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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox.
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House House will not release Big Walk on Xbox in support of pro-Palestinian BDS campaign
Melbourne-based developer House House will not release its co-op game Big Walk on Xbox due to support for the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaign, which has designated Microsoft Games and Xbox as boycott targets. This decision, while understood to disappoint players, aligns with the developer's belief in collective action for meaningful change. Other indie developers have also taken similar stances against Microsoft's alleged complicity in Israeli actions.
The Xbox Nano Controller is a compact, 'entry-level, rechargeable controller' launching next month —…
Microsoft has announced the Xbox Nano Controller, a compact and rechargeable gamepad launching on November 4 for $49.99. Designed to be pocketable and affordable for families, it features all standard Xbox inputs and supports Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth. Special holiday bundles with Samsung TVs and Meta Quest devices will also be available.
Big Walk Developer Explains Why the Game Isn't on Xbox
House House, the developer of Big Walk, has explained its decision to boycott Xbox, stating the game will not be available on Microsoft's console. This boycott is a deliberate choice by the studio.
Evening Reading - October 14, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers several gaming news items, including Rockstar Games' statement on future development timelines after Grand Theft Auto 6, details on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake features like an enemy gallery and Amiibo support, and the announcement of the pocket-sized Xbox Nano Controller. Epic Games is bringing Fortnite to Linux, and World of Warcraft: Forever is implementing a Temporary Economy Holds system. The article also notes renewed interest in Star Wars games and celebrates the anniversary of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky.
Games Inbox: Is the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake changing too much?
Readers discuss changes in the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, with opinions divided on whether they are sufficient or too extensive. The conversation also touches on the massive file size and potential focus of Grand Theft Auto 6, the perceived decline in Xbox's gaming offerings, and disappointment over collector's editions not including the game itself.
Ace Combat 8’s Best Fights Begin in the Clouds
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve offers spectacular aerial combat where weather elements like clouds and icing significantly impact gameplay. While the game excels in its urgent, action-packed sorties and tactical preparation, its uneven storytelling, pacing issues, and occasional mission design flaws hold it back from perfection.
Xbox Copies of Forza Horizon 6 Have Hit New Low Prices at Amazon and Walmart
Xbox copies of Forza Horizon 6 are currently available at significantly reduced prices on Amazon and Walmart. Both retailers are offering discounts on the standard physical edition, with Walmart also featuring a sale on the digital premium edition.
Xbox just announced its brand new controller, and it's far from the pro pad we all expected
Microsoft has unveiled the Xbox Nano Controller, a compact and portable gamepad priced at $49.99. While not a pro-grade controller, it aims to offer official Xbox connectivity and controls in a pocket-friendly form factor, targeting on-the-go players and children. It will also be bundled with Samsung TVs and Meta Quest devices later this year.
Xbox Nano Controller Announced, And It’s So Small
Microsoft has announced the Xbox Nano Controller, a new, smaller, and more affordable controller designed for portability and smaller hands. It features all 18 standard gameplay buttons and a programmable action button, costing $50 USD. Bundles with Samsung TVs and Meta Quest headsets are also planned, though cloud streaming usage may eventually incur additional costs.
Meet the XBOX Nano Controller
Microsoft has unveiled the Xbox Nano Controller, a compact and lightweight accessory designed for portability and accessibility, priced at $49.99 USD. It features all standard gameplay inputs and supports Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity. Bundles with Game Pass Ultimate are available with select Samsung TVs and Meta Quest purchases.
What is the exact release time of Castlevania: Belmont's Curse?
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is set to release on October 14th and 15th, depending on the player's region and platform. Specific launch times are provided for North America, the United Kingdom, and Central Europe across PlayStation 5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Fans of Destiny 1 are trying to get the console game to work on PC – and earn a nod from Bungie
Fans are working to bring the original console-exclusive game Destiny to PC through a mod called Project Golden Age. The project has achieved 4K resolution and 60 FPS, gaining the attention of Bungie's head of product, Josh Deane. Despite the unofficial nature of the mod, Sony has not yet taken action to halt its development.
Conclusion of Rockstar's employment tribunal delayed into November, almost day and date with GTA 6's release
The employment tribunal between Rockstar Games and laid-off union members has been extended into November, coinciding with the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. The case, which involves allegations of union-busting by Rockstar, will see further witness cross-examination. Separately, Ubisoft announced the closure of RedLynx, developer of the Trials series, and significant layoffs at Ubisoft Singapore, impacting the development of Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced.
Ubisoft closing Trials developer RedLynx and downsizing Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced team in Singapore
Ubisoft is closing its Finnish studio RedLynx, the developer behind the Trials series, impacting up to 52 positions. Additionally, 70 roles have been affected at Ubisoft Singapore, the studio behind Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced. These moves are part of a broader reorganization within Ubisoft and contribute to the ongoing trend of video game industry layoffs.
Forza Horizon 6’s 7-Eleven Deal Signals a Bigger Shift in How Brands Think About Loyalty
Forza Horizon 6's integration of 7-Eleven, featuring a branded storefront and exclusive Toyota Supra GR livery tied to real-world loyalty rewards, signifies a shift in how brands approach in-game partnerships. This move from simple advertising to feature integration aims to make loyalty programs more relevant to gamers, potentially setting a new template for brand collaborations across various game genres.
The Best Gaming Options For Gen X
This article explores the best gaming options available for Generation X, highlighting how the hobby has evolved from arcade cabinets and early home computers to fit modern lifestyles. It covers retro classics that still hold up, modern adventures for longer sessions, family-friendly titles, and popular slot games.
Xbox Nano Controller Announced, Launches in November for $50
Microsoft has announced the Xbox Nano controller, its smallest controller ever, designed for portability and priced at $49.99. It features wireless and Bluetooth support, making it compatible with PC and consoles. The announcement comes as Xbox Cloud Gaming prepares to implement hour caps for Game Pass subscribers, a change that has been met with negative reception.
Trials Studio Facing Closure, Ubisoft Singapore to Get Hit by Layoffs Impacting 70 Employees – Rumor
Ubisoft is reportedly planning to close its Finland-based studio RedLynx, known for the Trials franchise, resulting in 52 job cuts. Additionally, Ubisoft Singapore will undergo layoffs impacting 70 employees as part of a larger restructuring effort. These decisions come as Ubisoft aims to streamline operations and manage its workforce effectively.
Hypercharge: Unboxed announces massive Nintendo Switch update
Hypercharge: Unboxed has received its largest update yet on Nintendo Switch, bringing it in line with PC, Xbox, and PlayStation versions. The update introduces full cross-play, a new story mode, multiple new bosses, enemies, maps, weapons, playable characters, and game modes. The developers cited a move to a newer Unreal Engine version, a networking backend overhaul for cross-play, and extensive foundational work as reasons for the delay.
Warframe Sets Course for a Distant Star System in Epoch Operation: Taubound
Digital Extremes is launching a new community event for Warframe called Epoch Operation: Taubound on October 15, which will rally players worldwide to fuel a trip to the distant Star System, Tau. The event, running until November 17, will feature missions on Eris to gather Moonflesh to power the Sentient Mothership, Praghasa, with rewards including new Armor Sets and cosmetics. The update also introduces Prologue to Tau, a new single-player quest, and a new Infested boss fight for Xbox players.
