Posts Tagged: Xbox
Microsoft’s keyboard mapping feature for Xbox controllers is here
Earlier this month, Microsoft announced several upcoming accessibility features for Xbox players. A few of those features, including controller-to-keyboard input remapping, are now live and ready to use. This keyboard mapping feature is particularly significant as it will increase gaming options and improve the overall experience for folks with disabilities. Players will now have the ability to configure the buttons of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and the Xbox Adaptive Controller to match specific keys on their keyboards. Microsoft says this will help to “expand controller input capabilities in games that have many commands, have limited remapping capabilities, or do not support controllers.”
Keyboard mapping has been heavily requested by the accessibility community and this move by Microsoft shows the company is still listening. Now that this has been implemented, it will hopefully be easier for smaller developers to include accessibility features as well since they won’t have to create that link independently.
Microsoft has come a long way since stepping into the accessibility market. Back in 2015, the company launched the Xbox One Elite controller, which wasn’t necessarily designed with accessibility in mind. But many of that controller’s features have ultimately proven helpful for those with different needs.
Microsoft later took a more intentional approach with the Xbox Adaptive Controller, which was released in 2018. This was created with the input of accessibility and inclusion advocates like AbleGamers, Warfighter Engaged, SpecialEffect, Craig Hospital and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. The Xbox Adaptive Controller was the first of its kind, offering a plug-and-play option for people with disabilities.
Other updates mentioned in today’s announcement include a better way to capture and edit game stills in Clipchamp and improvements to diagnostic data sharing. All these features are live and can be accessed now.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsofts-keyboard-mapping-feature-for-xbox-controllers-is-here-202746052.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
‘Final Fantasy XIV’ comes to Xbox next spring
It took a decade, but Square Enix's premier massively multiplayer online role-playing game is finally coming to Xbox consoles. The developer has revealed that Final Fantasy XIV will be available for Xbox Series X/S in spring 2024. Like its PS5 counterpart, this version will support 4K visuals on Series X and faster loading times. It's not yet clear if there will be Xbox-only upgrades.
An open beta is expected for patch 6.5X. In other words, the Xbox port should be ready in time for the Dawntrail expansion due in summer next year.
FINAL FANTASY XIV is coming to Xbox. pic.twitter.com/aDen8UtwRC
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) July 28, 2023
Microsoft has been eager to add Final Fantasy games to its catalog. In 2019, it added 10 titles to Game Pass that included many of the releases from VII through to XV. The deluge didn't include XIV, however, leaving Xbox players without an active MMO. The game debuted on PS3 and PC in 2013, with ports for PS4 (2014), Mac (2015) and PS5 (2021) in subsequent years.
The incentives are clear. Final Fantasy XIV helps court fans of the series, particularly those left out by the timed PS5 exclusive for XVI. It's also an attempt to reach out to both Japanese gamers and JRPG enthusiasts. The Xbox has struggled in Japan due in no small part to local studios skipping the platform in favor of domestic consoles from Nintendo and Sony. This game won't suddenly improve Microsoft's fortunes, but it does eliminate a barrier to adoption for some players.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/final-fantasy-xiv-comes-to-xbox-next-spring-192903645.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
Cloud gaming platform Antstream Arcade brings over 1,000 retro games to Xbox
Antstream Arcade is offering over 1,300 retro game titles on Xbox One and Series X/S, with notable titles such as Space Invaders, Metal Slug and Bubble Bobble. The company says these titles will be playable instantly without additional downloads or installation via its cloud gaming platform, with more titles being added every week. This is notable as Antstream will be the first third-party game streaming service on Xbox.
The service will support cloud-based game saves, an online scoreboard and the ability to pick up your game from multiple devices. Antstream Arcade is already available on Mac, PC, Linux, Android TV, Firestick and Samsung TVs, but this marks the first time it is coming to a game console.
Antstream says that it is using its “unique technology” to mod original games, allowing the company to create new mini-game challenges for both new and returning players. For example, you could play a modified Pac-Man map where the main objective is to avoid collecting the dots. Players will be able to enter tournaments, challenge other players to duels or compete for the highest score.
