Before there’s a new Halo game, Halo Studios is revisiting the past. Xbox has announced Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of the first game in the storied shooter series, Halo: Combat Evolved, developed by Halo Studios and coming to Xbox, PC and PS5 in 2026.
Halo: Campaign Evolved is described as “a faithful yet modernized remake” of the first game’s campaign, with updated visuals and cinematics, “refined controls” and “three brand-new prequel missions featuring the Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson.”
The game will feature new weapons, vehicles and enemies, along with the all-important option for two-player splitscreen co-op on console. The game will also support cross-platform play with PS5 for the first time, and four-player online co-op between consoles and PC.
Halo: Campaign Evolved will be available in 2026 for Xbox Series X / S, PS5 and PC.
“It taps into the same psychology as real survival training: the need to test yourself, to see if you can do better with what you’ve learned,” says Dean Hall, answering my question about what it is about Icarus: Console Edition’s gameplay that will create a “just one more run” compulsion for players. And he should know. After all, the founder and creative mind of New Zealand-based studio RocketWerkz is a master of both real-life and digital survival.
A veteran of the New Zealand armed forces, which included time with the Singaporean military, for the past 16 years Hall has become known as the godfather of the survival genre, thanks to a games portfolio that includes the iconic DayZ and more recently Icarus, which is coming to Xbox for the first time in early 2026 as Icarus: Console Edition, courtesy of Grip Studios.
Taking Survival to the Stars
Set in a future where humanity journeys into the stars, Icarus: Console Edition will see players – either solo or in a party of up to four – drop onto the partially terraformed eponymous planet to recover priceless exotic matter. When it launches early next year, the game will bundle both the base game and New Frontiers Expansion into one, bringing a mammoth 128 square kilometers of land across six wildly contrasting biomes for Xbox players to explore, thrive and – hopefully – survive in. “It’s the full package that we wished we could have launched on PC four years ago,” he explains. “We started with the Earth-like terraformed parts of the planet, and the New Frontiers Expansion adds the alien regions where the terraforming failed.”
These dominantly alien environments form the map of Prometheus, which not only features more extraterrestrial-like settings, but also strange – and hostile – new creatures, resources and materials, and equipment. It also introduces a storyline revealing what some of the corporate factions exploring and exploiting Icarus have been up to… (Spoilers, it probably isn’t something altruistic for humanity!)
Prior to the original PC launch of Icarus in 2021, Dean’s survival games had been Earth-based, but the far-future, intergalactic setting opened a new layer of creative conceptualizing for him and the team. “There are a lot of survival games, but with Icarus, we focused on making the environment a strong antagonist,” he says. “It takes the survival genre as you know it, and layers on deep progression through character and mount talent trees, layers in missions to pull you through – even in open-world – and adds storms as a continuous tensor to the experience.”
Observe, Orient, Decide, Act
Dropping onto an alien planet would be a shock and awe experience for even the most hardened of pioneers, but Hall explains that his advice to newbies landing on the planet’s hostile surface in Icarus: Console Edition is the same he’d give talking to new soldiers in a real-world platoon: “[I’d recommend they use] situational awareness: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act.” He adds, “Icarus: Console Edition is a lot about preparation, and that’s good because some of the best systems in the game are around preparation. Build houses, explore cautiously, and take combat on your terms – not on the world’s. And be ready for changes.”
Thinking back to his time in the New Zealand Royal Air Force and New Zealand Army, he says there are similarities to be found between IRL survival and what players will experience in Icarus: Console Edition. “I think with good immersion, you can get emotional reactions that are similar to the real-life experience. This is what training in the military is about: you drill something until you respond automatically, overwriting the emotional components. I think games can be an excellent way to experience emotional ups and downs, which is what immersion in a survival game is all about.”
Hall describes graphics, gameplay, a sense of progression and a game’s environments as critical to layering that immersion into the player experience. It’s something he and the team at RocketWerkz kept in mind as they developed Icarus on PC. “As you play, you can see how we learned and adapted as time went on,” he adds.
“The whole idea with Icarus was to try and layer in reasons to continue playing a survival game, as a play session can tend to get stale after a while. This is such a shame, because you’ve built up so much. Initially, we focused on individual missions, but then figured out how to allow the chaining of those missions inside a single open-world session,” he explains. “The most fun came from weaving together the experiences in missions with a great backstory, as well as a really deep sense of progression both in the world and on your character and mounts through talent trees. This is something I really wish survival games did more of, and I think (eventually) we did very well with Icarus.” And of course from 2026, Xbox owners can experience it too, in Icarus: Console Edition.
Balancing for Both Solo and Squads
As with the original release, Icarus: Console Edition will be fully realized for both solo players and those looking to take on the planet with a group of up to seven others. Getting that balance right can be a daunting task, but it’s something that Hall planned for right from the start:
“One of our design pillars [was] that it should be fun to play alone. This is something we think many survival games drop the ball on. One thing we did just for solo players was add a Solo Talent Tree, a whole set of talents and buffs that only apply when you’re playing alone.” He shares that this levels the playing field, reducing the grind for solo players who don’t have a team backing them up.
“We really wanted your character to matter to the player, so you feel the pain when they die. [There are] multiple talent trees so you can specialize your character into hunting, building, gathering or even something like fishing. In a small group, survival becomes a team effort: dividing tasks, covering each other, and combining these skills. With a full team, you get something closer to an expedition: there’s energy, chaos, trust and that feeling of being part of a living mission.”
Coming to Xbox Series X|S a little over four years after the original game launched on PC, Hall reveals that he’s excited for the new cohort of prospectors, extraplanetary explorers and terraformers to see what he, RocketWerkz and the passionate Icarus PC player-base have built: “It took a long time, and a lot of working with the community on PC to get the game to where it is now. I’m pretty envious of Xbox gamers, who are going to be coming into Icarus: Console Edition fresh after so much iteration.”
Icarus: Console Edition is coming to Xbox Series X|S in early 2026. Wishlist now.
ICARUS: Console Edition
GRIP Studios
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
ICARUS: Console Edition
Land on ICARUS, a planet broken due to failed terraforming. Once meant to be humanity’s second home, it is now a hostile frontier of toxic skies, savage wildlife, and relentless storms. Every drop from orbit is a fight for survival. Build shelter, craft weapons, hunt for food, and seek your fortune in exotic matter.
Survive alone or with up to four players in this uncompromising PvE survival game from the creator of DayZ.
The New Frontiers Expansion is included from the start, transforming ICARUS: Console Edition into a larger, deadlier but more rewarding survival experience. Discover new maps, missions, creatures, and rewards.
________________________________________
A PLANET THAT FIGHTS BACK
ICARUS resists your presence; poisoned air, lightning storms that tear apart structures, wildfires that spread unchecked, and predators that stalk in the shadows. It feels like the planet itself wants to drive you back into orbit.
· With New Frontiers added from the start, you can explore two 64 km2 maps of handcrafted terrain across forests, mountains, deserts, and caves
· Harvest every tree, rock, and creature
· Adapt to extreme weather and natural disasters
________________________________________
NEW FRONTIERS INCLUDED
The Prometheus region, once sealed off by the UDA, is now open. Terraforming failed here completely, leaving raw alien landscapes intact but warped. This expansion expands ICARUS far beyond its original borders:
· New Map & biomes: Alien grasslands, volcanic wastelands of molten lava, and dangerous swamplands
· Six Narrative Missions: A chained story across Prometheus as you pursue a mysterious whistleblower for the UDA
· New Creatures: Face Needlers, Dracs, Dreadwings, and other mutated apex predators, evolved to dominate these zones
· New Exotics: Discover a volatile new exotic with unique effects on the flora, plus new exotic plants and over 30 additional workshop items
· New Items & Resources: Mine obsidian, clay, scoria, crystallised miasma, and super-cooled ice; craft 100+ new items including weapons, food, recipes, and building tiers
________________________________________
THREE WAYS TO SURVIVE
· Open World: Establish permanent bases and explore freely
· Missions: Timed contracts where extraction is everything
· Outposts: Low-pressure zones for creative building and experimentation
________________________________________
PROGRESSION & REWARD
· Tech Tree & Talents: Advance from primitive tools to advanced tech
· Specialisation: Focus as a hunter, builder, or survivalist
· Orbital Workshop: Trade exotic matter for permanent upgrades and equipment
Exotic matter remains the ultimate prize; rare, unstable, and deadly to pursue.
________________________________________
SOLO OR CO-OP
Up to four players can share each drop, combining skills and resources to endure. Prefer to go it alone? Survive solo with a Solo Talent Tree for maximum challenge.
Note: ICARUS: Console Edition does not support cross-play.
Great co-op starts with great combat. That’s why we built Ember Knights around fast-paced, responsive hack-and-slash gameplay from day one.
Designing for synergy changes everything. We reworked weapons, skills and relics to encourage meaningful teamwork and powerful combos.
Ember Knights: Heroes of the Nexus Edition is now available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC with online crossplay.
Before we even found the name and final concept for Ember Knights, we had already built a strong core combat loop centered around fast-paced hack-and-slash gameplay with tight controls. We then expanded on that foundation by introducing co-op, which ultimately gave rise to Ember Knights, available today for the first time with crossplay on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC.
With the first closed beta and demo back in late 2020, we saw the appeal of the co-op element firsthand as friends, partners and community members played together. That’s when a core vision for our game took shape: a fast-paced, action-packed hack-and-slash roguelite that would feel just as rewarding solo as it would in co-op.
Based on feedback from the demo, we rethought our approach to run layouts – shifting from a free-roaming dungeon structure to a room-by-room design. We also redesigned the rooms so that, in most cases, all four players would remain visible on screen at the same time.
In addition to these structural changes, we re-evaluated the synergies between weapons, skills and relics to offer more meaningful collaboration. Each weapon plays a distinct role on the battlefield – from crowd control to short/long-range DPS to skill-based combos – and the same applies to skills. The goal was to create constant interactions and synergy between players.
For example, one player might equip the Rift Hammer, focusing on stunning enemies with powerful strikes and AOE skills like Rupture or Cyclone. Meanwhile, a teammate could wield the Guardian Bow, leveraging relics that deal bonus damage to stunned enemies.
