The age of new Xbox hardware is over. At least, according to a former executive at Xbox.

Laura Fryer, a member of the founding team for Xbox, says Xbox hardware may be on the way out, despite what Microsoft's marketing suggests.

In the aftermath of the unveiling of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, Fryer shared her thoughts on the future of the Xbox as someone who helped get the brand off the ground.

Unfortunately for console fans, she has offered a harsh verdict.

Here's a look at what Fryer had to say about the future of the Xbox and how the ROG Xbox Ally could shape it.

See also: This month's best gaming laptop deals

"They are betting their entire business on Game Pass"

Fryer has been a leader in the video game industry for decades. While she is no longer affiliated with Microsoft, she shared her expert opinion on the future of Xbox hardware in a video posted on Sunday on her YouTube channel.

Unfortunately for console fans, in light of Microsoft's announcement of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, Fryer thinks Xbox may be leaving the hardware market entirely, and it's part of a bigger shift across the brand that's leaning more and more on Game Pass and Xbox Anywhere.

Fryer called out the state of things at Xbox right now, saying, "They are betting their entire business on Game Pass and leaving the hardware innovation to their partners at Asus."

She went on to add, "I'll admit, it's a great message for gamers. Who doesn't want to play their games with their family and friends on any device and any platform? But that's all it is -- it's marketing."

While Fryer admitted that Game Pass "has a lot of value," she also pointed out the confusion surrounding which games can be played on Game Pass and Xbox Anywhere.

For instance, the ROG Xbox Ally is a Windows device, so it can't play native Xbox games; only native PC games are supported. The line between those is blurring, but it's still worth noting.

Similarly, the Core and Standard Game Pass subscription tiers for console specifically don't include the day-one releases that are one of the service's most significant selling points. In contrast, the PC version of the Standard Game Pass subscription does include day-one releases.

Fryer also called out confusing moves like this in her video, stating, "From my perspective, the Xbox strategy has been chaotic. So, it's hard to say what they'll do next."

Her prediction for the console's future was grim, to say the least: "Obviously, as one of the founding members of the Xbox team, I'm not pleased with where things are today.

"I don't love watching all of the value that I helped create slowly get eroded away. I'm sad because, from my perspective, it looks like Xbox has no desire or literally can't ship hardware anymore. So, this partnership [with Asus] is about a slow exit from the hardware business completely."

"Personally, I think Xbox hardware is dead."

Is the "future of Xbox" just... PC gaming?

Fryer's perspective on the state of things at Xbox doesn't bode well for gamers who prefer their console to a PC. While Fryer mentioned how cost-effective PC gaming can be when you build your own PC, she also praised the ease that comes with consoles.

They're often less expensive than a gaming PC and, at least historically, easier to use since you don't need to worry about things like driver updates.

With Xbox seemingly abandoning hardware, gamers who want the convenience of a console will likely switch to a PlayStation or even the Nintendo Switch 2.

Even if those gamers want to keep playing their Xbox games, Microsoft has, ironically, made it exceptionally easy for them to abandon Xbox hardware without losing access to their games.

Fryer pointed this out, too, saying, "Here's the problem: Xbox doesn't do exclusives anymore. Even if Xbox delivers a crazy great game, Xbox Anywhere means that I can play that game on any platform."

If the ROG Xbox Ally is any indicator of Microsoft's plans for the Xbox brand, we could be looking at a future where "Xbox hardware" is just... Windows gaming PCs. Of course, there are some phenomenal gaming laptops out there for those who want to get into PC gaming.

However, it's not the same as a console and it's easy to see why long-time Xbox fans may be disappointed to see Xbox consoles ride off into the sunset.

As Laura Fryer said, "It's one year from the 25th anniversary of the [original] Xbox and it looks like they're abandoning pretty much everything that made the Xbox brand great in the first place."

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Looking ahead, 2027 is expected to be the big year for console gamers, with the next-generation Xbox and PlayStation systems both looking to hit the market that fall.

Last week, Microsoft confirmed that the next-gen Xbox console will be powered by custom AMD hardware. On Monday, new rumors indicated Sony's next-gen PlayStation will also feature a custom AMD APU.

In fact, both consoles will reportedly have the same UDNA graphics chip.

Is this an indicator that the console wars are finally over? Will the next console you buy be less about specs and hardware, and more about design and game collection? And is all this AMD hardware actually a good thing for gamers?

Let's take a look.

AMD custom APUs are powering the next generation Xbox and PlayStation

Despite sounding unlikely, Xbox and Sony's next-gen consoles won't be the first to share a link in being powered by custom AMD APUs.

In 2013, both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 were powered by AMD's Jaguar CPU architecture.

And, in 2020, both the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 consoles were powered by custom hardware with AMD's Zen 2 architecture.

Clearly, the hardware similarities between Xbox and PlayStation haven't ended the console wars so far, meaning it's likely the console tribalism will continue even up to and beyond 2027.

After all, having the same hardware doesn't make the consoles equal in terms of performance, user interface, or game library. Both Xbox and Sony are still very much looking to go head-to-head in 2027, and keen for one of them to come out the victor, regardless of how much it may sound like the two are aiming for a hardware tie.

AMD's Ryzen Z series powers most gaming handhelds

AMD's gaming dominance isn't just in consoles. AMD's Ryzen Z series CPUs power most handheld gaming PCs, from our beloved Asus ROG Ally X to the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and upcoming Xbox handhelds.

In fact, the MSI Claw 8 is even getting an AMD variant with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, making it a less unique handheld in the process.

Instead of offering a bevy of choices between various systems, the handheld gaming PC market is more like a palette swap. Choose your preferred color/aesthetic, and call it a day.

Of course, there are some other differences in optimization between the various handhelds, but with just the MSI Claw, MSI Claw 7 AI+, and MSI Claw 8 AI+ offering Intel CPUs, the handheld market feels very one-note.

Even in the more typical laptop and desktop PC space, AMD's X3D CPUs have taken over. At least as far as sales go. Things are a bit less grim for Intel on the laptop side, since there aren't as many laptops offering AMD CPUs, making a full CPU comparison difficult.

However, AMD's dominance isn't as cut and dry when looking at general laptop performance.

Is all this hardware homogeneity good for the gaming market?

On the one hand, having fewer hardware versions to optimize for makes things easier for game developers.

However, we're coming up on the third generation of home consoles with AMD APUs, and we still get games that are broken or nearly unplayable at launch. So clearly, the benefits there are not enough to counteract the gaming industry's development crunch issues.

While AMD fans are, naturally, excited to see their brand dominate the market... being at the top isn't always for the best. As competition decreases, advancements in tech tend to stagnate.

Ultimately, complacency is the death of innovation.

Intel's proven that pretty handily over the last several years, and is now playing catch-up on the PC side. Team Blue has had some recent successes, but there's still a way to go.

We can only hope AMD continues to see Intel and Nvidia as worthy competition, so gamers don't suffer from sheer entropy.

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Xbox cooking up a handheld gaming console became the best worst-kept secret in recent months, but the suspected and confirmed ROG Xbox Ally X was finally unveiled during the June 8 Xbox Games Showcase.

At first, shoving “Xbox” in the name didn’t sound so innovative. How does it compare to the Asus ROG Ally X? An Xbox button alone wouldn’t be enough to get people to upgrade. But once we got a closer look, we realized that this isn’t just a branded Ally X. This might as well be the ROG Ally X 2.

Obviously, we don’t have hands-on time with the ROG Xbox Ally X, but let's jump into how the ROG Ally X and its successor compare from afar.

ROG Ally X vs. ROG Xbox Ally X: Specs

ROG Ally X vs. ROG Xbox Ally X: Pricing and configurations

We have no idea how much the ROG Xbox Ally X is going to cost, and I’m honestly terrified. Right now, you can get the ROG Ally X for $800 on Asus’ website. Apparently, YouTube leaker Extas1s recently suggested that the ROG Xbox Ally X would be priced at $800.

That’d be sick as hell, but considering the current Ally X’s price and that the ROG Xbox Ally X features the new AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (35W) chipset, I’m not so sure. Apart from the chipset, the rest of the specs are the same, though.

However, there will be a cheaper model, called the ROG Xbox Ally, which is outfitted with the AMD Ryzen Z2 A (20W) chipset and even offers the same ergonomic boost. The aforementioned leaker suggested this would be priced at $500, which also matches the current price of the base model of the ROG Ally on Asus’ website.

The difference in specs there, however, is that the new ROG Xbox Ally sports a 60Whr battery versus the original’s 40Whr battery.

ROG Ally X vs. ROG Xbox Ally X: Design and comfort

Yes, performance and battery life are great and all, but the design and comfort of a handheld device can absolutely make or break it.

Jumping from the Asus ROG Ally to the Ally X, we saw a major leap in ergonomics. Everything from the triggers and bumpers to the joysticks and grips became more comfortable and satisfying to use.

I’m hoping that we’ll see a similar leap going to the ROG Xbox Ally X, and it looks like we might. The biggest upgrade that we can see is that shiny Xbox button (just kidding). But seriously, it’s the grips. They look like actual controller grips.

Obviously, I can’t say for sure, but this looks way more comfortable than most handheld gaming devices, especially the Nintendo Switch 2 (don’t get me started).

Naturally, this comes at the cost of some portability. The ROG Ally X comes in at 1.5 pounds and 11 x 4.4 x 1~1.5 inches, and the ROG Xbox Ally X bumps up to 1.58 pounds and 11.4 x 4.78 x 2 inches. It’s actually not too bad, but you’ll still notice a difference when compared side by side, especially with the height.

Overall, the design and comfort improvements of the ROG Xbox Ally X look to be a more than welcome upgrade.

ROG Ally X vs. ROG Xbox Ally X: Performance and battery life

The ergonomics are exciting, but what’s getting fans of handheld gaming PCs hyped up the most is the new AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (35W) chipset.

The ROG Xbox Ally X will be the debut for this particular AMD chipset, and while it will likely make its way into other gaming handheld devices, like the first Z1 Extreme chip, I am also clamoring to see what this baby can do. AMD also added “AI” to the name, so you know it’s going to be good (again, kidding).

For context, the ROG Ally X could run Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree at 1080p, maximum graphics (with ray tracing), and hit anywhere from 27 to 35 frames per second.

That’s pretty impressive in and of itself. I’m not expecting a miracle out of the Z2 Extreme, but it would be nice to see those numbers stay consistently above 30 fps and even dip into the mid-40s.

Playing that same game with the same settings, the Ally X survived 2 hours and 15 minutes. Considering that the ROG Xbox Ally X features the same 80Wh battery, I’m just hoping for similar numbers.

That may be more of a challenge because of the higher performance, but we’ve seen AMD pull through on battery life before, especially with gaming laptops.

Outlook

I haven’t even touched the ROG Xbox Ally X and I know it’s going to be way better. The ergonomics alone look amazing. The biggest unknown right now is the performance. It’ll be better for sure, but by how much? And how will that impact the battery life?

It may be that the ROG Xbox Ally X isn’t a worthy enough improvement to upgrade, but if it’s the same price as the Ally X, it’ll likely be the better buy if you don’t have a handheld gaming PC at all. But like I said, we’ll have to wait and see. We don’t even know the official release date yet. (Holiday 2025 could be anything in that season.)

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Today, Xbox announced the availability of a new limited edition Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, a collaboration with Xbox that sees the brand take its first steps into the world of VR and mixed reality — and it's out now at meta.com and Best Buy for $399.

(A note to our friends from across the pond: Those in the U.K. can grab the limited edition Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition for £379 from Argos.)

"Never let them know your next move," appears to be the gameplan of both Meta and Xbox of late, with the former leaping into new hardware ventures with the ROG Xbox Ally and Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, and the latter choosing to make this announcement well in advance of the company's September Meta Connect 2025 event.

The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition doesn't include any hardware improvements over the standard Quest 3S model, but it is a bundle of impressive value, especially for those looking to take their fabled "Xbox experience" to new heights, while also dipping their toes into the immersive world of VR/AR. Why? Let's dive into things to find out.

Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition: What's new?

• All-new black and green colorway for Quest 3S headset and Touch Plus controllers, influenced by Xbox
• Includes an Xbox Wireless Controller with a unique black and green design
• Also includes 3 months of free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Meta Horizon+ membership

If you were expecting an iterative update on the Quest 3S' hardware, then you'll be majorly disappointed to learn that the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is very much the same device released in late 2024.

Think of this less like a new release and more of a limited edition bundle. You get a fresh new design, and for most, a welcome into the world of VR and mixed reality.

Why should this appeal to you? Well, to put it plainly, while Xbox doesn't have any VR or mixed reality games of its own, the Quest 3S is a brilliant platform for playing flatscreen games also, thanks to its ability to generate absolutely enormous, cinema-like virtual displays absolutely anywhere in your home.

Factor in the headset's rich Dolby Digital surround sound in up to 7.1 channels, and you have all the makings of a truly immersive gaming experience.

As I've said before, if you can find me a 250-inch TV with a surround sound setup to match for only $399, I might change my tune, but until then, the Meta Quest 3S is one of the best ways to enjoy your game library around, with access to Xbox Cloud Gaming (with three free months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate included) in standalone mode, or able to physically hook up to devices using UVC and UAC-compatible capture cards.

Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition: What's in the box?

The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is a limited edition bundle that provides you with all of the standard Quest 3S fixtures but with the company's Meta Quest Elite Strap preinstalled, while adding a themed Xbox Wireless Controller to the mix and sweetening the deal further with a free, three-month trial of Xbox Game Pass.

And, for when you feel like exploring Meta's VR/AR titles, there's also three months of Meta Horizon+ membership included to give you a head start on the action with instant access to an expansive catalog of games to play, and allowing you to claim two curated titles each month.

Here's a look at everything included in the bundle:

• Meta Quest 3S headset (Black/Green)
• Meta Quest Elite Strap (Black, preinstalled)
• Standard Facial Interface (Black, preinstalled)
• Xbox Wireless Game Controller (Black/Green)
• 2 x Meta Quest Touch Plus controllers (Black/Green)
• 2 x wrist straps (Black/Green)
• 4 x AA batteries
• Glasses spacer
• USB-C power adapter (18W)
• USB-C charging cable
• Free three-month Xbox Game Pass, and Meta Horizon+ trial included

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Last week, I all but performed an act of journalistic necromancy, dredging up an announcement of an Xbox-branded Meta Quest VR/AR headset from over a year ago to speculate on the possibility of us finally seeing it unveiled during September's Meta Connect 2025 event.

Since then, the hornet's nest had been well and truly been kicked, and the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition has now been officially announced, and is available to buy right now for a limited time at $399 from meta.com and Best Buy.

Still, the news seems to be confusing some, who appear to be asking why the Xbox needs a VR headset when it has no VR games. Well, the answer to that is right in front of you — literally. It's all about the screen.

Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition: A portal to a better "Xbox Experience"

Before the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition was officially revealed, many seemed confused about this collaboration more than anything. And who could blame them? Sony's PSVR didn't exactly make a huge splash with most console owners, and Xbox doesn't even have any VR games to its name.

But this partnership isn't really about VR, it's about mixed reality. More specifically, the Quest's ability to conjure up cinema-sized displays with impressive Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital surround sound in virtual space, anywhere and everywhere you need it.

While its "Play Anywhere" mentality means you can now enjoy more Xbox titles across a range of devices, Xbox's partnership with Meta gives more gamers access to enjoy big-screen experiences with high-quality audio at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a comically sized TV and speaker setup.

Seriously, go find me a 250-inch TV and a surround sound speaker setup for less than $400 anywhere else. Virtual or not, since enjoying flatscreen content through the Meta Quest, buying physical displays feels nothing short of daylight robbery.

While Xbox's cloud gaming efforts have made it so you can access the "Xbox Experience" on more hardware than ever, its limited edition Meta Quest 3S reminds you that the "Xbox Experience" isn't just about where you can play games, but how you can.

Xbox and Meta Quest: A mutually beneficial crossover

When the Xbox One released in 2013, Microsoft re-angled its console as a do-it-all device for games, movies, apps, TV, and even the internet. The Xbox One wasn't your run-of-the-mill console; it was an entertainment center.

This generation, with the Xbox Series S|X, Microsoft has been more aware of its hardware limitations, branching into cloud gaming to make the Xbox experience feel like something less shackled to a particular piece of hardware.

It's also the reason we're seeing Xbox games make the jump to other platforms, and even Xbox-branded hardware like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally.

Similarly, with its third-generation shift into augmented reality, Meta has been pushing hard to make the Quest a one-stop hardware destination, covering everything from gaming to productivity.

Meta's real challenge has been replicating the sales success of the Quest 2 and convincing flat-screen gamers to give its platform a shot. This partnership with Xbox gives it that opportunity.

It's a chance to get regular gamers across its hardware threshold, and hopefully sway them to the spatial gaming/computing experience, all while handing Xbox users a unique way to game: plastered across enormous, mixed reality displays that truly live up to Xbox's "Play Anywhere" branding.

While its pricing seems a little high at first, besting the regular Quest 3S by $100, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition limited edition bundle includes an Xbox Wireless Controller, two Touch Plus controllers, a Meta Quest Elite strap, and the Quest 3S headset itself. That's a considerable serving that justifies the price, and a free, three-month helping of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Meta Horizon+ are the cherries on top.

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Not all handheld Windows gaming PCs are created equal. While there’s plenty to say about which one currently holds the top position (for a selection of reasons) as best PC gaming handheld between Valve’s Steam Deck, Lenovo’s Legion Go S, or Asus’ ROG Ally X — the heir to the throne is practically written on the wall in neon green paint for all to see: the Asus ROG Xbox Ally.

For years now, we’ve had Microsoft telling us to think outside the box on what we’d consider an Xbox, thanks to its cloud gaming platform and Xbox Anywhere. But this is the first time we’re seeing the brand truly break free from the plastic hardware beneath your TV and dive head-first into a new form factor with the official Xbox branding to its name.

So what makes the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X so worthwhile beyond their branding? Let’s take a closer look.

ROG Xbox Ally: Pricing and availability

While there’s plenty we know about both the standard and X models of ROG Xbox Ally, two things currently out of our grasp are solid release dates and pricing details.

That said, the community is stepping up with information they claim to be accurate, with YouTube leaker Extas1s recently suggesting that the base ROG Xbox Ally could be priced at a fairly competitive $499, with the higher-performance ROG Xbox Ally X model rocking a mighty $799 price tag.

You may be asking, “If the price is already known to certain people on the inside, why hasn’t Microsoft or Asus simply come out and announced it?” Well, that may have more to do with the timing of these handhelds’ release.

When the ROG Xbox Ally was announced, we were given a fairly vague holiday 2025 release window. That’s since been narrowed down by those in the know to October 2025 — particularly Windows Central’s Jez Corden, who “tentatively” corroborates this thinking in a recent update.

However, in the time between now and October, much could change regarding U.S. trade policy, and neither Microsoft nor Asus likely wants to deal with a hailstorm of pushback after announcing a set of prices now, only to be forced to change their tune at a later date

ROG Xbox Ally: Specifications

ROG Xbox Ally: Design and performance

While Asus ROG’s other handheld gaming PCs stick close to the winning Steam Deck formula on overall design, the ROG Xbox Ally does things a little differently, adopting more controller-like grips for better ergonomics.