Microsoft already has its own Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming service, and that’s available as a native app on Android, Windows, Samsung smart TVs and select VR headsets. It’s also available on iOS and Mac but you’ll need to use a web browser to access it. Though, Xbox Cloud Gaming is more focused on playing modern titles away from your console, while Antstream Arcade is solely focused on tugging those nostalgic heart strings.
Antstream Arcade on Xbox will be available for pre-order starting today on the Xbox store. Pricing will start at $ 29.99 annually with a one-time lifetime purchase option for $ 79.99. The company says all future games and new features will be included, regardless of which purchase option you decide to go with.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cloud-gaming-platform-antstream-arcade-brings-over-1000-retro-games-to-xbox-070057648.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
The Morning After: Microsoft’s new Xbox controller is partially made of ground-up CDs
Microsoft has announced a new, slightly more sustainable Xbox controller. Arriving as an Earth Day promotion, the Xbox Remix Special Edition wireless controller uses recycled materials from old gamepads, auto headlight covers and reclaimed CDs (among other sources) to give each accessory a unique look – but no special functionality. I’m totally OK with that.
Microsoft describes the combination of recycled resins with regrind as creating “custom, earth-tone colors with subtle variations, swirling, markings, and texturing – giving each Remix Special Edition controller its own look and feel.” While it’s hard to see that on the press images, it should result in a satisfying textured pattern on the bumpers and side grip. The company also bundles an Xbox Rechargeable Battery Pack with each gamepad, ensuring fewer AA batteries head to landfills.
– Mat Smith
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Biden says it 'remains to be seen' if AI is dangerous
The president has met with advisors to discuss the 'risks and opportunities' of AI.
According to reports, President Joe Biden has met with his science and technology advisors, which include academics and executives from Google and Microsoft, to discuss the "risks and opportunities" of artificial intelligence. While the meeting is unlikely to lead to a ChatGPT ban like in Italy, the president doesn't seem to be convinced that AI is perfectly safe at this point in time. When asked if AI is dangerous, he responded: "It remains to be seen. Could be." He told the group: "Tech companies have a responsibility, in my view, to make sure their products are safe before making them public.”
The best e-readers for 2023
Kindles are no longer your only options.
After staring at screens all day, you deserve a break. E-readers are the perfect way to unwind with a book. They're easy on your eyes, portable and have a huge selection of titles. Amazon still dominates in this market, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t worthy competitors. We tested out some of the best e-readers available – here are our picks.
Virgin Orbit files for bankruptcy protection as it seeks a buyer
The company recently shut down its space launch operations.
Virgin Orbit has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection a few days after officially shutting down its space launch operations. The private space company has been burning money for a while now and reported a loss of $ 49.2 million in its last fiscal quarter. Its financial issues came to a head after its Start Me Up mission didn't quite go as expected. It was supposed to be a historic event as the first orbital launch from UK soil, but it failed to reach orbit due to a dislodged fuel filter.
Nintendo offers unlimited free repairs for Joy-Con drift issue in Europe
The company will fix 'drifting' Joy-Cons at no cost even if they're no longer under warranty.
Nintendo has been repairing Switch players' Joy-Con "drift" issues for free, even if they're no longer under warranty, in North America since 2019. It then launched the same program in France and Latin America. Now, the gaming giant has expanded its free unlimited repair service for drifting Joy-Cons to the European Economic Area (EEA), UK and Switzerland "until further notice." On its UK website, the company said it's offering repairs in those areas "for responsiveness syndrome relating to control sticks." And, it will fix the known problem for users even if it's "caused by wear and tear."
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-microsofts-new-xbox-controller-is-partially-made-of-ground-up-cds-111501121.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
Xbox head says Microsoft’s mobile game store could arrive next year
Microsoft is preparing to launch an Xbox store on iOS and Android as early as next year, according to Phil Spencer. The head of the company’s gaming division shared the timeline in a Financial Times interview published on Monday, noting the plan is dependent on regulators approving Microsoft’s $ 68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
“We want to be in a position to offer Xbox and content from both us and our third-party partners across any screen where somebody would want to play,” Spencer told the outlet. “Today, we can’t do that on mobile devices but we want to build towards a world that we think will be coming where those devices are opened up.”