This interplay only deepens as you experiment. Skills and relics interact in unexpected ways, encouraging teams to adapt their builds to complement each other’s strengths. Want to build a team of explosive pyromancers? That’s totally viable with skills like Molten Boulder or Ember Fire, and relics like Combustion Stone – which deals bonus damage when setting enemies on fire – or Fury Charm – which increases damage against burning enemies.
This design philosophy has guided us throughout Early Access, the 1.0 launch and beyond.
Community feedback post-1.0 has also played a crucial role in shaping the co-op experience. One common request was for an easier mode to help introduce the game to players new to the genre. Whether it was a hardcore roguelite veteran wanting to play co-op with newcomers, or a parent introducing their kids to the genre, Easy Mode was created to welcome more players into the experience.
Our ultimate goal has always been to make the game as accessible and fun to play together as possible. That’s why Ember Knights: Heroes of the Nexus Edition, released on October 16, includes full local co-op, online multiplayer and online crossplay between PC and Xbox Series X|S. Whether you’re sitting on the couch or syncing up with friends across the country, you can now jump into the Nexus and face the forces of Praxis – together.
Ember Knights : Heroes of the Nexus Edition
Twin Sails Interactive
☆☆☆☆☆ 4
★★★★★
$24.99
In this fast-paced action rogue-lite, play as Ember Knights, the last spark of hope of a universe in turmoil. Praxis, the mad sorcerer, has syphoned the life out of the Ember Tree and fled through the four Prime Worlds spreading corruption in his path.
In solo or co-op (up to 4 players), use powerful weapons and skills to hack and slash deadly hordes, defeat epic bosses, free the decaying Prime Worlds and restore energy to the Ember Tree!
A BLAZING ACTION ROGUE-LITE
Legendary warriors, the Ember Knights, are skilled in the wielding of the universe’s most powerful weapons, each with their own modification system! However, the sword doesn’t make the knight… Through action-packed combat rooms, you’ll need to chain your attacks and perfectly time your swings to unleash fiery attacks.
Agile and fearless, use your pace and dodge to outsmart, counter, and stun your enemies!
IGNITE DEADLY COMBOS
With 7 distinct weapons, 9 modifications per weapon, 20 skills, and well over 100 relics, there are hundreds of deadly builds to create.
From a fire spreading scythe wielder to a relentless damage resistant spellcaster to a poison spreading archer with summons, forge your own build during your runs.
In co-op, coordinate with your friends to set up combos and synergies between your playstyles.
FACE PRAXIS’ HORDES
Beasts, specters, sorcerers, mechanized amphibians, and creatures of all sorts… Fight over 60 unique monsters and variations each with their own unique attacks and behaviors.
In addition, be prepared to face challenging Elites and Champions; the most resistant and deadliest versions of Praxis’ devoted minions. You will have to adapt your playstyle to each encounter and learn from your mistakes if you wish to succeed.
INCUR THE WRATH OF THE BOSSES
The real challenge for the legendary Knights will lie in the epic bosses and their corrupted variations. From the Royal Phalanx to the Plague Bringer, Praxis will summon anything in his power to stop you.
Try different builds, upgrade your Ember Tree, and don’t fear death. Persistence will be your key to victory!
WRATH OF THE ARCHITECT DLC – INCLUDED
Included in the Ember Knights: Heroes of the Nexus Edition, the Wrath of the Architect DLC is changing the entire game: with a new final boss – The Architect, 4 new bosses and 4 new mini-bosses in altered versions of the Prime worlds filled with altered hordes of enemies with new attacks and patterns.
To help the knights, 2 powerful new weapons (Hyper Gloves & Ember Buster) and 9 devastating new skills are added to their arsenal.
Bounty Star is out October 23 on Xbox on PC and Xbox Series X|S, available with both Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere.
This 3D action game blends mech combat with light base-building and farming.
Customize your mech and upgrade your garage and homestead as you discover the tragic story of protagonist Clem McKinney.
We here at Dinogod are happy to convey that Bounty Star: The Morose Tale of Graveyard Clem is being released on October 23. It will be available through Xbox Game Pass on both Xbox on PC and Xbox Series X|S, as well as through Xbox Play Anywhere.
Bounty Star is a 3D action game that blends customizable mech combat with some light base-building and homesteading. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to run a solo bounty hunting operation on the edge of a dangerous desert region that’s a little too sick with thieves, bots and beasts – Bounty Star will scratch that itch.
You will assume the role of Clementine McKinney, aka Clem, aka “Graveyard Clem” (although you must never call her this cursed moniker). Clem is a broken, but powerful ex-soldier who attempts to shed the guilt and shame of her past and become a legitimate force for good in the Red Expanse, a post-post-apocalyptic version of the American Southwest. Maybe even a bounty hunter can be a hero.
What Happened to Clem?
We don’t want to give too much away, especially since you will experience the terrible event that sets Clem on her path immediately. But we can say that she made a tactical decision that had tragic consequences.
The story of Bounty Star asks some key questions that Clem does her best to answer as you watch her grow:
What does it mean to be a soldier? A protector? A deliverer of harsh justice? Can you be all 3? Do they matter?
How responsible are we for the actions of others?
What guilts are rightly held, and how do we manage them?
What does it mean to be an extremely, singularly powerful one-person force? What does being a mech pilot do to your soul?
Don’t be surprised when these questions of enormous gravity promote a little self-sabotage, addiction, loving rage and therapeutic journaling. Fingers-crossed that our Clem figures it out before it’s too late.
Mech Combat and Customization Tips
In Bounty Star, you want to bring a well-suited mech to any bounty. Take good stock of all the equipment you own to make a loadout that does well by you on your next outing.
Before pursuing any bounty, pay attention to the enemy list, and take note of their strengths and weaknesses. Certain weapons are more or less impactful, depending on what you’re slapping around.
The Red Expanse is a harsh desert region, so you must also be cognizant of the temperature. Tune your thermals properly or you’re going to be shutting down left and right.
We recommend always eating before a bounty, as it’s an inexpensive way to turn up certain engine properties, like speed, hit points, melee damage, etc.
Play with the different systems to get a feel for what they all do and how they work together. Bounty Star’s enemies are pretty high-pressure combatants, but there’s no wrong way to win! Explore and experiment.
Garage Operation Tips
Clem’s home base is an old-world garage and tune-up shop at the edge of the game world. It is here that she intends to make just enough money to move on to the next lonely place. But the garage is still a functional and powerful location, full of potential.
Making food is great, but can be pricey. Use the garden plots in the backyard to grow your own ingredients. Note that upgrading your garden plots streamlines the watering and maintenance of your growables.
To maximize the payout on any successful bounty hunt, make sure you prepare some fuel and ammo. The further away the bounty is, the more it costs, and the nastier the weapon, the more expensive the ammo.
You will eventually be able to raise and care for some critters – these will both provide useful ingredients and be another way to make some cash. Crucially, you can pet the critters.
If you’re the kind of player who likes to collect all the combat systems, then utilize the garage to maximize your profits. Making money is expensive! While some combat systems are out in the field, many can be purchased or built in the garage.
Time to Hunt
There’s a lot to learn and do. If you’re ever wondering about something, go check out Clem’s extensive in-game library, or spend some time in the safe practice space.
Enough talking – step into that war machine, right some wrongs, learn some things about yourself and make some money.
Go on now, git.
Bounty Star
Annapurna Interactive
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Bounty Star is an over-the-shoulder third-person action game that marries mech combat and customization with farming and base building. The player takes on the role of a broken but powerful ex-soldier named Clem — a war veteran, talented fighter and expert mech pilot. Clem attempts to shed the guilt and shame of her past and become a legitimate force for good in the Red Expanse, a post-post-apocalyptic version of the American Southwest.
Key Features: third-person character action, mech combat, mech customization, light farming, light base building, narrative experience
Customizable Mech Action
You pilot the Desert Raptor MKII, a Mech of extraordinary power. It is a highly-customizable battle vehicle that can be equipped with a variety of offensive systems: heavy, high-powered melee weapons, steam powered hydraulic siege weapons, explosive firearms, and more. It can also be equipped with a variety of defensive systems; high-speed thrusters, boosters for dashing, riot shields, and more .
Become A Bounty Hunter
The Red Expanse is a rich farming and mercantile region plagued by violent criminals and dangerous beasts. The government that remains in this post-post-apocalyptic outsources justice to experts like Clem—bounty hunters who are free to pursue their targets into whatever dangerous corners of the world they hide. She’ll fight her way through many corners of the region and deal with these marks as she sees fit.
Upgrade And Maintain Your Garage
Clem comes into an isolated and run-down garage that serves as a suitable base of operations and home—just barely. Build out water and power supply lines, grow and cook food, produce ammunition and fuel for combat, and raise animals. This decrepit ruin has a lot of potential, but it will have to grow alongside Clem.
Players aren’t the only ones facing higher price tags from Xbox. According to a report by The Verge, Microsoft has upped the cost of the Xbox Development Kit from $1,500 to $2,000. That’s a 33 percent jump in cost for these custom hardware kits, which are essential for devs to make and test games for release on the console.
“The adjustment reflects macroeconomic developments,” Microsoft said in an email sent to Xbox devs and seen by The Verge. “We remain committed to providing high-quality tools and support for your development efforts.” Although the macroeconomics in question are almost certainly the tariffs enacted by the US, it appears this is a blanket increase that will impact developers in other countries as well. The new kit costs appear to be effective immediately.
The change caps off a series of price increases for the Xbox ecosystem. Game Pass prices recently rose, with the Ultimate tier now costing $30 a month compared to the previous $20. And Microsoft has upped the cost of the Xbox twice this year, once in May and again in September. Between these additional expenses and the little matter of cuttingthousands of gaming jobs earlier this year, a lot of us are giving up on Xbox before Microsoft can disappoint us yet again.
What do you want out of a modern, big-budget, blockbuster video game? Large, detailed environments to explore? Tons of skill trees, crafting systems, and resources to manage? An HBO-worthy story with top-notch voice acting that keeps you playing until the end? Ninja Gaiden 4 does not give a fuck about any of these things.
Ninja Gaiden 4 is here to serve you up tense, twitchy combo-based action and flashy but simple backdrops for ever more ridiculous boss fights and bloodbaths. Nothing more. Nothing less. It gets that job done with S-tier style and attention to detail. Everything else is…fine. I hope that doesn’t sound like a disappointment.
