Xbox Series

A brand new Xbox Series X console refresh is coming next year, according to court documents accidentally shown during the FTC v Microsoft case.

Last night, sleuths searching through the FTC documentation provided by Microsoft to courts as part of its appeal for the company’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard struck gold. They found details of potential upcoming games, handheld Xbox hints, and remasters of beloved titles like Fallout 3.

Microsoft is planning to ditch the disc drive in the Xbox Series X console next year, instead offering gamers 2TB of internal storage for digital games.

Documents released as part of the FTC v. Microsoft case reveal an upcoming Xbox Series X mid-gen refresh codenamed Brooklin.

Microsoft will launch a refreshed version of both the Xbox Series X and S next year, according to leaked documentation, before its proper next-gen Xbox console expected in 2028.

A 'refresh' for the Xbox Series X, codenamed 'Brooklin', has leaked via legal documents.

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Microsoft is planning to release a redesigned Xbox Series X console, codenamed ‘Brooklin’, with a new design and controller.

Microsoft's Xbox Series X Refresh & Next-Gen Xbox consoles have been detailed in a major leak by the FTC. The information covers all next-gen hardware and software plans that the company plans to roll out in the coming years.

By Tom Warren, a senior editor covering Microsoft, PC gaming, console, and tech. He founded WinRumors, a site dedicated to Microsoft news, before joining The Verge in 2012.

Despite previous reports revealing the game's 2026 release window, The Elder Scrolls VI is at least five years away and is likely to release, unsurprisingly, only on PC, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.

By Sheena Vasani, a writer covering commerce, e-readers, and tech news. She previously wrote about everything from web development to AI at Inside.

The Xbox Series S is a great 1440p gaming machine, plus this special is essentially free money.

One More Level’s Ghostrunner 2 has received a free demo on Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG. In addition, a new trailer is available, with protagonist Jack facing off against various threats. Check it out below.

Tintin Reporter: The Cigars of the Pharaoh will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam on November 7, followed by Switch in 2024, publisher Microids and developer Pendulo Studios announced.

Metroidvania / side-scrolling action game TEVI will launch for Switch and PC via Steam on November 30, followed by PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in 2024, CreSpirit, Neverland Entertainment, and GemaYue announced.

Publisher Konami and developer WayForward have announced Contra: Operation Galuga, a new entry in the side-scrolling run-and-gun shooter series. It will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam in early 2024.

Aspyr has announced Tomb Raider I-II-III Remastered for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC (Steam). It will launch on February 13, 2024.

Publisher ATLUS and developer Vanillaware have announced tactical RPG Unicorn Overlord for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, and Xbox Series. It will launch on March 8, 2024 worldwide.

The Xbox Series of consoles are currently offering some of the best experiences in gaming. If you’re after a new open-world story to get lost in, here are our picks for the best Xbox Series X/S open-world RPGs available right now. If we missed your favorite, let us know.

Publisher Playtonic Friends and developer MegaWobble will release Lil Gator Game for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on October 10, the companies announced. Wishlisting is now available via PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store.

Publisher THQ Nordic and developer Owned by Gravity will release SpellForce: Conquest of Eo for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series in 2023, the companies announced.

Total Mayhem Games have announced and released cooperative puzzle game We Were Here Together: Expeditions for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 via PlayStation Store, Xbox Series and Xbox One via Microsoft Store, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. It is free to claim until October 13.

New Mortal Kombat 1 comparison videos were shared online a few hours ago, putting the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC at max setting versions of the game side by side to highlight the visual differences between them.

Side-scrolling robot shooter FZ: Formation Z will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam in 2024 worldwide, publisher and developer City Connection, and developer Granzella announced. Additional platforms are to be determined.

Inti Creates has announced Gunvolt Records Cychronicle, the first rhythm game in the Azure Striker Gunvolt series. It will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam on February 15, 2024 for $14.99, and can be expanded with downloadable content packs. It will also be playable at Tokyo Game Show 2023, which will run from September 21 to 24 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

The console wars continue, and it looks like Xbox is enjoying a boost in the UK. It turns out sales of the Series S and Series X have increased by 76%, based on week-on-week figures up to September 2.

Jagged Alliance 3 will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on November 16 for $59.99 / €59.99 / £49.99, publisher THQ Nordic and developer Haemimont Games announced. It will be available both physically and digitally. Pre-orders are available now.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC and Mac via Steam and GOG on December 7, developer Owlcat Games announced. The PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Mac versions are newly confirmed.

Starfield has enjoyed a great deal of success, to no one’s surprise, becoming Bethesda’s biggest launch ever with over 6 million players. And, as many would have predicted, the sci-fi RPG’s release has also resulted in boosted sales for Xbox Series X/S.

Xbox Series X/S sales reached a new weekly high for 2023 coinciding with Starfield’s early access release.

The Starfield (pre)launch has significantly boosted Xbox Series X|S sales in the UK, based on Gfk data.

