Microsoft’s Xbox has been around since 2001, and over that time the gaming brand has given us huge hits like Halo, Gears of War, Forza, and more. Today, the Xbox brand covers consoles like the Xbox One, PC gaming, and has even expanded to other platforms. You can play Minecraft on everything from a computer to an iPhone to a Nintendo Switch. Along the way, Microsoft has pioneered modern services like Xbox Live and Game Pass, introducing new ways to play games. And with Project Scarlett on the horizon, the Xbox looks to have a bright future.
Before the original Xbox’s design was finalized, Microsoft created a massive X-shaped prototype back in 2000 made from machined aluminum that cost $18,000 to manufacture. Tito Perez from YouTube’s Macho Nacho Productions and a few other modders built a functional replica with the guts of an original Xbox and a few upgrades.
The team at Obsidian talks about returning to the RPG series after becoming part of a giant corporation.
When you’re actively using Gaming Copilot in Game Bar, it can use screenshots of your gameplay to get a better understanding of what’s happening in your game and provide you with more helpful responses. These screenshots are not used to train AI models, and Gaming Copilot is an optional feature that only has access to gameplay when you’re playing a game and actively using it.
The words “will never” do not appear in Microsoft’s statement.
Halo Studios has rebuilt Combat Evolved for a new generation of players.
That was fast! I slapped down my $29 the day we wrote about Hallmark’s new ornament and it’s already here. Watch when I press the power button — and see how it compares to my Sega Genesis one Hallmark released in 2022! There’s an NES, SNES and OG Xbox too.
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The company was one of the first to release Hall effect joysticks for the original Switch, but now it’s partnered with ROG for a new kit that upgrades the Xbox Ally with anti-drift TMR sticks. It will launch in December, while a version for the Xbox Ally X is still being tested.
Vampire Survivors developer Poncle is drip-feeding new features coming in the game’s 1.14 update, and online co-op is the first of five teased announcements.
Local co-op came to Vampire Survivors back in 2023, but I’m excited I’ll be able to bother someone other than my wife to play with me.
You might have noticed tech is getting just a little more expensive these days. SteelSeries’ new $599.99 Arctis Nova Elite headset is only the latest example, but at least it means fans of spending money can complete the set.
Holmeser:
Pairs perfectly with my $999 Xbox Ally X and $750 PS5 Pro
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There’s been a bit of backlash to the Xbox Ally handheld’s $999 price tag, which will be a stiff test of consumer interest in expensive console hardware. But it’s also a test of Microsoft’s “everything is an Xbox” philosophy, because this sure is expensive for an Xbox that only plays PC games, and not everyone is sold:
Dkfkhfkwkdnc:
Only Microsoft can release a thousand dollar device branded “Xbox” that can’t play Xbox games. Only a millionaire executive at this specific company could have hallucinated this.
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Microsoft and Asus revealed last month that the new Xbox Ally handhelds will be launching on October 16th, but there was a distinct lack of pricing and preorder information. Now, it looks like we’re going to get both later today. Asus has started teasing on Facebook that preorders are “dropping soon” with a countdown that ends at 8PM ET / 5PM PT today.
The Infiltrator Elusive Target mission for Hitman World of Assassination is available starting today until November 20th, and sees Agent 47 team up with legendary martial artist Bruce Lee (ahem, Agent Lee) to infiltrate a Hong Kong crime syndicate.
IO Interactive’s 007 First Light will tell the story of a young James Bond, and the developer is adding another cast member to the list today. Gemma Chan, Eternals and Crazy Rich Asians, will star as Selina Tan, MI6’s head of tactical simulation. This is a new character created specifically for 007 First Light, and not to be confused with Q (played by Alastair Mackenzie). 007 First Light launches March 27th, 2026.
Microsoft’s Xbox Tokyo Game Show broadcast kicks off early today at 3AM PT / 6AM ET / 11AM UK. Announcements from the show will include Forza Horizon 6, which just leaked early thanks to an official teaser trailer on Instagram.