Microsoft first revealed it was working on an Xbox store for mobile devices in regulatory documents the company filed with the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) last year. At the time, the tech giant didn’t provide a timeline for the plan, noting only its proposed merger with Activision Blizzard would play a critical role. Spencer was more direct on Monday. “The Digital Markets Act that’s coming — those are the kinds of things that we are planning for,” he said. “I think it’s a huge opportunity.”
Under the Digital Markets Acts (DMA), major platforms the European Union designates as “gatekeepers” will be required to open their devices to competing app stores. Last fall, a Bloomberg report said Apple was already at work preparing to make iOS compliant with the legislation ahead of its March 2024 deadline. The EU will allow companies it labels as gatekeepers to appeal the designation, a carveout that could delay enforcement of the law. Additionally, with challenges from the Federal Trade Commission and CMA, there’s no guarantee Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard will close before the new rules apply to Apple and Google, a fact Spencer seemed to acknowledge when interviewed by the Financial Times. However, he said it would be “pretty trivial” for Microsoft to adapt its existing Xbox and Game Pass apps to sell games and subscriptions through mobile devices.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/xbox-head-says-microsofts-mobile-game-store-could-arrive-next-year-180007168.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core is 15 percent off right now
If you don’t need accessories like extra thumbsticks, D-Pads and more, Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller gives you all the benefits of the regular Elite Series 2 at a significantly lower price. Now, you can get on even cheaper, as it’s on sale at Amazon for just $ 110, or $ 20 (15 percent) off the regular price.
Buy Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core (White) at Amazon – $ 110
As mentioned, the Elite Series 2 Core is the same as the Elite Series 2, aside from the white instead of the black color and lack of accessories. It offers a wrap-around rubberized grip, shorter hair trigger locks and 40 hours of battery life. You get an Xbox wireless connection with the Xbox One and Series S/X consoles, reducing latency and letting you use the headphone jack. You can also connect it to a PC via Bluetooth. The Xbox Accessories app provides customization options like button remapping, sensitivity curve adjustments, dead zones, vibration intensity tweaking and LED colors.
If you decide you want the normal Elite Series 2 accessories after all, that’s no problem — just purchase the $ 60 Complete Component Pack separately. That gives you everything missing from the Core model, including a carrying case, a thumbstick-adjustment tool, a charging dock, two classic thumbsticks, one tall thumbstick, one dome thumbstick, one cross-shaped D-pad, two medium and two mini paddles, as well as a USB-C cable. Best of all, with the sale, you could buy the component pack and Elite Series 2 Core controller and still save over purchasing the regular Elite Series 2 model.
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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsofts-xbox-elite-wireless-controller-series-2-core-is-15-percent-off-right-now-090227471.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
Hit Viking survival sim ‘Valheim’ hits Xbox on March 14th
Two years after indie survival game Valheim became an instant smash hit on PC, it has a console release date. It's coming to Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on March 14th. Valheim will be available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers at no extra cost. The game's currently on PC Game Pass too.
Initially built by a five-person team at developer Iron Gate Studio, Valheim sold 5.7 million copies in its first five weeks and it was one of the highest-earning games on Steam in 2021. Players can team up with up to nine of their friends to go hunting, collect supplies, build bases, sail the seas, explore biomes, take down bosses and, of course, go fishing in a procedurally generated Viking afterlife.
Valheim will be available as a game preview on Xbox at the outset. "There's still a lot left to add before the game can leave Early Access," the game's Twitter account noted. Those who dive into Valheim on Xbox will be able to join up with pals who play on PC, as there's crossplay support.
