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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox.
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Next-gen Xbox Project Helix dev kits won’t start arriving until 2027
Microsoft has revealed details about its next-generation Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, confirming that dev kits will be available in 2027. The new console will feature a custom AMD SOC with enhanced ray-tracing and machine learning capabilities for rendering and upscaling, and will support both Xbox and PC games. This hardware is expected to launch around 2028.
Sleeping Beauty: Hidden Object Game Review | TheXboxHub
Sleeping Beauty: Hidden Object Game by Crisp App Studio offers a standard hidden object experience with a light story focusing on the protagonist's dreams. While the core puzzles are well-executed and visually clear, the inclusion of minigames like spot the difference and jigsaw puzzles can be a point of contention. The game allows players to bypass minigames to focus on the hidden object scenes, making it a solid choice for fans of the genre.
Fortnite Save the World Goes Free-to-Play on 16 April
Fortnite: Save the World, the original co-op campaign mode, will become free-to-play on April 16, 2026, across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Cloud, and Nintendo Switch. Pre-registration rewards will be available, and existing players will receive thank-you gifts for their years of support. New purchases of the game have been paused.
Project Helix: The Next Xbox Is In Development | Console Creatures
Microsoft has announced that its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, is in deep development, working in conjunction with AMD. This new console aims to significantly advance ray tracing performance and integrate AI into the graphics pipeline, promising enhanced efficiency and visual fidelity for Xbox and PC games. Developers will receive dev kits next year, and the console is designed to support games from four previous generations of Xbox.
Early Xbox Project Helix specs promise "next-generation" AI upscaling and an "order of magnitude leap in ray tracing performance" as Microsoft tries to win the next-gen console war before it even starts
Microsoft has revealed early specifications for its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, developed in partnership with AMD. The console will feature custom AMD silicon designed for next-generation DirectX and FSR, promising significant advancements in AI upscaling and an order of magnitude leap in ray tracing performance. Dev kits are expected to roll out in 2027.
Microsoft spills the beans on its Xbox-PC hybrid at GDC while suggesting it's still years away
Microsoft revealed details about Project Helix, a future Xbox console codenamed to bridge the gap between console and PC gaming, at GDC. The hybrid system aims to play both Xbox console and PC games, with alpha versions expected to ship to developers in 2027, suggesting a potential release in 2028. The company emphasized the increasing importance of PC to the Xbox experience.
Xbox Project Helix dev kits to roll out in 2027, narrowing possible launch window as Microsoft doubles down on PC integration: "An increasingly important part of the Xbox experience"
Microsoft is preparing to release alpha developer kits for its secretive console Project Helix in 2027, indicating a future launch that integrates both console and PC gaming experiences. This initiative aligns with the company's strategy under new CEO Asha Sharma to break down barriers between gaming platforms, as highlighted by Xbox vice president Jason Ronald.
Microsoft's full screen 'Xbox Mode' will roll out to Windows 11 PCs in April
Microsoft is rolling out its controller-optimized 'Xbox Mode' to all Windows 11 devices in April, bringing a big-screen interface similar to Steam's Big Picture Mode. The company also announced Advanced Shader Delivery and updates to DirectStorage for developers at GDC, alongside hints about future hardware codenamed 'Project Helix'.
Microsoft will start providing game studios with Project Helix consoles in 2027
Microsoft plans to begin distributing early development kits for its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, to game studios starting in 2027. The new system will support both Xbox console games and PC games, featuring a custom AMD chip capable of path tracing graphics. Microsoft and AMD are collaborating on technologies similar to those being developed for Sony's next PlayStation console.
From GDC: Building the Next Generation of Xbox
Microsoft is developing a next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, in partnership with AMD, aiming for significant advancements in rendering and ray tracing. The company is also rolling out 'Xbox mode' to Windows 11, enhancing cross-platform play and game preservation efforts, with alpha hardware versions planned for developers in 2027.
Become the Butcher in Season of Slaughter
The Season of Slaughter for Diablo IV launches on March 11, introducing the ability to transform into The Butcher and utilize a new Killstreak system. Players can earn unique Bloodied Items and engage in new activities like Slaughterhouses and the Ceremony of Slaughter. The update also includes a free trial for the Paladin class and a DOOM: The Dark Ages collaboration event.
The Season of Slaughter Begins in Diablo IV
The Season of Slaughter has officially begun in Diablo IV, introducing new challenges and content for players. This seasonal update is available across all platforms, including Xbox.
Narrative Farming Sim Delphinium Revealed at GDC 2026
Delphinium, a narrative farming simulation game developed by Cinnadev and published by Serenity Forge, was revealed at GDC 2026. The game features a story-driven experience with village life, gardening, cooking, and relationship building. Delphinium is set to launch on PC and Xbox consoles in 2027.
WWE 2K26: How to Perform Every Springboard Move
This guide details how to perform all four types of springboard moves in WWE 2K26: running, standing, corner, and apron. It explains the button inputs for PlayStation and Xbox consoles, noting that super heavyweight wrestlers are unable to execute these moves due to their agility.
Fortnite's original Save the World mode will be free to play starting on April 16
Epic Games announced that Fortnite's original Save the World PvE co-op mode will become free to play on April 16. The paid version will be removed from sale on March 11, with existing players receiving in-game perks. The free version will be available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and for the first time, Nintendo Switch.
Dark Messiah modders given 'blank check' from Ubisoft to develop toolkit are now releasing a Community Edition…
Modders, with Ubisoft's support and a "blank check," are releasing a Community Edition of Dark Messiah of Might and Magic. Led by Dave Wiltos, the team is porting the Xbox 360 version, Dark Messiah Elements, to PC and developing an SDK that includes features like RTX support, co-op, and a dungeon generator.
IGN Entertainment is exclusive media sponsor for Nite to Unite 2026
Microsoft CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that the next-generation Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, will support both Xbox and PC games. Vice President of Next-Gen Jason Ronald will host a presentation at GDC 2026 titled "Building for the Future with Xbox," likely detailing the console's capabilities.
Morning Consolidation
Xbox hardware was teased at GDC, shortly after the confirmation of the PC-console hybrid Project Helix. Separately, Gran Turismo 7 received a free update, version 1.68, which is available today for PlayStation.
Microsoft's CEO to Xbox: We will ″always″ invest in gaming
Microsoft's CEO reaffirmed the company's commitment to investing in gaming. Photos shared from GDC showed an Xbox Developer Kit, hinting at ongoing hardware development.
Chronicles of Albian 3: The Vanishing Village Collector's Edition Review | TheXboxHub
Chronicles of Albian 3: The Vanishing Village Collector's Edition is a strong entry in the hidden object genre, praised for its clever writing, charming hand-drawn characters, and clear puzzles. However, the game is criticized for an excessive grind required to unlock new content, potentially stemming from free-to-play origins, which lengthens the experience beyond its ideal duration.
