➀ Microsoft had been planning to release a dedicated handheld Xbox, but the project has been canceled; ➁ The focus has shifted to improving Windows for gaming; ➂ Microsoft is planning to further develop its partnership with hardware manufacturers.
Recent #Xbox news in the semiconductor industry
➀ Seagate launched a 4TB Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Card priced at $499.99, quadrupling console storage capacity;
➁ The card allows direct gameplay without transferring files to internal SSDs, maintaining native speed and compatibility with Xbox Velocity Architecture;
➂ Despite its high cost, it addresses storage woes for AAA games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (400GB+), offering seamless performance for hardcore gamers.
➀ Microsoft has unveiled the ROG Xbox Ally X, a new collaboration with Asus ROG, featuring a redesigned control scheme inspired by the standard Xbox controllers. ➁ The device is powered by a Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, capable of running AAA titles and offering higher performance than lower-power devices like the Steam Deck. ➂ The ROG Xbox Ally X is set to arrive this holiday season, but no price has been announced yet.
➀ Microsoft is launching a beta version of Copilot for Gaming on mobile devices; ➁ The digital assistant can offer in-game tactics and find new games to play; ➂ Copilot for Gaming is designed to act as a second screen for Xbox users.
➀ Microsoft has announced the latest updates to its Xbox Game Pass library, with new and returning titles set to be added between now and early June. This includes games like Creatures of Ava, Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, and Tales of Kenzera: Zau. ➁ The lineup also features upcoming titles such as Tom Clancy's The Division 2 and Metaphor: ReFantazio. ➂ Some games are scheduled to leave the Game Pass on May 31st.
➀ Ninja Theory's Hellblade II is set to arrive on PlayStation 5 with an 'Enhanced' release this summer; ➁ The enhanced features will also be available as a free update for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox PC, and Steam players; ➂ The release coincides with the game's one-year anniversary and is expected to bring additional gameplay elements.
➀ Microsoft has continued to refine the user experience on Xbox through consistent firmware updates; ➁ The latest update allows for greater customization of the homescreen; ➂ New features include hiding system apps, pinning recently played games, and reducing visible tiles.
➀ An upcoming Xbox handheld, developed in partnership with Asus, has leaked online following FCC certification. ➁ Known as Project Kennan, it is expected to be officially announced in the coming months. ➂ The device has a design similar to the ROG Ally but with larger controller handles for better comfort.
➀ This month's Game Pass update includes DOOM, Dragon Ball, and more; ➁ DOOM: The Dark Ages will be available on May 15th for Game Pass on PC and console; ➂ The full list of titles coming to Game Pass in May 2025 is provided.
➀ The trend in gaming in 2025 is that everything is getting more expensive, including the popular Call of Duty franchise.
➁ There are rumors that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will have more expensive changes to its Battle Pass system.
➂ Some items, such as higher value rewards and loot, will be available only to Battle Pass owners, and Limited-Time Modes will be locked behind an additional fee.
➀ Microsoft recently announced significant price hikes for its Xbox hardware lineup, including the Xbox Series X and S.
➁ The Xbox Series S (512GB) in Robot White is still available for $273.99 at Walmart, 28% below the new MSRP.
➂ The Xbox Series S (1TB) can be found for $347 at Walmart, 19.3% below the new MSRP.
➃ The Xbox Series X (1TB) is becoming scarce at the old price point, but can still be found for $449 at Sams's Club.
➄ Some accessories like the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Controller and Full Controller are also available at reduced prices.
➀ Since acquiring Activision, Microsoft has been looking to revive some of the long-lost IPs. It seems that Prototype could be the first to get a reboot.
➁ Prototype was first released in 2009 and had a sequel in 2012. The games follow the story of Alex Mercer, a human shapeshifter.
➂ The series did not meet Activision's sales goals and was put on hold. A brief return in 2015 did not lead to a sequel.
➀ ASUS ROG在X（前身为Twitter）上发布了一段时长34秒的动画/渲染预告片，暗示即将推出一款Xbox品牌的游戏机。
➁ 虽然实际游戏机只出现在几秒钟内，但足以让我们了解其设计语言。如果这是最终设计，那么我们基本上看到的是一个为Xbox而升级的ROG Ally X。
➂ 虽然今天是愚人节，但这条消息几乎肯定不是愚人节的玩笑。
➀ Asus and Microsoft are rumored to be working on an upcoming Xbox handheld; ➁ The ROG Ally, a popular Asus handheld, is expected to be the Xbox-branded version; ➂ Microsoft is partnering with Asus to test the market for its first Xbox handheld device.
➀ Leakers provide updates on Xbox games coming to PS5; ➁ Microsoft confirms Forza Horizon 5 and Indiana Jones and The Great Circle for PS5; ➂ Starfield was planned for PS5 release last year; ➃ Halo's addition to PlayStation still seems to be going ahead.
➀ Microsoft is adding new in-game benefits for Game Pass subscribers; ➁ These benefits include cosmetics, characters, and in-game currency for select free-to-play games; ➂ The list of supported titles includes Heroes of the Storm, Naraka: Bladepoint, Smite 2, and more.
➀ It's no secret that Xbox is expanding its reach beyond just hardware, with a move to platforms such as Sony's PlayStation console paying off. The latest title to make the move is Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, a well-reviewed game that first made a splash on the Xbox.
➁ With multiple Microsoft titles shooting to the top of the PlayStation Store's preorder page, it's a clear sign that Microsoft's cross-platform efforts are paying off.
➂ Microsoft is keenly aware of the PlayStation 5's strong sales and is making its games available on other platforms to capitalize on this.
➀ Microsoft's Xbox is reportedly advancing towards a new gaming path, as indicated by an image from a recent blog post that revealed an early look at an updated Xbox app UI.
➁ The UI includes a 'Steam' tab within the game library, suggesting the potential for launching Steam games directly from the Xbox app without switching platforms.
➂ However, the feasibility of playing Steam games on Xbox is questionable due to platform-specific game purchases. The more likely explanation is that Microsoft is preparing for a partnership with ASUS for an Xbox-branded handheld, aiming to improve the software experience for this collaboration.
➀ Microsoft has experienced mixed success with adapting its IPs for TV; ➁ The cancellation of Paramount's Halo TV show last year; ➂ Xbox head Phil Spencer acknowledges learning from the process; ➃ No specific lessons were mentioned, but confidence in future adaptations is growing.
➀ The latest update to Xbox Game Pass includes new titles such as Octopath Traveler 2 and the Blizzard Arcade Collection; ➁ The Blizzard Arcade Collection, first released in 2021, includes classics like The Lost Vikings and Blackthorne; ➂ Xbox Game Pass Core subscribers will gain access to Batman Arkham Knight, Monster Sanctuary, and Tunic starting March 26th.