It’s not. I’m 10 hours into Team Ninja and Platinum Games’ cyberpunk-infused joint entry in the long-running series and I’ve been loving every no-frills moment. The sequel is out October 20 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (published by Microsoft and available day-one on Game Pass Ultimate) and my full review won’t be out until later this week. I’ll leave more of my nitpicks until then. For now I can confidentially say this game has some real juice.
Ninja Gaiden 4 is the Brazilian steakhouse where the hosts keep plopping down increasingly rich and tasty hunks of meat until you feel completely gorged and then they give you more and you keep going because it’s just that good and also the world will fall to ruin at the hands of a mythic evil dragon if you don’t.
There’s not a lot of variety. You may occasionally break into a sweaty panic. But plate after plate of bloody brawls and bone-crunching boss fights will arrive and you will not send them back because this is Team Ninja’s house and you will feast until it’s over because who knows, it could be another 13 years until the next Ninja Gaiden arrives.
Team Ninja / Microsoft
If you haven’t been keeping up, Ninja Gaiden 4 puts you in the shoes of Ryu Hayabusa’s rival Yakumo who wields the Bloodraven Form technique to chain the blood of his enemies into dazzling and devastating combo attacks (you also play as Ryu in some chapters). Yakumo gets access to multiple weapons with different attack patterns and unlockable move sets. There’s even an ultimate meter you can fill up to unleash quick executions.
Combined with dodges, parries, and an overwhelming number of fighting-game-style aerial maneuvers and attacks, the combat rewards close attention and thoughtful execution. It’s a button-mashing gorefest, except that every button is pressed for a particular reason and if it’s not, you’re probably looking at the game over screen again.
Every challenge room and boss fight so far has left me feeling satisfied and accomplished in exchange for the effort expended, even when progress slowed to a crawl and it briefly felt like I was banging my head against the wall. Ninja Gaiden 4 is so limited and focused in terms of what it puts in front of you that I found these periods of stalled momentum as cathartic and calming as pushing through to the next chapter.
I won’t talk about the story because I’m not finished yet and, well, when has a Ninja Gaiden story ever really mattered that much? There’s a mysterious woman manipulating you into breaking magical seals to purify the ancient dragon and prevent it from returning to haunt neo-Tokyo. The English language dubs are not great so I’m playing with subtitles. The conversations and characters, like the spartan levels you encounter them in, provide the most barebones table setting for a linear series of battles and the occasional 3D Sonic-style platforming section.
None of the stuff outside of combat has been all that great in Ninja Gaiden 4 so far, so I welcome there being so little of it. This is a game about seeing how long you can keep your health meter unscathed while landing just enough blows to randomly sever an enemy’s limb and open them up to a grisly execution move that sprays blood all over the screen and nets you points toward your high score for the stage. It’s strikingly old-school that way. It’s nice to have you back, Ninja Gaiden.
Xbox, Koei Tecmo, and Team Ninja joined forces for a record-breaking stunt in honor of Ninja Gaiden 4.
We flew two helicopters across Miami, one carrying a 26-foot screen, and another transporting a player, dominating Ninja Gaiden 4 while airborne.
The event set a new Guinness World Records title for the largest video game display flown by helicopter.
Learn more below – Ninja Gaiden 4 arrives tomorrow, October 21.
To celebrate the launch of Ninja Gaiden 4, we took the fight sky-high — literally. Imagine this: two helicopters slicing through the Miami night sky, one carrying a 26-foot wide screen (200+ sq ft in size), the other with Team Ninja Community Manager, Emmanuel “Master” Rodriguez, and diamond-certified recording artist Swae Lee.
The result? A jaw-dropping, first-of-its-kind spectacle that fused gaming, technology, and pure adrenaline. The event also set a new Guinness World Records title for the largest video game display flown by helicopter.
As the city lights shimmered below, Yakumo of the Raven ninja clan leapt into the night, battling enemies across an enormous screen suspended in the sky. Every slash, every grapple, every heart-pounding moment of combat came alive against the backdrop of snippets of an exclusive new record from Swae Lee entitled ‘Flammable’.
The inspiration behind this stunt comes straight from Ninja Gaiden 4’s in-game lore. The denizens of Tokyo have escaped the toxic floodwaters by building skyward. The skyscraper district towers above the ruined city below, a breathtaking vertical landscape that mirrors the high-flying action we brought to life.
Technology played a starring role in making this dream a reality. Using advanced sports broadcasting tech, we streamed live gameplay from Emmanuel’s helicopter to the massive screen – built by pioneering aerial media company, Heli-D – in the other.
Timing, precision, and nerves of steel were everything — a misstep would have grounded the Raven. But as Yakumo fought and triumphed across the illuminated sky, it was clear that the risk was worth it.
This is more than a launch; it’s a celebration of everything Ninja Gaiden 4 stands for — precision, skill, and pushing limits. From the game’s lore-rich skyscrapers to the Miami skyline we soared across, we’ve redefined what it means to experience a video game live.
In the dead of night, the ninja truly awakened — and for those lucky enough to witness it, the sky has never looked more alive.
Ninja Gaiden 4 arrives tomorrow, October 21 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere – also available on Steam and PlayStation 5. Play it day one with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
The Deluxe Edition includes future gameplay content “The Two Masters”, along with additional character skins, weapon skins, and in-game items. Pre-order either the Standard Edition or the Deluxe Edition to get the Dark Dragon Descendent Yakumo skin at launch.
More on Swae Lee
Swae Lee first saw mainstream recognition as the younger and melodic half of southern hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd. Swae has made a name for himself outside of his duo work, showcasing himself as a force to be reckoned with both within and beyond the hip-hop world. Tracks such as French Montana’s diamond-certified ‘Unforgettable’ highlight his singing chops, while his impressive list of writing credits includes Beyoncé’s ‘’
Swae’s melodic repertoire, however, is not relegated exclusively to the R&B and hip-hop sphere as his crooning can also take on ballad form and mesh into a more electronic background as well—a complex Gemini in many ways. His impact on the music industry is also underscored by his record-breaking achievements, including the historic success of the Grammy-nominated track, ‘Sunflower’, which became the first-ever song to be certified 2x Diamond by the RIAA and holds one of the biggest streaming records in history. In addition to ‘Sunflower’, Swae’s contributions to hits like Travis Scott’s ‘Sicko Mode’ have also earned diamond certifications, further cementing his place as a dominant force in modern music.
NINJA GAIDEN 4 Preorder Standard Edition
Xbox Game Studios
☆☆☆☆☆ 40
★★★★★
$69.99
Pre-order now to receive the Dark Dragon Descendant Yakumo Skin at launch
The definitive ninja hack & slash franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in this high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat.
Return of the Legend
Experience a return to the intense, high-speed combat that established NINJA GAIDEN as a premier action game series. Prepare for a legacy reborn with captivating style for a new generation of players.
Epic Hack and Slash Combat, Evolved
NINJA GAIDEN 4 fuses Team NINJA’s tempered combat philosophy with the stylish, dynamic action gameplay of PlatinumGames. Engage in visually stunning combat that rewards precision and strategy. Use Bloodbind Ninjutsu to transform your weapons and unleash devastation upon your enemies, alongside legacy techniques like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow. The legendary Ryu Hayabusa also returns with a revamped yet familiar set of tools to master. With a customizable player experience, NINJA GAIDEN 4 will push action game veterans to their limits while allowing newcomers to enjoy a heart-pounding adventure full of twists and turns.
An Ancient Enemy Returns
An endless rain of miasma hangs over a near-future Tokyo in the wake of an ancient enemy’s resurrection. The fate of the city lies in the hands of young ninja prodigy, Yakumo. Fighting his way through cybernetic ninja soldiers and otherworldly creatures, Yakumo must reconcile a destiny he shares with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa himself and free Tokyo from the ancient curse that brought the city to its knees.
NINJA GAIDEN 4 Preorder Deluxe Edition
Xbox Game Studios
☆☆☆☆☆ 1
★★★★★
$89.99
Pre-order now to receive the Dark Dragon Descendant Yakumo Skin at launch
Experience a return to the intense, high-octane action of NINJA GAIDEN with the Deluxe Edition! The Deluxe Edition includes:
• NINJA GAIDEN 4 base game
• Future Gameplay Content “The Two Masters”*
• Traditional Dark Blue and Legendary Black Falcon Ryu Skins
• Blade of the Archfiend Ryu Weapon Skin
• Divine Chimera and Raven Master Yakumo Skins
• Divine Chimera Yakumo Weapon Set
• 50,000 Bonus NinjaCoin
• Additional In-Game Items such as Life Elixirs, Incense of Rebirth, Kongou Iron Brew, and more!
The definitive ninja hack & slash franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in this high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat.
RETURN OF THE LEGEND
Experience a return to the intense, high-speed combat that established NINJA GAIDEN as a premier action game series. Prepare for a legacy reborn with captivating style for a new generation of players.
EPIC HACK AND SLASH COMBAT, EVOLVED
NINJA GAIDEN 4 fuses Team NINJA’s tempered combat philosophy with the stylish, dynamic action gameplay of PlatinumGames. Engage in visually stunning combat that rewards precision and strategy. Use Bloodbind Ninjutsu to transform your weapons and unleash devastation upon your enemies, alongside legacy techniques like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow. The legendary Ryu Hayabusa also returns with a revamped yet familiar set of tools to master. With a customizable player experience, NINJA GAIDEN 4 will push action game veterans to their limits while allowing newcomers to enjoy a heart-pounding adventure full of twists and turns.
AN ANCIENT ENEMY RETURNS
An endless rain of miasma hangs over a near-future Tokyo in the wake of an ancient enemy’s resurrection. The fate of the city lies in the hands of young ninja prodigy, Yakumo. Fighting his way through cybernetic ninja soldiers and otherworldly creatures, Yakumo must reconcile a destiny he shares with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa himself and free Tokyo from the ancient curse that brought the city to its knees.
*For release date when announced, see https://www.xbox.com/games/ninja-gaiden-4.
Xbox‘s new handheld device has been out for 24 hours and the response to the ROG Xbox Ally and pricier ROG Xbox Ally X has been overwhelmingly positive from early reviewers.
But as with every major release within the gaming community, the Ally’s launch has prompted questions surrounding cost vs. value, who exactly the handheld console is meant for, and how the new on-the-go-PC-style product (made in partnership with Taiwanese electronics company Asus) might impact Microsoft Gaming’s plans for more full-scale Xbox gaming consoles.