🚨We have an Xbox release date for #Valheim everyone! Who's excited? 🎮 https://t.co/ksmaQzTzQG
— Valheim (@Valheimgame) February 17, 2023
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now includes free trials for Apple Music and Apple TV+
Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks now include freebies from an erstwhile rival. The company now offers Ultimate subscribers three-month free trials of Apple Music and Apple TV+ to newcomers for either media service. You can stream tunes in the background while you’re playing Halo Infinite, or catch up on Ted Lasso in between cloud gaming sessions.
You can claim either or both Apple trials until March 31st, 2023. They’re available on consoles and the Xbox app for Windows. You can use the promos everywhere Apple Music and Apple TV+ is available except for Russia and (for Apple TV+) Turkey.
The bonuses come weeks after Apple Music launched on Xbox consoles. In that light, the trials represent Microsoft’s chance to spread the word about availability. The company was relatively late to Apple Music, which came to the PS5 a year earlier — this makes clear that you don’t need a PlayStation to have console games and Apple streaming on the same machine.
It also comes as Apple and Microsoft have bolstered interoperability. You can now access iCloud Photos libraries in Windows 11’s native Photos app, for instance. While the tech companies still compete against each other (see Apple’s reluctance to support Game Pass streaming), they’re now willing to cooperate when it serves their mutual interests.
The Xbox Series S is $50 off right now
The Xbox Series S doesn’t see a lot of discounts, but right now Adorama has knocked $ 50 off the sticker price, which is the lowest we’re seeing anywhere. We originally saw this as Adorama’s deal of the day last Friday and added it to our weekly deals recap. For those of us who may have slept on it, they still have units left at the $ 250 price.
We reviewed the Series S when it came out, calling it the next-gen starter pack. Even though it doesn’t support gameplay in 4K, it still plays incredibly smoothly. And the console itself is downright adorable. Thanks to the FPS boost technology added to the Series S and X, older games, including many made for Xbox One, will look and perform better with faster frame rates.
Buy Xbox Series S at Adorama – $ 250
Unlike the Series X, which as far as we know hasn’t budged from its $ 500 list price, the Series S only plays digital titles, with no slot to insert physical game media. Microsoft is likely counting on most people going for an Xbox Game Pass membership, currently $ 10 per month for the Console tier, and $ 15 per month for the Ultimate tier. Either level unlocks a library with hundreds of game to download and play, sort of like Netflix for games. Memberships also grant discounts to many of the titles you might want to buy outright.
Another caveat to note when comparing the Series X and S, is the Series S has less SSD storage, with 512GB on-board, compared to the 1TB of storage you get with the Series X. If you like to keep lots of titles on hand, without having to delete, you’ll have to weigh that preference against the price of the Series X. Seagate does make an expansion card built specifically for the Xbox Series X/S, but at $ 200, you end up losing most of the money you saved buying the cheaper console.
Despite any caveats, we found the performance impressive and loved the look of the physical box. For casual console gamers, it’s a great option. Especially when you consider all you’ll get out of backward-compatible games from the Game Pass library. If you’ve been waiting for a discount before you dive in, this is the best deal we’ve found.
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‘Persona 3 Portable’ and ‘Persona 4 Golden’ arrive on Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation and Switch this January
Atlus surprised gaming fans this past summer when it shared that it would release its beloved Persona series on Xbox Game Pass. It then followed that announcement with the news that Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden and Persona 5 Royal would make their way to other modern platforms as well.
🌙 Special Announcement! 📺
Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden release for modern platforms on January 19, 2023! #P3P#P4Gpic.twitter.com/OrAx46j8XG
— Official ATLUS West (@Atlus_West) October 8, 2022
At the time, the company said P5R would be the first of the three games to arrive, with the two older titles to follow in 2023. On Saturday, ahead of Persona 5 Royal’s October 21st release on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Steam and Xbox Game Pass, Atlus announced that it would release Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden to additional platforms on January 19th, 2023. For the former, that means PlayStation 4 (and PS5 through backward compatibility), Nintendo Switch, Steam and Xbox Game Pass. For the latter, it’s those same platforms minus Steam where P4G has been available since 2020.