The ROG Xbox Ally might look a little odd with these sizeable grips, but it’s a sure-fire case of function over form, and while chassis designs adopted by the Steam Deck and ROG Ally are comfortable in their own right, having a “proper” controller grip is going to be a welcome addition, especially when it comes to enjoying games for longer on its 7-inch, 120Hz, 1080p IPS display.

And you likely will find yourself hypnotized for hours at a time (or longer if you dock it or keep the charging cable connected), as the ROG Xbox Ally will tap into some rich gaming experiences through the power of its AMD Ryzen Z2 chipsets.

While the base model is outfitted with a less-than-stellar for the time AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip (which appears to be a varient of the Aerith APU found within the Steam Deck, potentially the mystery Aerith Plus spotted in March), the ROG Xbox Ally X will flaunt the much more impressive Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU — a true sequel to the processor that put the original ROG Ally ahead of the competition when it launched in 2023, and a safe bet to be positioned as the APU widely used to power the next generation of handheld gaming PCs.

The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme’s Zen 5 architecture and RDNA 3.5 graphics promise a solid upgrade from the Ryzen Z1 Extreme that came before, all tucked neatly into a 35W envelope. While Valve may not feel the Z2 series of chips is a “generational leap” enough to consider pushing out a Steam Deck 2, handheld gaming PC owners will no doubt welcome the increased performance and power it offers.

ROG Xbox Ally: Software and games

While the ROG Xbox Ally's hardware is a solid upgrade, these handheld gaming PCs will be getting a software upgrade to match.

Teaming up with Xbox, Asus is passing on its typical Armoury Crate Special Edition software to focus on delivering a SteamOS-like full-screen Xbox experience that brings a familiar feel and look to console gamers in the PC gaming space.

However, this isn't an Xbox handheld. It's still very much a Windows handheld gaming PC like any other, and users will be able to access the usual Windows desktop interface as they choose.

Much like SteamOS, the ROG Xbox Ally simply offers a separate full-screen interface available that connects popular game storefronts for quick and easy access, and simpler navigation when using the gamepad-like controls.

Some of the other storefronts set to be featured within the Xbox full-screen experience include Steam, GOG, Battle.net, and Ubisoft. However, the new interface will also cater to cloud gaming, Game Pass, and Xbox Remote Play.

While it may not be a fully-fledged Xbox console, it's about as close as we're going to get for some time, given that following the announcement of the ROG Xbox Ally, Microsoft shelved plans for a first-party handheld console, with some insiders saying it has been effectively cancelled.

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Microsoft is making moves toward creating a more gaming-friendly Windows with the Xbox app taking on Steam in its aggregation.

We knew this was coming during the ROG Xbox Ally unveiling and Xbox’s AMD partnership announcement. But it still feels like a dream. And yet, it’s not only not a dream, it’s currently a reality for Xbox Insiders. Well, those who have Windows 11 PCs and handheld devices.

That’s right, you can jump into the Xbox PC app with Steam and Battle.net starting this week as an Xbox Insider, which you can jump into by downloading the self-named app and opting into the PC Gaming preview.

Does this mean that Xbox will become the most-used PC gaming app? That depends.

Xbox PC app + Steam + Battle.net

I think most PC Game Pass subscribers will jump over to the Xbox PC app as their primary gaming storefront if the implementation is good. It’s all about accessibility and convenience. Technically, Microsoft claims that it can be any storefront, not just Steam and Battle.net.

Unfortunately, I’m typing this article on a Windows 10 device, so my accessibility is currently gutted. But if I’m not rescued by Linux, I’ll probably sell my soul to Windows 11.

Moving to other examples, how will controllers interact with the Xbox app when aggregating games on Steam? Because the PS5 DualSense controller does not work with the Xbox app, so if that’s your primary connectivity device, the Xbox app might be out.

Sometimes games need a lot of tinkering on Steam just to get them to work, whether it’s updates, validating files, configuring controllers, and ensuring all the right DLC is downloaded. When it officially launches, will there be a Steam interface on the Xbox app, or will it simply open Steam? It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but if you can do most of the work in the Xbox app, that’d be pretty neat.

However, you can’t escape the social aspect of these apps; you will be using the Steam app itself for all of your social needs, unless Microsoft decides to aggregate that in its social section (I doubt that).

Again, depending on how the final product looks, the Xbox PC app could be the go-to app. At the very least, Microsoft is in the testing stages now before the ROG Xbox Ally officially launches. The last thing that people want is a terrible OS on the next super-powerful handheld gaming PC.

I can already see the waves of people uninstalling Windows just to use the ROG Xbox Ally on SteamOS. So, Microsoft, don’t mess this one up. It’s unclear when this week you’ll be able to access the new Xbox PC app. It might be right now, or Saturday, so keep an eye out on your Windows updates tab.

Meta Quest is the best-selling VR headset, and it looks like there is going to be a new variant coming very soon.

Last year, Meta released its Meta Quest 3S, which offers a similar experience to the Meta Quest 3, but at $200 cheaper with its $299 price tag. There are expectations that Meta will release the Quest 4 sometime in 2027, but it seems this new version coming out might help fill in the gap of time.

An Xbox Meta Quest 3S will reportedly be announced on Tuesday, June 23, according to Game Sandwich. The Xbox version of the VR headset will have the color scheme of the Microsoft game console and will retail for $399.

Meta and Microsoft didn't immediately respond to a request for confirmation on the new headset.

Meta teased this Quest 3S version last year. In a blog post from April 2024, the company said it was working with Microsoft to do a limited-edition Meta Quest that was inspired by Xbox. There was no date on when it would be released, with some expecting it would have been officially unveiled at Meta Connect 2025, scheduled for Sept. 17-18.

What's in the Xbox Meta Quest 3S?

According to the report, the Xbox Quest 3S will come with a black and green headset, matching accessories, an Elite Strap, an Xbox wireless controller, and three months of Xbox Game Pass. It will reportedly have the same 128GB storage and specs, which means this does appear to be the Meta Quest 3S with just Xbox colors.

Back in 2023, Meta added the Xbox Cloud Gaming app to its Meta Quest Store. Reviews for the app have been mixed, as many cite controller issues, dealing with being unable to pair their controllers to play a game, or a severe amount of input lag. This version of the Quest 3S might address these hardware issues.

Is Microsoft jumping into VR?

Microsoft appears to be willing to try to get the Xbox brand on whatever hardware trend is in these days.

With its Xbox Cloud Gaming, the company has made a push to declare that any device is an Xbox, whether it's a phone, tablet, laptop, or portable gaming device.

This VR headset could be Microsoft dipping its toes in the VR market before it releases the next generation Xbox, which should be sometime in 2027.

Microsoft is doing a similar test out the waters, teaming up with Asus for its ROG Xbox Ally, which is a version of the ROG Ally X that makes use of the Xbox user interface. The company was reportedly developing a portable Xbox alongside its home console version for its next-generation hardware, but the portable version has reportedly been canceled.

1. Meta Quest 3 vs. Meta Quest 3S: A VR headset head-to-head
2. Meta Quest 3 review: Elite features at an affordable price
3. Meta Quest 3S is here, and I've 3 reasons for Quest 2 owners to get it
4. I tried the Meta Quest 3S: Is it game over for the Apple Vision Pro?
5. How Meta's Quest 3S could spell disaster for the Apple Vision Pro
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I wasn't going to buy the next-gen Xbox home console. The rumored Xbox VR/AR headset might get me, since I have a lot of nostalgia for the original Oculus Rift.

But the home console? Not a chance.

If the Nintendo Switch 2 is anything to go by, consoles are getting more and more expensive, so I wasn't planning to budget for a next-gen Xbox.

And then Microsoft and AMD had to announce a continuation of their hardware partnership for the next generation of Xbox consoles earlier this week.

Xbox President Sarah Bond said in the announcement, "I’m thrilled to share we’ve established a strategic multi-year partnership with AMD to co-engineer silicon across a portfolio of devices — including our next-generation Xbox consoles in your living room and in your hands."

But it's not the hardware that changed my mind. Instead, one of Microsoft's smaller tweaks to the next-gen Xbox just might mean I shell out for yet another Xbox console.

Here's what we know about the next-gen Xbox so far.

The new Xbox is powered by AMD, again

Microsoft has used AMD hardware for the last couple of generations, so seeing that partnership continue isn't much of a surprise.

The original Xbox, released in 2001, was powered by a combination Intel Pentium III processor and an Nvidia NV2A graphics card. It also featured just 8GB of internal storage and 64 MB of RAM.

The Xbox 360 launched in 2005 and used a custom 64-bit IBM XCPU (later referred to as "Xenon") and a custom ATI Xenos graphics chip. It also featured 512MB of RAM and came in 20 GB or 60 GB storage variants, with later upgrades bringing the Xbox 360 to 120 GB of "internal" storage.

The Xbox One launched in 2013 and was the first Microsoft console with an AMD processor. It featured a custom 8-core AMD APU based on the Jaguar architecture and built-in AMD Radeon graphics. The Xbox One featured 8GB of DDR3 RAM and came in 500 GB or 1 TB storage models.

The Xbox Series X and Series S first launched in 2020 and are powered by a custom AMD 8-core Zen 2 APU with built-in AMD Radeon RDNA 2 graphics. The Series S features 8 GB of GDDR6 RAM while the Series X is upgraded to 10 GB of memory. Both consoles came in multiple storage configurations from 512 GB to 2 TB.

While this week's announcement confirms AMD hardware for the next-gen Xbox console, we didn't get many details. However, we do know it will be another custom AMD APU.

Based on the expected 2027 launch of the next-gen Xbox, the custom AMD APU could be based on AMD's Zen 6 architecture and RDNA 5 graphics architecture. Depending on cost and optimization, the APU could feature a Zen 5 CPU and RDNA 4 GPU. But that's still just speculation.

It's not the hardware that changed my mind

I've got a gaming desktop. I spend my days reviewing laptops, including gaming rigs. And all of Microsoft's exclusives and first-party titles always launch on Xbox and on PC, so there's no real point.

And, okay, maybe the thing that's changing my mind about the new Xbox doesn't really break that pattern.

Since the Xbox One, Microsoft's consoles have basically just been well-optimized gaming PCs in a custom ITX case. In fact, you can indeed install the regular version of Windows 10 and Windows 11 on the XBox One and Series X|S consoles.

While the Xbox consoles have traditionally used a proprietary Xbox System Software OS, that software isn't too far from Windows 10 and Windows 11's S-Mode.

But, despite owning a high-end gaming PC, the idea that the next-gen Xbox console is "not locked to a single store," is a compelling selling point.

Despite my love for my gaming desktop, and my quality gaming chair, I’m a big fan of couch gaming, which makes consoles an attractive option.

Sure, I can obviously access my Steam library on my gaming PC. But putting my Steam library on an Xbox just feels more reasonable than moving my gaming PC onto my TV stand. The bulky ATX case just will not fit in nicely. Additionally, the Xbox System Software is far better for gamepad controls than Windows 11.

And let's be real, Windows 11 is the inferior Microsoft OS.

Plus, my gaming rig is getting up there in years. And if trends continue, it won't be able to play new games on the best settings in just a few years. So rather than overhaul my gaming PC, I may as well just wait and buy a next-gen Xbox.

Though the other option for cozy couch play without sacrificing your living room aesthetic is, of course, a quality gaming laptop.

When will the next-gen Xbox even arrive?

Microsoft is expected to launch the sixth-generation Xbox console in the fall of 2027.

Gaming hardware typically launches in the September-November range, though there are exceptions. Particularly in the mid-cycle refresh phase. So this release date is subject to change.

The fun thing about this next generation of Xbox hardware is that it won't just come in home console form. Microsoft is not launching a proprietary Xbox handheld, but the ROG Xbox Ally X is expected to launch later this year.

There are also rumors floating around of an Xbox-branded VR/AR headset, which could also see a release as early as September 2025. While the launch date is just speculation, it wouldn't be out of pocket to see an Xbox VR headset.

As Xbox President Sarah Bond said in the AMD partnership announcement, "At Xbox, our vision is for you to play the games you want with the people you want, anywhere you want. That’s why we’re investing in our next-generation hardware lineup — across console, handheld, PC, cloud, and accessories."

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Say whatever you'd like about the predictability of Microsoft, but the Xbox brand has pivoted so wildly over the last several years that you'd assume its product roadmap was nothing but hairpin bends.

From banking heavily on Xbox Game Pass and cloud gaming, to sharing exclusive games with PlayStation, to teaming up with Asus for the ROG Xbox Ally handheld, and even suggesting third parties will build their own Xbox consoles in the future, it's increasingly hard to know where Xbox is heading next.

Except, we do know one thing: it's been a year and change since a very different kind of Xbox hardware was quietly announced — one that won't be a console in the traditional sense, but a VR/XR headset. Given its scope, we may even see it revealed as soon as this September.

Xbox's take on the Meta Quest 3: Powered by Horizon OS

In April 2024, Meta announced that it was opening the door for third-party manufacturers to adopt the Meta Quest 3's operating system, Horizon OS.

Alongside this announcement, Meta (and CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Instagram) revealed that this decision would spark a new generation of VR/MX hardware, with several partners already lined up to spearhead the move, including:

• ASUS ROG: Who were earmarked to develop a new stand-alone, high-performance headset optimized for gaming and powered by Horizon OS
• Lenovo: Tipped to use Horizon OS' mixed reality features to power headsets for education, productivity, and entertainment
• Xbox: Set to build upon its partnership with Meta following Xbox Cloud Gaming's arrival to Horizon OS by developing a limited edition Meta Quest headset

We didn't get to see any of these devices as prototypes, and we weren't offered any form of release date or pricing information. But Meta did reveal that each headset could be fine-tuned to suit its target audiences.

In Xbox's case, Zuckerberg suggested that this model could "come straight out of the box with Xbox controllers and Game Pass, so that you can immediately just start playing on a big screen anywhere you go."

How that translates to the final product remains to be seen, and just how special Xbox's limited edition Meta Quest headset is from the standard Quest 3 model is also up in the air.

However, we have seen Meta provide limited editions of other products, namely its Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, which have received new colorways and designs over the years. At the very least, this could mean that Xbox's Quest headset will visually stand out, likely opting for the black colorway that the console is primarily known for.

As a limited edition Meta Quest variant, we can likely rule out any dramatic changes to the Quest 3's current design or features. You can probably expect it to look pretty much the same as the current third-generation Quest headsets, though adopting the Xbox Wireless Controller's colored buttons would be a nice touch.

Big screen experience or fully VR ready?

That's if the Quest 3's Touch Plus controllers are included in the box, Zuckerberg did hint that the headset could come with an Xbox controller, after all. Thankfully, those who nab the headset when it launches will still be able to use its hand tracking for VR/MX content, and a lack of controllers could result in a sizeable discount on the headset's overall price.

If the limited edition Xbox Meta Quest headset adopts the Quest 3S as its baseline, instead of the more premium Quest 3 model, it could be an impressively affordable entry-level option for VR/MR first-timers.

However, many of the Quest's most popular games do require a pair of Touch Plus controllers. Which means, should you be swayed by the Quest's VR/MX game library, you would need to buy the controllers separately, which Meta sells for $74.99 — each.

When can we expect it?

Frustratingly, the last time we heard of this Xbox-branded headset was also the first time we heard about it. Since Meta's original post in April 2024, we've had pretty much radio silence.

Does this mean that the project has evaporated into thin air? Well, it wouldn't be the first time that Meta has announced something and failed to deliver (we're still waiting for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas VR).

However, with Xbox happy enough to work with third parties on Xbox-branded hardware (even to the point of cancelling its own plans) and the seemingly small scope of the collaboration, I'd say there's a strong chance that this headset is still due to release. The question is: when?

The answer to that question may be sooner than we think, with the upcoming Meta Connect 2025 event, scheduled for September 17-18, making an ideal stage to showcase a new headset, especially as the Meta Quest 4 is rumored not to make an appearance until 2027.

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Xbox was once rumored to be working on its own dedicated handheld console — a direct answer to the Steam Deck and the PlayStation Portal. The device would’ve marked Microsoft’s first foray into a bespoke portable gaming console under the Xbox brand.

Now, according to a recent report, the handheld is dead. The project has been “essentially canceled,” with insiders confirming that Microsoft has shelved internal development to instead double down on third-party partnerships and software-first strategies, reports The Verge.

This marks more than the quiet death of a gadget. It’s an unexpected shift that could transform Xbox from a hardware-centric platform into something far more dynamic: A software ecosystem that thrives on alliances.

It’s not that Xbox is getting out of hardware entirely. It’s that Microsoft no longer needs to own every part of the stack to win.

The Xbox handheld lives on, just not from Microsoft

Microsoft and Asus revealed the ROG Ally and its higher-end sibling, the ROG Ally X, during Summer Game Fest 2025. They are Xbox-branded gaming handhelds that run on Windows 11 and boot directly into a custom, full-screen Xbox interface to deliver console-like simplicity with PC-grade flexibility.

The standard ROG Ally features a Ryzen Z2 APU, 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 60Wh battery. The Ally X pushes the envelope with a Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and haptic impulse triggers, all wrapped in Xbox-styled ergonomics and a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz VRR display.

And most importantly, they are Xbox-first in experience. They launch into a full-screen Xbox UI, hide the Windows desktop, and are optimized for Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Remote Play, and more. You can also access Steam and other PC libraries — this is still Windows, after all — but Microsoft’s fingerprints are all over the interface.

According to Xbox CEO Phil Spencer, this collaboration represents “the tightest collaboration I’ve seen between the gaming organization and the Windows team in my three decades at the company.”

Why kill your own handheld?

Microsoft’s decision to cancel its handheld might seem strange. But building hardware is hard, expensive, and slow. And with companies like Asus, Lenovo, MSI, and Razer already shipping powerful gaming portables, Microsoft saw a better play: Become the ecosystem behind them.

By letting OEMs build the devices while Microsoft provides the platform, Xbox can scale faster, iterate quicker, and expand into niches that would be risky to tackle solo. Think Steam Deck-style devices, yes — but also streaming sticks, tiny PCs, modular accessories, and maybe even headsets.

Microsoft still plans a next-generation Xbox console (expected around 2027–28), but that no longer has to be the only kind of Xbox. Spencer has described a future where multiple devices from multiple companies, all certified and co-developed, coexist under the Xbox banner.

If “This is an Xbox” becomes a flexible definition, then anything from a $499 handheld to a VR headset could qualify.

VR is next, and Microsoft might beat Meta to it

That headset might already be in the works.

Microsoft is an early partner in Meta’s Horizon OS initiative, a program to open the Quest software platform to third-party headset manufacturers. Mark Zuckerberg named Asus, Lenovo, and Xbox as the first wave of partners.

And while Meta isn’t launching new hardware this year, Asus is rumored to be developing a Horizon OS-powered headset codenamed Taurus, with eye-tracking, face-tracking, and micro-OLED displays.