First up, Xbox president Sarah Bond tells Variety that the price tags for the Ally ($599.99) and Ally X ($999.99) were largely determined by manufacturer Asus.
“We looked at, how do we create multiple options for people? And it really was Asus, because this is their hardware,” Bond said Thursday during a launch event for the Ally devices. “That is all of their insight into the market, into the feature set, into what people want, to determine the ultimate prices of the devices.”
Despite the steep price, Bond says that when pre-orders opened on September, “the reaction was overwhelming demand for the device.” “We sold out on the Xbox Store. We sold really quickly at a number of other places around the world,” Bond said. “I feel really good about the value that we’re giving gamers for the price, based off the reception to the hardware.”
Courtesy of Microsoft
Bond says the pre-launch results are “a real confirmation of something that we know and have been working towards for a really long time, which is gaming should act like all entertainment: it should be something you can have with you anywhere. You should be able to play any game you want with anyone you want on any device.”
Xbox decided to partner with Asus to develop the Ally line of handhelds “to really begin to transform the experience and take it to that next level in a way that we could do partnered much quicker, and in a much more innovative way, than we could [individually] with what we were each doing,” Bond says.
The first step in the process was prioritizing the ergonomic design of the Ally and Ally X: “We took everything we knew about what it took to make a controller, what it actually feels like for things to work in a variety of hand sizes, what it feels like to play for three hours and worked on the ergonomics of the device to make it super, super comfortable,” the Xbox president said.
Once the hands-on experience was sorted, Bond says the Xbox team’s next call was to Microsoft’s PC department.
“We partnered with the Windows team to think about the Windows experience on the device and to make sure it was optimized,” Bond said. “There isn’t a keyboard on this. We had to optimize it for controller and touch all the way through the UE, all the way through jumping into your games. So Windows is actually built to run on a handheld and on this form factor and on something that is built especially for a gaming.”
Some early discourse around the Xbox handhelds is questioning who exactly the products are meant for, seeing as Asus is first and foremost focused on PC-handheld devices, and there are skeptics who think the ROG Xbox Ally was going to be little more than an existing Asus product with an Xbox button and branding.
While not an internally made product, Bond insists it is Xbox through and through — whether you’re a more causal gamer and want an Ally, or a hardcore gamer who is eyeing an Ally X.
“We want to make sure that people have a choice,” Bond says. “We want to make sure there’s an option for the power players who want the latest innovations, that want to push the edge of what’s possible, the most demanding players. And then, if someone is looking for PC gaming on the go, they’re a casual gamer, they’re a gaming enthusiast, then there’s Xbox Allys for them. Giving multiple choices for people, so we can actually meet people where they are.”
The announcement of the ROG Xbox Allys and Xbox’s partnership with Asus also sparked some confusion over whether Xbox was out of the in-house-made console game. Bond confirms the Xbox team is still hard at work on its next-gen consoles, the follow-ups to the Xbox Series S and X, and there’s even the possibility of internally made handhelds.
“We are 100% looking at making things in the future,” Bond said. “We have our next-gen hardware in development. We’ve been looking at prototyping, designing. We have a partnership we’ve announced with AMD around it, so that is coming. What we saw here was an opportunity to innovate in a new way and to bring gamers another choice, in addition to our next-gen hardware. We are always listening to what players and creators want. When there is demand for innovation, we’re going to build it.”
The launch of the Xbox Ally and Ally X comes on the heels of several price increases at Xbox (for both consoles and its Game Pass subscription service) and just before the holiday season, when Xbox has a slate of much-anticipated AAA game launches still to come, including “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7” and “Outer Worlds 2.” Bond notes this frenzy of releases and business updates are “the start of a new pace the team is executing.”
“There’s a ton more innovation to come, including things like further optimizing the experience here, scaling out the handheld compatibility program, offering more benefits and improvements to the experience and other features and adds that we’re going to give to people and more choices and more games,” Bond says.
Keeper, the otherworldly new adventure from Double Fine, arrives today.
Launching on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, and Steam. It’s an Xbox Play Anywhere title, and available day one with Game Pass.
Read a note from Creative Lead, Lee Petty, as his beautiful passion project arrives.
Hi there, my name is Lee Petty, and I’m a Creative Lead here at Double Fine Productions. I’ve been at Double Fine for almost 20 years! I was the Art Director for Brütal Legend and Broken Age, but was also the Creative Lead for Stacking, Headlander, Autonomous, and RAD.
My new game, Keeper, was inspired by the events of the last few years. Like most, I thought a lot about isolation and connection with others. I’ve always been into hiking, backpacking, and spending time outdoors with my family. During the pandemic, it became even more important to me. I wondered if the wildlife around me would be all that is left in the future. Would it continue to develop, to evolve? I thought of the mycelium, the vast underground networks that connect fungi, and how they are also used by trees to share nutrients and communicate with each other.
I imagined an isolated island in a far-flung future without humans. What sorts of life would evolve there? Would this life still be possessed with a need to connect with others and to have a purpose?
When thinking about what this world could look like, I was inspired by Surrealist painters, like Max Ernst and Salvador Dali, who created vibrant, dream-like worlds that are both familiar and unlike anything else. Some of my favorite movies, like ‘The Dark Crystal’ and ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’, are about strange, otherworldly places and unusual forms of life, and both present as family-friendly films but have weirder, darker undercurrents. This comes through in Keeper too, giving it a gameplay style that I like to call “Weird, but Chill”.
A story told entirely without words, Keeper is the tale of a long-forgotten Lighthouse on a post-human island, which awakens after eons of lying dormant. The Lighthouse’s ancient masonry crumbles and it falls to the ground, but then it grows legs, stands up, and sets off on a journey toward the mountain peak at the center of the island, joined by a spirited seabird companion, named Twig.
It’s a psychedelic tale of companionship and an adventure of mystifying metamorphosis, all set in a beautiful and surreal otherworldly realm beyond understanding.
It’s a game which is very much about the unexpected, and we have gone to great lengths to preserve the mysteries and surprises the game holds. I’m really excited for you all to discover them for yourselves as you play – and I’d like to ask you to please consider how you talk about these surprising elements, ideally preserving some of the mystery for others wherever possible. Thank you for playing!
Lee & The Team at Double Fine Productions
Keeper
Xbox Game Studios
☆☆☆☆☆ 200
★★★★★
$29.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
From Lee Petty and Double Fine Productions, Keeper is a beautiful and surreal otherworldly adventure, and a story told without words.
On an island in a long-lost sea, a forgotten lighthouse stands dormant in the shadow of a distant mountain peak. As withering tendrils spread and coalesce, it awakens. Taken with a mysterious sense of purpose and joined by a spirited seabird, it embarks upon a heartening tale of unlikely companionship, an odyssey of mystifying metamorphosis, and an unexpected journey towards the center of the island, into realms beyond understanding.
Gothic horror returns with a brutal new vision, now playable solo or in 3-player co-op.
Mark your calendar: Painkiller launches on Xbox Series X|S on October 21. For Anshar Studios the opportunity felt both familiar and thrilling. This was a cult classic with a legacy of speed, brutality, and gothic flair. The project came with a clear set of constraints: cooperative gameplay and a need to honor the original’s DNA. For Anshar, these weren’t limitations: they were a creative opportunity.
Movement, Mayhem, Mastery: The New Painkiller Formula
The original Painkiller was known for its bunny-hopping movement and dual-mode weaponry, giving players a kinetic edge in combat. Anshar’s new installment amplifies that philosophy with dashing, sliding, wall bouncing and hook shots, which turn every arena into a vertical playground. The movement isn’t just fast; it’s fluid, empowering players to outmaneuver enemies. Combat becomes a symphony of destruction.
Classic weapons like the Stakegun and Electrodriver return, now enhanced with elemental effects and physics-based interactions. Fire, ice and electro elements combine to create emergent chaos. Impaling, freezing and chain-reacting enemies rewards experimentation. This is a shooter that invites creativity, where every fight is a puzzle and every solution is pure chaos.
Fun-Fueled, and Unapologetically Brutal
Painkiller’s signature gothic horror aesthetic gets a brutal facelift in Anshar’s reimagining. Purgatory is now split into three thematic chapters: Gothic, Sand and Nature. Each is dripping with atmospheric horror. The environments are twisted, the enemies tormented and the bosses massive, grotesque and ruthless.
But amid the darkness, the game never loses its sense of fun. Over-the-top action remains the focus, now enhanced by a 3-player cooperative mode that adds strategic depth to the chaos. Players can coordinate weapon synergies, manage Tarot card builds, and dominate the battlefield together. The Tarot system itself returns with dozens of cards that shape playstyles and amplify abilities, giving players the freedom to craft their own brand of destruction.
This isn’t just Painkiller with a fresh coat of paint. It’s a full-throttle reinvention, built inside a box and bursting out of it with style. Painkiller arrives on October 21 – pre-order today!
Painkiller
3D Realms
☆☆☆☆☆ 3
★★★★★
$39.99
Painkiller is a modern reimagining of the classic franchise, featuring online co-op for up to three players and offline play. Battle hordes of demons and titanic terrors across richly detailed gothic environments.
Trapped in Purgatory, you are sentenced for your transgressions against Heaven. But the Voice of the Creator gives you a chance to redeem yourself. As one of the Champions, you are to stop the fallen angel Azazel who is about to unleash his demonic armies onto Earth. You will face hordes of enemies, demons with unique powers and three monstrous children of Azazel – the Nephilim.
Will you succeed in your mission and earn your salvation?
Purgatory Is Your Playground – Jump, dash, and hook across vast biomes while fighting enemies with a host of new and classic Painkiller weapons.
Grotesque Terrors Await – Challenge a variety of enemies ranging from hordes of smaller demons to titanic terrors.
Unleash The Pain – Utilize tarot cards to enhance your abilities and combine them with other players to obliterate your foes.
Choose Your Character Wisely – Play as one of four distinctive characters – Ink, Void, Sol and Roch – and take advantage of their unique perks to boost your energy, health, power and damage.