The expanded availability means a lot more people will have the chance to experience the Persona series. Before Atlus announced it was bringing the franchise to more platforms you had to out of your way to play the older titles. For instance, before its 2020 Steam release, Persona 4 Golden was only available on PlayStation Vita. For P3P, meanwhile, your options were either PlayStation Portable or, more likely, PS Vita through backward compatibility.
Samsung Gaming Hub is rolling out with Xbox Game Pass, GeForce Now, and more
Samsung isn’t messing about when it comes to supporting all the major cloud gaming services because its new Gaming Hub is rolling out to 2022 Smart TVs and Smart Monitors with access to the likes of GeForce Now, Stadia, Xbox Game Pass, and more. This means that you just need a supported Samsung Smart TV […]
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Samsung Gaming Hub goes live today with Twitch, Xbox Game Pass and more
The Samsung Gaming Hub is live now on 2022 Samsung smart TVs and smart monitors, and it's adding two services from Amazon to its game-streaming lineup: Twitch and Luna. Twitch is available today, while Luna is coming soon. Gamers will also be able to access Xbox Game Pass now, as well as apps for NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Google Stadia and Utomik in the same designated area on their TVs. The company plans to release details about the gaming hub's rollout to earlier Samsung smart TV models at a later date, a Samsung spokesperson confirmed to Engadget.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Samsung Gaming Hub, it essentially offers players a way to access major cloud gaming services on their smart TV using only their Bluetooth controller, no console needed. Apps for both Spotify and YouTube are also included in the gaming hub.
Samsung says it plans on delivering even more gaming-focused content in the future, including new partnerships. “With expanding partnerships across leading game streaming services and expert curated recommendations, players will be able to easily browse and discover games from the widest selection available, regardless of platform,” said Won-Jin Lee, president of Samsung’s Service Business Team.
Amazon’s Luna cloud gaming service has only been available to the general public since March, and is already available on Fire TVs. Its partnership with Samsung could give the nascent gaming service an easy way to reach people who have never used it in their homes. Twitch (which is owned by Amazon) once had an app for Samsung smart TVs, but it was retired in 2019. The platform’s return to the newest Samsung smart TVs will be happy news for streamers and their fans.
It seems natural for Samsung to further embrace the gaming community, given that smart TVs have become close to a necessity in gaming. Last year Microsoft announced that it would begin working with global TV manufacturers to directly integrate Xbox into smart TVs via an Xbox with Game Pass app. The idea of an “all-in-one” destination for all your cloud-based and console games is certainly convenient to some, and may help gamers avoid the time and hassle of switching between modes.
The Xbox Cloud Gaming app is coming to Samsung Smart TVs in June
Many modern smart TVs already sport access to gaming services such as Google Stadia and Nvidia’s GeForce Now and Microsoft is joining in with the news that its new Xbox app will soon be added to Samsung’s Gaming Hub. This means that you won’t need an Xbox gaming console in order to play smash hits […]
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Remedy is remaking the first two Max Payne games for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S
Remedy is remaking Max Payne and Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne. In a surprise announcement on Wednesday, the Finnish studio said it was working with Rockstar Games to fully remaster the first two games in its cult classic third-person shooter series for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
We are pleased to announce that we will remake the iconic Max Payne and Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne, in a new development agreement with Rockstar Games.
Read the full press release here: https://t.co/gx9tuH425j
— Remedy Entertainment (@remedygames) April 6, 2022
Under a new publishing agreement between the two companies, Rockstar will fund the project “in line with a typical Remedy AAA-game production.” What’s more, the studio will rebuild the games in its in-house Northlight Engine, the same engine Remedy used for its most recent title, Control. Nearly three years after its 2019 release, Control is still one of the best-looking games on both PC and consoles thanks to its implementation of ray-tracing.
"We were thrilled when our long-time friends at Remedy approached us about remaking the original Max Payne games," said Rockstar Games co-founder Sam Houser. "We are massive fans of the work the Remedy team has created over the years and we can't wait to play these new versions."
