Xbox Series X
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Series X.
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PlayStation 5 Ports of Fan-Favorite PS3, PS4 Action Adventure Games Leaked
ESRB ratings suggest that Mafia II: Definitive Edition and Mafia III: Definitive Edition may be receiving native PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S ports. These dedicated current-gen versions would allow for enhanced graphics and faster load times, building on the success of previous Definitive Editions and the franchise's popularity in the open-world crime genre.
Cities: Skylines Announced For Switch 2 While Sequel’s Console Ports Are Still MIA
Paradox Interactive announced Cities: Skylines - Expanded Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on October 28. This announcement highlights the continued uncertainty surrounding the console ports of Cities: Skylines 2, which have faced multiple delays due to performance and stability issues, with development now handled by Iceflake Studios.
Here are our Xbox Game Pass games for October 2026
Microsoft has announced the first wave of games coming to Xbox Game Pass in October, with Battlefield 6 being the headline addition. Several new titles, including Valor Mortis and Bluey's Happy Snaps, will launch directly into the service. However, popular titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Pacific Drive will be leaving Game Pass on October 15th.
GTA 6 Wants Losing Your Wanted Level To Feel Like A “Hit-And-Run”
Rockstar Games has detailed Grand Theft Auto 6's new wanted level system, aiming for a more realistic "hit-and-run" experience where players can evade law enforcement through various means beyond simply escaping a red zone. Head of development Rob Nelson explained that the system supports the narrative of characters on the run, offering players options to avoid escalation and encouraging gameplay that doesn't make them feel "all-powerful." The game is set to release on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The HyperX Cloud III is a superb wired headset, and a no-brainer purchase when discounts are inbound
The HyperX Cloud III wired headset is praised for its superb audio quality, comfortable design for long gaming sessions, and high-quality microphone. Its multi-platform compatibility via 3.5mm, USB-A, and USB-C connections is a significant advantage. While the full price is considered high, the headset is frequently discounted, making it a strong value proposition when found on sale.
Rockstar wants physical intimacy 'done right' in GTA 6 as it confirms nude scene
Rockstar Games is focusing on portraying physical intimacy and relationships authentically in Grand Theft Auto 6, with co-studio head Rob Nelson confirming that the character Jason will be depicted nude in a shower scene. The studio aims to make the relationship between protagonists Jason and Lucia a central gameplay element, iterating extensively to ensure it feels right for players.
Xbox Game Pass Gets Gears Of War: E-Day And These 11 Games In October
Microsoft has announced the latest lineup of games coming to Xbox Game Pass for October, led by Gears of War: E-Day. The subscription service will also add Minecraft Dungeons 2, Battlefield 6, Valor Mortis, and several other titles throughout the first half of the month, including multiple day-one releases across cloud, console, and PC.
For a moment it looked like Grand Theft Auto 6 might be playable on PC on launch day—then Xbox's chief…
Despite initial reports suggesting Grand Theft Auto 6 might be playable on PC via Xbox Cloud Gaming on launch day, Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball clarified that the game will not be streaming exclusively or to PC. The game is confirmed for an Xbox release on November 19, with no PC version or release date announced.
New Details Revealed For GTA 6’s Jason And Lucia, Including “Physical Intimacy”
New details have emerged regarding Grand Theft Auto 6's protagonists, Jason and Lucia, confirming that physical intimacy will be a part of their relationship. Rockstar North's Rob Nelson stated that while players can choose to nurture their romantic relationship, it is not mandatory and will not provide gameplay benefits, though it can influence the story's progression. The game's ESRB rating indicates strong sexual content, and a "relationship system" will track how players develop Jason and Lucia's bond.
Forza Horizon 6 For PS5 Apparently Delayed To 2027, And It’s Getting A Disc Release
A new report suggests Forza Horizon 6 for PlayStation 5 has been delayed to January 26, 2027, contradicting Microsoft's previous statement of a 2026 release. The game is also confirmed to receive a physical disc edition. This news comes as Forza developers Turn 10 and Playground Games are merging into a single studio.
Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Battlefield 6, Valor Mortis, Forever Ago, and More
Xbox Game Pass is adding several new titles in October, including Battlefield 6, Valor Mortis, and Echo Weaver, all available on day one. The service also highlights recently added games like Gears of War: E-Day and Minecraft Dungeons II. Several games, including A Plague Tale: Requiem and Evil West, will be leaving the Game Pass library on October 15.
The Next Gears Of War Game Probably Won’t Need 7 Years To Cook
The Coalition studio head Mike Crump stated that the development of the next Gears of War game, following Gears of War: E-Day, will not take as long as the seven-year gap after Gears 5. He emphasized focusing on shipping a great game and showcasing Xbox hardware capabilities, while acknowledging concerns about recent Xbox layoffs.
Indie Selects for October 2026: Discover and Progress Through Unforgettable Worlds
The ID@Xbox team has curated six standout indie games for October 2026, available on the Xbox Store. The selection includes Mortal Shell II, Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game, Mewgenics, The Sinking City 2, Woodo, and Lou's Lagoon, offering a diverse range of genres from challenging combat and survival horror to cozy puzzles and exploration.
Arc Raiders’ Huge Update Introduces Its Best Gadget Ever
Embark Studios has released a significant update for Arc Raiders, titled 'Frozen Trail,' introducing a new frosty map, a challenging raid-like event, new weapons, an overhauled skill tree, and customization options. The update also adds innovative gadgets like a Tether Launcher and a versatile grappling hook, reinforcing the game's 'tools, not rules' design philosophy and aiming to re-engage players with its co-op experience.
Mafia 2 and Mafia 3 Could Be Set for PS5 and Xbox Series Upgrades After Definitive Editions Leak Online
Mafia 2 and Mafia 3 are reportedly coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles with graphical enhancements, as indicated by an ESRB rating for the Definitive Editions. This suggests an upgrade for the remastered versions of the games.
GTA 6 Won’t Make You “All-Powerful” Like GTA 5 Did
Rockstar Games director Rob Nelson stated that Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature NPCs with their own impulses, making the world more unpredictable than in Grand Theft Auto 5. Players will still be powerful but not the sole source of violence. The game will also introduce an upgraded police 'heat' system.
Forza Horizon 6 on PS5 release date leaked and it will come on a disc
A leak suggests Forza Horizon 6 will be released on PlayStation 5 on January 26, 2027, with a physical disc version available for £59.99. This delay is reportedly to align its release with the game's first expansion. Developer Playground Games recently apologized for a lack of communication regarding updates.
Screamer Gets A More Approachable Ride With New Single Stick Update
Milestone has released a new update for its arcade racer Screamer, introducing a more accessible Single Stick control mode. The patch also includes character balancing, progression changes, and gameplay fixes for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. This update aims to make the game more approachable for newcomers while offering refinements for existing players.
PAX West 2026: Hands-On with the Genki Manta
A hands-on preview of the Genki Manta controller at PAX West 2026 reveals a highly customizable peripheral with an integrated screen for extensive profile management, dead zone adjustments, and rumble customization. Despite initial ergonomic concerns, the controller proved comfortable and robust, offering advanced features like potential OBS integration and full keyboard support.
State Of Decay 3 Was Announced Early To Keep Undead Labs On Microsoft’s Radar
State of Decay 3 developer Undead Labs announced the game early in 2020 to keep the project on Microsoft's radar during an acquisition spree, according to studio boss Philip Holt. The studio has since become independent and employee-owned. Holt explained that the early announcement was a strategic move to prevent the studio from being overlooked amidst Microsoft's acquisitions of companies like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