We’ve already seen the first crossover: A limited-edition Xbox-themed Meta Quest bundle that comes with Game Pass access and Xbox controllers. But the real prize would be a fully Xbox-integrated headset. One that offers console-quality cloud gaming and native VR in a single device.

With Meta Quest 4 delayed until 2027, Microsoft and its partners have a rare opening to define the future of hybrid gaming before Meta can dominate it again.

Xbox everywhere, for everyone

If all this sounds like Xbox is becoming a software platform that runs anywhere, well, that’s kind of the point.

From Series X consoles to Asus handhelds, from Meta headsets to browser-based Game Pass, Microsoft aims to make Xbox less about where you play and more about how you play. In a November 2024 GameSpot interview, Spencer put it best: “We want our games playable across as many screens as possible.”

That includes phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, future consoles, third-party handhelds, and VR. The big twist? Microsoft may have just made Xbox the most versatile gaming platform in the world, not by building more devices, but by letting others do it.

Ultimately, this means more choice for gamers. For Microsoft, more reach. And for Xbox? It might mark the beginning of its most exciting era yet.

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Well, capitalism is going to capitalism, I guess. Apparently, Xbox didn’t get the message, so it’s following Nintendo’s lead and charging a whopping $80 for The Outer Worlds 2.

If you haven’t been following the massive gaming news cycle, we just got back-to-back gaming showcases, from Summer Games Fest and PlayStation’s State of Play to the Xbox Games Showcase.

As part of the latter, we finally got a deep dive into The Outer Worlds 2, a sci-fi RPG that’s an extreme parody of our current capitalist society. Even the narrator in the trailer said, “An adventure made for capitalism by capitalism.”

Fans, including myself, were stoked when we got the deep dive. I mean, come on, Bad Knees is such a funny perk, though not as amusing as the real-life joint fatigue you'll be feeling from shouldering the weight of gaming's favorite new number.

Let’s get into this $80 nightmare.

The Outer Worlds 2: We, the people, are not happy

The Outer Worlds originally launched at $60. Granted, that was in 2019, but jumping to $80 is wild.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Obsidian Entertainment, and it doesn’t get to decide the price, but this is rough. Now, I do subscribe to Xbox Game Pass, so I won’t be paying anything outside of that subscription fee… which I think is the point.

Why pay $80 when you can play it for like $20 per month? If you beat it in three months, you’ll save money. Game Pass is even cheaper if you’re not buying Ultimate, $10 for Game Pass Core and $12 for PC Game Pass.

Reddit user Suitable_Ad6848 says, “Wait on that s**t.” Same, gamer. The worst part is that the Premium Edition costs $100, which comes with the Season Pass for the game’s eventual DLC. I loved the original’s DLC duo, and so I’ll definitely be playing that.

However, if I didn’t have Game Pass, I’d likely wait for a deep sale. The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition (includes all DLC) is currently available for $24.17 on Steam.

Don't run out of patience, exercise it.

Sure, you might need to wait a few years, but if you give in to this ridiculous pricing scheme on launch day, that’ll just prove to these game companies that we’re willing to pay anything to play.

As far as Xbox Game Pass goes… Well, unfortunately, I can’t resist that. Maybe I am part of the problem in that regard. After all, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate used to be $15. Who knows when it’ll increase again?

For Bahumat’s sake, we don’t even know how much the ROG Xbox Ally X is going to cost yet.

The truth is: If we keep buying, companies will keep selling, and eventually sell for more. But not many people can balance these wild prices with the rising cost of living and the stagnant minimum wage.

Like the narrator said, The Outer Worlds 2 is “An adventure made for capitalism by capitalism.” Unfortunately, it’s unironic.

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After months of rumors, Microsoft's Xbox handheld is a reality, although it might not be the portable gaming machine that will dominate the market.

The ROG Xbox Ally is the new handheld made by Asus in partnership with Microsoft, and the Xbox maker made the announcement of the new gaming hardware during Sunday's Xbox Games Showcase.

There are two versions of the portable console coming: the Xbox Ally and the Xbox Ally X. The former will be the standard version, while the Ally X will be the performance version with improved specs.

This Xbox Ally, however, is not Microsoft's new next-generation hardware. The company was rumored to have a first-party handheld in development that would release along with a standard home video game console, with both of them being the successor to the Xbox Series system. That particular first-party handheld that Microsoft was reportedly working on has now been rumored to be on pause for the time being. The next console from Microsoft is expected sometime in 2027.

What's in the ROG Xbox Ally?

The Xbox Ally comes with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB LPDDR5X-6400, 512GB M.2 2280 SSD, and 60Wh battery, while the Ally X has an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB LPDDR5X-8000, 1TB M.2 2280 SSD, and 80Wh battery. Both devices have a 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh display, Xbox-inspired button layout, and Wi-Fi 6E.

Some other differences between the two are that the Xbox Ally X has a USB4 and USB 3.2 port, impulse triggers, and weighs 45 grams more.

Looking at the specs, the Xbox Ally X does have slightly better components than the ROG Ally X that came out last July. Both devices will seemingly be more powerful than the Steam Deck, but power is not everything when it comes to handhelds.

A big concern about the Xbox Ally is the Windows 11 operating system. The ROG Ally X, MSI Claw, and Lenovo Legion Go all used Windows 11, and it actually hampers the performance. The devices are essentially Windows 11 laptops, and if the system and games are not optimized, it can feel sluggish and perform poorly.

On the other hand, the operating system for the Steam Deck, SteamOS, offers a much better performance on these portable consoles. The Lenovo Legion Go S can be used with SteamOS, and there is a big performance boost when ditching Windows. It's unclear right now how optimized the Xbox UI will be on the Xbox Ally.

When does the ROG Xbox Ally come out and how much will it cost?

Microsoft says the Xbox Ally and Ally X will come out this holiday season in the U.S., U.K., and several other countries. There will be pre-orders for the portable console, although no specific date was mentioned.

As for how much it will cost, that is the big question. Microsoft says it will reveal the portable's pricing in the coming months, but it's very likely to cost more than $500 since the ROG Ally launched in 2023 with a price tag of $600.

There's also the question of tariffs. Microsoft already had to raise the price of its Xbox Series consoles due to tariffs. Asus has already raised the price of some of its products because of those tariffs, as the company is based in Taiwan. Some portable consoles have also increased in price, or their manufacturers have refused to sell them in the U.S. due to tariffs.

If you’re a Millennial who grew up around translucent game controllers, Jungle Green N64s, or the original Halo Xbox, Razer’s new Phantom Collection will feel like a direct hit of nostalgia.

The Phantom Collection updates Razer’s popular gear with a fresh look

Razer this week announced its new “Razer Phantom Collection," which the gaming brand describes as "a bold new colorway that redefines visual design in the gaming space.”

The collection features an all-translucent design and, in the company’s own words, “offers a bold visual departure from traditional finishes.”

Razer mentions that in addition to celebrating the engineering excellence behind its hardware, the Phantom Collection introduces an aesthetic language blending transparency, depth, and modern minimalism.

The Phantom Collection introduces refreshed versions of some of Razer’s most popular gear, just in a brand-new translucent colorway and enhanced Chroma RGB. This includes the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro, which Laptop Mag has previously reviewed and claimed is easily one of the best gaming mice in Razer’s entire lineup.

The Phantom Collection also gave the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% keyboard a design refresh, which Laptop Mag described as “one of the best gaming keyboards out there.”

Razer also gave the Barracuda X Chroma headset the Phantom Green touch and the Firefly V2 Pro mouse mat.

Phantom Collection reminds gamers of classics like the Xbox Halo edition and the Nintendo 64

Interestingly, according to gamers who have seen the new Phantom Collection so far, the Army-green tinted coloring (i.e., the Phantom Green design refresh Razer aimed for) took many gamers back to the ‘90s.

For instance, someone shared images of the Razer Phantom Green collection on the r/MouseReview subreddit, and the comment section is filled with nostalgia-struck gamers reminiscing about the good old days.

One redditor commented, “Welcome back, the 90’s,” while another chimed in and explained how the translucent finish of the Phantom Collection reminded them of the classic ‘80s water pistols and how they could almost taste the warm plastic from their childhood.

The Phantom Collection even reminded many folks of the Jungle Green Nintendo 64 and the Xbox special Halo edition, which featured a similarly rugged, translucent Army-green finish that became iconic among gamers.

The Halo edition Xbox remains a collector’s item to this day, and you can get it on eBay for $399 right now!

The Phantom Collection may also remind some of the Xbox 360 and its interface, which had an iconic green-tinted vibe that Xbox is known for.

It’s funny how certain designs can instantly transport us back to a specific gaming era. Razer’s Phantom Collection, which is already available at Razer’s website, Razer stores, and authorized retailers worldwide, is a perfect example.

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Elden Ring: Nightreign is the newest game from developer FromSoftware, the studio behind the Dark Souls series and 2022's Elden Ring. Nightreign takes a multiplayer spin on the Elden Ring formula, and it's causing a rift among fans of the original game.

Nightreign is a multiplayer roguelike game that takes place on an island in the Lands Between, the setting for Elden Ring. Instead of exploring a big world full of monsters, giant bosses, and deep lore, players need to survive three in-game days in a rush to defeat the Nightlord in order to have a successful run.

Gamers have been buying the game in huge numbers so far. The official Elden Ring X account posted that as of May 30, the game's official launch day, two million copies of Nightreign had already been sold.

However, not everyone who buys the game is happy with it. While critics have been positive about it, giving it an aggregate score of 78% on OpenCritic, those who bought it are saying otherwise.

On Steam, players have shown their dissatisfaction with the game, resulting in a "Mixed" rating based on more than 31,000 reviews. Players have had issues with the incredible difficulty of solo runs, the inability to find teammates through matchmaking, and the lack of an option for teams of two.

Fortunately, those are issues being addressed by FromSoftware and the community.

FromSoftware sent out a couple of tweets regarding two of the issues players are having. For those who want to play solo but find it too tough, the developer says patch 1.02, coming out next week, will allow players to revive automatically during gameplay, and more runs will be rewarded per match.

Runs are used to level up a character. As for matchmaking, FromSoftware also gave some tips on adjusting the network settings in case players can't find others to team with.

One game modder already worked on adding a duos option to the game, at least for PC players. The Seamless Co-Op (Nightreign) mod is available for download so players can team up with one person and begin a match instead of trying to find a third.

What is Elden Ring Nightreign?

Nightreign takes the combat from Elden Ring and makes it a fast-paced multiplayer title.

Players pick from one of eight Nightfarers, who each have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Recluse is a powerful magic user who can do huge damage, but won't be able to survive many hits during battle. On the other hand, the Raider is a character who can take the punishment from enemies, but he's very slow when attacking.

Whether it's solo or with a team, the goal is to defeat a Nightlord, a special boss that is very difficult to beat. To reach the Nightlord, players will have to survive three in-game days. They'll be dropped onto the island of Limvel where they will have to gather equipment and level up their characters. Both of these can be done by taking on bosses found all across the map. Each run will have a slightly different map and bosses.

As the day progresses, this takes around 14 real-time minutes, a storm circle will close in, forcing players to move to avoid the storm or else take on continuous damage. When night comes, the players will have to defeat a night boss, which can be difficult if they don't have the right equipment or a high enough level.

Once that boss is defeated, the storm circle resets, and players can explore the island again until the next storm begins and they face the second night boss. If they survive the second boss, players will be transported to an arena to fight the third boss.

As players defeat more bosses, they'll be able to unlock other characters, better relics to equip before a run, and learn more about each Nightfarer.

Elden Ring: Nightreign costs $40 and is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series consoles.

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The gaming industry is notoriously volatile. And that's true of more than just software.

This week, we have a new entry for the graveyard of delayed or discontinued gaming hardware, and Microsoft is at the heart of it all.

Microsoft's rumored first-party Xbox handheld may take longer to arrive than initially expected.

According to an exclusive report from Windows Central, Microsoft has paused development on the Xbox handheld to focus instead on optimizing Windows 11 for gaming experiences.

Here's what we know so far about the delay, Windows optimizations, and the future of Xbox handhelds.

Xbox Handheld delayed indefinitely

Even though the Xbox handheld seems to be on pause, Microsoft is still working on something else.

Codenamed "Kennan," the project for a branded Xbox handheld with Asus is reportedly still underway. So we will still get an Xbox handheld — even if it's mostly just a next-gen ROG Ally with a black-and-green color scheme.

The first-party handheld that's reportedly been delayed was initially expected to launch alongside a next-generation Xbox home console in 2027.

While we understand that the Xbox Series X successor will still launch during that window, the handheld device appears to have been shelved for now.

According to the report from Windows Central, "sources have indicated ... that Microsoft is still deeply investing in developing its own Xbox gaming handheld technology in the future, but it was announced internally [Thursday] that the priorities are moving more deeply towards third-party OEM handhelds in the interim."

So it appears that Microsoft is still planning to make its own handheld gaming device, just not by 2027.

Microsoft's Xbox handheld may end up being a mid-cycle device rather than a dual-launch device for Microsoft's next console generation, but only time will tell.

Windows 11 optimization isn't a terrible trade-off

Microsoft is switching its handheld development to further support the "Kennan" handheld, which was co-designed with Asus, and to focus more on software optimization.

As Windows Central reports, "Microsoft has decided to prioritize its teams to improve Windows 11 gaming performance, specifically for devices like the ASUS partner, 'Project Kennan.'"

It's possible that the threat from SteamOS, which on paper delivers better gaming performance than Windows 11 itself, has informed these decisions."

Now that Lenovo's Legion Go S with SteamOS is available, Microsoft has some serious OS competition for gaming handhelds. Valve's Linux-based operating system tends to be less resource-intensive than Windows 11, and thus offers better battery life and smoother performance.

Of course, SteamOS isn't the best solution for everyone. Some first-party launchers don't have Linux support or may not run correctly through Proton emulation. Workarounds exist for more major launchers, like the Epic Games Store or Ubisoft Connect.

And Valve is still updating the Steam library to make more games compatible with SteamOS. The SteamOS library currently features over 17,000 games, though most are single-player.

Kernel-level anti-cheat systems seem the most significant barrier to enabling popular multiplayer games on SteamOS.

Outside of the smaller multiplayer library, SteamOS is stable, is a low-hardware-lift OS, and it doesn't get hamstrung by Windows 11's terrible touchscreen controls on the desktop. This has made the Steam Deck (and potentially now the Legion Go S with SteamOS) a more attractive gaming handheld than its Windows competitors.

Unless you're like me, and you've got an MMO you just can't put down, SteamOS is a solid solution.

However, if Microsoft optimizes Windows 11 for gaming handhelds, that could remove at least a few OS-based pain points for Windows-based gaming handhelds.

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This isn’t exactly the Xbox rumor I expected we’d get, but it sure as heck is an exciting development, if it’s true.

YouTuber eXtas1s posted a video claiming that Xbox games, titles that never made their way to PC, are finally arriving where they belong, thanks to a new x64 emulator. An official Xbox emulator from Microsoft is a big swing. Xbox has claimed to be focused on the software as opposed to hardware, and this would be a titan-like step in that direction.

The question is, if this is true, what happens to the Xbox console? And how far is Microsoft going to take this new emulator? What's more, this may coincide with yet another rumor making the rounds. Let’s jump in.

What an official Xbox emulator means for you

You may have already caught me ranting about Gears of War getting yet another remaster for PC while Gears of War 2 and Gears of War 3 collect dust on the Xbox console. An Xbox emulator would finally give me the chance to play my favorite console games on PC.

But why would Microsoft ditch what little edge the Xbox console had left? Well, another Xbox console, of course.

It's long been rumored that Xbox is planning to release a handheld gaming PC, which we may have seen pictures of in a recent leak. It looks a lot like an Asus ROG Ally, so it’s possible this is the 2nd generation with an Xbox-branded spin.

It may work similarly to the Legion Go S, which ships with a SteamOS and Windows model. I cannot see a new Asus ROG Ally having much trouble playing games from the original Xbox and Xbox 360 era, so it works out if that’s the case.

But if Xbox is cultivating a handheld experience, what does that mean for the average Windows user? Well, ideally, this’ll look something similar to Steam’s big picture mode, at least that’s what YouTuber eXtas1s claims.

This isn’t a drastic surprise, as the Xbox app has been getting some serious updates on Windows 11 (RIP Windows 10). Microsoft optimized the visual experience and overall performance, as clocked by Windows Central Executive Editor Jez Corden on BlueSky.

However, I’m concerned about how these Xbox games will perform from a connectivity standpoint. Will they all get access to their multiplayer capabilities, or will this official emulator strip that away?

I’m not going to pretend to know how that would work, but I hope that Xbox takes the time and effort to figure it out. There are so many great multiplayer games from the Xbox and Xbox 360 era… like Gears of War 2 and Gears of War 3.

What's next

Looking ahead, the real question is: What happens to the standard Xbox console? Is Microsoft officially moving over to PC? I certainly hope not.

The Xbox console doesn’t offer a whole lot of unique features, but I do love playing Xbox Game Pass games on my TV — connecting my PC or Laptop just ain’t the same.

Now, if the Xbox app suddenly showed up on the PlayStation Store, then I wouldn’t have any reason to buy an Xbox ever again. If Xbox really doesn’t care about hardware, that would be a wild move.

As far as how this Windows Xbox emulator turns out, we’ll just have to wait and see.

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Microsoft will hold its annual Microsoft Build 2025 event starting on Monday. This is when the Windows maker shows what it's working on, which comes during a busy period for tech companies.

A day after Microsoft Build 2025 starts, Google will put on its Google I/O show and the big tech expo, Computex.

This year's Microsoft Build is expected to be all about AI. Copilot has been a feature the company has been pushing hard in 2025, and it doesn't look like it plans to slow down talking about AI.

How can I watch Microsoft Build 2025?

Microsoft Build 2025 starts on May 19 at 12 p.m. ET with a two-hour keynote featuring CEO Satya Nadella and other company leaders discussing the latest features and services Microsoft is developing. Other events will focus on everything Microsoft is developing.

A livestream of the event will be available on Microsoft's YouTube channel.

Here are some of the things to expect at Microsoft Build 2025.

Copilot

If there's going to be a star of the show, it'll be Copilot. Microsoft is not slowing down in making Copilot the AI model Windows users should be using. Expect to see a few new features finally roll out after being in preview for the past several months.

Copilot semantic search in Settings, File Explorer, and the main Windows Search will likely be demoed during the show, along with other features that have been shown in previous events.

Windows 11

It wouldn't be a proper Microsoft show without discussing Windows. Now, the question is whether there will be a lot of talk about Windows 11.

Arguably, the most significant and most controversial feature for the operating system, Recall, has already debuted on Copilot+ PCs. Expect some talk about the feature, maybe it's improving a bit more, or simply becoming more widely available.

As for other Windows 11 features, it's hard to find other big changes needed for the operating system. Microsoft could show off some major innovation that it has kept quiet for some time, but the most likely situation is that there will be some optimizations and a few small features coming to Windows 11.

