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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox.
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Rocksteady worked as co-developer on new LEGO Batman
Rocksteady Studios co-developed the upcoming game LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, as revealed in the game's credits. Approximately 24 developers from Rocksteady contributed to the title, which is developed by TT Games. The game is set to release soon on most platforms, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version delayed.
Top 10 hot summer gaming tech for 2026 - headsets, controllers, and more
This article highlights top gaming technology accessories for summer 2026, focusing on peripherals like headsets, controllers, mice, keyboards, monitors, and chairs. It notes that while core components remain expensive, these accessories offer desirable upgrades without significant price hikes due to memory shortages. Featured items include collaborations with brands like Pokémon and Blackpink, alongside high-performance tech from SteelSeries, Logitech, Razer, and Turtle Beach.
Forza Horizon 6's imminent full release has fans turning to an old trick to play it early without paying for the…
Xbox owners are using a 'New Zealand trick' to play Forza Horizon 6 early via Xbox Game Pass before its official release. This method involves changing the console's region to New Zealand to access games at the earliest possible time. The article notes that while this trick is possible on other platforms, it is significantly easier on Xbox.
It’s just weird that Xbox has rebranded to XBOX on the back of 12,000 people voting for it in a poll
Microsoft's gaming division CEO Asha Sharma initiated a poll on X asking users to vote on whether the brand should be stylized as 'Xbox' or 'XBOX'. Despite a low participation rate of around 19,000 votes, the company appears to be adopting the capitalized 'XBOX' branding, a move the author criticizes as a superficial marketing tactic that fails to address the console's competitive struggles.
"Hydra is polished and battle-tested" – Why Saber Interactive is opening up its live-ops tool all developers
Saber Interactive has made its proprietary live-ops tool, Hydra, available to all developers. Head of game services Dmitri Brevdo explained that the battle-tested platform supports functions like cross-platform play and matchmaking, and can be integrated into games using Unreal Engine 5, Unity, or Saber's Swarm engine. The usage-based pricing model is designed to be cost-effective, with Saber aiming to balance standardization and flexibility for future integrations.
OPERATION SYSTEM OVERRIDE TAKES COMMAND OF RAINBOW SIX SIEGE YEAR 11 SEASON 2
Ubisoft has launched Operation System Override, the second season of Year 11 for Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege. This update introduces Ranked 3.0, a significant overhaul of the competitive mode, and a new map called Calypso Casino, inspired by Rainbow Six Vegas. The season also features a Dokkaebi Operator remaster and aims to enhance the game's competitive integrity and player experience.
Advanced Shader Delivery banishes long loads and shader stutter on first time launch, but only for certain games and there are a number of other caveats too
Microsoft's Advanced Shader Delivery technology now supports AMD RDNA 3, 3.5, and 4 GPUs, including the Radeon RX 7000, 8000, and 9000 series, via the latest Adrenalin drivers. This feature, previously exclusive to the ROG Xbox Ally, pre-compiles shaders to eliminate long load times and stuttering on first-time game launches, particularly benefiting titles like Forza Horizon 6, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and others downloaded through the Xbox app.
NACON Expands Revosim Racing Line-Up With Three New Steering Wheels For Console
NACON is expanding its Revosim sim-racing line-up with three new Direct Drive steering wheel bundles for PC and consoles. The new range includes the premium RS Pure (10NM), the mid-range RS Initiale (6NM), and the entry-level RS Lite (3.2NM), marking the first time Revosim hardware will officially support consoles. Full specifications, release dates, and pricing are expected later.
The Nex Playground is launching in the UK and Ireland
Nex Playground, a motion-tracking video game console, is launching in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland in late June for £269. The console, which previously outsold Xbox in the US during the 2025 holiday season, will come with five free starter games and offer access to over 60 titles via a 'Play Pass' subscription. Nex emphasizes trust and safety with local data processing and a closed ecosystem.
