The Outer Worlds 2 looks great! I'm almost done with the original Outer Worlds and while I've enjoyed it thus far it feels like a game that could've done so much more. I love it's Fallout New Vegas spiritual successor type vibe. I hope The Outer Worlds 2 is bigger and better in every way shape and form 👍
It's definitely been a drip feed of ABK titles coming to gamepass. It's a shame we don't get more added at once but I guess the drip feed is better than nothing. I'm not into COD like I was when I was younger, although I do enjoy playing zombies so the games that have zombies I'll check out. Definitely glad to see a steady drip of ABK games coming to gamepass. It's pretty awesome and it's just one more cherry on top of the awesomeness that is the Xbox ecosystem and gamepass
As much as these are compelling devices they're still over priced PC handhelds with an Xbox logo slapped on them. i genuinely hope Xbox sees the hype around these devices and makes a dedicated Xbox handheld CONSOLE that can play Xbox games natively something these devices won't be able to do. If Xbox makes a handheld Xbox console that plays games natively it would absolutely be a day one purchase for me. I'm hoping Xbox replaces the Series S SKU next generation with a handheld Xbox console. Looking at the AMD roadmap and seeing what AMD has to say themselves, an entry level next gen Xbox in handheld for is more than feasible and if the can keep the price in the $399-$499 range it'd be a massive success. I just wish more people would get behind wanting a Xbox handheld console and there was a way to make our voices heard because I for one would love to take my Xbox library with me on the go without relying on cloud gaming.
@mac_da_man careful some people on this site will call you a shrill for saying you enjoyed playing Avowed. I best the game and all its side quests and it's a game that I'll definitely play again in the future.
@themightyant agreed 💯 percent. The fact that the majority of games shown are gamepass day one are a massive win for Xbox and gamepass subscribers. I for one and grateful for Xbox and gamepass for making gaming more accessible for me and my family.
@Wizzle8899 calling me a shill because I genuinely enjoyed a game that you didn't, WOW. Avowed was a fun game that had a decent story with even better side quests. I enjoyed the action RPG mechanics and it definitely scratched the 'Skyrim' itch for myself and many others who enjoyed the game. You can sit there and hate on the game all you want but the fact remains I enjoyed the game and so did many people.
@Kaloudz yup, Jack Thompson was the jack ass (lol I had to) who brought multiple lawsuits and tried lobbying against Rockstar Games citing specifically GTA and Manhunt as games that were overly violent and were inspiring real life violence.
Nowadays this doesn't happen as often since there's zero scientific evidence that points to games driving people to hurt people. That being said, the new way to attack games has been to say playing them for multiple hours a day is the same as an addiction, which I suppose some people can technically be addicted to gaming, I think it's few and far between what's reality.
This game looks great, I just hope they take the time to polish and refine things. I also think the camera is a little too close but I think that'll be solved by the time the game releases in 2026.
I wasn't much of a fan of the first game. I spent more time frustrated than I did actually have fun within its gameplay systems lol I've heard the sequel is quite different from the original game.
I guess I technically play Xbox on 3 devices. I play on my Series X at home most of the time. When I have to leave home for days at a time I will bring my Series S with me. The 3rd device is an older Android phone that I use for Xbox Cloud gaming. I have a gamesir X2S USB type C controller (think backbone) and I place my phone in there and thanks to Xbox Cloud Gaming I can pick up right where I left off on many of games. I especially enjoy using that mobile phone setup when my wife is watching her TV shows I can play Xbox games via Xbox Cloud Gaming or if it's something not available on cloud like Diablo 4 I just remote play from my console and the experience on both cloud gaming and remote play is pretty damn good. I do have gig speed fiber optic Internet at home so I never really run into issues, I will say a Bluetooth controller makes cloud gaming much harder as there's a lot of latency but if you use a type C controller directly connected it cuts the latency down by a lot and actually makes gaming from the cloud a nice viable alternative.