Copilot Agents

In April, Microsoft held a Copilot event to show off the Copilot's AI companions. These avatars act as your personal AI agent while using Copilot and can come in different forms. One popular option was the Clippy companion.

It's like Microsoft will reveal some more features for the companions at Microsoft Build, along with a few more character options for your AI friend.

A new AI?

Copilot is now Microsoft's big focal point, and OpenAI's ChatGPT powers it. While the Windows maker owns a stake in OpenAI, it reportedly wants its own AI model. Microsoft's AI model is reportedly on par with some of the newer models of ChatGPT, but it's unknown if this new AI is ready for the spotlight. If it is, Microsoft Build 2025 would be the show to make its debut.

Azure

Microsoft Azure is the company's cloud platform and one of its biggest moneymakers. However, it's not the sexiest subject to discuss during an event, as it's mainly intended for businesses.

There will be some Azure talk, and how much will depend on what's new with Microsoft and AI. The cloud platform uses ChatGPT to run various services for clients, such as chatbots, customer support systems, and content generators. If Microsoft sticks with OpenAI, expect to hear some new features for Azure, but if a new AI model is revealed, a slew of changes could be coming to Azure.

New Xbox handheld?

While the next Xbox is still a ways off, Microsoft is working with Asus on a handheld. Nicknamed Project Kennan, the device isn't the next generation of Xbox. Instead, it's set to be a way for Microsoft to dip its toes into the handheld market by providing the Xbox UI for a handheld made by Asus.

Microsoft Build could be the show where we get the first glimpse of this new hardware. If not, expect it to be shown at the Xbox showcase on June 8.

Windows 12?

The least likely news item coming out of Microsoft Build is Windows 12. The company is currently struggling to get Windows 10 users to upgrade to 11, so it's unlikely there will be talk about it.

Unless Microsoft finds it needs a whole new operating system to fully use AI. Plenty of updates are coming to Copilot to make Windows 11 work seamlessly with AI, but maybe there are limitations to what can be done. Again, it's unlikely, and Windows 12 won't be teased until next year at the earliest.

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Nintendo's next-generation handheld console, the Switch 2, is set to debut on June 5, with pre-orders already well underway (albeit with unpredictable availability across the board).

Priced at $449, or $499 if you opt for the Mario Kart bundle, Nintendo's latest handheld console boasts a 7.9-inch LCD screen at 1080p with HDR and a variable refresh rate (VRR) of up to 120 Hz.

Factor in its 4K-capable dock and a slew of popular third party titles like the entirety of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, Cyberpunk 2077, and the upcoming Borderlands 4 and you have a handheld suited to building on the success of the original Switch, which sold over 150 million units since its release in March 2017.

However, while anticipation and excitement build for Nintendo's latest hybrid console offering, a recent leak highlights that the Switch 2 will have to tackle a hurdle that the original never had to: serious competition.

And that competition seems to have Xbox's backing.

The ROG Ally 2 revealed

A slew of handheld gaming PCs from the likes of Lenovo, MSI, and more already unlock impressive gaming on the go experiences, with the Steam Deck still standing tall as the most accessible, console-like option of them all.

However, it's the Asus ROG Ally's successor that might pose the biggest threat of all to the Nintendo Switch 2.

Several recent leaks suggest that the rumored Z2 Extreme-equipped handheld could be nearing an official release.

As spotted by 91mobiles, a listing for the device, dubbed "Asus ROG Ally 2," has appeared on the Indonesian SDPPI Postel site, and an FCC listing that would suggest a pending Indonesian and North American release.

The filing, and images shared by X user @94G8LA, suggest that Asus' next-gen handheld will come in at least two models, a black SKU sporting AMD's Z2 Extreme APU, and a white SKU, interestingly opting for AMD's Aerith Plus APU. — a successor to the chipset used by the Steam Deck.

This particular APU was previously denied to be powering a potential Steam Deck 2 by Valve after being spotted in a shipping manifest in March.

It's likely that this model could run the Steam Deck's SteamOS platform, which is continually expanding to better suit third party devices — similar to the way Lenovo has approached OS flexibility with the Legion Go S.

However, the Z2 Extreme model appears certain be a Windows handheld. That said, it may be a very special kind of Windows handheld, as it has something others dont: a dedicated Xbox button.

This collaboration between Xbox and Asus has been long rumored, and often cited as Project Kennan. But it's not just a branding deal, it may be Xbox soft-launching its way into the handheld market, something strongly alluded to following the next-gen ROG Ally's first teaser trailer, released on April 1, 2025.

And that's quite a shake-up for Nintendo's handheld dominance.

ROG Ally 2: Nintendo's biggest competition to date?

If Nintendo's biggest challenge with the original Switch was proving that there was still life left in handhelds circa 2017, the challenge in 2025 is proving that its success wasn't simply down to there being very few other options available to match the Switch's performance, form factor, and playability.

The original Switch was practically unopposed. Sony had all-but given up on handhelds, Xbox seemingly had no interest in portable hardware, and the rational thought of a handheld gaming PC was still several years away — with Alienware's Project UFO being showcased during CES 2020, two years before Valve began shipping out the Steam Deck.

All that has changed.

While there's no denying that the popularity of the Switch will transition much of its momentum to the Switch 2, as a console, Nintendo risks falling victim to the same old problem home consoles have faced — PCs just do it better.

Not only do handheld gaming PCs like the ROG Ally 2 suggest more powerful devicees, they are more open devices, allowing for operating system flexibility, emulation, vastly expanded game libraries, wider access to various services, better customization, richer personalization.

And now, potentially more tightly integrated access to Xbox's secret weapons: Game Pass and a Windows platform that may be gently evolving to better suit this form factor.

What's next

Nintendo's ecosystem of beloved franchises and brand loyalty has proven to survive just about everything, JoyCon stick drift included.

The company's undereliance on cutting edge hardware over the last few generations only reinforces the notion that its fans care more about Zelda, Mario, and Pokémon than they do ray-tracing, resolutions, or frame generation.

In that light, the Switch 2 is better prepared for the competition than ever. It's bringing the kitchen sink of software and hardware features with it when it releases in June.

However, devices like the ROG Ally 2, are going to be immensely tempting as an alternative, and if a release of this Xbox-branded handheld gaming PC is as imminent as FCC filings may suggest, Nintendo may be heading into its first proper console-war (of sorts) in decades.

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Days after Rockstar Games announced Grand Theft Auto 6 would be pushed to May 26, 2026, the publisher gave fans a bit of a consolation prize.

GTA 6 was set to be the biggest game release of 2025, which is already a big year for video games with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 in June. However, the game is simply not ready, according to last week's announcement. Even though it's not ready, Rockstar dropped a new trailer and more details about the game on Tuesday.

The new trailer, titled simply "Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2," featured more of the characters and story of the game, unlike the first trailer, which was a simple introduction to the new title.

The trailer was published at 9 a.m. ET, and in less than two hours, it already received more than 1.5 million likes. Rockstar's page dedicated to the new game featuring more details about the locale and character shortly crashed after the release of the trailer.

What is GTA 6 about?

The new trailer introduces Jason, who appears to be the boyfriend of Lucia and was previously unknown until this new trailer. Lucia is getting out of prison, and Jason is the one to pick her up.

As is the case with any GTA game, the heroes of the game will find themselves getting into some criminal activity.

"Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them. But when an easy score goes wrong, they find themselves on the darkest side of the sunniest place in America, in the middle of a criminal conspiracy stretching across the state of Leonida — forced to rely on each other more than ever if they want to make it out alive," the description fo the trailer says.

Leonida is the parody version of Florida, home to Vice City, which is the fictional version of Miami. There will be other locales to explore in the game as well, including Leonida Keys, a version of the Florida Keys; Grassivers, a likely parody of the Everglades; Port Gellhorn, based on Panama City; and two other cities that don't have a clear real-world counterpart: Mount Kalaga and Ambrosia.

While the second trailer is longer than the first, it's still only showing cinematics for the game, not actual gameplay.

When will GTA 6 come to PC?

PC gamers, unfortunately, will have to do some waiting before they will be able to play GTA 6.

So far, Rockstar has only confirmed that GTA 6 will come to the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. There was some hope that the year-long delay would provide more time to make a PC version of the game, however, there is no word, as of yet, on when GTA 6 will make its way to PC.

If Rockstar repeats the release strategy it used for GTA 5, which launched on consoles in 2013 and on PC in 2015, then PC gamers could face a two-year wait before they can play the new GTA game.

It does appear that Rockstar might even have a special arrangement with Sony for GTA 6. The trailer footage was captured on a PS5, and there is one shot in the trailer showing what looks like a slim PS5.

GTA 6 will come out on May 26, 2026, but the price has not yet been confirmed. If there is a game that could command a price higher than the traditional $70 for a new title, it would be GTA 6. The game is speculated to have a budget close to $1 billion, and to make up for that money, Rockstar could give the game an $80 price tag, similar to the price of Mario Kart World.

Microsoft just announced some major changes to its pricing for Xbox consoles and games, following in the now-infamous footsteps of the Nintendo Switch 2. While the Xbox has long been a more affordable alternative to a gaming PC, that might not be the case much longer.

In fact, these Xbox price hikes might mean now is the best time to buy a gaming laptop.

See also: Best gaming laptop deals in May 2025

Microsoft announces price increases for Xbox consoles and games

On Thursday, Microsoft announced that Xbox consoles, games, and accessories are getting more expensive worldwide starting on May 1. While the price changes differ from one region to another, gamers all over the world will be impacted.

The price increases range from an $80 bump on the base 512GB Xbox Series S to a whopping $130 increase on the top-tier Xbox Series S 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition:

Consoles aren't the only thing getting more expensive. Microsoft is also increasing the prices of games and some controllers and accessories. Some new Xbox games will be priced at $79 now rather than $69. The prices of special edition and limited edition Xbox controllers have also gone up by $10.

This change clearly mirrors the price increases we saw from Nintendo last month when it unveiled the Switch 2, which costs as much as the Xbox Series X (digital edition). Switch 2 games will also be priced at $79, judging by the prices for the console's first couple of launch titles.

Seeing Microsoft enact similar price hikes is unfortunately a possibility some gamers saw coming. One Nintendo fan voiced worries about this exact situation at a Switch 2 preview event I attended last month. It's likely we'll see more price increases across the gaming market over the coming months, especially in the U.S., where tariffs are accelerating price hikes.

All of these price hikes beg the question, is it even worth buying a console over a gaming laptop now?

Is it worth buying a console instead of a gaming PC anymore? Probably not.

I understand the appeal of consoles. They're easier to set up than a gaming PC and often significantly less expensive. However, price increases on all tech, including consoles now, mean gamers need to consider value over convenience these days.

Gaming laptops and PCs have access to the largest game library of pretty much any device you could use for gaming. With consoles, you're inevitably going to miss out on certain titles that are exclusive to a competitor's console, which happens far less often in PC gaming (really the only games you don't get on PC these days are Nintendo exclusives).

Plus, gaming PCs are easy to upgrade one piece at a time so you don't have to buy an entirely new device every few years. Gaming laptops are less upgradeable, but still offer a larger game library than consoles.

While gaming laptops generally cost more than a console, that price gap is getting smaller and smaller. You can easily get a handheld gaming PC for as much or less than an Xbox console now. If you're considering buying an Xbox, you'll get better value for your money from a gaming laptop, which won't even cost that much more at this point.

Tariffs will inevitably increase the price of gaming laptops, too, though, so if you're hoping to snag some gaming hardware, you should probably do it sooner rather than later. Our guide to the best cheap gaming laptops is a great place to start if you're looking for something affordable or you can check out the best handheld gaming PCs if you want something portable.

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If you've been eyeing some new games for your Xbox library, now is the perfect opportunity thanks to a huge sale from Microsoft.

Top Xbox titles can be pretty pricey, like EA Sports FC25, which costs a whipping $69 just for the standard edition. You don't have to pay that much, though (and you shouldn't). Right now, FC25 is just $20 on Microsoft's Xbox store, which is a steal.

If you're a fan of sports games, you won't want to miss out on the EA Sports MVP Bundle, which includes Madden NFL 25 Deluxe Edition and College Football 25 Deluxe Edition, down to just $59 right now. That's a discount of nearly $100 off the normal price of $149!

There are plenty more titles on sale if those aren't to your liking, from Subnautica for less than $10, to the deluxe edition of Alan Wake 2 and more. We've collected the top 7 deals below so you don't miss out on the best discounts from this sale.

See also: Best gaming laptop deals in April 2025

On April 1, 2023, Asus unveiled its greatest April Fools' Day prank to date: The ROG Ally. Except it wasn't a joke at all.

Following three days of confusion, Asus would confirm that the ROG Ally, a Windows handheld gaming PC powered by AMD's latest (at the time) Ryzen Z1 APU and embroidered with the company's signature RGB panache, was very much real — and every bit as impressive as its original reveal led us to believe.

In our May 2023 review of the ROG Ally, we awarded it four out of five stars, rating it as one of the best handheld gaming PCs to date.

Since then, we've seen a well-received mid-cycle refresh for the ROG Ally in 2024's ROG Ally X (which scored an even more impressive four-and-a-half stars during our review in July 2024), but a next-gen follow-up has yet to be seen. Until now, that is.

On the verge of Nintendo's first Switch 2 showcase, Asus has swooped in with a gaming handheld reveal of its own, teasing a faster, redesigned, and longer-lasting ROG Ally successor.

Not only that, it may be the first Xbox handheld to hit the market.

The new ROG Ally: Fresh look, faster speeds, marathon stamina

Handheld gaming PCs have exploded in popularity over the last few years, with Valve's Steam Deck spearheading the ultra-portable PC gaming charge since its February 2022 release.

Asus' ROG Ally would follow a little over a year later, and the ROG Ally X a year on from that, both offering a considerable performance upgrade over Valve's Linux-based handheld with a full Windows 11 experience to boot.

Since then, the Ally and the Ally X have been the handhelds to beat, fending off stiff competition from the likes of the Lenovo Legion Go and the MSI Claw 8 AI+.

Asus' freshly-teased handheld hopes to build upon that success, with the hardware's trailer promising a fresh look, faster speeds, more capacity, and marathon stamina.

The new ROG Ally's secret weapon?

While unconfirmed, key to these claimed upgrades could be AMD's new Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, revealed during CES 2025, a next-gen version of the Z1 Extreme chip that powered the original Ally.

We've already seen the Z2 family of APUs (primarily designed for entry-level handhelds) in action through the Z2 Go of Lenovo's Legion Go S.

However, the Z2 Extreme is a different beast entirely, built on the Zen 5 architecture with RDNA 3.5, 8 CPU cores (16 threads), 16 GPU cores, a 24MB cache, and a cTDP of 15-35W.

As AMD's Director of Product Marketing, Adam Kozak tells Laptop Mag, on the difference between Z2 Go and Z2 Extreme performance, for "the guys who want to play the latest games with the full settings... It's night and day."

An Ally to the Xbox

Also of note from the new ROG Ally tease was a reply from Microsoft's official Xbox account, suggesting that the brand may somehow be involved with the new handheld.

It's been previously reported that Microsoft is working with Asus to develop an Xbox branded handheld ahead of a "true" Xbox handheld to be launched alongside a new generation of consoles in 2027.

While this means that the new ROG Ally will likely remain as a Windows gaming handheld, similar to the original, Microsoft's recent changes to the Xbox app that position it as a hub to access all games on a system could see it positioned as a front-facing launcher for the new Ally, and tie-in to the consoles "fresh look" claims alongside a redesigned chassis.

However, we'll need to wait to hear more from Asus or Xbox to be certain of how far this collaboration goes (if at all). There's still a chance that the new ROG Ally could be its own machine, with an Xbox-branded alternative available in the future.

Pricing and availability, along with the full reveal of the handheld console, remains to be seen.

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If you've ever played a game and thought, "This is great, but it needs more AI," then I've got some exciting news for you.

Gaming, like just about every tech niche, is slowly but surely colliding with AI, and Razer is the most recent player to roll the ball forward on that inevitable confluence.

This month, Razer announced its Wyvrn game development platform that encompasses AI across the brand's wide array of gaming software and hardware — everything from RGB lighting to haptic chairs.

That move is an expected one in a lot of ways, but it's not necessarily Razer's embrace of AI that has me paying close attention; it's how Razer's embrace has increasingly become the norm.

The whole gaming industry is sliding toward AI, and I'm not just talking about upscaling or game development, which means your games are about to get a major dose of AI, whether you like it or not.

Razer, Nvidia, and Microsoft, oh my

While Razer announced a lot of AI in its Wyvrn ecosystem, the biggest and most pivotal piece of that puzzle is its AI gaming coach, formerly known as Project Ava.

Razer is rebranding Project Ava as Razer AI Game Copilot, which is a bit of a mouthful but technically more official-sounding than the former moniker.

Just as Razer demonstrated at CES 2025, the AI Game Copilot is a multifaceted AI assistant that Razer envisions wearing a few different hats.

One of those hats is an esports coach that can study your game in real time and give you tailored advice and strategies to win. That means the AI is quite literally watching along with you and acting as a virtual caddy of sorts.

If esports isn't really your thing, Razer also envisions its AI coach in a more solo environment, giving its two cents while you fight bosses in games like Black Myth: Wukong. That coaching style might include instructing you on when your character should roll, your enemy's weak points, or giving you information on where key items are located.

Laptop Mag previewed Razer's AI Game Copilot last week and the AI coach looks similar to what was shown off at CES, which is to say it's an AI with a British accent that tells you how not to get your butt kicked in a boss fight.

Razer isn't the only company looking to get its feet wet in the AI game coach arena.

Microsoft just recently announced its own Copilot for gamers this month, which functions almost identically to Razer's offering with a bit more salesman in it.

In addition to giving in-game advice or recapping a gamer's progress, Microsoft also envisions Copilot giving personalized game recommendations based on your habits or helping you connect with friends online.

Xbox's Director of Xbox Editorial, Jeff Rubenstein says the sidekick is there to help.

“This AI-driven sidekick is designed to be your personalized gaming companion, helping you get to your favorite games faster, coaching you to improve your skills, and connecting you better with your friends and communities... Copilot for Gaming will be there when you need it but out of the way if you don’t.”

And if Copilot for gaming isn't enough for you, Nvidia also has presented its coach of sorts called G-Assist.

Similarly to both Razer and Microsoft's iterations, G-Assist is presented as an AI game guide that gamers can query for more information in lieu of Googling for help.

Nvidia's G-Assist would theoretically crunch game data like skill points to recommend character builds or even help you tweak your game settings for optimal performance.

If all of this is starting to sound similar, it's probably because you've been paying attention to AI writ large.

Ideas like AI agents are among the most exciting applications for companies like Amazon who seek to augment their own assistants (Alexa in this case) into something bigger, better, and more useful.

I think most people probably won't argue with voice assistants that can do more than set timers and turn your lights on and off, but when it comes to games, companies like Razer, Microsoft, and Nvidia might be treading on more sacred territory.

Put me in, coach

I've never been a fan of busy work or administrative lever-pulling, and if AI can swoop in and save me from the tedium of my day-to-day workflow or general computing, then I'm all for it. AI agents are a great idea.