Two Horizons S.A. Announces Hotel Simulator on Steam
Two Horizons S.A. has announced Hotel Simulator, a new simulation game expanding on the mechanics of their previous title, Hotel Renovator. The game will feature detailed hotel management, interior design tools, and an open-world environment in Winston Springs, with a planned release in Q1 2027.
Exclusive: 'We're not a compliant organization, we're a leading organization' — How Nex's kid-friendly console aims to be ahead of the UK's Online Safety Act
Nex is preparing for the UK's Online Safety Act 2023 with its new Nex Playground console, designed for children aged three to 12. The company emphasizes its commitment to Trust and Safety from day one, with features like on-device AI processing for privacy and a locked-down operating system. Nex aims to lead the industry in compliance rather than just meeting requirements, contrasting with measures being implemented by Microsoft and Sony for their respective consoles.
Games Inbox: Will Nintendo make more cross-gen Switch games?
Readers discuss Nintendo's potential strategy of releasing more cross-gen games for the Nintendo Switch, with some expressing concern over the quality of recent Switch-only titles. Other topics include the story modes in Mortal Kombat 1, the influence of console exclusives, and the changing gaming preferences of older players.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake Scene From Aspyr’s Cancelled Version Emerges – Rumor
A leaked cinematic from Aspyr's cancelled version of the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake has surfaced, featuring early character models and voice work. The footage shows Captain Carth Onasi and Trask Ulgo, and indicates the player character would have been fully voiced. Development of the remake is now with Mad Head Games under Saber Interactive, with studio representatives confirming it is still in progress.
15 years since LA Noire's "revolutionary" facial animations, it's still the best Rockstar series…
Fifteen years after its release, LA Noire's groundbreaking MotionScan facial animation technology is still considered a high point in realistic character portrayal. Despite its technical challenges and the subsequent closure of developer Team Bondi and its sister company Depth Analysis, the game's ambition set a precedent for modern motion capture techniques. The article reflects on the game's legacy and its unique place within Rockstar's catalog.
Subnautica 2 roadmap revealed as early access release enjoys over 2 million sales
Unknown Worlds has revealed the roadmap for Subnautica 2's early access release, which has achieved over 2 million sales within its first 12 hours. The initial updates will focus on quality of life improvements and co-op features, with longer-term plans including new biomes, creatures, and story content.
The Coma 3: Bloodlines Review | TheXboxHub
The Coma 3: Bloodlines concludes the horror trilogy with an ambitious narrative that can be enjoyed standalone but offers more for returning players. While it expands on previous gameplay mechanics, including combat for one character, the game suffers from frustrating backtracking due to an ungenerous save system and occasionally random enemy AI. Despite these flaws, the atmospheric 2D world, superb character design, and chilling audio create an enjoyable, albeit sometimes frustrating, Korean horror send-off.
The Witcher 2 never made the jump to PlayStation, and I feel bad for those who've never experienced it
This opinion piece reflects on the enduring quality of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, fifteen years after its release. The author laments that the game never received a PlayStation port, making it a missed opportunity for Sony console owners, and highlights its foundational role in the development of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Xbox Has Seemingly Rebranded to XBOX (Seriously)
Microsoft Gaming has seemingly rebranded to XBOX, adopting an all-caps version of its name following a Twitter poll. This change, spearheaded by CEO Asha Sharma, follows other recent updates including a new logo, console start-up animation, and adjustments to Game Pass pricing. The article notes that time will tell if this rebranding will be a lasting change.
Saturday Consolidation
Microsoft appears to be rebranding its Xbox division to simply 'XBOX'. The article also notes the launch trailer for Smalland: Survive the Wilds on Nintendo Switch.
Pinball FX - Williams Pinball Volume 10 Review | TheXboxHub
Pinball FX - Williams Pinball Volume 10 adds three classic tables: Comet, Fire!, and Diner. While the collection is considered a bit weaker than previous volumes, Diner stands out as the best of the bunch with its frantic gameplay and well-designed mechanics. The add-on costs £12.49 and includes new questlines and customization options for the player's virtual pinball museum.