I love Xbox, I think console wars are redundant, and I think exclusive games are going the way of the dodo. If you look at big PlayStation exclusives like Spiderman 2 they barely broke even which is why you see Sony pushing it's games on PC much more now than ever before. Development costs have gone up considerably so it makes sense to sell games to as many players as possible. I think timed exclusives will still be a thing going forward but console exclusives are slowly dying and I for one won't miss them. Happy gaming ✌️
I've been excited about Xbox for quite some time now, the announcements from Microsoft & AMD definitely have me excited for the future of Xbox! It sounds like we will get new consoles, handhelds and updated Xbox Cloud Gaming in the future all of which I'm ecstatic about. This generation specifically taught me that PlayStation has lost sight of what made PS4 beloved (great exclusives) instead they've been wasting resources on finding a live service golden goose. Xbox in 2025 is absolutely brilliant! their consoles are great, their games are amazing, their release cadence is unmatched, and gamepass ultimate is still the best subscription in the industry. It looks like the vision of Xbox is getting clearer, they want to be the best place to play games no matter where you're playing and I for one will be playing on Xbox. Happy gaming ✌️
This looks incredibly good, that being said until I've seen proper gameplay, I've learned my lesson to keep my excitement in check until gameplay has been revealed for consoles. I do imagine this would look great on my Series X and 65 inch 4K TV lol keeping my hype in check.
Has anyone seen the trailer for the upcoming Capcom game The Blood of a Dawn Walker? Holy wow does that look good! IDK y'all but I love me some vampires in games. One of the most fun vampire games I've ever played was infamous festival of blood DLC way back on PS3. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing gameplay for The Blood of a Dawn Walker.
I'm in my 30s, I care about performance but I also care about efficiency. If OLED caused the device to be less efficient AND lack VRR support then I'm glad they decided to remove it. when it comes to frame rates, the most I care about is 60fps. I can deal with 30fps but I absolutely prefer 60fps in most games. When it comes to 120fps gaming, it's a nice luxury to have but to be honest I'd rather have a 1440p image, or upscaled 4K at 60fps than have a 1080p image at 120fps. Maybe that's just me but I think the engineers hit the sweet spot with the Xbox Ally.
When you consider the Xbox Ally is using custom silicon from AMD that's not featured in any other devices, what makes me most excited is the possibility for extreme efficiency and extended battery life. These custom APUs utilize dedicated NPUs (at least in the Xbox Ally X) which will not only offer copilot+ features and generative AI tools but MOST importantly the NPU can boost performance of the CPU and GPU by offloading upscaling and frame generation. The dedicated NPU will most likely enable advanced AI features such as real time upscaling (AMD FSR), and frame generation without taking resources away from the CPU or GPU. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what's possible with these devices.
All that being said, I am still firmly on the side of wanting a true Xbox console handheld NOT a handheld gaming PC with the Xbox name slapped on it. Sure a bunch of games I own on console are part of Xbox play anywhere BUT the majority of them are not. I don't want a bloated Windows 11 gaming PC, I want a pick up and play portable Xbox. I genuinely hope Microsoft realizes they're into something special and focused on bringing a portable Xbox console experience to the next gen Xbox. With Sony already working on their new PSP powered by an AMD APU capable of running PS5 games natively, Microsoft would be foolish not to make a Xbox handheld console.
I love playing og Xbox and Xbox 360 games on my Series X. The auto HDR and fps boosts make the older games look and play better most of the time. Red Dead Redemption is a great example, GTA 4 is better too thanks to Auto HDR and 60fps although the 720p resolution coupled with short draw distance really makes GTA 4 show it's age but the fact it's playable is awesome and something that I'm definitely grateful for lol every 360 game I own is playable both on disc and digitally. Xbox backwards compatibility is top notch 😁
@Kaloudz some people just find whatever they can to complain. Xbox is killing it & people love to hate. If you take the 2024 showcase and add it to the 2025 showcase, you're mind will be blow with just how many BANGERS Xbox has cooking. I mean it REALLY is something to admire especially when you take into account how bad Xbox was doing with game output last generation. Xbox has finally righted that ship and has been releasing amazing game after amazing game with no signs of slowing down. I can honestly say I am so happy to be apart of the Xbox community!
Xbox has PROVEN themselves as the best place to play. With their Xbox play anywhere initiative expansion making it a massive win for consumers. Buy a game once on Xbox get a copy for PC at no extra charge with cross saves and DLC following wherever you play.