With that said, there are some things that I don't want an AI agent for, and having fun is one of them. I've contended for some time now that the best AI is a boring one, and there's something about AI game coaches that feels like an encroachment into my sacred zone of leisure.

Sure, there is plenty of tedium in gaming (Death Stranding made an entire game out of it), but hidden in that grinding or "Game Over" is also a reward for anyone who learns, strategizes, and solves problems themselves.

I'm not saying I don't ever go to Google to tell me how to beat something or where to find an item (my Elden Ring search history is vast), but it's not my first mode of action when I'm stuck or even frustrated.

Maybe I'm just a masochist who likes to play on hard mode both literally and figuratively, but maybe there's also just something to toughing it out the way game designers intended.

Call me curmudgeonly, but I wonder — technologically brilliant or not — how AI coaches will be received by gamers broadly.

I might just be old and out of touch, and if that's the case, then points for Razer, Microsoft, and Nvidia. But if I were a betting man, I'd put my money on AI coaches being met with skepticism as opposed to open arms.

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Rumors of an Xbox-branded gaming handheld are heating up.

According to a report from Windows Central, Microsoft plans to launch its first-ever dedicated Xbox handheld at the end of this year. This is arguably the most solid news about a real release we've gotten yet.

Despite those rumors, we still don't know much about what an Xbox handheld might have in store. What will it look like? What kind of power will it pack? How much will it cost? Can I get it in an Xbox green translucent shell? That last one is a joke. Unless...

Those are some big questions, to be sure, but there's one question that's top of mind for me personally, and it's got a lot to do with... the Nintendo Switch.

Dockin' on Heaven's door

One of my biggest questions is: What will an Xbox handheld offer that other handhelds don't?

At the end of the day, that answer may be... not a whole lot. Xbox has exclusive titles, which might be a significant reason to spring for one over, say, an Acer Nitro Blaze, but outside of that, I don't know how much Microsoft will bring to the hardware party.

One thing I'd love to see, however, is something the Nintendo Switch has offered since its inception — a dock. While that may seem simple, once a dock enters the equation, it beckons many questions, some of which could affect your decision to buy (or not buy) a Switch 2. Hear me out.

The Switch is all about playing Mario and Zelda, yes. But the Switch value proposition is also based on its ability to hold it while you play, or dock it and play on your TV, like a traditional gaming console. It's the switching of the Switch. As far as features go, it's iconic. If Microsoft envisions its Xbox handheld similarly, it will ask potential customers to compare the two directly.

Once you start comparing a potential dockable Xbox handheld to a Switch 2, you see many similarities. Both are handhelds made by console companies with exclusive titles. Both are presumably trying to push the envelope in terms of power (Switch 2 will likely have a major processor upgrade from the previous generation). Both will look to take advantage of an array of third-party, multi-platform AAA titles.

However, I'm not sure Nintendo is entirely competitive on those fronts. If you want power, I highly doubt a Switch 2 will blow you away with benchmarks. Nintendo consoles have never been about competing on the graphical front. And why would they? Mario doesn't need ray tracing.

As far as exclusive titles go, that's just a matter of preference. Maybe you're a big Legend of Zelda person and having a handheld that plays Tears of the Kingdom is a priority. But just as easily, you could be a Halo lifer who needs to pwn grunts on your subway commute to work.

And as far as having an extensive array of multi-platform titles, Microsoft is arguably the winner on that front, given the Xbox's edge in graphical prowess. This allows it to play simple indie games and more demanding titles.

In years past, comparing an Xbox console to a Switch might be comparing apples to oranges, but if both have the same form factor and the same audience, well... our fruit analogy just got a little less flavorful.

Existential questions for Xbox

This is all speculative, of course, since we don't know any real specifics about what Microsoft has in store for an Xbox console, but the idea of a dockable Xbox that's similar to the Switch begs a lot of existential questions.

For instance, if Xbox goes the Switch route with a handheld/traditional console, why would anyone really want to buy something else?

If Microsoft can pack the power of a Series S into something that can also play games on the fly, it makes the idea of an at-home console seem like a bad deal.

Is Microsoft really ready to go that route with its Xbox console, or is the worry of cannibalizing its at-home console business too great? Also, how much does Microsoft lean into Game Pass with its handheld? Will an Xbox handheld have cloud streaming capabilities, or will it find its happy place somewhere closer to a Steam Deck?

Microsoft is obviously making some big decisions, and many of them involver its handheld is just that — a hadeld or a f—or-blown console.

I, for one, welcome the Switchening of Xbox. I've often felt like Nintendo arrived at the ultimate form factor with the Switch and being able to enjoy all of the same benefits in an Xbox-branded package feels like a great way to evolve Microsoft's console business into a new, more value-packed era.

I'm all for pushing boundaries, but if Microsoft can make its Xbox handheld more Switch-like, then I'll be the first one in line to buy.

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If you need more proof that AI and gaming are on a collision course, Microsoft has you covered.

On Wednesday, Microsoft unveiled its Muse AI, which can generate chunks of games based on an image or just a few frames totaling as little as one second.

That means, with a very minimal prompt, you can create game visuals and even brainstorm potential game inputs that Microsoft hopes will propel an idea from concept to reality.

A first-ever gameplay generator

Muse — which was outlined Wednesday in a research paper published in the journal Nature and jointly developed by Microsoft Research Game Intelligence and Xbox Games Studios’ Ninja Theory — is what Microsoft is calling the first "World and Human Action Model," or WHAM for short.

In theory, the generative AI model works like a Copilot or ChatGPT for game creation that Microsoft hopes will accelerate the development of both AAA and indie games.

"What’s groundbreaking about Muse is its detailed understanding of the 3D game world, including game physics and how the game reacts to players’ controller actions," Microsoft says in its statement.

"This allows the model to create consistent and diverse gameplay rendered by AI, demonstrating a major step toward generative AI models that can empower game creators."

And based on initial demos, it's hard to argue with that synopsis. If demos are to be believed, Muse appears capable of generating a fairly convincing-looking game with very little to go off of.

In one demo, Microsoft shows how Muse took a single promotional image for the game Bleeding Edge — the game that Muse is trained with — and is able to generate multiple different continuations from that image.

Once the demo is created, users are able to actually explore the generated sequence — using a game controller to move a character, for example — and then tweak the outputs using text prompts.

While Microsoft says it's already using Muse to develop a "real-time playable AI model trained on other first-party games" there's also potential for Muse to help port old games over to modern-day experiences.

"We see potential for this work to one day benefit both players and game creators: from allowing us to revive nostalgic games to faster creative ideation," Microsoft says in a statement.

Alternatively, Microsoft says it's also exploring how Muse might be able to augment games that already exist. For example, a designer working on new Fortnite experiences might be able to simulate or generate new content and test it out in real time before actually beginning development.

When will Muse be available?

While the initial results of Muse are impressive, there's obviously still a lot of room for growth.

For one, the resolution of Muse's outputs is still a work in progress. According to Microsoft, its current models generate outputs at a resolution of 300 x 180 pixels which was improved from the 128 x 128 resolution of the initial model. That's good enough for a general idea, of course, but not exactly high res.

Currently, the model can generate consistent gameplay for up to two minutes, but with enough power and finesses, there's no reason why Muse couldn't improve to extend beyond that.

There's no clear indication of when Muse will be ready for public or private consumption, but Microsoft says that it plans to "create opportunities for people to participate in this exploration, starting with short interactive AI game experiences" in Copilot Labs "very soon."

It also says that it plans to share its experiments with AI and gaming in earlier stages to help accelerate new AI products' growth and generate more feedback early on.

In any event, it's clear AI is coming for pretty much all aspects of gaming, whether it's helping players beat a boss or improve their skills, or actually making the games that we play.

Study abstract: "Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform creative industries through supporting human creative ideation—the generation of new ideas. However, limitations in model capabilities raise key challenges in integrating these technologies more fully into creative practices. Iterative tweaking and divergent thinking remain key to enabling creativity support using technology, yet these practices are insufficiently supported by state-of-the-art generative AI models. Using game development as a lens, we demonstrate that we can make use of an understanding of user needs to drive the development and evaluation of generative AI models in a way that aligns with these creative practices. Concretely, we introduce a state-of-the-art generative model, the World and Human Action Model (WHAM), and show that it can generate consistent and diverse gameplay sequences and persist user modifications—three capabilities that we identify as being critical for this alignment. In contrast to previous approaches to creativity support tools that required manually defining or extracting structure for relatively narrow domains, generative AI models can learn relevant structure from available data, opening the potential for a much broader range of applications."

I'm not a huge fan of adding more subscriptions to my life, but Xbox Game Pass might be the exception.

Having so many games at your fingertips is huge and being able to stream then on the go is even more appealing. If you've been on the fence about adding another subscription to your life (Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $20 per month) I don't blame you, but now may be the time to make the leap.

Thanks to a Black Friday deal, you can now get one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for free and an Xbox controller plus an Amazon Fire Stick 4K for just $75 — normally that bundle is $126.97, so that's a full 40% off.

It should be noted that part of the reason these items are bundled together is that it's actually a way of playing Xbox on your TV at home without having a console at all — the Fire Stick can stream Xbox Game Pass and the controller obviously is for actually playing the games.

The Xbox Series S is the best gaming console I've ever owned.

It does a lot: it's affordable, performant, and not as much of an eyesore as the beefed up Series X or the PlayStation 5.

One thing it does lack, however, is a ton of storage, which is a major problem given the sheer size of games nowadays. Luckily, there's a solution to storage woes, and while it might normally cost you a hefty premium, Black Friday will save you some major cash on the Xbox Series S' most crucial accessory: a high read/write storage card.

While I don't own this one in particular, I do own Seagate's version and it has been a complete game-changer and could not be easier to use — you just slot it right into the back of the console like you would a regular USB stick.

For all the best deals, browse our Black Friday 2024 hub for the latest and greatest discounts.

Microsoft's desire to release a gaming handheld, be it in the vein of handheld gaming PCs like the ROG Ally X or a handheld console like the Switch, has been the source of much speculation in 2024.

However, in an act of brazen openness that would make a Nintendo exec blush head-to-toe, Microsoft Gaming head Phil Spencer has finally confirmed that a handheld Xbox console is in the early stages of development.

But do you really need to wait for one?

Microsoft's handheld Xbox is finally confirmed

Confirmation of Xbox's handheld plans comes from a November 12 interview with Bloomberg, in which Spencer revealed that Team Green "definitely" wants to be a part of the handheld market.

This news comes after months of online speculation surrounding Microsoft's potential plans to deliver a portable Xbox experience, most of which was fueled by Spencer's own comments.

Towards the start of the year, Spencer revealed he was a "big fan of handhelds" but claiming the company had "nothing to announce" regarding its own during an interview with The Verge — while also stating that Xbox is "learning from what Nintendo has done over the years with the Switch."

In a March interview with Polygon, Spencer outwardly proclaimed that the Xbox hardware team was exploring "different hardware form factors," and that he wants his own Lenovo Legion Go to "feel like an Xbox."

However, we can only say for certain that Microsoft is pursuing its handheld ambitions with the goal of creating an actual end product.

The catch? According to Spencer, there's nothing "imminent" and Xbox is still hoping to "find teams and technology and capability that add to what we're trying to do in gaming at Microsoft."

Thankfully, while Spencer claims that the device is still a few years out, you don't actually have to wait for a handheld Xbox experience. In fact, it's likely you already own a handheld Xbox of sorts, you don't realize it.

Why wait? You already own an Xbox handheld (kind of)

Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming platform has been bringing the Xbox experience to devices of all kinds since 2019.

At the time of writing, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can enjoy over 350 cloud-enabled games on Smart TVs, VR headsets, streaming devices, laptops, and Chromebooks.

However, you can also use Xbox's Cloud Gaming library on your smartphone and handheld gaming PCs. We've even had some success using an ROG Ally X as a pseudo-PlayStation Portal for Xbox with remote play.

Granted, your phone alone doesn't exactly scream "console-like experience." Especially with all of the touchscreen control schemes you'll have to contend with. You'll spend more time covering your screen with your digits if you play that way.

That said, there are plenty of affordable solutions in the form of Bluetooth controllers, or, for a more console-like feel, slot-in game controllers for smartphones like the GameSir X2s Type-C which can be found for just $39.99 on Amazon or the more premium Backbone One, which retails for $99.99.

Outlook

While Xbox will be taking its time in delivering a handheld Xbox console to market, there are plenty of ways of enjoying Xbox games on the go, even if you don't own an Xbox console.

So, while concrete news of an inbound Xbox is welcomed, that doesn't mean we have to do without in the meantime.

Personally, I've been enjoying much of the Xbox Cloud Gaming catalog in AR using XREAL's Beam Pro and Air 2 AR glasses combo, for ultra-cinematic play sessions on a huge virtual screen.

Of course, if you like the idea of AR but aren't a fan of smart glasses, there's always the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S to enjoy Cloud Gaming through, with Microsoft reportedly working on a branded Xbox Quest headset to release at some point in the near future.

There are so many ways to play Xbox's Cloud Gaming catalog that there's almost no reason for Microsoft to continue with console hardware.

Xbox gaming is available across so many devices, including those you take with you on the go. Meaning, you don't have to wait, enjoy your Xbox handheld console today.

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A new Xbox console made an early appearance at Walmart ahead of its holiday-season release, but is it worth waiting to buy one?

Back in June, Microsoft unveiled a trio of updated Xbox consoles set to hit shelves this holiday season. It looks like Walmart got a bit ahead of itself and put one on display a month or two early. While the leak has caught Xbox fans’ attention, these new consoles may not hold the same value as their predecessors thanks to some big shifts in Microsoft’s gaming strategy.

If you’re thinking about picking up one of the new Xbox Series X consoles leaked this weekend, you might want to hold onto your hard-earned money. Here’s a look at the new Xbox Series X and the surprising rival that could make it obsolete.

New Xbox console spotted early at Walmart

On Thursday, a Reddit user posted a photo of what appears to be the upcoming digital-only Xbox Series X in “Robot White,” which they claimed was on display at a local Walmart. We’ve known since this summer that this console is slated for release sometime this holiday season, but this is the first spotting of it at a store, so it seems like Walmart may have put it on display early by accident.

The leak matches the official images of the new version of the Series X released earlier this year with a minimalist white design similar to the current model. That’s also a perfect match for images of the console leaked back in March, too. Xbox fans will notice this new model is short one feature, though – the disk drive.

This version is the “Robot White” 1TB Series X, which is going to be priced at $449. While it’s the same size as the other Series X consoles, it lacks a disk drive like the Series S. If you want one of those, you’ll need to opt for the $599 special edition 2TB “Galaxy Black” Series X, which is also up for release at the end of the year.

Digital Series X Walmart from r/xbox

Should you buy the new Xbox Series X?

Xbox fans may be excited to get a first glimpse of the new consoles, but they might not be worth shelling out over $400 for.

Over the past year, we’ve seen a significant shift in Microsoft’s gaming strategy, one that could soon make Xbox consoles obsolete. There are rumors Microsoft is planning to end console exclusives for the Xbox and turn its focus instead to cloud gaming and possibly even a handheld similar to the Nintendo Switch.

Even if the Xbox console sticks around for several more years, it’s becoming an increasingly less valuable investment thanks to Xbox Cloud Gaming. This service allows you to turn basically any compatible device into an Xbox, from your laptop to your phone.

Microsoft has even announced gamers will soon be able to buy games on Xbox Cloud Gaming (as opposed to relying solely on the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription service). This is partly thanks to an October court ruling that forced Google to allow third-party app stores, like the Xbox app, on Android devices.

As a result, you may be able to buy Xbox games on your phone and play them using Xbox Cloud Gaming, with no console required. This “Bring Your Own Device” approach effectively allows you to play Xbox games on any platform you choose.

Now that this possibility is on the table, why spend $449 for a digital-only Xbox console? You could put that money toward a phone with a better display for gaming or one of the best gaming laptops, both of which offer more functionality and mobility than an Xbox console.

Outlook

The shift to completely digital-only gaming presents its own pitfalls, like the looming possibility that digital titles can be removed from anyone’s account at the snap of a finger if a studio or app store demands it.

However, cloud gaming also has the potential to make console-level games accessible to a wider range of budgets without compromising the gaming experience.

If you’re going to have a digital-only library, why bother spending the money on a dedicated console for it when you can play those same games on any device?

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Nintendo Switch has, without question, been at the front of the pack in the handheld gaming race, but a recent Xbox leak could spell the end of the company's winning streak.

Windows Central reported on Saturday that unnamed sources claim Xbox's next-generation hardware will feature a "traditional-style successor to the Xbox Series X," alongside the company's first gaming handheld.

The Xbox handheld has been heavily teased since the start of the year. CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer, said "I think we should have a handheld too" in an interview with IGN back in June. 

In the same interview, Spencer claimed "The future for us in hardware is pretty awesome, and the work that the team is doing around different form factors and different ways to play, I'm incredibly excited about it." The implication here is that work on the Xbox handheld is already underway.

While Spencer has pretty much confirmed the Xbox handheld by now, this leak from Windows Central further solidifies it. 

The launch of a dedicated gaming handheld with its own operating system not attached to PC, nor Nintendo affiliated, would make it the first in over a decade (specifically since the PlayStation Vita launched in 2011).

This gives Xbox the perfect opportunity to challenge Nintendo's gaming handheld throne. It's finally time for a new handheld to enter the ring.

Nintendo is unstoppable in the handheld world

Nintendo has been the most successful gaming handheld hardware manufacturer in the industry for decades, having established this position with the Game Boy back in 1989. While the Game & Watch does predate it, it wasn't until the Game Boy that the company really started to find success. 

Nintendo keeps a helpful index for its hardware sales, and we can see that the Game Boy managed 118.69 million units sold throughout its lifetime, which makes it the fourth-best-selling console of all time. 

Two of the three consoles that surpass it in success are also Nintendo handheld consoles, being the Nintendo Switch (143.42 million) and Nintendo DS (154 million) respectively. 

The PlayStation 2 just barely surpasses the Nintendo DS at 155 or more million units sold, according to PlayStation's website, making it the best-selling console ever.

The next most successful non-Nintendo gaming handheld is the PlayStation Portable, which sold 82 million units according to IGN. But once you get past this point, the next best-selling non-Nintendo handheld is the PlayStation Vita, which PlayStation doesn't even track on its website, with a little disclaimer that says, "Sales data on PlayStation Vita are not disclosed."

However, Polygon reported that the sales estimates for PlayStation Vita were around 10 to 15 million units. In other words, no company has gotten anywhere near touching Nintendo's throne.

But with the Nintendo Switch, it seems that a fire has sparked throughout the industry. We're now seeing a treasure trove of gaming handhelds powered by Android, Linux, or Windows from many different hardware manufacturers. 

The gaming handheld market has been heating up

Whether it's the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw, Acer Nitro Blaze 7, Zotac Zone, Adata XPG Nia, or Steam Deck, the handheld space has gotten packed in the last couple of years.