The launch of Starfield and a new version of the Xbox Series S significantly boosted sales of Microsoft consoles.

Microsoft has announced a new Xbox Series X/S controller with a deep purple color scheme on the front and a bright white back. Aptly, this new controller is titled «Astral Purple.» It looks great and is available for preorder now before its September 19 release date. 

Publisher SEGA and developer Sports Interactive have announced Football Manager 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS, and Android. It will launch on November 6. It will also be available via Xbox Game Pass.

Forza Motorsport seems to meet the greatest expectations fans have when it comes to Xbox Series consoles’ performance.

Turn 10 Studios revealed some extensive new gameplay of Forza Motorsport, highlighting the first few races players can experience. Various previews have also dropped, and we’ve finally learned about the different graphical modes on Xbox Series X/S.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is said to support NVIDIA DLSS technology and sport better ray tracing hardware than Sony's and Microsoft's consoles, making the console a huge step up from its predecessor. These, however, may not be enough to match the performance and visuals the other current-generation gaming systems are capable of.

PS5 sales in the UK have jumped 60% year-to-date while sales of both Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch are down compared to last year.

Publisher Beep Japan, publisher and developer Poppy Works, and developer Protoculture Games have delayed side-scrolling shoot ’em up Devil Engine: Complete Edition from its previously planned October 12 release date to November 9. It will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch.

Ratalaika Games, in partnership with Masaya Games and Shinyuden, will release classic action platformer sequel Cyber Citizen Shockman 2: A New Menace for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch on September 22 for $5.99 / £5.99 / €5.99. Wishlisting is now available via PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop.

Digital Foundry tested out the possibility by building a custom PC specced like an Xbox Series X.

Purple Lamp and THQ Nordic announced on Monday that SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake would be getting PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC versions of the game that launched earlier this year.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is sounding to be more and more like a huge step forward over its predecessor, as suggested by new details on how the tech demos reportedly shown during this year's Gamescom ran on the yet-to-be-revealed console.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is getting a free upgrade for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.

Bethesda Game Studios’ Starfield launched worldwide last week and has already topped the UK physical sales charts, per Gfk. However, as revealed in the full charts (via GamesIndustry), the sci-fi RPG has sold more copies on Xbox Series X/S than PC.

Bang-On Balls: Chronicles will leave Early Access and launch for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam on October 5, followed by PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series at a later date, publisher Untold Tales and developer Exit Plan announced.

Publisher THQ Nordic and developer Purple Lamp Studios will release PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series versions of SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake on October 16, the companies announced. It will be available both physically and digitally for $39.99. Users who own the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions will also receive a free upgrade.

Publisher PLAYISM and developer Petit Depotto will release science-fiction social deduction RPG Gnosia for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on December 14, the companies announced.

Ascendant Studios and EA have detailed tomorrow's Immortals of Aveum update 3 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

While they are readily available on PC, console commands cannot be used directly in Starfield to activate a variety of different benefits, some of them extremely useful, such as removing the carry capacity limitations and others.

Microsoft will host the Xbox Digital Broadcast at Tokyo Game Show 2023 on September 21 at 2:00 a.m. PT / 5:00 a.m. ET / 18:00 JST, the company announced.

Electronic Arts has announced that EA Sports UFC 5 will release on October 27th for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Pre-orders are now available, with the Standard Edition costing $69.99 and the Deluxe Edition retailing for $99.99. Check out its gameplay reveal trailer below.

Seagate has released its Starfield Xbox Game drive but your Xbox Series X|S won't be able to play Bethesda's game from it.

Publisher PLAION and developer Fulqrum Games have released PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series versions of King’s Bounty II. Users who own the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One version will receive a free upgrade and can carry over their save files.

Electronic Arts has announced EA Sports UFC 5 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series. It will launch on October 27 in $69.99 standard and $99.99 Deluxe editions. Digital pre-orders are available now.

Cooking roguelite management game PlateUp! will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch on November 2, publisher Yogscast Games and developer It’s happening announced. The PlayStation 4 version is newly announced. The PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Switch versions will be available both physically and digitally in standard and Collector’s editions on November 3 in Europe and November 7 in North America. The game will also be available via Xbox Game Pass for console and PC.

Cooking roguelite management game PlateUp! will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Xbox One, and Switch on November 2, publisher Yogscast Games and developer It’s happening announced. The PlayStation 5 and Switch versions will be available both physically and digitally. The game will also be available via Xbox Game Pass for console and PC.

After a quick update on how our Starfield adventures are going, we discuss Phil Spencer and the Xbox leadership team’s big decision to bend the Series X/S parity rules to get Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox, Destin’s big interview with Phil Spencer — including whether or not Microsoft will produce a mid-gen refresh for the Series X — the sad closure of Volition, and more!