Windows 10 is no more (though you may still use the old OS for a bit longer with a free year of security updates). Microsoft’s Copilot AI is growing like a weed on the old operating system’s grave, infecting all of Windows 11 and beyond. While Microsoft is trying to get users talking to AI chatbots on their PCs, the tech giant wants you to do the same while you’re gaming. The end result is a bot that’s so good at stating the obvious it could actually make the gaming experience worse.
In multiple demos, Microsoft showcased its AI guiding a player in the direction of their objective in Final Fantasy XVI from 2023. “Looks like the quest is right down the stairs, literally right in front of you,” the AI stated in one such demonstration with the obtuse confidence of a child pointing to a toy in a shop window. The player asked, “Hey, how do I get to the blacksmith?” as they looked at their world map and ignored the store icon blaring on the screen.
In other words: Copilot seems to think gamers are dense dupes who can’t follow instructions and don’t actually want to play their games.
Gaming Copilot will confidently lie to you (in a British accent)
I tried the Gaming Copilot (still labeled “beta”) on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X. The AI is built directly into the new Xbox Game Bar as part of the so-called full-screen experience. You can set Copilot to use multiple voice types, though “wise” comes out more lethargic and bored than philosophical, and “heroic” is literally just a British accent. If you hold down the Armoury Crate button (that toggle at the top left of the device), you can bring up options to either speak to or use the on-screen keyboard to type questions at the chatbot.
In Hades II, I asked Copilot how I could get the “Kudos” resources you can use to upgrade your camp’s aesthetics. It told me I needed to complete more runs to get them. That’s true, and it deserves a single Kudos for knowing the name of the resource, but it also ignored the fact that players can sell loose items to the Wretched Broker to obtain the material.
Discovery is one of those intrinsic features in games that doesn’t exist in any other artistic medium. Sacrificing it for the sake of expedience could effectively ruin some games. It’s the job of game designers to make navigating their worlds feel organic. Players need to feel like they’re making choices without that belittling sense of hand-holding when they are being shepherded toward their goal like the lost sheep they are. A great example of this is in Naughty Dog’s 2017 action-adventure game Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. On one level, players race after a convoy in a truck while being hunted by an armored vehicle with a machine gun. The player can take multiple paths as long as they keep heading downhill. Every player will eventually end up in the same place at the bottom, but the fun is in the creativity.
Now, imagine if I paused the action for a second to ask an AI, “How do I get to the bottom?” Not only does doing so break the flow of the game, but it also ignores the work the developers put into their design.
Using Copilot on an acclaimed title like Hades is one thing, but a tool like this applied to poorly designed games also risk becoming something more problematic: a band-aid over legitimate issues. But it also may not even be a great bandage, considering how often it gets things wrong.
As is constantly the case with AI, Gaming Copilot is great at confidently lying to you, and that’s made all the worse when it’s done with an authoritative British accent.
I asked the Copilot how I could swap or unequip weapons in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and it told me to use an “item wheel” when I hit the bumper button. That’s just incorrect. The game uses the d-pad to swap weapons. Copilot also told me I need to “nudge the thumbstick” to lean around corners, but you actually need to click to the left or right to lean.
Gaming Copilot also cannot change your settings for you, at least not yet. I had a lengthy conversation with the AI about what I needed to tweak to achieve the best balance of frame rate and graphics quality in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on the Xbox handheld. Its end advice was simply to turn the graphics to medium and move the TDP to its “Turbo” setting. It also suggested I bump the resolution down to 720p, which seemed odd since I could nail around 40 fps at 1080p on the $1,000 handheld. That’s just bad advice.
On the bright side, this program is still described as a “beta.” There’s a chance it could eventually grow into something useful. Microsoft has already kicked off its beta test of a Copilot Actions app that can complete tasks on the PC on your behalf. If Microsoft wants to make PC gaming as console-like as possible, having an AI that can actually change device settings to enable the best possible performance would be a nice change of pace. That’s what I really want an AI for: Not to do my gaming for me, but to alleviate the tedious parts of getting into a game on PC in the first place. Before it can do that, though, it needs to learn what the d-pad is.
Your games, wherever you want—ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X are now available for players across 45 countries worldwide, with more on the way.
Developed in partnership with ASUS and AMD, these handhelds put the Xbox experience and the freedom of Windows in your hands, so you can play your way, wherever you go.
At Xbox, we define success by how much time players choose to spend with us—and the Xbox Ally handhelds are designed to make that time more seamless, flexible, and fun than ever before. Your Xbox experience travels with you—your library, your progression, your friends, and your achievements. And for the first time ever, you can play more of your games with Xbox, including those from leading Windows PC storefronts, all in one place. Whether you’re playing locally or streaming from your console or the cloud, it’s all right there, ready when you are.
This launch reflects the efforts of many—from the players who shaped the journey through early feedback, to the game creators who built the games you’ll play today. It’s a celebration of what we can build together.
Ready to jump in? Here’s how to get your Xbox Ally handheld today.
The Wait is Over: Get Your Xbox Ally Handheld Today
We’ve seen incredible excitement from players during pre-orders and availability may vary depending on the retailer and device. In the U.S., you can pick up the Xbox Ally X and Xbox Ally on Xbox.com.
For global availability of both the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, check the ASUS eShop and participating retailers worldwide. To find retailers in your region, head to Xbox.com.
Getting Started
The moment you boot up your Xbox Ally, you’ll see everything you love about Xbox come to life in a new way. From grips that feel like an Xbox controller in your hands, to the new Xbox Full Screen Experience, every detail is designed to feel familiar. To help you unlock the full potential of your handheld, we’ve pulled together a few resources that will make your experience with the Xbox Ally handhelds smooth, fun, and yours:
To make sure you’re ready on day one, we’ve created a Getting Started guide with tips and best practices to walk you through customizing your gaming experience so you can start playing right away. And once you’re in the game, your personal sidekick Gaming Copilot (Beta) is within reach—just long press the library button to ask for recommendations and get help, all without leaving your session. Learn more in the guide.
For your first play session, we’ve rounded up a selection of great gamesto try on your Xbox Ally from our Handheld Compatibility program, including Gears of War: Reloaded, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Discover what’s waiting for you when you power on—check out the full list now.
With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can play 1000+ games you own seamlessly across Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, including the new Xbox Ally handhelds. Over 55 new titles were added last month, giving you more ways to play wherever you go. To make it even easier to discover new favorites, players in select markets will also receive three months of Xbox Game Pass Premium or PC Game Pass (where available) with the purchase of an Xbox Ally handheld. Premium, which now offers unlimited cloud gaming and access to PC titles, gives you a library of over 200 great games to jump into anytime, anywhere. Learn more at Xbox.com.
We are committed to empowering everyone to play in a way that works for them, including the 425 million players with disabilities across the globe. With the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, the Xbox experience and Game Bar have been optimized for handheld use, bringing along familiar accessibility features from Xbox consoles and Windows 11 PCs. You can check out a list of available accessibility features by visiting Xbox Support.
The Future of Handheld Gaming Starts Now
The Xbox Ally is the latest example of how we’re making gaming better across all of Windows. Together with ASUS, AMD, and Windows, we’re committed to pushing handheld gaming further, guided by your feedback and powered by deep collaboration. That means ongoing improvements to performance, battery life, handheld compatibility, and new features on the Xbox Ally handhelds in the months ahead.
In the coming weeks, Xbox Ally players can look forward to previewing Default Game Profiles, a new feature that balances frame rate and energy use for select titles to give players smooth, enjoyable gameplay while extending battery life. And that’s just the beginning. Early next year, we will also roll out enhancements to the docking experience for both Xbox Ally handhelds, introduce AI-powered features like Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) and highlight reels for the Xbox Ally X, and much more.
What’s most exciting is that many of these innovations are designed to scale across all Windows devices—some are available today, and others are on the way. Features like enhanced controller navigation, Gaming Copilot (Beta), and aggregated gaming library via the Xbox App are already available to all Windows users, while Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) is designed to be usable by all Windows storefronts and games. These innovations, along with performance optimizations made to Windows and driver enhancements from partners like AMD, deliver a smoother, more powerful gaming experience—benefiting players no matter where they play with Windows. The future of handheld gaming is here—and it’s built on the freedom of Windows and powered by Xbox.
On behalf of Team Xbox, thank you for being with us as we embark on this new era of handheld gaming.
There’s nothing worse than FOMO, the dreaded fear of missing out, to set gamers’ teeth on edge. The $1,000 Asus ROG Xbox Ally X—which launches Oct. 16—sports a new version of Windows all its own. The greedy little handheld PC will be the first in its category to run a version of Microsoft’s OS built customized to make it easier to access games. Oh, and your titles may run better than they did on previous versions of Windows.
The new version of Windows built for handhelds sports the FSE, a boring initialism for an even duller name, the “full screen experience.” What this does is position all your windows as separate apps you can spool through with a long press of the Xbox Ally’s special Xbox button. It means you no longer have to use a touchscreen in desktop mode to access all your various game launchers. It works well enough at this early stage; I wish it were available to all Windows PCs, akin to Steam’s Big Picture Mode.
For the moment, however, the feature is limited to the Xbox Ally. In the last few months, we’ve heard different things at different times from both Asus and Microsoft about whether other handhelds could soon receive it. Lenovo has claimed to The Verge that its devices will receive the update in spring of next year. But that’s not what Microsoft is saying. In an email statement, Xbox told Gizmodo, “We’re focused on launching the full-screen experience on the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds for Oct. 16. We have nothing more to share at this time.”
The FSE is still early in the crib. It’s better to think of it as a beta, even though Asus and Microsoft are keen to launch it exclusively with the Xbox Ally on Thursday. I’m one of multiple reviewers who have experienced glitches where waking the handheld from sleep results in a black screen. The software also eats up battery, even when the device is ostensibly asleep. Asus has confirmed that these are known issues, reassuring me Thursday that fixing the glitch is “definitely high in the priority list.”
But even before all its kinks are ironed out, the FSE would still make devices like the Legion Go 2 infinitely more accessible. So I fired up a unit and tried to make it happen.
PC gamers are well used to digging through Windows for hidden or beta features. You can find several guides online detailing the process to install the 25H2 Windows 11 update, though you’ll need to sign up for the Windows Insider beta program. There’s already a detailed guide on Reddit available for those who dare to try. However, you may end up using a third-party program called ViVeTool to manually force the update onto the handheld, which is likely enough of a hindrance to give less-dedicated PC gamers pause. Changing your settings may even break controller-first menu navigation, as IGN detailed in a report last month.