But these aren't dedicated gaming consoles on the same level as Nintendo Switch. Even Steam Deck, which features its own modified Linux operating system, is built upon Steam's library, which is available on Windows and Linux PCs.

Xbox developing its own gaming handheld slated to launch alongside the next generation of hardware is a big deal, as this hasn't happened since the PlayStation Vita came out in 2011. In other words, it's been 13 years since Nintendo's largest competitors have tried to enter the handheld space.

While the PlayStation Portal is technically a handheld console, its necessary attachment to a PlayStation 5 through Remote Play makes it more like an accessory than a standalone product.

In the aforementioned interview with IGN, Spencer said "I think being able to play games locally is important," which implies that the Xbox gaming handheld will not share the same issue.

Xbox's console development could finally give Nintendo Switch some competition, although it entirely depends on how Xbox approaches its features. We're expecting this to be a handheld that runs the full Xbox operating system and has access to all of its games, but available at a lower cost with less powerful graphics.

I wrote earlier this month that Nintendo needs to release the Switch 2 soon or risk getting buried by competition, and the same goes here.

Tom Henderson at Insider Gaming also wrote "PlayStation Portal was very successful and they are paying very close attention to the current handheld market." This could mean that PlayStation is working on a new dedicated handheld as well, which would give Nintendo even more competition.

The next console generation could look very different

Nintendo, Sony, and Xbox are the only surviving gaming console manufacturers capable of servicing their own ecosystem, often referred to as "the big three." However, Nintendo has always been at the head of the pack in handheld gaming.

Things are clearly changing now, and a future where Nintendo, Sony, and Xbox each carry a handheld competing for dominance is looking likely. While it may seem like a far-off fantasy, especially since it's never happened before, it could happen as early as the next console generation (which is expected between 2026 and 2027, as PlayStation has maintained a consistent 6-7 year gap between its generations since the PS One).

Nintendo's handheld crown has never been in as much danger as it is now.

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Xbox's handheld has been rumored since early 2024, and it's practically all but confirmed at this point, with Head of Xbox Phil Spencer hinting at its existence more than once.

This includes an interview with IGN where Spencer says that Xbox "should have a handheld too" and claims the company's future in hardware is "pretty awesome." The team works around "different form factors and different ways to play." This could mean something else, but these statements suggest he means an Xbox handheld is coming.

However, more recent rumors suggest that Xbox could be developing more than one handheld. While a dedicated handheld console still seems to be in the works, there's also a handheld gaming PC that's potentially in development with Asus and might even be a redesigned ROG Ally. That sounds like a solid challenger for our best handheld gaming PCs.

But what do we actually know about these Xbox handhelds so far? Considering they're not officially announced, and we don't know about their hardware, there's not much to go on. But based on rumors, leaks, and interviews, we can make some educated projections.

Without further ado, here's everything we know about the Xbox handheld consoles, including their possible release dates, prices, and features.

Xbox handheld consoles: Release date

One of the earliest rumors about the dedicated Xbox handheld provided a leaked launch date.

In a February episode of the Xbox News Cast Podcast, co-host Middleagegameguy claimed that the next Microsoft console will launch in 2026. However, he suggested it will be available in two different versions, one of which is a "dockable handheld" similar to the Nintendo Switch. The more expensive model will carry on the traditional console trajectory.

It's hard to say if there's much validity behind this alleged leak, but it would make sense for the company to launch its handheld console alongside the next generation's hardware.

As for Xbox's handheld gaming PC, 2025 seems likely. During an iJustine interview with Phil Spencer recorded as part of Microsoft's 50th anniversary on April 4, 2025, Spencer was asked what we could "expect from Xbox this year." Spencer immediately mentioned handhelds, claiming, "We've teased and talked about handhelds, and I'm very excited." While not direct confirmation, we'll be seeing it in 2025; it's certainly implied.

Xbox handheld console: Price

We don't have a lick of information regarding the price of the Xbox handheld, so we can only speculate. However, there's one thing we can confidently say: It should not exceed a $500 threshold for the actual dedicated Xbox handheld.

As for the handheld gaming PC itself, that's a different story. The Asus ROG Ally X launched at $799, and we'd expect a price point close to that, considering it's rumored that the Xbox handheld gaming PC is a collaboration between Asus and Xbox.

Devices like MSI Claw, Lenovo Legion Go, and Asus ROG Ally launched anywhere from $599 to $799. After all, these are practically gaming PCs in your hand, and striking that balance between portability and power doesn't come cheap.

Consoles are a whole different story. The PS5 and Xbox Series X launched at $499, and they're dedicated boxes with tons of power stuffed into them. The dedicated Xbox handheld could not get away with being more expensive than its mainline console.

And if we follow the Xbox News Cast Podcast rumor, the Xbox handheld will launch alongside a more expensive console similar to the Xbox Series X.

Does this remind you of anything? Xbox's current generation began with the launch of the Xbox Series X for $499 and the Xbox Series S for $299. If Microsoft follows this pattern again, the Xbox Series S will be replaced by an Xbox handheld for the next generation.

Therefore, the next-generation Xbox console could cost $499 or $599, and the Xbox handheld might cost $399 or $499. Considering the Switch 2 is launching at $449, it may be in a similar range.

Long story short, we predict the dedicated Xbox handheld could cost anywhere from $399 to $499, while the Xbox-branded handheld gaming PC could be anywhere from $599 to $899.

Xbox handheld console: Features

Rumors for the dedicated Xbox handheld mostly come from Xbox Head Phil Spencer, who cannot stop talking about it.

In an interview with IGN, Spencer was asked "hypothetically" if a Microsoft handheld gaming console would have dedicated hardware akin to the Steam Deck or require a wifi connection. Spencer then mentioned how much he likes the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and Steam Deck. All of these have one thing in common: They play games locally.

To fuel the fire, he said, "I think being able to play games locally is important." After such an interview, it'd be shocking if the Xbox handheld were exclusively a cloud gaming device.

Fans are worried for good reason, as Sony's latest handheld device, the PlayStation Portal, is a $199 machine exclusively used for Remote Play. In other words, it allows you to stream games from your PS5 console to the device.

Most prefer when a handheld console has its dedicated hardware, as the PlayStation Portal relies on already having the $499 PS5 and a perfect internet connection to maintain a quality stream. Not everyone has that, and it dramatically reduces the potential consumer base.

In an interview with Polygon at the Game Developers Conference, Spencer shared his thoughts on his impressions of the Lenovo Legion Go. While this may not seem relevant to a future Xbox handheld, all of his complaints tie directly to potential features that could come to the hardware.

He says, "I want my Lenovo Legion Go to feel like an Xbox." In particular, he wants all of his games to be in one place and wants to "boot into the Xbox app in a full screen, but in a compact mode." I completely agree with this criticism, as the Xbox app on Windows gaming handhelds is a nightmare.

He says he does not want people to feel "lesser" if they're playing somewhere else, and he says he has a "list of things we should go do."

Another rumor, the Xbox News Cast Podcast, suggests that the Xbox handheld could be dockable like the Switch. This could be huge, as it would allow the console to fulfill the space that the Xbox Series S does while breathing new life into its usability with a portable handheld mode.

As for the Xbox handheld gaming PC, we don't expect it will look much different than the Asus ROG Ally. But we do know that Microsoft has been pushing Windows 11 updates to improve functionality for operating system on gamepads. For example, the digital keyboard can now be used through gamepad after an update in March.

We anticipated more Windows 11 updates will come and make it easier for gamepad users. There are even rumors of a dedicated Xbox interface for Windows 11, discovered by Xenopanther on BlueSky, who found reference to a "full screen experience" in a recent Windows 11 update.

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Rumors of an Xbox gaming handheld have been heating up ever since the beginning of the year, but what if you already had one without realizing it?

The Asus ROG Ally X launch on Monday resulted in the best Windows gaming handheld I've ever tested, and things get even better from a software side when you realize you can control your Xbox remotely.

This isn't necessarily exclusive to the Asus ROG Ally X. Any device with the Xbox App can manage this task, meaning even the original Ally, MSI Claw, or Lenovo Legion Go can accomplish the same feat.

It means you can play all of your Xbox games from the comfort of your Windows gaming handheld console through an internet connection. Of course, it may not seem super necessary, considering many games that launch on Xbox also come to PC and, by extension, the Asus ROG Ally X. 

But if you're sporting an Xbox Series X and a strong internet connection, having that level of power behind your Windows gaming handheld is intoxicating.

I once did the same but for PlayStation, where I turned my ROG Ally into a PlayStation Portal, and I can thankfully say that Xbox has made it far easier than PlayStation did.

How to use your Xbox through Asus ROG Ally X

Turning your Asus ROG Ally X into a portable Xbox console isn't super complex, and it doesn't require a third-party application, functioning perfectly through the Xbox App and nothing more. With that said, there are quite a few steps, so pay attention carefully.

1. Open your Xbox Console

2. Go to Settings

3. Go to Devices & connections.

4. Select Remote features.

5. Toggle Enable remote features on.

6. The Xbox console will test its Remote Play capabilities and let you know what can be improved for an ideal experience. Decide which of these queries you want to address and then click Next.

7. It will then say This console is ready for remote play. Select Close.

8. Go to Power Options. While you can typically find these settings underneath Settings -> General, they're also available on the same screen where you enabled remote play. Look at the bottom right and select Power Options.

9. Select Sleep. Keep in mind that this will consume a lot more power than Shutdown (energy-saving). This means your console won't turn off when it actually powers down and will instead be in sleep mode. You might not want to do this if you're concerned about power consumption, but it is necessary for remote play on Xbox to work.

And just like that, the Xbox portion of this is complete. We can now move on to the Asus ROG Ally or whichever device you're planning to connect to your Xbox.

10. Open up the Asus ROG Ally, or any Windows device that can run the Xbox App.

11. Open the Xbox App.

12. Select your Avatar icon on the top left.

13. Click View profile.

14. Underneath the Where I Play section will be a widget for your Xbox console. Your console might already appear; if not, click Add a Console and follow the prompts on-screen. Remember, this will NOT appear until you have completed the previous steps. In particular, you must set your Xbox console to sleep mode for this to show up at all.

15. Once your Xbox console shows up in this part of the tutorial, click on the three dots to the right of your Xbox's console name (mine is just called Xbox One, in this case) and select Remote Play.

And that's it! You'll be treated to a cute little visual of a plane flying through an endless void as the connection establishes itself, and once it's through, you can control your Xbox freely with your Asus ROG Ally X.

Amazon Prime Day is July 16-17 and Prime Day Xbox deals are bound to be impressive. If you're gaming on a tight budget, Prime Day is your golden ticket to saving on all things Xbox.

Prime Day shoppers can expect to score cheap Xbox games, and deep discounts on the best gaming headsets from HyperX, Turtle Beach, Razer, Sennheiser, Sony, and more. 

Not to be outshined, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are running site-wide sales that run alongside Amazon Prime Day deals. Like last year, Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale intends to rain on Amazon's Prime Day parade with competing discounts on Xbox games and accessories. 

Early Prime Day Xbox deals are up for grabs days ahead of Amazon's big sale. Whether you're looking for an Xbox console, controller, headset, or just want to stockpile games, it's not too early to save. 

Browse today's best early Prime Day Xbox deals below. 

Early Prime Day Xbox deals 2024 — Quick links

• Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game: $39 $19 @ Amazon
• F1 24: $69 $48 @ Amazon
• Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash: $59 $39 @ Amazon
• Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for Xbox: $49 $24 @ Amazon
• Madden NFL 25 (Preorder): $69 @ Best Buy + free $10 Gift Card
• College Football 25 Digital (Preorder): $69 @ Best Buy + free $10 Gift Card
• Xbox Series S Console: $379 $349 @ Amazon| Walmart $349
• Seagate 1TB Storage Expansion Card: $159 $149 @ Amazon
• WD Black C50 1TB Expansion Card: $157 $149 @ Amazon
• Xbox Wireless Controller: $64 $34 @ Target
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2: $139 $95 @ Target
• Xbox Wireless Controller (Nocturnal Vapor): $69 $53 @ Amazon
• Xbox Wireless Controller (Gold Shadow): $70 $63 @ Amazon
• Logitech G305 Lightspeed Gaming Mouse: $49 $54 @ Amazon
• HyperX Cloud X Gaming Headset: $69 $29 @ Amazon
• Razer Kaira Pro Xbox Gaming Headset: $149 $99 @ Amazon

Early Prime Day Xbox deals 2024

Games

Consoles

Headsets

Controllers

Storage

Retailers

• Browse: Early Amazon Prime Day deals 
• Amazon: Early Prime Day Xbox deals
• Best Buy: Early Prime Day Xbox deals
• Walmart: Early Prime Day Xbox deals

Thanks to a collaboration between Xbox and Amazon, you'll soon be able to play Xbox games on your TV via a Fire TV Stick.

Announced by Amazon on Thursday, this collaboration will be one of the most affordable ways to experience console gaming without actually needing a console. With a compatible Fire TV Stick and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, you can play hundreds of cloud-enabled games, including Starfield, Fallout 4, Forza Horizon 5, and Senua's Saga: Hellblade II. 

There's no official rollout date for this support to kick off, but there is a vague "July" estimate. With Prime Day deals dominating between July 16 and 17, it would make sense to launch Xbox support around that time. There will surely be a significant discount on compatible Fire TV Sticks to inspire both new and resident gamers to try out Xbox cloud gaming on their TVs.

Here's what you'll need in order to stream Xbox games via Amazon Fire TV.

How to stream Xbox Games to Fire TV Stick

First, you'll need a compatible Fire TV Stick. According to Amazon, both the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) and Fire TV Stick 4K (2023) will work. 

If you want to buy one right now, the Fire TV Stick 4K is 20% off as an early Prime Day deal. Or, you can hold out for a better deal during the official Prime Day sales between July 16 and 17.

Once you have a compatible Fire TV Stick, you must download the Xbox app to the device via Amazon's Appstore. The app won't be available until sometime in July, but you can go ahead and subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for just $1 your first month, and then $16.99/month after or take advantage of this big discount on 3-month Game Pass Ultimate gift cards bringing it down to just $10 a month.

Lastly, you'll need a compatible Bluetooth controller. Amazon says the Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, DualSense controller, or DualShock 4 controller will all work.

Come July, as long as you have a compatible Fire TV Stick, Bluetooth controller, and an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, you can play cloud games on any TV, whether it's your living room TV or the TV in a hotel room on your summer vacation.

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On Sunday, Xbox Head Phil Spencer hinted in an interview with IGN that the rumored Xbox gaming handheld console might play games locally.

While the handheld isn't officially confirmed, Spencer claims that the company "Should have a handheld, too," and went on about how Xbox's future in hardware is "Pretty awesome." Spencer goes on to say he's "Incredibly excited" for the team's work around "Different form factors and different ways to play." 

Spencer isn't explicitly confirming the existence of the Xbox handheld, but it's hard to imagine what "Different ways to play" could mean outside of that, especially considering all of the other hints he has been dropping about it. 

This includes a survey in April from Microsoft that asked questions about handheld purchases of a Lenovo Legion Go or Asus ROG Ally, alongside Spencer claiming in March that he wants his "Lenovo Legion Go to feel like an Xbox."

But when IGN "hypothetically" asked if the Microsoft handheld gaming console would have dedicated hardware like Steam Deck, or "Need a WiFi connection," Spencer lists the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and Steam Deck as things he likes, all of which play games locally.

This only adds fuel to the fire on what his plans might look like, as he then says "I think being able to play games locally is really important." Shortly after, the crowd attending the IGN Live event cheers loudly.

If a cheering crowd of fans isn't a clear enough signal of what gaming handheld enthusiasts want, Xbox's focus on dedicated hardware to play games on-the-go could be a winning blow against the PlayStation Portal, which can only use Remote Play to stream games from a connected PS5 onto the console itself.

Xbox's gaming handheld can crush PlayStation Portal

Sony's PlayStation Portal received mix reviews at launch, with critics like The Verge scoring it a five out of 10 and asking "why spend $200 on a dedicated piece of hardware for only this one feature?" GamesRadar and Tom's Guide gave it a three out of five stars and two out of five stars respectively.

Many criticisms are consistent, focusing on its limited features and high price for what can easily be accomplished on any phone, laptop, tablet, or other device with a WiFi connection. And if your internet is poor, you'll have latency issues.

However, not all the reviews were negative, with IGN giving it an eight out of 10 and claiming that "the PlayStation Portal is the best PlayStation 5 Remote Play solution available."

In truth, the device has a limited purpose and fulfills it for those who need it. While the end result for any gaming handheld is to play games, the conditions required for the PlayStation Portal to be useful are specific: You need a PS5 console that is turned on and a good enough internet connection to stream to the Portal.

This is where Xbox's handheld could come in and take over. Dedicated hardware will allow enthusiasts to enjoy Xbox games without needing a console. Plus, those with poor internet will be able to experience those titles without worrying about the quality dropping.

The end result will be a device that acts as an Xbox in your hands. The only downside will be that it's going to cost far more than the $199 PlayStation Portal. While that isn't confirmed, there's no world where Xbox could match that price point. 

Other gaming handhelds start far higher, with the Steam Deck ($399), Asus ROG Ally ($499), Lenovo Legion Go ($629), and MSI Claw ($699) asking for a few hundred dollars extra. The only exception is the Nintendo Switch Lite, which strips many of the Switch's iconic features for a simple handheld at $199. Considering how light the Switch's specs are, Xbox won't manage anything for this cheap.

However, Xbox must be competitive in its pricing. A dedicated Xbox handheld is at an inherent disadvantage compared to Windows gaming handhelds, as the latter has more functionality. Similar to how gaming laptops and PCs are more costly than consoles, Xbox needs to find a compelling price point to give players a reason to avoid purchasing a Windows handheld instead.

This is especially challenging since Xbox's catalog of games is already available on PC. For the company to compete in this space, it must be more affordable.

Handheld gaming is taking over

Spencer's hinting towards development of a dedicated Xbox handheld only adds more fuel to the fire on the booming popularity of gaming handhelds. Last week, Computex 2024 delivered us four new gaming handheld announcements from Asus, Adata, MSI, and ZOTAC.

Many companies are investing in the future of gaming as something that will be available in a convenient mobile device, and we cannot wait to see how the technology develops over the next few years.

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Rumors have been swirling over the last few months about Microsoft's "vision for the future of Xbox" potentially including a gaming handheld. Phil Spencer has talked about handhelds and expressed that he's a "big fan of that space," but of course, nothing official from Xbox was ever announced. 

April 28, people who have purchased a handheld console — like the Lenovo Legion Go and the Asus ROG Ally — received an email from Microsoft Surveys requesting feedback on their "gaming handheld device." According to various users on NeoGAF and Reddit, this 7-minute survey asked questions about why they purchased and needed a handheld gaming console.

Could this survey be another indication that Microsoft's working on its own gaming handheld? Quite possibly. At least, that's what we're hoping. 

Is Microsoft working on an Xbox gaming handheld?

The survey Microsoft sent out could simply be a way to gather information on how Xbox could improve on existing handhelds. But given how much Phil Spencer has been talking about handhelds recently, it's clear he'd want Xbox to take on if it was feasible or if there was enough interest.

