even after future price hikes. This financial strain may impact the pricing strategy for the upcoming 'Project Helix' console, which is rumored to be an open platform with a high price point due to reliance on hardware revenue. Reports also indicate that Xbox Ally users primarily subscribe to Game Pass rather than purchasing games directly, highlighting the dominance of platforms like Steam in the handheld market.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 devs talk about the challenges of a Nintendo Switch 2 port
Sandfall Interactive, the developers of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, have stated that a port to the Nintendo Switch 2 would present a significant technical challenge due to the console's power limitations compared to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. While they are interested in exploring the possibility, the team noted that certain Unreal Engine 5 features are not compatible with the Switch 2, though newer features like Lumen Lite might offer some benefits.
Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked Rolls Onto Xbox Later This Year
Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Handheld later this year, supporting Xbox Play Anywhere and cross-play with other platforms including Nintendo Switch 2, Steam, Meta Horizon, and PlayStation. Developed by Resolution Games, the cooperative tactical adventure will allow up to four players to journey through the Forgotten Realms with streamlined mechanics inspired by Dungeons & Dragons. CEO Tommy Palm expressed excitement about bringing the game to Xbox's passionate co-op community.
Mistfall Hunter Interview – Game Balance, Beta Feedback, PvE Mode, PC Features, And More
Bellring Games discusses Mistfall Hunter's development, focusing on player feedback from beta tests that led to changes in early game progression and combat systems. The developers emphasize the importance of PvE content in an extraction RPG and highlight how their genuine third-person action combat differentiates the game from traditional shooters. They also confirm plans for a pure PvE mode and detail PC features like ultrawide support and various upscaling technologies, alongside console targets for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Six Useful Tips to Survive and Thrive Above the Toxic Clouds in Forever Skies
Forever Skies has launched on Xbox Series X|S alongside its largest update, The Final Echoes, which introduces new power management and damage systems, over 30 side quests, new enemies, and expanded environmental variety. The game also features deep custom difficulty settings that do not disable achievements and supports Xbox Play Anywhere for cross-progression between Xbox and PC.
The voice actors behind Anakin Skywalker and the Clone Troopers in The Clone Wars are returning for Star Wars Zero…
Bit Reactor and Lucasfilm Games have revealed the voice cast for Star Wars Zero Company, featuring Matt Lanter and Dee Bradley Baker reprising their roles as Anakin Skywalker and a Clone Trooper, respectively. Jonathan Freeman and Erica Luttrell will voice the player character Hawks. The turn-based tactics game launches August 27 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Series S.
Xbox tests a new deal: watch ads to stream games you’ve already bought
Microsoft is testing a new feature for Xbox Insiders that allows players to stream owned games for up to one hour after watching advertisements. This optional program is being presented as a way to offer more affordable access to games, despite recent price increases for Xbox consoles. The company states that ads will not interrupt gameplay and will be held to a high quality standard.
15 New Games of August 2026
August 2026 is set to be a significant month for game releases, featuring a diverse lineup across multiple genres. Notable titles include Game Freak's action RPG Beast of Reincarnation, Cold Symmetry's Mortal Shell 2, and Arc System Works' Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls. The month will also see the 1.0 release of REKA, the expansion Mafia: The Old Country – Man of Honor, and the launch of The Sinking City 2. Additionally, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, Star Wars Zero Company, Elden Ring Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2, and EA Sports Madden NFL 27 are scheduled for release.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 får upp till 4K och 60 fps
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, featuring Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, will launch on August 27. Konami has revealed that Metal Gear Solid 4 will run at 4K and 60 fps on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, while Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker will also support 4K and 60 fps on these platforms.
Star Wars Zero Company takes 30-40 hours to beat 'depending on your difficulty level and experience with the strategy genre' but won't have a New Game Plus mode
Bit Reactor has confirmed that Star Wars Zero Company's main campaign will take between 30 and 40 hours to complete, depending on player experience and difficulty settings. The single-player, turn-based tactics game will not feature a New Game Plus mode, romance systems, or branching story paths, though minor story moments can be influenced by squad composition. The game launches on August 27 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Series S, and will include cosmetic customization options and voice acting from Dee Bradley Baker.
Famitsu sales (7/13/26 – 7/19/26) – first week sales revealed for Kyoto Xanadu, Culdcept Begins
Famitsu has released its latest Japanese hardware and software sales data for the week of July 13-19, 2026. The Nintendo Switch continues to lead hardware sales, while Kyoto Xanadu and Culdcept Begins debut on the software charts.
The Best Yet? Pure Pool Pro Breaks Off On Xbox With Stunning Visuals
Pure Pool Pro has launched on Xbox Series X|S, offering a complete version of the cue sports simulation with refined physics and competitive online play. The game is available for £20.99 and includes all previous content updates, with a Snooker Expansion Pack planned for later this year. It features native 4K at 60fps on Xbox Series X and 1440p at 60fps on Xbox Series S, along with cross-platform multiplayer support.