Released in 2001, Max Payne was the game that put Remedy on the map and established the studio’s signature storytelling style. It was also one of the first games to include the bullet-time effect made popular by The Matrix. Two years later, Remedy released The Fall of Max Payne. Rockstar published both games before it went on to develop the third and currently final entry in the series on its own.
‘Hogwarts Legacy’ will hit Xbox, PlayStation and PC this holiday season
Hogwarts Legacy will arrive on PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles in holiday 2022. Hogwarts Legacy was announced in late 2020 and it was originally due to come out in 2021, but was later delayed to 2022. The "holiday" timeframe is one step closer to an actual release date.
And that's not all — during today's State of Play livestream dedicated to the open-world RPG, WB Games Avalanche dropped a trailer offering the first real look at how this sucker will look and play.
Hogwarts Legacy is a spinoff of the Harry Potter universe, but it takes place long before the events of the books. It's set in the 1800s, and places players in their fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where they'll learn spells, brew potions, grow magical plants, tame wild beasts and attend classes. Players have a unique ability to manipulate ancient magic, and with that, they hold the key to saving the wizarding world from dark forces.
As familiar as that sounds, this is a game filled with original storylines and Harry Potter author JK Rowling (She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named) isn't directly involved in its development. Hogwarts Legacy features fresh professors, students, villains, mentors and creatures, plus some familiar ghosts. Players will be able to fly on broomsticks, gain friends who will join them on quests and upgrade their abilities based on how they like to play. It's not all contained to Hogwarts, either — the shops at Hogsmeade are also available to explore.
Taco Bell’s Xbox Game Pass-style pass will put a taco in your belly daily for $10 a month
The Taco Lover’s Pass will let you pick between seven popular items on the menu every day for just $ 10 a month through the mobile app.
Emerging Tech | Digital Trends
Adidas’ final commemorative Xbox sneakers are now on sale
Since October, Microsoft and Adidas have been releasing commemorative Xbox-themed sneakers to mark the brand's 20th anniversary. It all started with a pair of Forum Tech shoes the two companies gave away to a group of lucky fans. Then, in November, they released a pair of Xbox 360-themed Forum Mid sneakers you could buy in the US and Canada. Now, for their third and final drop, the two have come out with an Xbox Series X-inspired design that's available to purchase worldwide.
This time around, Microsoft and Adidas say they went with the Tech Boost silhouette because, like the Xbox Series X/S, it's a design that acknowledges the past while incorporating new technologies. As with the other sneakers in the series, you'll find plenty of clever references. For instance, the inner lining of the shoes draws on the design of the Xbox Series X's vents. Meanwhile, the heel and sole of shoes mirror the grips of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller.
"Overall, we wanted to create a shoe that cemented a moment in time, but also felt timeless," Microsoft said. "This is a shoe that is meant to be played in, meant to be worn, and meant to be enjoyed by our community – one that's always played in, and never played out."
You can buy the Xbox Series X Forum Tech Boost from the Adidas website for $ 140. If you're not a sneakerhead, Microsoft has released other commemorative products to mark the console's 20th birthday, including a translucent controller that pays homage to the original Xbox debug kit.
Microsoft had to use Xbox dev kits to run a ‘Halo Infinite’ tournament
Even Microsoft is feeling the sting of ongoing Xbox shortages. Kotakunotes Microsoft resorted to using Xbox Series X dev kits (not pictured) to run the first big Halo Infinite tournament, the Halo Championship Series' Raleigh Major, this weekend. Simply put, the company couldn't find enough retail consoles to use — the "global supply chain shortage is real," 343 Industries' eSports lead Tahir Hasandjekic said.
The dev kits are "functionally identical" to off-the-shelf consoles and will operate in that mode, Hasandjekic added. They don't look quite the same, but competitors shouldn't notice any differences from the systems they have at home.
The irony is thick, but this also underscores the severity of console shortages over a year after the Xbox Series X made its debut. It's still difficult to buy the machine between scalpers and industry-wide chip shortages, and Microsoft doesn't necessarily have privileged access to its own hardware. With that said, the company probably doesn't want to make a habit of using developer units. We won't be surprised if Microsoft ensures future in-person HCS matchups rely on store-bought Xbox systems, if just for the sake of burnishing its public image.