So rather than force a nonstandard version of the FSE onto the Lenovo Legion Go 2, I tried loading the 24H2 update (KB50657089). No dice—even with that installed, the handheld was displaying the regular Windows desktop with no option to swipe through full-screen apps.
Interestingly, though, I still saw improved performance. In Cyberpunk 2077 benchmarks, I experienced an average of 5 more frames per second after the update than I did when I first reviewed the Legion last month on the stable Windows channel. Shadow of the Tomb Raider performance also improved by an average of 3 fps.
When I asked Microsoft whether the promised performance uptick was due to the FSE or a general update, the company told me, “While the Windows Update may include general Windows improvements, the Xbox full-screen experience offers the memory and performance improvements, including minimizing background tasks to give more power back to your games.”
In 3DMark benchmark tests on the Legion Go 2, I could nail between 100 and 200 points better in Time Spy and Steel Nomad Light tests. That may not seem like a lot, but 3 or 5 fps may be enough to let you boost graphics settings or make a previously unplayable game playable.
I then tried porting the same update onto the original ROG Ally X from 2024. I also ended up tied to the traditional desktop on that device. I could, unlike with the Legion, access the new Game Bar with the left menu button. But the performance bump on this model was underwhelming: Though the device is now running a bit better than it was at launch last year, it didn’t display nearly the same boost in performance that the Legion Go 2 did post-update. Long story short, there doesn’t appear to be a clean way for folks who don’t own the Xbox Ally, specifically, to experience the full benefits of the FSE.
That’s not the biggest problem—yet. The FSE-equipped ROG Xbox Ally X still can’t run all the latest AAA titles at 60 fps on their highest settings. You can net 30 fps in most intense games when you push down the graphics and sacrifice any hope of ray tracing. That said, the frame rate gains here are similar to the delta I’ve seen between the Windows-powered Legion Go S and the Legion Go S with Valve’s Linux-based SteamOS. Which means that if Microsoft finds it in its heart to give more people this update, maybe some gamers won’t feel as strong a desire to hop over to Linux and avoid the slow decline of Windows 11 as a gaming platform. Microsoft still has to fix some bugs first, though.
However, because the X-ROGs are fundamentally regular PCs, they’re a lot more versatile than Nintendo or Valve’s efforts. Not only can you play media, web browse, or do anything else you might do on a PC (even Office tasks, if you hate joy), but you can install any other PC gaming client—Steam, Epic, GOG, and more are all available. Better still, the Xbox app aggregates all games installed on the system into one library view, regardless of where they originate. You can even turn your Xbox ROG into an ersatz Steam Deck by running Steam in Big Picture mode (although some of its controller keybindings may not work).
The big win—pardon the pun—is that you can install mods with ease. While I’ve gotten a few mods running on my Steam Deck over the years, its Linux underbelly makes things trickier. On the X-ROGs, I’ve been able to use mods as easily as on my main gaming desktop, with no second guessing if they’ll actually work. It’s a great feature that’s facilitated by having standard Windows as the base.
Soft Where?
But wait, there’s a third UI player in the mix: Asus’ own Armoury Crate SE software. Broadly, this is more of a device manager, with a dedicated button on both consoles to bring up a Command Center quick menu. This allows you to instantly switch power profiles, create custom control inputs, or set frame rate limits. It also offers a real-time monitor displaying useful system information like temperature, CPU and GPU performance, battery level and power drain, and the current frame rate.
However, fully open Armoury Crate and you’ll find an array of far deeper controls, from granular system settings to tweaking color profiles of the LED rings that sit under each thumbstick. It also has its own Update Center—yet another to check—and its own unified library, distinct from the Xbox app’s. After a week with the X-ROGs, I’m finally familiar with where functions live, but the learning curve is steep, and having essentially three central interfaces—Xbox, Windows, Armoury Crate—for a single device is ridiculous.
The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X arrive tomorrow, October 16 – and if you already play with Xbox on PC, own an Xbox console, have a Game Pass subscription, or play games on other leading PC storefronts, you’ll almost certainly have a gaming library waiting for you as soon as you boot it up.
With the Xbox Ally handhelds, and the aggregated gaming library, thousands of games will be available to play from day one. For extra flexibility, you can play natively, via the cloud (where available), or via Remote Play from your Xbox console anywhere in your home.
But with so much choice, where to begin? Let us provide some suggestions – we’ve put together a (very non-comprehensive) list of some of our favorite games that are Handheld Optimized or Mostly Compatible (learn more about the Handheld Compatibility Program here), giving confidence that games will play well on your handheld. Even better, with the majority of games available as Xbox Play Anywhere titles, a single purchase means you can play with Xbox right away, including your progress and achievements.
This list is made up of games you can play right now, but there’s so much more to come. In the coming months, you’ll be able to use your Xbox Ally to try out the likes of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Ninja Gaiden 4, and many more. If you’re looking for more tips on getting the most out of your new Xbox Ally, we’ve compiled a list here.
Balatro
Playstack Ltd
☆☆☆☆☆ 338
★★★★★
$14.99
$11.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Balatro
Handheld Optimized, Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Game Pass
Starting with a standard 52-card deck and trying to assemble the highest scoring poker hands you can, this roguelike deckbuilder quickly spirals into an addictive score chase. Change the number of your cards, add powerful modifiers to your deck, and discover a tableau of game-changing jokers that radically alter your strategy as you reach for exponentially higher scores. With endless mode, multiple difficulty stakes, and special challenges to master, Balatro is a perfect handheld game that will have you squeezing in runs wherever and whenever you can.
DOOM: The Dark Ages
Bethesda Softworks
☆☆☆☆☆ 621
★★★★★
$69.99
$55.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Doom: The Dark Ages
Handheld Optimized, Xbox Game Pass
Launch the Slayer! Step into the blood-stained boots of the Doom Slayer in the critically acclaimed Doom: The Dark Ages. As the super weapon of gods and kings, players shred enemies with devastating medieval-inspired weaponry, take flight atop a fierce Mecha Dragon and pilot a 30-story Atlan mech as they wage war through epic battlefields and never-before-seen realms. And now you can take Doom: The Dark Ages on the go via handheld, so whether you’re commuting or couch surfing, the Slayer’s legend travels with you.
DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake
SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
☆☆☆☆☆ 118
★★★★★
$59.99
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Handheld Optimized, Xbox Play Anywhere
Square Enix’s HD-2D-ification of the renowned Dragon Quest III not only looks and feels great in 2025, it’s also a perfect game for RPG fans on the go. The turn-based nature of Dragon Quest III means you won’t need to panic during battle if there are interruptions on the bus, or if you need to look away from the screen while playing on the sofa. Plus, the Xbox Ally’s spectacular speakers pair perfectly with a captivating orchestral soundtrack. Once you’ve defeated the villainous Archfiend Baramos and saved the world, look towards the imminently upcoming Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake on October 30 for more portable-friendly HD-2D goodness.
Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition
Xbox Game Studios
☆☆☆☆☆ 1620
★★★★★
$59.99
$47.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Forza Horizon 5
Mostly Compatible, Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Game Pass
Forza Horizon 5 is another perfect choice for the Xbox Ally handhelds, offering fast-paced driving action through impeccable landscapes. Speed through sun-baked dunes, drift by dazzling coastlines and cruise through lush jungles in in the driving seat of some of the world’s greatest cars. Built to offer a smooth, realistic driving experience and the perfect road trip fantasy, Forza Horizon 5 is a gorgeous adventure for both hardcore car lovers and casual drivers alike, offering a thrilling escape, wherever you are in the real world.
Gears of War: Reloaded
Xbox Game Studios
☆☆☆☆☆ 306
★★★★★
$39.99
$29.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Gears of War: Reloaded
Handheld Optimized, Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Game Pass
This remaster is already a new way to revisit a classic, but what about a new way to do that? With so many memories already tied up in this game, it’s a genuine wonder to do it on a handheld – and Gears of War’s frenetic combat feel instantly at home in the smaller format, short and distinct enough to make that “just one more grub” feeling a legitimate thrill while you’re out and about.
Hogwarts Legacy
Warner Bros. Games
☆☆☆☆☆ 926
★★★★★
$69.99
$55.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Hogwarts Legacy
Mostly Compatible, Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Game Pass
Open world games lend themselves wonderfully to handheld play – if you’re offered total freedom, your choice of how to spend your time is also up to you. Hogwarts Legacy, broken down not just by quests, but by day-night cycles, and even school lessons, is perfectly primed to make the most of those quick bursts on an Xbox Ally. Take a break to soar around the open world on a Hippogriff, enjoy a stroll through the Forbidden Forest, or pop by the Room of Requirement to top up your potions – Hogwarts Legacy and Xbox Ally are a perfect fit.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Team Cherry
☆☆☆☆☆ 450
★★★★★
$19.99
$17.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Handheld Optimized, Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Game Pass
Explore and fight your way through the mysterious bug kingdom of Pharloom as the lethal hunter Hornet, in Hollow Knight: Silksong. This hotly-anticipated sequel to the genre-revitalizing metroidvania, Hollow Knight, is even bigger than its predecessor and dripping with just as much atmosphere and charm. Expand and master Hornet’s acrobatic move-set as you uncover Pharloom’s secrets and face its fierce foes and tricky platforming challenges. The genre has a storied history with handhelds, and Silksong is no different — there’s always another little corner of the map to uncover or tricky arena to clear whenever you pick up and play.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Bethesda Softworks
☆☆☆☆☆ 781
★★★★★
$69.99
$55.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Handheld Optimized, Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Game Pass
A globe-trotting adventure might not immediately spring to mind as a perfect handheld game, but MachineGames’ masterful take on the Indiana Jones franchise is replete with hidden puzzles, side-quests, and sequences of pure exploration. It makes for a perfect use of Play Anywhere – tackle some smaller objectives while you’re out and about, reap the rewards, and then switch to your big screen at home to take on the next main story beat.
Minecraft for Windows
Microsoft Studios
☆☆☆☆☆ 91
★★★★★
Minecraft
Handheld Optimized, Xbox Game Pass
Minecraft has endured as one of the richest sandboxes ever made, and its array of regular updates combined with the ultimate freedom to build whatever you can dream up makes for a fresh, creative experience every time. Whether you’re on a solo adventure or building with friends online, the only limits in Minecraft are your imagination, and perhaps uncontested access to the living room TV – but on a handheld, you don’t even need to worry about that!
