Xbox
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox.
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Xbox is introducing time limits to game streaming
Xbox is implementing time limits for its cloud gaming service, restricting users to 5-15 hours of streaming per month on devices other than consoles or PCs. This change affects how players access games remotely.
Game Pass Is Getting Worse, And More Expensive
Microsoft is introducing limits and potential price increases for Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming starting in November. Subscribers will receive a set number of monthly hours depending on their tier, with options to purchase additional time. This change aims to manage rising costs associated with the service's growing usage.
MMO Business Roundup: PS Store lawsuit, tariff refunds, and Tim Sweeney on gaming’s ‘crash 2.0’
This business roundup covers several industry developments, including Sony's defense in a PlayStation Store lawsuit where it argues consumers don't truly own digital games. Both Sony and Microsoft are also denying tariff refunds for console purchases, a stance mirrored by Nintendo. Additionally, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney analyzes the current state of the gaming industry, referring to it as 'Crash 2.0' and suggesting factory expansion as a solution to hardware shortages driven by AI demand.
Uncanyon Looks Like A Dream, But You’ll Need To Think Your Way Through It
Annapurna Interactive and Graceful Decay have revealed Uncanyon, a puzzle adventure game set to launch in 2027 for Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Players will manipulate multiple realities to solve puzzles and uncover the mysteries of a forgotten world.
The wireless Scuf Valor Pro controller will remind you why comfort is one of the most important aspects of choosing your gaming peripherals
The Scuf Valor Pro Wireless controller offers significant comfort improvements over its predecessor, featuring deep grips and a traditional Xbox shape that makes it a joy to hold for extended gaming sessions. While its responsive buttons and build quality are commendable, its high price point and lack of extensive customization options compared to similarly priced competitors present a challenge.
Double Fine Flexes Its Independence With Price Cuts And A New PS5 Release
Newly independent Double Fine Productions has announced a surprise PlayStation 5 release for its game Keeper, along with a price cut for both Keeper and Kiln. The studio also revived its Amnesia Fortnight game jam and is crowdfunding its next title, with a stretch goal for Brutal Legend 2.
Both Microsoft and Sony say they're under no obligation to pass tariff refunds on to customers
Microsoft and Sony have stated they are not obligated to pass tariff refunds onto consumers, despite lawsuits arguing otherwise. Both companies claim customers paid the advertised price and are not owed any difference, even if tariffs were later deemed unconstitutional. While most major players are taking this stance, companies like Arctic and Panic are offering refunds or price rollbacks to customers.
Fable 2 Was the Closest Xbox Ever Got to Having its Own Zelda-Like Action-Adventure
Fable 2 is presented as the closest Xbox has come to a Zelda-like action-adventure franchise. The article highlights its blend of charm, humor, action, adventure, puzzles, and its unique dog companion, alongside a story with multiple endings, as key elements contributing to its success as an RPG-lite.
Free Play Days – EA Sports College Football 27, The Survivalists, The Lonesome Guild, and Under The Waves
Xbox is offering Free Play Days for several titles including EA Sports College Football 27, The Survivalists, The Lonesome Guild, and Under The Waves. EA Sports College Football 27 and The Survivalists have specific availability windows, with The Survivalists requiring Xbox Game Pass membership, while The Lonesome Guild and Under The Waves are available as two-hour timed trials for all Xbox members.
Final Fantasy Resonance, the Square Enix JRPG I've wanted for nearly a decade, gets a surprise demo today
Square Enix has surprise-released a demo for Final Fantasy Resonance, a JRPG presented in their HD-2D style. The demo, available today, September 3, covers the entire first chapter and allows progress to carry over to the full game releasing October 22. It will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Stop replacing the batteries in your Xbox controller – Do this instead
This article provides an alternative to constantly replacing AA batteries in Xbox controllers. It suggests a different method for managing controller power without relying on disposable batteries.
Best Buy's Labor Day sales hit PS5 and Nintendo Switch, but these are the 8 deals gamers need to know about
Best Buy's Labor Day sale features discounts on gaming hardware, including the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch OLED. While software deals are scarce, savings are available on refurbished consoles, controllers, and PCs. The sale ends Monday, September 7.
Sony and Microsoft request dismissal of consumer lawsuits over tariff refunds
Sony and Microsoft have filed motions to dismiss class action lawsuits that claim they failed to pass on tariff refunds to consumers for price-hiked hardware like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox consoles. Both companies argue they are not legally obligated to provide such refunds, citing various factors beyond tariffs for price increases and noting they raised prices again even after tariffs were invalidated. Nintendo made similar arguments in a separate filing, while only Playdate maker Panic has refunded tariff surcharges to customers.
CD Projekt Red won't be abandoning physical releases
CD Projekt Red, developer of The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2077, intends to continue offering physical releases, according to joint-CEO Michal Nowakowski. While acknowledging the industry shift towards digital and platform holder decisions, CDPR aims to create physical boxes that are valuable to consumers, potentially using download codes instead of discs.
Sony, Microsoft Say They Have No Obligation to Offer Refunds For Tariff-Based Price Hikes
Sony and Microsoft are arguing, similar to Nintendo, that they have no legal obligation to provide refunds to consumers for price hikes caused by import tariffs. Lawyers for both companies stated that customers paid the advertised price and received what they paid for, and that intervening legal developments regarding tariffs do not entitle them to a rebate. These arguments come amidst ongoing lawsuits filed by companies seeking refunds from the US government after tariffs were deemed illegal.
2 PS4, PS5 Harry Potter Games on Sale for $6 on PlayStation Store
The LEGO Harry Potter Collection is available for a limited time at a significant discount on the PlayStation Store. The bundle, which includes LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 and Years 5-7, is priced at $5.99 for PlayStation 5 and $4.99 for PlayStation 4, representing an 85% price reduction. The PS5 version features enhancements like improved visuals and haptic feedback.
Arcade-Style Vertical Scrolling Shoot ’Em Up Birdcage Is Coming to Consoles
The arcade-style vertical scrolling shoot 'em up Birdcage, already available on PC, is coming to consoles including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on September 23rd, 2026. A physical PlayStation 5 version is planned for March 2027. The game features explosive '90s arcade shooter action with modern mechanics and a sci-fi story inspired by Metal Gear Solid.
Long-Delayed Prison Architect 2 Gets Exciting Update After Two Years Of Mostly Silence
Prison Architect 2, originally slated for a 2024 release, has received an update indicating a potential new release date following a significant delay. The game will undergo a closed beta test from September 9-15, with Paradox Development Studio citing the need for more time to improve performance and content. Preorders were refunded, and the game has not been available for purchase since its indefinite delay.
Bossa Studios unveils new ‘chaotic’ co-op game while admitting Lost Skies has not made any money
Bossa Studios has announced its new chaotic co-op physics-building game, 'What Goes Up,' set to release later this year on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 5, published by Team17. Meanwhile, the studio admitted that its survival title 'Lost Skies' has not generated any revenue, forcing a pivot to fund ongoing development for both games.
UK software sales chart for the week ending August 29, 2026 – Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition debut
The UK software sales chart for the week ending August 29, 2026, sees Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 debut at number one, with 80% of sales on PlayStation 5. Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition enters at number five. The chart also features strong performances from other major titles like EA Sports FC 26 and Pokemon Pokopí.