Heads up open bracket players – you'll be playing this weekend on Series X development consoles. They're functionally identical and will be operating in "Retail" mode so it's the exact same experience, they just look a little different.
Why? Global supply chain shortage is real.
— Tashi (@Tashi343i) December 15, 2021
‘Windjammers 2’ is coming to Xbox Game Pass
Three years after its initial announcement, Windjammers 2 doesn’t have a release date yet, but the good news is it’s coming to Xbox Game Pass. Developer Dotemu shared that tidbit of new information in a trailer it posted on Wednesday. When it finally launches, Windjammers 2 will be available on Game Pass for both PC and Xbox, and it will support online crossplay across all Xbox and PC versions of the title. That means Steam and Game Pass users will have the chance to play against one another.
The trailer also offers a look at the two final characters that will make up the game’s initial 12-person roster. There’s Jodi Costa, who fans will recognize from the 1994 original, and newcomer Sammy Ho. Both have their own set of special moves you’ll need to master to make the most of their capabilities. In addition to PC and Xbox, Dotemu will release Windjammers 2 on Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia, PlayStation 4 and PS5.
These are the optimized games available for the Xbox Series X/S from November 10
Microsoft’s new Series X and S Xbox gaming consoles are officially going on sale on November 10th, which means those of us who placed pre-orders back in September should hopefully be getting our grubby paws on the new distractions on the very same day. More powerful and capable than their predecessors, the Series X and […]
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Here’s how to stream games from your own Xbox One to an Android phone
Microsoft has been testing out the ability to stream games from your Xbox to your smartphone, which is slightly different from the newly expanded Game Pass streaming; this relies on hardware you own at home instead of streaming from the cloud. That Console Streaming is expanding today with the newly updated Android app which should […]
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Xbox Series S is all about Game Pass
Microsoft has finally announced its budget next-gen Xbox, the $ 299 Xbox Series S. That price is appealing, but the cuts to storage and graphical power… not so much. We know that the Xbox Series X will be $ 500, and history has shown that gamers will t…
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Razer Kishi Xbox edition controller review: Closer to the future of mobile gaming
The Razer Kishi released a few months ago, offering a controller for your mobile phone that takes more than a little design inspiration from the Nintendo Switch. That’s not a bad thing, necessarily, since that form factor has turned out to be one of the best for portability without too many sacrifices. To take things […]
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Get 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for only $23
A three-month subscription of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is now only $ 23 at Best Buy, down from its normal $ 45 price tag. Game Pass Ultimate grants you access to a sizable library of games that you can play on your Xbox One or PC. Joining Game Pass nets…
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EA allows ‘Madden NFL 21’ Xbox Series X upgrades until ‘NFL 22’ arrives
When EA first introduced an option to upgrade the Xbox One version of Madden NFL 21 to the Xbox Series X release for free, it gave players until March 31st, 2021 to make the decision. That’s not much time if you aren’t dead set on buying the Series X…
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Xbox Family Settings app sets limits on your kids’ game time
Microsoft is doing more to keep tabs on your kids’ digital habits. It just released the preview version of an Xbox Family Settings app for Android and 10,000 iOS users that manages what, when and how children play on Xbox consoles. You can set time l…
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Xbox Game Pass clears 10 million subscribers
Microsoft's bet on subscription gaming appears to be paying off. The company has revealed that more than 10 million people now pay for Xbox Game Pass, a buffet-style service with an ever-changing library of first- and third-party titles. Microsoft la…
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Xbox Game Bar’s new widgets link to apps like XSplit
Last year Microsoft added a Spotify integration to its Xbox Game Bar on the PC, and now it will be able to offer far more third-party support. That’s because it has introduced a new Game Bar Widget Store, as well as an SDK for outside developers to p…
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Xbox Series X and PS5: The new consoles are all about crazy fast storage
The Xbox One and PS4 were the start of an unusual console generation. Both systems adopted very "PC-like" architecture and instead of a new generation we instead got a refresh where Microsoft and Sony both released faster versions of th…