Valve's Steam Deck is an exceptional handheld, in large part due to its use of a custom SteamOS UI and a Linux-based desktop mode, not Windows. If Microsoft wants to make a successful handheld console, it needs to solve the incompatibility issues of Windows on handhelds.

ChaosprimeZYT (@chaosprimeZ) on X wrote that the survey's questions had an emphasis on native installs, cloud gaming, usage, and the "impact of handheld PC alongside other hardware."

Reddit user @jocruma on r/ROGAlly said "They want to know how we feel about windows and handhelds." But a few other Redditors said that there wasn't much mention of software in the survey or how to improve existing handhelds, and that the focus was more on why they purchased the handheld device and why they need one.

While Microsoft might not have asked handheld console users what they'd change in this survey, Phil Spencer sure has a few ideas on how Xbox can improve handheld gaming. And if Microsoft could tweak the Windows experience on handhelds — perhaps with an additional survey? — Xbox could possibly create a gaming handheld to compete with the Steam Deck. 

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Fallout 4 is set to receive an update for current-gen platforms like PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC today, bringing improvements to graphics, stability, and more. The update is expected to go live at 9 am PT / 12 pm ET / 5 pm GMT. 

This comes only a few weeks after the launch of the smash-hit Fallout TV show and coincides nicely with the franchise's biggest games (Fallout 76, Fallout New Vegas, and Fallout 3) all appearing for free on Amazon Prime Gaming to celebrate the show's launch.

The Fallout franchise has seen a massive resurgence in popularity since the TV show launched, with the previously panned Fallout 76 managing its highest player count and all-time peak on Steam with 72,930 players.

This influx of players has seen Fallout 76 become one of gaming's great comeback stories in recent years—inviting newcomers to the Appalachian wasteland and welcoming back veteran vault-dwellers to Bethesda's expansive West Virginian open world, which has seen considerable changes and improvements since its rocky mountain launch in 2018.

Bethesda's Fallout 4 update could well capitalize on this popularity spike and see Fallout 4 enjoy a similar revival with many players expected to return to the Commonwealth once more to enjoy this franchise's particular brand of post-apocalyptic hi-jinx.

So what changes are in store for vault-dwellers when they return to the ruins of Boston? Let's find out.

What's coming to Fallout 4's next-gen update?

Most of the changes in today's update will vary by platform. For example, while PC users are receiving widescreen support for 21:9 or 32:9 gaming monitors, Fallout 4 will now be Steam Deck verified, which means it should work excellently on both Valve's handheld console and handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. 

Bethesda's Fallout 4 will also be available on Epic Games Store, adding to the already expansive list of game retailers supplying copies of the game such as Bethesda.net, Steam, Microsoft Store, and GOG. PC players will get a slew of fixes for both mods and bugs, with stability patches coming.

On Xbox Series X|S and PS5 consoles, the game will receive a Performance mode option that aims to deliver silky-smooth 60 frames per second gameplay and a Quality mode option that unlocks a crisp 4K resolution. Players can also expect stability fixes and bug patches for login issues and certain quests.

For all platforms, new content is coming to Fallout 4 in the form of Creation Club items. This includes a new "Echoes of the Past" quest line where players must fight against a mysterious cult spreading a "Dangerous ideology."

This quest line includes rewards such as Enclave Weapon and Armor Skins, a Tesla Cannon, Hellfire Power Armor, X-02 Power Armor, the Heavy Incinerator, and a Makeshift Weapon Pack—not forgetting the additional 38 Halloween decorations you'll unlock for use in your Commonwealth settlements.

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During my testing of the MSI Claw, I experienced a mess of disappointing issues that forced me to give it a less-than-positive score. In fact, we wouldn’t recommend the Claw to anyone seeking a handheld gaming PC in its current state. This is pretty heartbreaking as a lover of the best handheld gaming devices, but you’re far better off investing in the Lenovo Legion Go or Asus ROG Ally.

However, one facet of its physical design baffled me (and it’s not the first time I’ve seen it). It’s something that might not bother most gamers who experience it, as my grip on devices often differs from theirs. But even if they have no issue with it, it’s a strange mishap in design nonetheless. I’m, of course, talking about bumpers that are clickable only on most of its surface, with some parts being difficult or impossible to push down. Let me explain.

Faulty bumpers bother me 

The first time I faced this issue was with the original Xbox One controller. My brother and I got into frequent arguments about which was superior, as I was a PlayStation kid while he loved Xbox. I’d cite how the DualShock 4 has a bumper that’s fully clickable, while there’s a whole portion of the bumpers on Xbox One gamepads that is extremely firm and difficult to click. This is always at the very end of the bumper closest to the middle of the controller.

My natural method of holding a controller meant that my fingers were spread out across the length of the top, so whenever I would click down, my fingers would fail to input anything due to the pressure of the bumpers. It was like pressing into any other part of the plastic. However, my brother never realized this, and he was shocked when I showed him the problem. Again, this has to do with the natural way someone holds a controller, and if you don’t do so in a specific way, you’ll never realize it.

I vividly recall playing Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice on Xbox One, and I had so much trouble parrying due to how I hold a controller. Even something as high as 90% reliability in how often the bumper would input is enough to completely ruin the experience, especially in fights as hardcore as the ones in Sekiro. It was enough to make me purchase the game separately on Steam just so I could play the game with a DualShock 4 controller.

But between the launch of the Xbox One and Series X, the company started introducing new standardized controller designs. These are simply known as Xbox Wireless Controllers now rather than featuring any specific attachment to a console, but they’re sometimes referred to as Xbox Series X controllers. 

In these iterations, the bumper is fully clickable across its entire surface, and in fact, I currently use an Xbox controller as my sole gamepad when playing PC games. It’s hard to say if enough people complained for Xbox to fix the issue or if it was a problem they were already aware of and amended later. Ever since this new iteration resolved that problem, I hadn’t experienced another controller fall into this same trap.

The MSI Claw changed that, and playing through Elden Ring brought me back to my time with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice—ironically developed by the same studio. And while it’s already pretty offensive to have a bumper that isn’t clickable on a detached controller, it’s a whole other issue on a handheld gaming device. You can’t replace the controller and there’s no expectation for a new iteration—like Pro controllers—that can easily be purchased to improve the experience. Instead, you’d need to invest in a whole new console. 

Bottom line 

If the MSI Claw wasn’t an absolute mess for other reasons, including inferior gaming performance, uncomfortable levels of heat, and messy software, this problem alone is enough for me to choose alternatives like the ROG Ally or Legion Go. I’ve put hundreds of hours into my ROG Ally and have had no notable issues with its gamepad design, but I realized this issue within a few minutes of testing the Claw.

It’s unfortunate that this flaw made it through the testing phases of the Claw, but if you’re like me and cannot stand bumpers that aren’t fully clickable, we recommend investing in alternatives like the ROG Ally.

Amazon Prime's Fallout TV show launched today, and beyond the incredible acclaim it's getting from critics before release, it's also being celebrated with the release of Fallout 76 and more on Prime Gaming. And if you're wondering if you need to play Fallout before watching the show, check out our spoiler-free guide!

The Fallout TV show is partially created by Westworld's Jonathan Nolan, as he directed the first three episodes (he's also the brother of the legendary Christopher Nolan). Ramin Djawadi is also on the project, who is the legendary composer behind many Game of Thrones scores, and is composing the show.

Long story short, the hype for the Fallout show is off the charts, and to celebrate this occasion, you'll be able to get Fallout 76, Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition, and Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition for free on Prime Gaming, with the latter two being available exclusively on Amazon Luna (which is the company's game streaming service).

Of course, if you have Xbox Game Pass, you already have access to these games. But even folks who do not have a subscription to it, and are an Amazon Prime Member, can redeem it on the Prime Gaming homepage on PC, while Fallout 76 is available for Xbox too.

How to redeem Fallout 76 on Prime Gaming and Microsoft Store

Fallout 76, Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition, and Fallout 3 Game of the Year Edition are free on Prime Gaming to celebrate the launch of the Fallout TV show. In order to redeem the game, go to the Prime Gaming website, find Fallout 76 or whichever games you desire and select Claim. If you're also a fan of older Fallout games, Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel is also currently free on the service. You might want one of the best gaming laptops of 2026 before you jump in.

Keep in mind, Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition and Fallout 3 Game of the Year edition are only available on Amazon Luna.

You can also watch all eight episodes of the Fallout TV show right now if you have a Prime subscription, so don't miss out on the show. Of course, if you're looking for some context into the series, you might want to play the games first. But we're certain that the show can exist on its own without needing extensive knowledge of the franchise first.

Xbox President Sarah Bond has formed a new team focused on game preservation and back-compatibility. So you will continue to have access to classic Xbox games on future consoles.

This new game preservation squad is the latest development in Bond’s reorganization of the Xbox team at Microsoft. Since her appointment as Xbox President a few months ago, Bond has led a major effort to streamline Microsoft’s vast gaming empire. With Activision Blizzard now in the fold, Microsoft owns a massive share of the gaming market but with that expansion comes increasing organizational needs. Especially with any plans for Microsoft to corner the console market in the next generation.

What you need to know

As Windows Central reports, Bond has set up a new team designed to future-proof the Xbox games library. So when Microsoft unveils their new hardware, touted has “the biggest technical leap ever in a generation,” you will still be able to enjoy your favorite games from the Xbox, 360, Xbox One, and Series X eras.

In a company email to the Xbox team, Sarah Bond wrote "We have formed a new team dedicated to game preservation, important to all of us at Xbox and the industry itself," Bond said. "We are building on our strong history of delivering backwards compatibility to our players, and we remain committed to bringing forward the amazing library of Xbox games for future generations of players to enjoy."

Of course, this team is just getting underway and the next generation of Xbox consoles are still a ways out. So details are rather scarce for know. But just knowing you won’t lose access to older games on new hardware is still comforting.  And its far more than Sony has promised so far, which could make Xbox the leader of the next console generation.

We're reaching the point in this console generation where new mid-cycle consoles are expected. The PS5 Slim is already available for purchase (and a PS5 Pro may be on its way), while a new Xbox Series X or S has yet to hit the market. But a recent leak from eXputer showcases what one of the new Xbox Series X products will look like, featuring the classic tower shape in an all-white coat.

But the big thing that separates this from its predecessor is the lack of a disc drive. Yes, Xbox is going all-digital with this console, alongside reports from The Verge late last year showcasing documents from the FTC vs. Microsoft court case revealing the lack of a disc drive, instead upgrading the storage to 2TB. But this isn't that console, so what exactly is it?

Xbox Series X's all-digital white model details

eXputer claims that the new Xbox Series X has its heatsink upgraded, but there are no notable changes elsewhere. Its ports seem the same outside of a missing Kensington Lock. However, eXputer has reason to believe that the price will be reduced when compared to the current Xbox Series X model, which is now $499. If that's true, it likely means it will replace the original and maybe drop down to $399 to make way for a stronger model.

But this isn't much different than what Sony did during the original PlayStation 5 launch. The digital PS5 started at $399, and if this new all-digital Xbox Series X doesn't change anything beyond a new coat of paint and removing the disc drive, selling that for $399 four years later would be strange.

There are also the reports that Microsoft has lessened its commitment to physical games media, with Jez Corden tweeting that the company "shut down departments dedicated to bringing Xbox games to physical media," and in relation to the digital-only Xbox console leaks, he says "you can get an idea of where Microsoft is going here."

We're not entirely sure if Microsoft plans to entirely forego physical media in the near-future, but it wouldn't be surprising. The company has been pushing for Xbox to be a platform and service above an actual box, with Game Pass having reached incredible levels of success, with the company even bringing titles like Hi-Fi Rush to PlayStation. 

It's clear the company's strategy has changed significantly in these recent years. It's possible that this includes pushing for an all-digital console in the future. While this would make purists for physical media absolutely upset, it seems likely considering the direction Xbox is going.

In a recent interview with Polygon at the Game Developers Conference, Xbox head Phil Spencer spoke briefly about what he wants Xbox's contribution to the handheld gaming market to look like. Unfortunately, it wasn't necessarily confirmation that hardware is on the way, even with the recent rumors of Xbox's handheld console being in development.

Instead, Spencer is mostly just confessing his desire to make changes to the Xbox platform in these spaces as a whole. He specifically mentions that he has "This list of everything that makes it not feel like an Xbox," referring to his Lenovo Legion Go.

What Phil Spencer thinks Xbox can do for handheld gaming

Spencer talks about the desire for one of these devices to "Feel like the dash of my Xbox," which is likely something any user of the Xbox App on a Windows handheld PC has felt strongly. In the past, I even wrote about how Xbox's app is miserable on the Asus ROG Ally, and with what Spencer is saying in these quotes, it seems like the company's plans to jump in on this market could go beyond just hardware. He specifically says "I want my Lenovo Legion Go to feel like an Xbox."

One of these complaints involves all of his games being in one place, alongside those games having the save files he wants. He even mentions wanting to be able to "Boot into the Xbox app in a full screen, but in a compact mode." This is one huge criticism of the Xbox app on Windows gaming handhelds, and I would love for the company to find a way to make it feel more like a dedicated Xbox dashboard.

Beyond an app, Spencer comments that "Nine times out of ten" what usually frustrates him "Are more Windows-based than device-based." He also admits that it's something he feels "Some ownership of." While all of this initially could be taken as just thoughts thrown out into the wind, he also says he has a "List of things we should go do." It implies he is planning on bringing huge changes to Xbox on Windows handheld devices.

He does not want people to feel "lesser" if they're playing somewhere else. This is pretty much the exact experience on my Asus ROG Ally when trying to navigate the Xbox app, and it would bring me great joy to see the company address these problems in an update. It would be even better if Microsoft implemented a handheld-friendly mode through Windows.

Xbox is rumored to be developing more than one Xbox handheld console prototype according to Windows Central's Jez Corden. On the Xbox Two podcast, a user asked whether the Xbox handheld console would be launching this year. Corden explained that the company has new handheld prototypes, and while it doesn't necessary mean it'll go to market, he believes the landscape Microsoft would be "insane" to not pursue bringing them to a full launch.

Corden says his belief in the console coming to fruition is "purely on the basis of hard analysis." While he can confirm that the prototypes are in development, he doesn't have confirmation on whether or not they are actually happening.

Xbox might have a handheld gaming console

Beyond what we know from rumors, many are hoping that Xbox's dedicated handheld device doesn't mirror the PlayStation Portal. People want something with proper hardware rather than a streaming machine. He ends it off with "I just really believe they're making one," and goes on to say "no one has debunked a handheld to me."

As an intense lover of all things handheld gaming, these rumors make me giddy. But it's also easy to put into question, as the necessity of the company entering this space depends on certain factors.

It's important to keep in mind that every single Xbox exclusive launches to PC as well. With consoles like the Asus ROG Ally, MSI Claw, and Lenovo Legion Go, those titles are already completely playable. Whereas the availability of PlayStation exclusives is dependent on which titles they decide to port to PC, it's easy to see why owners of Windows handheld devices would not benefit much, if at all, from a dedicated Xbox device.

But there are three key advantages a dedicated Xbox handheld console can bring over any of these Windows-based devices. If Xbox doesn't hit these three points, the device could struggle to find its place in a market that can already play many Xbox titles. Otherwise, I'm super excited to see what it looks like if it does come to fruition.

1. Competitive pricing

Microsoft can make a strong push into success through competitive pricing. The appeal of Xbox Game Pass cannot be denied, and with Windows handheld consoles starting from $399 and getting as expensive as $749, the company would create lots of appeal with prices matching Nintendo Switch. 

If a device like this launched at $299, undercutting most other handheld consoles, it would find a strong place in the market for an inexpensive way to enjoy a huge library of of Xbox Game Pass titles.

2. An expanded game library

Everything Microsoft places on Xbox Game Pass for console is not necessarily available on the PC version and vice versa. There are plenty of console-only titles that I cannot not play on my ROG Ally. At the time of writing this article, there are 502 Game Pass console games, and only 458 on PC. If the company ensures its library is consistent between Xbox consoles and an Xbox handheld, it would be a solid reason for some to pick it up over an ROG Ally or similar.

3. Clever optimization

Microsoft can dedicate resources to optimization in ways that wouldn't work as well on any PC. Even with worse hardware on paper, the company could absolutely manage better performance in any number of clever ways by ensuring exclusives run as well as possible on a handheld device.

During a recent interview with The Verge, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer said he was a "Big fan of handhelds," and we just reported on the possibility of a Switch-like handheld device from Xbox last week. Coincidence? Probably, but we're still hopeful that an Xbox handheld is in the works.

Spencer went on to say that Xbox is "Kind of learning from what Nintendo has done over the years with the Switch," noting "They've been fantastic with that." Perhaps Xbox is passively "learning" from Nintendo by analyzing its past moves, or maybe it's more of an active "learning" process for an Xbox handheld currently in development.

Xbox hardware with "Unique aspects" is on the horizon

This small hint of conversation on handhelds between Spencer and Verge editor Tom Warren started with a question about the Xbox Series X (Brooklin) and Xbox Series S (Ellewood). Spencer mentioned that new console and controller options will arrive this holiday season before Warren asked whether these were "The leaked refreshed models that we saw in the FTC documents?"

Spencer essentially had no comment, laughing and saying "I don't know about any leaks. I don't know what you're talking about." This isn't true, as he tweeted shortly after the leaks that it was "Hard to see [his] team's work shared in this way," but this was a subtle way of shutting down that particular question.

Warren adjusted the question slightly, explaining that Spencer "Said that they were old plans" and asking "What's happening there, is that what you're teasing?" To this, Spencer said that the team is "Really thinking about creating hardware that sells to gamers because of the unique aspects of the hardware."

Our immediate thought, and Warren's too, was handhelds — the epitome of unique gaming hardware. When asked about whether future hardware included a handheld, Spencer said, "I'm a big fan, but nothing to announce." 

If he had left it at that, the possibility of an Xbox handheld wouldn't seem as probable. But he went on to explain that he assesses the success of the Xbox platform by "How many players there are" and "How many hours get played," and that a lot of what might restrict playtime is not having easy access to the games you want to play.

Then, he praised Nintendo for its work with the Switch over the years and said that they're learning from what Nintendo has done up to this point. He mentioned the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go handhelds, and talked about how "One of the weak points in the experience on a ROG or the Lenovo [Legion Go] is Windows."

It's Spencer's job to look at other big gaming brands and companies to see what the competition is doing and stay up to date with what consumers currently want. Which, at this present moment in time, seems to be handheld consoles. However, his lengthy explanation to a simple question implies that handhelds may in fact have a spot on Xbox's current roadmap.

Of course, we'll have to wait to see whether Spencer is just crushing on handhelds or hinting at something major in Xbox's future.

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Microsoft and Xbox have been at the center of several game-changing rumors as of late regarding which direction the green brand is heading in. Thankfully, we shouldn't have too much longer to speculate on the brand's next steps as Xbox head Phil Spencer took to social media to confirm a business update event taking place next week. According to Spencer, here's where Microsoft intends to share more details about its 'vision for the future of Xbox.'