Monster Train 2
Big Fan Games
☆☆☆☆☆ 202
★★★★★
$24.99
$19.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Monster Train 2
Mostly Compatible, Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Game Pass
Like the best card games, Monster Train 2 takes a simple concept – a ‘Magic: The Gathering’-like battler set across three vertical rooms – and uses wildly differing mechanics to blow it up into a game of dazzling complexity. With a huge variety of hero cards (each with their own distinct decks) and a constantly gratifying progression system, this has slowly but surely taken up literal days of our playtime since release this year. Its relatively short runs, and constant avenues offering something new to try, make for a natural handheld game.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Xbox Game Studios
☆☆☆☆☆ 430
★★★★★
$29.99
$9.89
Xbox One X Enhanced
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Handheld Optimized, Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Game Pass
From Moon Studios, the acclaimed developers behind Ori and the Blind Forest, comes an enchanting sequel that reunites us with the little spirit Ori – joined now by the owlet Ku. The critically acclaimed Ori and the Will of the Wisps was nominated for multiple Game of the Year awards the year it was released, thanks to its tightly crafted platforming, beautiful, orchestrated score, and delightful art design that brought its exotic world to life — it continues to resonate with gamers all these years later.
Persona 4 Golden
SEGA
☆☆☆☆☆ 277
★★★★★
$19.99
$15.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Persona 4 Golden
Handheld Optimized, Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Game Pass
It’s no surprise this flashy Atlus JRPG fares so well on the Xbox Ally – it was originally designed for portable play. Persona 4 Golden delivers everything that’s made the series a global hit: a fast-paced, yet strategic battle system, and a soundtrack that you’ll be humming for… potentially the rest of your life. It’s not all style and no substance; Persona 4 Golden delivers a compelling story that could last you on a trip around the world – and back again.
The Rogue Prince of Persia™
Ubisoft
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
The Rogue Prince of Persia
Mostly Compatible, Xbox Game Pass
In The Rogue Prince of Persia, agility is your greatest asset. In this latest challenging entry in the acclaimed series that continues its return to its platforming roots, you’ll step once again into the shoes of the Prince (and his many acrobatic abilities) to fight back against the evil chief, Nogai, and his army of haunted soldiers. With roguelite elements that allow you to rewind fate, you’ll have to master fluid, acrobatic combat, as well as wall-running parkour abilities, as you explore the kingdom of Clesiphon to right your wrongs – or die trying.
South of Midnight
Xbox Game Studios
☆☆☆☆☆ 613
★★★★★
$39.99
$31.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
South of Midnight
Handheld Optimized, Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Game Pass
Explore the magic and mythos of the Deep South in South of Midnight, a gothic folklore adventure with a fantasy twist. As Hazel, you’ll wield an ancient power known as weaving to fight Haints, mend spirits, and confront your family’s hidden past. With its mesmerizing surroundings, approachable combat and rich levels, this whimsical action-adventure is a perfect story to chew on during a cozy afternoon or a long journey.
Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 3 + 4
Activision Publishing Inc.
☆☆☆☆☆ 294
★★★★★
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
Mostly Compatible, Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Game Pass
The classic two-minute Career Mode runs of Tony Hawk games make this a perfect fit for your Xbox Ally on the go – long enough to let you rack up points, smash S-K-A-T-E challenges, and beat your last score, but short enough that you’ll never miss your next stop. And for longer sessions, it’s the perfect chance to hit Free Skate and go exploring, working out new ways to up the ante next time you go up against the timer.
Vampire Survivors
Poncle
☆☆☆☆☆ 558
★★★★★
$4.99
$3.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Vampire Survivors
Handheld Optimized, Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Game Pass
Not many games can say they meaningfully contributed to a new genre but this “reverse bullet hell shooter” has a serious claim. Vampire Survivors builds an entire game out of using just the left thumbstick, pitting your tiny Survivor against thousands of enemies each run – pick up upgrades and weaponry as you go, with your character spewing increasingly apocalyptic firepower over the course of short, action-packed runs. It’s the kind of game you can squeeze into a bus ride, or sit back at home and play for hours on end.
For a list of Handheld Optimized and Mostly Compatible games, see here.
Congratulations on picking up your new ROG Xbox Ally or ROG Xbox Ally X! Whether you’re a handheld gaming veteran or just getting started, you’ve joined a growing and vibrant community of players who appreciate the flexibility of Windows and the power and ease of use of Xbox in the palm of your hands. While you probably picked up your Xbox Ally to dive right into your favorite games (we share some of our handheld favorites here), you’ll quickly discover that these handhelds offer tremendous flexibility to personalize your gaming experience. To help you hit the ground running, we’ve pulled together some must-know tips to make the most out of your new Xbox Ally.
If you’re just setting your device up, check out the informative guide at Xbox Support for step-by-step instructions. Of note: Don’t skip the option to set up the fingerprint reader; unlocking your Xbox Ally with just a touch is fast and feels a little bit magical. Once setup is complete, you’ll boot up directly into the immersive Xbox full screen experience, a purpose-built gaming experience.
Ready to go? Here’s a few helpful pointers.
Navigating your Xbox Ally
Master the Menus: The Xbox Ally gives you multiple ways to find what you’re looking for— you can use the d-pad, joysticks, shoulder and face buttons to make selections, or simply tap the responsive touchscreen directly. For instance, to reach the all-important Game Bar settings menu, you can press the Xbox button and hit the right bumper, or simply swipe from the left edge of the screen toward the center. Swapping between apps? Long press the Xbox button or swipe up from the bottom to access the Task Switcher, making switching between apps and games seamless.
Get Familiar with Command Center: ASUS Command Center is now integrated into Game Bar, giving you instant access to many advanced features to personalize your experience, both inside and outside of games.
For a more expansive set of advanced settings and customization options, you can also launch the full-featured Armoury Crate SE right from this overlay.
Meet Gaming Copilot (Beta) — Your Personal Sidekick: You can access Gaming Copilot on the Xbox Ally, where it offers recommendations, tips, and insights when you need them. To get started, long press the Command Center button to open the Gaming Copilot widget in Game Bar, and complete the onboarding experience. After that, if you want to check your next achievement or get advice for a tough boss fight without leaving your game, long press the Library button and then release to start your conversation with Gaming Copilot.
Play What You Want
Browse Your Games Library: Now it’s time to find some things to play! Head to the Library by pressing the dedicated Library button above the right thumbstick to find games you already own, as well as those available with Game Pass, and titles playable via the Xbox Cloud Gaming. Note: you can select more than one category at a time; highlighting Owned and Installable allows you to go shopping in your own closet for games that play natively on your Xbox Ally. Looking for something new? You’ll find the Store on the left rail as well.
Access Your Games, From Leading PC Storefronts: With the aggregated gaming library, you can easily add your titles from leading PC storefronts to your library, to see all your games in one place. All you have to do is head to the My Apps tab in your Library, and select the PC storefront you want to install.
If you don’t see your desired launcher, open Edge (also located in My apps), navigate to the store’s website, and download it.
Play Anywhere—Including Offline: Handheld freedom means you’re bound to play in places without WiFi. While many titles work best online, most single-player games run great without a connection. Before you travel, test your games offline, pre-download any updates or DLC, and make sure you’re signed in. For detailed offline setup, see our guide: Play games in offline mode on Windows | Xbox Support. And if you’re flying, don’t forget to switch to airplane mode to save battery and avoid interruptions.
Personalizing your Setup
Play Your Way Using Accessibility Features: With the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, the Xbox experience and Game Bar have been optimized for handheld use, bringing along familiar accessibility features from Xbox consoles and Windows 11 PCs. Most visual, cognitive, and sensory accessibility features can be found by selecting the Profile & Settings icon in the upper left of the screen, selecting Settings, then Accessibility. Input accessibility settings, including on-screen keyboard, input customizations, and the ability to re-map your Xbox Ally’s buttons are found in Armoury Crate SE.
Connect External Controllers: Pair Xbox Wireless Controllers to your Xbox Ally just like you would with a PC. Turn on your controller, hold the Pair button, and look for the connect notification. Missed it? Open the Game Bar, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth > Manage devices, select Add device > Bluetooth, and follow the prompts.
And don’t miss the clever detail: inside the underside of your Xbox Ally box lid, you’ll find a lightweight, sturdy paperboard stand—perfect for holding your Xbox Ally while charging or playing with an external controller without blocking the screen. This pairs well with the next feature:
Docking for the Big Screen: The Xbox Ally–is your perfect gaming companion when you’re on the go, and when you’re at home it provides even more options to play. It’s easy to connect an external monitor or TV for a larger, even more immersive experience . Simply connect your Xbox Ally directly to a monitor or TV or to a dock via the USB-C port,. For optimal performance, it’s best to use “Second Screen Only” to match your TV’s resolution and refresh rate.
Customize the Joystick Ring Lights: The Xbox Ally’s colorful lights surrounding the thumbsticks are one of its defining visual flourishes, but sometimes you may want to dim them for a red-eye flight or if you’re playing in dark room. To adjust them, open Armoury Crate SE and select Lighting to change how they pulse, or turn them off entirely.
Stay up to date: The Xbox Ally you take out of the box is only the starting point; Xbox and ASUS will continue to add new features and functionality to enhance your experience. To ensure you’ve always got the latest updates, there are two places you’ll want to check from time to time.
Windows OS Update:
Open Game Bar > Settings Widget > More Settings > Open Windows Settings > Windows Update
Install all updates and restart your device when prompted
Update Armoury Crate SE:
Open the Command Center
Select “Open Armoury Crate SE”
Select Update Center > Check for Updates > Update All
We can’t wait to see where your new Xbox Ally or Xbox Ally X takes you. Whether you’re enjoying handheld gaming on the couch or setting high scores on the go, these tips will help you get the most out of every session.
Like it or loathe it, we live in a subscription economy. Music, movies, meal boxes, and more are no longer things you buy once. They’re a constant draw on your wallet. Gaming is no exception, and while every major player in the sector has some form of sub for players—from PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online for consoles to Apple Arcade on phones—none of them offered quite as much for a modest monthly fee as Xbox Game Pass.