This week, the two biggest role-playing games of the year are released in a head-to-head on rival console platforms. But only one of them is a console exclusive. Starfield was acquired by Microsoft along with its developer and publisher, Bethesda, in 2021, and will be released on Xbox and PC only. Baldur’s Gate 3 — which has already become an overnight sensation on PC, if you can say that about a game that spent three years in early access — is out now on PlayStation 5, but an Xbox version is still weeks or months away. And it could have been much longer.

September promises to be a blockbuster month for gaming, with a stellar lineup of heavy hitters set to release this month. Kicking off the show is Starfield, Bethesda's epic sci-fi space fantasy RPG, which has been in development for eight years, apparently. The studio's first original IP in 25 years, Starfield, as director Todd Howard puts it, is essentially Skyrim in space. Hundreds of hours of spacefaring adventure await, with a side helping of nostalgic Bethesda style. The game is out now on PC and Xbox Series S/X. It's also a big month for RPGs, as CD Projekt Red's much-awaited Cyberpunk 2077 expansion hits the shelves on September 26. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty promises a ton of upgrades from the base game, including an overhauled skill tree, a new wanted system, and gameplay tweaks. There's a brand new story, too, with Idris Elba joining the cast, and Keanu Reeves returning.

Starfield game director Todd Howard has spoken on the new RPG's console exclusivity for Xbox systems.

Starfield has finally launched, available on Steam and Xbox Series X|S. It is also on Game Pass.

After multiple delays, Payday 3 finally arrives this month, but if you just can’t wait to get your hands on the game, a free open beta is being held this weekend. The Payday 3 Technical Open Beta won’t require you to have pre-ordered the game – anybody on Steam or Xbox Series X/S can jump in (PS5 is excluded for whatever reason). Starbreeze does warn the beta build is from a few months back, so it doesn’t necessarily represent the final state of the game – the beta is more about testing the capacity of the Payday 3 servers.

Publisher Annapurna Interactive and developer Heart Machine will release Solar Ash for Xbox Series, Xbox One, and Switch on September 14, the companies announced. It will also be available via Xbox Game Pass.

EA and Codemasters have finally officially unveiled their first officially licensed WRC game together. Called EA Sports WRC, the game is out this November, and is being billed as “the first truly next-generation rally game and the quintessential title for sim-racing enthusiasts.”

Publisher Electronic Arts and developer Codemasters have announced EA Sports WRC for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, EA App). It will launch on November 3 for $49.99.

Publisher Playtonic Friends and developer MegaWobble will release Lil Gator Game for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on September 26. Wishlisting is now available via PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store.

A new version of Minecraft for Xbox Series X/S consoles is on the way.

Ascendant Studios has released its second update for Immortals of Aveum, bringing some much-needed fixes. Future updates are coming to add more options and features requested by players. For now, PC players can look forward to increased range for mouse sensitivity to set it lower. Console players who found the brightness too dark or bright should also see this fixed.

Kairosoft will release simulation games Dream House Days DX, Dungeon Village, Game Dev Story, Hot Springs Story, and Station Manager for Xbox Series and Xbox One, as well as PC via Microsoft Store, on September 15 for $11.99 each, the developer announced.

Shortly after first being spotted on Germany’s game ratings website, Minecraft for Xbox Series X/S has now been rated by the US Entertainment Software Ratings Board. The rating indicates that a current-gen release for Minecraft might be closer than we expect.

Further evidence suggesting Microsoft is preparing to release a native Xbox Series X/S version of Minecraft has emerged.

Team17 and Trepang Studios launched Trepang2 for PC earlier this year, and on the back of its hyper-violet combat, slick action, vibes reminiscent of F.E.A.R., the first person shooter earned plenty of praise from critics and players alike. Now, it’s been announced that it will soon become available to a larger potential player base.

Publisher Selecta Play and developer Disaster Games have announced side-scrolling action platformer Morkull Ragast’s Rage for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC (Steam). It will launch in 2024.

The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series versions of supernatural first-person shooter Trepang2 will launch on October 2, publisher Team17 and developer Trepang Studios announced.

By Tom Warren, a senior editor covering Microsoft, PC gaming, console, and tech. He founded WinRumors, a site dedicated to Microsoft news, before joining The Verge in 2012.

One of the biggest releases of the year, Starfield, is days away from its full global release, with owners of its Premium and Constellation Editions already having had early access for a couple of days, and unsurprisingly, the excitement surrounding the space-faring RPG’s launch has resulted in increased hardware sales for Xbox as well.

The Xbox Series S has posed an interesting dilemma to many in this current console generation. From a consumer’s perspective, it’s got undeniable value, serving as a cheaper, entry-level option for those looking to jump into the new generation of gaming hardware. At the same time, however, due to its weaker hardware compared to the Xbox Series X and PS5, there’s no shortage of developers who’ve spoken about the limitations it poses, and whether or not it might restrict and hold back game development going forward.

Hero Concept has announced side-scrolling beat ’em up game sequel Mayhem Brawler II: Best of Both Worlds for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC (Steam). It will launch in 2024.