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‘Rainbow Six Siege’ will be ready for PS5 and Xbox Series X at launch
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Microsoft made a Nike Air Max 90 Xbox but you can’t buy it
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Walmart’s weekend sale includes a $150 Xbox One S All-Digital Edition
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Xbox One update helps you buy the games your friends are playing
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Microsoft makes the Xbox One work with Google Assistant and Google Homes
Microsoft has announced a new integration for its home video game console, the Xbox One, and it should be a big deal for anyone building a smart home with Google Assistant. Like the previously announced Amazon Alexa integration, you’ll now be able to use Google Assistant to control your Xbox One. This works for turning […]
Come comment on this article: Microsoft makes the Xbox One work with Google Assistant and Google Homes
Xbox One mouse support is available in preview
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Xbox One mouse and keyboard support is coming with Razer’s help
Yes, the rumors were true. Microsoft has confirmed that it's weeks away from adding mouse and keyboard support to the Xbox One (initially for Insiders), and it's enlisting some help from none other than Razer. The gaming-oriented brand will provide…
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Microsoft launches Xbox All Access with two-year console financing
The rumors are true: Today, Microsoft announced an all-inclusive service called Xbox All Access. For $ 22 per month over two years, Microsoft will provide you with an Xbox One S console, access to over 100 games thanks to Xbox Game Pass and an Xbox Li…
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Microsoft’s strong quarter was powered by the cloud, Surface and Xbox
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‘PES 2019’ hits PC, PS4 and Xbox One on August 28th
If you'd rather not support EA's definitions of "gambling" and "loot boxes" but still want to play virtual soccer football, maybe this year's Pro Evolution Soccer from Konami will tickle your fancy. PES 2019 will be in stores August 28th (US) and Aug…
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The Linksys router that prioritizes Xbox One gaming is now available
That router Linksys showed off at CES this year — yes, the one that prioritizes gaming traffic from Xbox consoles — is now available for purchase in the US. The WRT32XB is the first router designed to automatically detect any Xbox One, including th…
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Facebook’s video app comes to Xbox One
Facebook is continuing its quest to make its video easier to watch in the living room. The company has released a version of its Video app for Xbox One that gives you an easy way to catch videos in between Sea of Thieves sessions. It'll seem famili…
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Google hires former Xbox, PlayStation exec Phil Harrison
Phil Harrison followed up almost two decades as an executive for both Sony and Microsoft as an investor in computer and video game companies. But he's moving back to the tech world with a new role as Vice President and GM of Google, Harrison announce…
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Xbox party chat arrives on iOS in beta
You no longer need an Android phone if you want to join in Xbox party chats when you're away from your console — Microsoft has introduced party chat to the beta Xbox app for iOS. If you've been accepted into the program (you have to sign up first),…
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‘Descent’ revival is coming to PS4 and Xbox One
The classic zero-G shooter Descent may have been born on PC, but its revival won't be limited to one platform. Descendent Studios has announced that Little Orbit is porting Descent: Underground to the PS4 and Xbox One. While it's not certain what t…
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Microsoft unveils ‘Minecraft’ edition Xbox One S
How devoted are you to Minecraft? Devoted enough that you want your console to be a living, breathing representation of the construction game? If so, you're in luck. Microsoft has unveiled a limited edition Minecraft Xbox One S that drapes the entire…
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Microsoft didn’t make Xbox One’s first easy-pairing headset
In an age where technology is becoming increasingly wireless, it's baffling that Xbox One headsets still require either a transmitter or lengthy wires in order to work. Thankfully, LucidSound's latest is about to change that. Connecting directly to X…
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How to connect your smartphone to an Xbox One with the Xbox app
Microsoft’s Xbox app can’t do it all, but it does allow you to access your profile information and launch media content directly from your mobile device. Check out our quick guide on how to connect your smartphone to an Xbox One, regardless of your platform.
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