Depending on the subscription tier, the service gave players access to a significant library of titles and was available on Xbox consoles, PC, or via cloud gaming. While most of its competitors focused on back-catalog titles for their gaming subscriptions, Game Pass stood apart by including major first-party titles on their day of release for subscribers to its Ultimate tier.
Microsoft long claimed it was “the best deal in gaming,” and with new releases costing upwards of $70 per title versus a $19.99 monthly price tag on Game Pass Ultimate, it was hard to argue. Recent changes to the service, however—including some hefty price rises—have upset users in a big way, sending so many people rushing to cancel their subscriptions that the membership site crashed.
What’s Happened?
On October 1, Microsoft revamped the entire structure of Game Pass. Previously, and following an earlier rejig in September 2024, players had essentially four options—Game Pass for PC, Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, and Game Pass Ultimate. Going forward, Core is replaced with Essential, and Standard is replaced with Premium, while Ultimate retains its name. All tiers are now accessible on PC, although a dedicated PC-only plan remains available.
It’s not the rebrand that’s had people canceling, though—it’s the hefty price hikes that have come with the upper tiers. While Essential keeps the almost totemic $9.99-per-month pricing of Core, Premium jumps to $14.99 from Standard’s $11.99 (a 25 percent increase), and the PC-only offering goes from $11.99 to $16.49 (a 38 percent increase). It’s Game Pass Ultimate that’s proven the most contentious, leaping from $19.99 to $29.99. Price increases on subscription services routinely boil the frog and creep up in price slowly—just look at what you used to pay for Netflix—but a massive 50 percent spike overnight, the equivalent of $120 more a year, has caught many off guard.
It doesn’t help that it follows two price hikes on Xbox consoles themselves in the span of less than a year, at least in the US. In May 2025, the 512-GB Xbox Series S went from $299.99 to $379.99, the 1-TB Xbox Series X from $499.99 to $599.99, and the 2-TB Series X from $599.99 to $729.99. These prices rose globally, with prices reflected in each territory. But then, in September, prices rose again for buyers in America, taking those same models to $399.99, $649.99, and $799.99, respectively. Microsoft cited the increases being “due to changes in the macroeconomic environment”—read: tariffs—but the combined effect on pricing across the whole Xbox ecosystem really challenges that “best deal in gaming” idea.
While most gamers opt for over-ear headsets, there are actually quite a few advantages to using earbuds instead. For starters, they’re much more portable, which is particularly important if you play on your phone or a gaming handheld. My favorite Switch 2 carrying case has a convenient storage pocket inside that these slip right into, so I don’t have to go hunting for them in the overhead compartment once I’m already buckled in for a long flight.
They also have great compatibility, with the discounted versions supporting either Xbox or PlayStation, and both styles playing well with Switch, PC, and smartphones without any additional software or drivers. The compact USB-C dongle fits right into the case, and has a horizontal layout that lets it sit cleanly on top of consoles or phones, providing low-latency 2.4GHz audio, as well as BLuetooth for just listening to tunes. Battery life is right up there with other wireless earbuds, managing around 10 hours in just the buds, and pushing 40 total with the charging case.
I also really appreciate the SteelSeries mobile app. In addition to the normal settings you’d expect for active noise-canceling, there’s a huge library of equalizer settings for popular games. You’d be surprised at how much of a difference these make, letting you switch between ideal setups for different games without having to set up any profiles or remember frequencies.
They’re really comfortable too, so much so that they’ve become my go-to earbuds for walking the dog or working out. They have a great fit and sound isolation, and even though it’s personal preference, but the use of actual buttons instead of capacitive touch for controls makes bumping pause less likely.
If gaming earbuds don’t sound like your speed, make sure to check out our roundup of other great gaming headsets. You might be surprised by how well modern earbuds can work for both gaming and regular life though, so don’t be afraid to give these a shot, particularly at the discounted price.
We surprise-added a bunch of games last week – for cloud, console, PC, and even the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally handhelds – with more to come, meaning we have something for everyone. Let’s get to the games.
Available Today
Supermarket Simulator (Cloud, Console, and PC) Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
Run your own supermarket in this store management game! Stock shelves, set your prices, take payments, hire staff, expand your store, handle shoplifters, and design your layout. Purchase goods from online or local markets around town and personally deliver online orders to your customers.
Coming Soon
Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Editions (PC) – October 9 Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
Available on console and cloud gaming and now coming to Xbox on PC! Gather your party; the RPG saga returns. Immerse yourself in an epic RPG series where every choice matters. Play over 100 hours of adventure in enhanced editions of Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II!
The Casting of Frank Stone(Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – October 14 Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
The shadow of Frank Stone looms over Cedar Hills, a town forever altered by his violent past. As a group of young friends are about to discover, Stone’s blood-soaked legacy cuts deep, leaving scars across families, generations, and the very fabric of reality itself.
Ball x Pit(Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 15 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Available on day one with Game Pass:Ball x Pit is a brick-breaking, ball-fusing, base-building survival roguelite. Batter hordes of enemies with ricocheting balls and gather the riches of the pit to expand your homestead, generate resources and recruit unique heroes.
The Grinch has a wonderful, awful idea – steal all the presents in Who-ville, using gadgets like his stealthy Santa costume and Candy Cane Lasso. Help him sneak around, freeze creatures with snowballs, and learn the meaning of Christmas along the way, in this festive platformer!
Eternal Strands(Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – October 15 Now with Game Pass Premium
Eternal Strands is the debut fantasy title from Yellow Brick Games. Fight epic, towering creatures while blending magical abilities with an arsenal of powerful weapons to keep the world from crumbling in this third-person, action-adventure game.
Deep in the forgotten corners of the world, a dark force stirs – the Demon King rises once more. Sharpen your wits, seek out powerful artifacts, and stand firm in the face of the apocalypse in this roguelite RPG auto battler.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black(Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – October 15 Now with Game Pass Premium
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black features the high-speed, ninja action of iconic hero Ryu Hayabusa and his deadly Dragon Sword. Embark on a global battle against formidable foes, engage in relentless combat, and play as additional characters Momiji, Ayana and Rachel.
Pax Dei (PC) – October 16 Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
Welcome to a vast, social sandbox MMO inspired by the legends of the medieval era. Here, myths are real, ghosts exist, and magic is unquestioned. Join thousands of players as you explore the land, build your home, forge your reputation, and craft your own stories. What world will you make?
Keeper(Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – October 17 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Available on day one with Game Pass! From Lee Petty and Double Fine Productions, Keeper is a story told without words, in which a long-forgotten lighthouse is awakened and, joined by a spirited seabird, it embarks upon a heartening tale of unlikely companionship, and an unexpected journey into realms beyond understanding.
Evil West(Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 21 Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
Making a return to the Game Pass library! A dark menace consumes the Old West. In solo or co-op, fight with style in visceral, explosive combat against bloodthirsty monstrosities. Eradicate the vampiric hordes with your lightning-fueled gauntlet and become a Wild West Superhero.
Ninja Gaiden 4(Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – October 21 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Available on day one with Game Pass! The definitive ninja hack and slash franchise returns with Ninja Gaiden 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in this high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat.
In Case You Missed It
We recently revealed new details about Xbox Game Pass memberships. You can learn more about this below:
Hogwarts Legacy(Cloud, Console, and PC) – Available now Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. Embark on a journey through familiar and new locations as you explore and discover magical beasts, customize your character and craft potions, master spell casting, upgrade talents and become the wizard you want to be.
Little Rocket Lab(Cloud, Console, and PC) – Available now Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Little Rocket Lab is a cozy, machine building RPG. You play as Morgan, an aspiring engineer! Head home to St. Ambroise to help complete your family’s dream-building a rocket. Help the locals with new machines, be creative, and become the ultimate engineer! That rocket isn’t going to build itself!
DLC / Game Updates
Dead by Daylight: Sinister Grace – Available now The skin tears. The head rises. The hunt begins. In Dead by Daylight: Sinister Grace, play as The Krasue, forever cursed by insatiable hunger and a terrifying creature well suited for The Fog. The Krasue’s blood-drenched tale is one of ambition gone awry.
Diablo IV: Season of Infernal Chaos – Available now Season 10 takes gameplay to chaotic heights, with updates that encourage deeper build experimentation and mastery through powerful Chaos Armor Uniques and deadly class-tailored Chaos Perks. The chaos persists in endgame with revamped Infernal Hordes, now overtaken by new, relentless Chaos Waves.
FBC: Firebreak – Breakpoint Update – Available now The first free Major Update, Breakpoint is packed with systemic overhauls, new content, and quality-of-life improvements – all aimed at making FBC: Firebreak more fun, varied, and rewarding to play.
Grounded 2: Hairy and Scary Update – Available now The Hairy and Scary update unleashes AXL the tarantula with a full armor set to craft, new weapons to wield, and new base décor. Fine-tune your loadout with new gear and build smarter with the streamlined BUILD.M interface as you prepare to face AXL on the back of your Buggy.
Age of Empires II: DE – Chronicles: Alexander the Great – October 14 Pre-order now and save 15%! Prepare for the next chapter in the fan-favorite Chronicles saga by stepping into the sandals of history’s greatest conqueror. Embark on Alexander the Great’s epic journey in this narrative-driven campaign featuring three new civilizations, customizable armies, and fresh storytelling.
In-Game Benefits
Now all Game Pass subscribers can get in-game benefits for eligible free-to-play games and titles in the Xbox Game Pass library, in addition to special offers like Discord Nitro. Specific benefits may vary per plan, region, and time.
Valorant: Play the new Agent Veto (Console and PC) – Available now Upset your enemy’s gameplan and take every fight on YOUR terms with Veto: Valorant’s new Senegalese Sentinel whose Radivore mutation shuts down and shrugs off enemy abilities.
Call of Duty: Warzone – Game Pass Pack 4 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 15 Get a free in-game bundle for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone. This pack includes operator skins, weapon blueprints, emotes, weapon charms and more that you can use in both games.
Leaving October 15
The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Be sure to pick up where you left off before they go and remember you can save up to 20% off your purchase to keep the fun going!
Cocoon (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Core Keeper (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutants Unleashed (Cloud, Console, and PC)
No matter how you want to game – be it on your PC, your console, a metaphorical ton of devices for cloud gaming (maybe a literal ton, if you count the CAR that has cloud gaming??), we have something for you. Talk soon!
