News stories tagged with #Xbox
Leak Reveals Xbox Elite Series 3: New Dials, Cloud Focus, and Improved Modularity
Certification documents from Brazil's Anatel agency have leaked new images of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 3. The premium gamepad features replaceable components, two front-facing rotary dials, and a dedicated cloud gaming mode utilizing Wi-Fi 6 for lower latency. These design choices signal a significant update aimed at durability, precision, and compatibility with Microsoft's streaming strategies.
Project Helix: Microsoft Plans Comprehensive Xbox Pivot and New Hardware
Microsoft is restructuring its gaming division under the 'Xbox' brand and developing a next-generation console codenamed 'Project Helix.' The new strategy aims to create a global ecosystem spanning cloud, mobile, and PC, while reevaluating Game Pass and the approach to exclusive titles. This pivot shifts the company's priority toward daily active users over traditional hardware sales figures.
Xbox Strategy Shift: Microsoft Lowers Game Pass Prices but Removes Call of Duty from Day-One Access
Microsoft is restructuring its Xbox Game Pass model, lowering prices for PC Game Pass and Ultimate while delaying the arrival of new Call of Duty titles by approximately one year. This strategic pivot aims to protect the massive revenue generated by full-price sales of the franchise. Additionally, reports suggest potential further limitations on first-party content and looming job cuts through 2026 due to AI investments.
Metro 2039: Fourth Main Entry in Post-Apocalyptic Series Revealed on April 16
The fourth main installment of the Metro series, Metro 2039, will be officially unveiled on April 16, 2026. Developed by 4A Games and Deep Silver, the game follows up on Metro Exodus from 2019 and is co-created with Dmitry Glukhovsky. It is expected to be set in Moscow, though it remains uncertain whether protagonist Artyom returns or if a new character will take center stage.
Valve Delays Steam Machine Again – 2026 Release Amid Memory Shortages
Valve has delayed the release of the Steam Machine again to 2026 due to global shortages of memory components, despite earlier promises of a launch this year. The console, equipped with Zen 4 and RDNA 3, is expected to run Windows games via Proton, but exact release dates remain uncertain. Valve continues to aim for a first-half 2026 launch while facing persistent supply chain challenges. The delay raises concerns about the device’s competitiveness against Microsoft’s Project Helix and its ability to attract PC gamers.
Microsoft Confirms 'Project Helix' as Next-Gen Xbox with PC Game Support
Microsoft has confirmed the codename 'Project Helix' for its next-generation Xbox, which will support both console and PC games. The device will feature powerful AMD hardware with RDNA 5 graphics and is expected to launch in 2027, though delays are possible due to the DRAM crisis. This marks a shift toward a gaming PC-like console that could signal the end of the traditional Xbox console.
Bungie has released its new PvPvE extraction shooter Marathon, set in a science fiction world centered around a destroyed spaceship. The game has reached third place among the best-selling titles on Steam in the US, surpassing Arc Raiders, despite facing heavy criticism over its monetization. Ahead of its March 5, 2026 release, Bungie is conducting a free 'Server Slam' to test servers and matchmaking, while also announcing a major patch and responding to player feedback with planned UI improvements, balance adjustments, and Duo lobbies. Marathon will also be available on last-generation Xbox and PlayStation consoles, adding to its accessibility.