Xbox's exact vision remains to be seen, but the console giant has found itself amid a whirlpool of speculation of late surrounding the prospect of its exclusive first-party games going multi-platform — with Sony's PlayStation and Nintendo's Switch likely to gain access to previously Xbox only titles like "Hi-Fi Rush," "Sea of Thieves," and even Bethesda's latest epic Sci-Fi RPG "Starfield."

An end to exclusivity?

Rumors of Xbox's shift from console exclusivity were kick-started last week after new blue and red branded images were datamined from a "Hi-Fi Rush" anniversary update. The images, featuring captions of "I'm here baby!" and "Rock out! Anywhere," drove speculation that the popular Xbox exclusive title was about to make to jump to other consoles.

Before long, more rumors began to swirl that suggested that even the brand's most recent announcements like "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" could also be among the titles expected to go multi-platform in the future.

Why the shift in Microsoft’s Xbox exclusives strategy? Well, if these reports are true, Xbox likely wants the biggest return on investment from its software strategy, profiting off of game sales on other consoles while providing Xbox owners with the fantastic value of Xbox Game Pass which offers many first-party games as part of the membership.

To many, Microsoft's actions have suggested a shift away from the hardware side of the games industry. The success of Xbox Game Pass has even led some to believe that Xbox's future lies in an app-based streaming subscription like the one to be found on the Meta Quest 3. However, while that's no doubt a strong possibility when it comes to the future of that particular service, Microsoft is reportedly far from done when it comes to delivering Xbox hardware.

The rumored Xbox handheld

According to the latest Xbox News Cast Podcast (as reported by Wccf Tech), Microsoft's next mainline Xbox console is on track for a 2026 release, but will also be partnered with a dockable handheld console similar to that of the Nintendo Switch.

The unnamed device is said to be created by the team behind Microsoft's premium Surface lineup and will focus on providing cloud gaming and native execution of Xbox games.

This brings Microsoft into the handheld gaming market for the first time beyond partnering with brands like Logitech on the G Cloud, and runs parallel to Sony's reported plans to launch a new handheld games console, potentially the PS Vita 2, within a similar time frame.

Outlook

It makes perfect sense for both the green and blue brands to dive in on the handheld action and ride the wave of its current revival. With handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go, all finding decent levels of success throughout 2023, the handheld gaming market hasn't seen as much action in decades.

The only real concern would be whether or not this market can maintain its momentum by the time Xbox and PlayStation's offerings are estimated to arrive in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

It's still early days for Xbox's handheld gaming aspirations, so we're unlikely to hear much, if anything, about this during next week's business update. But we should expect Xbox head Phil Spencer to address the growing rumors surrounding a potential end to Xbox-exclusive games and the company's thoughts and plans surrounding future content availability.

For breaking news and updates on everything console or handheld gaming and tech, follow Laptop Mag on TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and Flipboard. 

Rumors are heating up about a growing list of Xbox exclusives coming to PS5 including Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Gears of War, and even Starfield. While Microsoft has yet to formally confirm any of these rumors, they do have many Xbox players worried. 

Is this the end of Xbox exclusives? What’s motivating Microsoft Gaming to release exclusive titles on their rival’s console? Here’s what we know so far.

Are Starfield, Indiana Jones and more Xbox exclusives coming to PS5?

Rumors about Xbox exclusives coming to PS5 started in mid-January with reports about Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves making the jump to PlayStation. As the Verge reported at the time, the rumors follow a November 2023 announcement from Xbox CFO Tim Stuart about strategy changes over at Microsoft Gaming. It looks like those changes aren’t going to end with Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves. 

New rumors hint that Starfield and Xbox’s upcoming Indiana Jones RPG are also on the table for PS5 ports. Current speculation is that Starfield could get a PlayStation release after its Shattered Space DLC comes out in late 2024. Microsoft is reportedly also considering the Gears of War franchise as yet another candidate to open up to PS5 players. 

What about Indiana Jones, though? Since it hasn’t been released yet, could it potentially come out on Xbox and PS5 on day one? It’s still too early to tell exactly how Microsoft is planning to handle “exclusive” titles moving forward, so Indiana Jones and the Great Circle could be a good indicator of the new release strategy over at Microsoft Gaming. 

If these rumors are true, it’s highly likely that more former Xbox exclusives will receive PS5 ports. Don’t get too excited, though. The Halo franchise is probably never coming to PlayStation consoles.  

 Why the shift in Microsoft’s Xbox exclusives strategy? 

The big question surrounding all of these Xbox exclusives coming to PS5 is “why.” Why would Microsoft give up the draw of their exclusive games, potentially risking sales of future Xbox consoles? I’m no fan of the console exclusives system, but there’s no denying that exclusive games can sway players toward buying one console over the other. 

Microsoft Gaming and the Xbox itself are in an interesting position right now, though. The PS5 and Nintendo Switch are both outselling the Xbox Series X/S by a huge margin. In 2023 the PS5 sold 22.5 million units while the Xbox Series X/S sold only 7.6 million (the Switch was right in the middle at 16.4 million units). 

From console sales alone, the Xbox is clearly lagging in the console wars. It doesn’t end there, though. PlayStation is giving Xbox stiff competition with its exclusive games, as well. Titles like Bladur’s Gate 3 and the Spider-Man franchise have become pop culture icons, making the PS5 an increasingly appealing console. 

PC releases further complicate things. Xbox exclusives typically come out on PC on day one while PlayStation exclusives tend to have a significant delay before getting a PC release. Marvels’ Spider-Man originally came out on PS4 in 2018 but didn’t get a PC release until 2022. Similarly, Horizon Forbidden West arrived on PS4 and PS5 in 2022 and isn't coming to PC until this March, over a year after its original release date.

With Xbox exclusives, you can count on being able to play a PC release on day one or soon after. The huge delay with PS5 exclusives gives the PlayStation a significant advantage over the Xbox Series X/S.

Considering all of this, it’s not surprising that the Xbox seems to be losing the console wars. If it is, it also makes sense that Microsoft is considering releasing Xbox exclusives on other consoles. If Xbox console sales remain so far behind the competition, Microsoft could have more to gain from the sales of formerly exclusive games on other platforms. However, that could simply end up sealing the Xbox’s fate.

 What does this mean for Xbox players? 

Many Xbox players are understandably frustrated about Xbox exclusives coming to PS5. What does this change mean for the future of the Xbox? 

A lot of things could happen here, but one thing is clear from Microsoft’s shifting strategy. Xbox Game Pass and multi-platform releases are taking priority. That doesn’t mean Microsoft is never going to release another Xbox console, but it does mean that there will likely be fewer Xbox exclusives moving forward. 

Unfortunately, this shift will decrease the value of Xbox consoles since one less exclusive game is one less reason to choose an Xbox over a PS5 or a gaming PC. It’s clear from sales data that gamers are already increasingly going for PC or PlayStation, though. So, if you’re an Xbox player, this might be a good time to make the switch to PC. 

On a more positive note, the end of the console exclusives system will be a good thing for most gamers. In the long run, more balanced competition between Xbox and PlayStation could mean better performing consoles. Performance, rather than exclusive games, will become the new main deciding factor for gamers shopping for a new console. Plus, you’ll be able to play virtually any game on any console, giving everyone more freedom to play how and what they want. 

Microsoft's all-digital console, the Xbox Series S, positioned itself as a budget-friendly option for casual gamers. The Series S offered many of the same benefits and features as its beefier counterpart, the Xbox Series X, but with less powerful internals and a more affordable $299 price tag.

Thanks to images and reports Microsoft uploaded to the FCC that were accidentally published, it appears the console is getting a mid-gen refresh that'll boost the console's specs without affecting its $299 price. In addition to a Series S update, Microsoft also has refresh plans for the Xbox Series X console and the controller that pairs up with both consoles.

While Microsoft hasn't officially announced anything yet, these documents came directly from the company, and it's not likely that much will change in between now and the Xbox Series S launch later this year. Here's everything we know right now about Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Series S console, codenamed "Ellewood."

Price and availability

Right now, the Xbox Series S "Ellewood" update is positioned to sell for $299, the "same low price" as the existing base model. For this price, the refreshed Series S will include the updated controller and increase storage. Currently, the 1TB Series S sells for $349, $50 more than this updated version will cost.

According to the schedule laid out by Microsoft, we can expect to see an announcement for the Series S "Ellewood" console and the Series X "Brooklin" console at the same time. The updated Series S console is slated to launch first, towards the end of August, with the updated Series X console launching 60 or more days after, roughly at the end of October.

Design

Visually, the refreshed Xbox Series S won't look much different. It'll still sport a slim form factor and a speaker-like body encased in white. However, one design change that's worth noting is the use of over 30% post-consumer recycled plastic in the console's housing. The console's packaging will also be 100% recyclable, part of Microsoft's effort to be more sustainable.

In the photo above, the new Series S console appears to have a USB-C port on the front, but it's not mentioned in the detailed specs table.

Specs

There aren't too many amazing performance upgrades coming to the new Series S console. However, for the same cheap price as the base model, you'll now get 1TB of storage rather than 512GB, an included USB-C to USB-A cable, and support for Xbox Wireless 2, Bluetooth 5.2, and Wi-Fi 6E.

The 2024 Series S and X consoles will be the first to receive Bluetooth support, but it's not clear yet whether this support will be for audio accessories and Xbox-only controllers, or possibly extend to third-party controllers as well. Then, the Wi-Fi 6E radio will allow for "better throughput, latency, and interference mitigation."

Although there aren't any hardware upgrades for the Series S, it'll feature a new low-power standby mode that's 20% of the current console's standby mode.

Outlook

The upcoming "Ellewood" Xbox Series S console isn't getting as much of a facelift as the "Brooklin" Series X console, but it's still receiving plenty of exciting improvements. If you've been wanting to buy a Series S console recently, it's definitely worth waiting for the updated version to launch later this year.

You'll get double the storage (1TB), which would currently cost you $50 extra with the existing 1TB Carbon Black Xbox Series S. Plus, the new Series S is equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, so your gaming sessions will be smooth and you'll be able to wirelessly connect headphones and a controller. It's basically a win-win-win situation.

The Xbox Series X console is over three years old, and it's time for an update. And thanks to images and reports Microsoft uploaded to the FCC that were accidentally published, we know exactly what that update might look like. This Series X update, codenamed "Brooklin," brings plenty of improved features and a new, cylindrical design. 

While most of the updates make this new 2024 Series X console objectively better than the original console, there's one change that might be controversial: the lack of a disc drive. The updated Series X console will be an all-digital console, just like the Series S console, which is also receiving an update, codenamed "Ellewood." Both consoles are also receiving an updated controller, codenamed "Sebile" internally.

CEO of Microsoft Gaming Phil Spencer addressed the unintentional leak on X, saying "It is hard to see our team's work shared in this way because so much has changed and there's so much to be excited about right now, and in the future. We will share the real plans when we are ready." Much of the info shared in the documents seemed in its final stages, but take everything with a grain of salt until we hear directly from Microsoft.

Price and availability

Microsoft's updated Xbox Series X console is expected to launch at the "same great price $499," matching the current console's price. This $499 price will include the updated controller design, as well as double the existing storage from 1TB to 2TB.

Among documents uploaded by Microsoft, there's a schedule outlining announcement and launch dates for the Series X, Series S, and new "Sebile" controller. If these schedule dates are to be believed, the 2024 "Brooklin" Series X console may be announced as early as June, following the new controller's launch.

Then, the 2024 "Ellewood" Series S console is slated to launch first around the end of August, with the new Series X console launching roughly 60 days later around the end of October. Because these documents were unintentionally leaked, the timeline could be shifted slightly just to switch things up or to accomodate for unforeseen production hiccups.

Design

One of the biggest changes for this new Series X console is its design. Rather than the boxy, computer-tower design of the original Series X console, this "Brooklin" model features a smooth, cylindrical design. This new design is only possible because the 2024 Series X console won't be equipped with a disc drive.

Microsoft calls the 2024 Series X "the most powerful Xbox ever, now adorably all digital." While some might love the all-digital aspect, others definitely won't. Anyone who has a physical disc collection or prefers to buy physical games to resell them later won't be able to do this with the new Series X, and potentially future Xbox consoles as well. 

If Microsoft is going all-digital now, that could be an indication that its consoles going forward will also be all-digital.

In the leaked render, the new console shows off a new "USB-C front port with power delivery," which replaces the USB-A port on existing Series X consoles. This port and the power button have relocated to the front of the console. The console's back ports will likely remain identical to the existing console's ports, just potentially in a different location.

Internal FCC documents mention the new Series X console as part of Microsoft's Xbox Design Lab, which currently lets you customize your own Xbox controller with different colors for individual components. With the Series X listed, it's possible that customers might be able to customize the chassis color on a 2024 Series X.

Specs

The Xbox Series X console isn't getting any major performance upgrades. It's keeping the same 12TF GPU, 4K target resolution, and 16GB of RAM, so it's likely not worth upgrading from your existing Series X to this one.

For the same $499 price, the 2024 Series X will have 2TB of storage, rather than 1TB, include an updated controller and a USB-C to USB-C cable, and gain support for Xbox Wireless 2, Bluetooth 5.2, and Wi-Fi 6E. The lack of a disc drive on this console doesn't affect the price.

Microsoft says that the console's new Wi-Fi 6E  radio will provide "better throughput, latency, and interference mitigation," which translates to a smoother, less laggy wireless experience. Then, Bluetooth 5.2 support is a first for Xbox consoles in general, and you'll be able to connect audio accessories and controllers, but it's not clear yet whether there will be support for third-party controllers or just Xbox-only controllers.

As an effort to be more sustainable, the console will be equipped with a smaller die that'll make it more efficient. The new Series X will run cooler and quieter, and it'll pull less overall power. The console has "reduced PSU power by 15%" and the updated low-power standby mode will be "20% of current XSS standby mode." 

Outlook

The upcoming "Brooklin" Xbox Series X console will bring much-needed updates, like double the storage and support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. However, Microsoft is making the controversial decision to cut the disc drive entirely from this new console. Sony introduced a disc drive separate from the PS5, so it's possible that Microsoft could do something similar in the future.

But as it stands, the new Series X is purely a digital-only console, just like the Series S console. For new players who don't want physical games taking up space in their homes, the 2024 Series X console will be a more power-efficient, smarter choice to buy rather than the existing console. For those who like physical games, it might be worth snagging the current Series X model before you can't buy one new anymore.

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I’ve made it clear I’m in love with handheld gaming, and my adoration for the Asus ROG Ally in particular could bring about the second big bang. Not only is it one of the best handheld gaming devices, but I’ve talked (Editor’s note: At great length, trust us) about how the Asus ROG Ally is my new favorite gaming “laptop” and played dozens of games on it. Unfortunately, the world hasn’t quite caught up to my appreciation of handheld gaming on Windows 11. And by “the world,” I mean software developers.

Valve is the only player in the realm of game stores that has fully developed a separate UI for controllers. While we could attribute this to the company having its own Linux-based operating system for Steam Deck, it has actually had Big Picture Mode years and years ahead of its launch. In truth, Valve is the only major app launcher on Windows that has been prepared for the gamepad revolution. 

Not even Microsoft itself, which has been on the console scene since 2001 with the launch of the original Xbox, has an application on Windows that works seamlessly with a gamepad. We’re still in a phase of handheld gaming where navigating the operating system and launching gaming apps makes the player feel unwanted. It’s not optimized for this method of control, and even with Xbox’s recent compact mode fixing a couple of issues, it’s still borderline unusable.

The underlying problem rests with Windows 11, which makes navigation nightmarish. This is why handheld system manufacturers like Asus and MSI have taken to building dedicated software for the device — ensuring all of your games and relevant settings are in one place. You still have to navigate these unoptimized launchers to get games downloaded, but once it’s installed, it makes the process less arduous.

Xbox isn’t alone in this issue, but it is the company with the most skin in the game. Excluding the Steam Deck, many other handheld gaming systems run on Windows. The Asus ROG Ally even launched in partnership with Xbox, particularly highlighting the value of Xbox Game Pass by providing three free months when you purchase the handheld console. There’s even an Asus ROG Ally hands-on live on the Xbox Wire blog with the headline “this is Xbox Game Pass portable.”

Xbox should know better, and until we get something decent, I will continue screaming about its issues on Windows while using a gamepad. Please fix it, Microsoft.

Issues with Xbox app on Asus ROG Ally and other gaming handhelds  

Xbox launched an update for its Windows application in November called “compact mode,” and while I was excited for how it would change things, all it does is remove the letters from the icons on the sidebar and provide more screen space at the center. While a slight improvement, this barely addresses the app’s issues.

The most obvious problem is that the UI is the same Xbox application designed for mouse and keyboard, but with settings tweaked for gamepad. A search bar hovers over the top at all times, even though it’s only accessible when at the top of the screen. If you scroll too far down at the bottom, you can’t select the search bar without going all the way back up (unless you use the touchscreen).

Xbox also doesn’t have a built-in keyboard, and while this is lower on the list of priorities, it’s one of the many things that Steam Big Picture Mode handles flawlessly. Alongside its borderless window mode which makes it feel like a dedicated console UI, it stands out as the stronger of the two by far.

There’s even a “Friends” bar always floating down at the bottom of the screen. While that’s fine on paper, it’s difficult to select when using the gamepad. Moving downward on the joystick will continue scrolling through the page, and the only way to select it is to get lucky by scrolling down on an item that sits parallel to it.

And then there’s the issue of general navigation. Moving to the My Library tab showcases a selection of games I can jump back into, but the directions I need to move in to even begin picking one is comical. From the My Library tab, I have to highlight the back button, search bar, install queue, next page of the “jump back in” section, the “toggle ascending/descending” button for the My PC games section (which rests below the “jump back in” selection), filters, and then up once to finally land on my first game in that area. To be clear, it visually sits horizontally from the My Library tab.

Since the application is still primarily optimized for mouse and keyboard use, every little button is still on screen. You have to fight a physical battle, pushing through a blockade of useless buttons when you just want to select the game you want to play. There are no button shortcuts to make navigation simpler, and doing the most basic action is an absolute pain. It’s so bad that I’ve resorted to using Desktop mode with the joystick emulating a mouse.

There are also moments where you’re trapped in the UI, as certain highlightable buttons don’t let you travel beyond them. Honestly, at times, It’s almost as if the Xbox app does not want you to play its games.

Bottom line 

There’s no excuse why the Xbox app should be as miserable on a gamepad as it is. Other applications, like Ubisoft Connect and EA Play, may suffer from the same issues, but we’re highlighting Xbox’s lack of compatibility because its presence in this market is significant. The company has been developing UI for consoles since 2001 and these handhelds are designed to run on Microsoft’s operating system — the Asus ROG Ally exists in partnership with Xbox itself.

Xbox needs a separate launchable mode, similar to Steam’s Big Picture Mode, that is designed like its console UI. There’s no reason why the company shouldn’t have a feature like this already, and while handheld gaming on Windows is a relatively new revolution, here’s to hoping the company gets around to it sooner rather than later.