Also, the expansion of Xbox Cloud Gaming is massive because now games you own or purchase are being added to a growing list of games that can be played via Xbox Cloud Gaming whether they're on gamepass or now. This means you can literally play your games across console, PC and Cloud which essentially means your Smart TV, your tablet, your phone and whatever other device that has access to an Internet browser. Xbox is expanding massively and it's proving that they are the BEST place to play no matter where you play, that's an incredibly strong statement. Xbox has the hardware and the games to back it up.
I know this isn't really indicative of much but I was at Walmart last week, browsing the gaming isle. I was looking at Xbox accessories and I noticed there weren't any consoles on the shelf. I walked over to the PlayStation area where they had 2 PS4 consoles 2 PS5 consoles and 2 PS5 pro consoles sitting on the shelf. I went up to the guy who works in the department and struck up a conversation with him as he himself was a gamer. I asked him if they had any Xbox consoles in the back because I noticed there wasn't any on the shelves. To my surprise he told me that they had sold out of their entire inventory and they were expecting more Xbox consoles to arrive by Wednesday next week. I then went on to ask if he noticed if consoles were selling better now or when they were first released. He went on to say that he's been selling Xbox and PlayStation consoles pretty consistently. I asked if the PS4 was still selling well and he said yes which I was like WOW that's crazy but I guess it makes sense it's cheaper and has a massive library of games. Anyways I was just surprised to hear that Xbox consoles were being sold at my local Walmart pretty consistently. Now before I get the inevitable feedback of this not meaning anything, I will once again clarify, I know this doesn't represent anything & I'm not saying Xbox is suddenly selling consoles everywhere. HOWEVER I just found that conversation interesting and thought I'd share with my fellow Xbox peeps.
I'm absolutely ready for Gears of War E-day! I'm a day one fan of Gears of War as it released in my early teens and it was a game that I played with friends and one of the coolest parts of Gears back then was I had friends come over to my house to specifically play Gears of War & we beat the game via local co-op which has memories that'll live with me forever.
I also own the Gears of War Ultimate Edition since day one so I am extremely grateful that I'll get Gears of War Reloaded. I plan on enjoying the hell outta Gears of War Reloaded reliving that game all over again, which will be great especially seeing how Gears of War E Day is a prequel.
Gears of War E Day is my most anticipated game of 2026 so far . . .
As much as I love the idea of the Xbox Ally, I am going to hold out hope for a TRUE XBOX handheld CONSOLE, one that plays my entire Xbox library natively. We know Microsoft is making a Xbox portable console, it was out on hold recently but most rumors point to it being on hold because it's waiting for AMD and their next gen APUs so my guess is the truly Xbox handheld console will probably be released as part of the Xbox next gen plans.
I can see an Xbox handheld console replacing the Xbox Series S next generation. It'll be the entry level device that can run all the games (just like the Series S) albeit at lower resolutions. My guess is it'll also include a dock to play on the TV as well similar to switch and steam deck.
As for the Xbox Ally and the Xbox Ally X as much as I am drooling over these devices I'm afraid the price will be too much. If the Ally Xbox launched at $399 and the Ally Xbox X launched at $599 then it'd be something worth considering up if it costs anywhere near the Asus ROG Ally X ($799) then it's just a hard no.
If Microsoft launched a true Xbox handheld console that they could eat the cost like on all consoles, then I could see a portable Xbox next gen launching at $449 and the Series X Successor launching at $599. That's historically a decent launch price. Hopefully the next gen consoles will launch after the cheeto in office is done with his tariffs pissing contest lol
As cool as the Xbox Ally is I'm going to be skipping it in favor of waiting for the Microsoft developed Xbox handheld console. I'm guessing the dedicated Xbox handheld CONSOLE is being delayed and will release next gen. I think the Xbox handheld will probably replace the Series S sku as an entry level next gen Xbox that plays all Xbox games and can be docked to play on the TV.
I think it was smart of Xbox to do this collaboration because it'll be great for the PC handheld crowd but not for console gamers like myself. I do believe we will get a dedicated handheld Xbox because from everything we know based on AMD and Microsoft leaks that's what's being made.
It also just leaked PlayStation is doing the same thing. PlayStation is also developing a dedicated PlayStation Portable capable of playing PS4 and PS5 games natively. The fact both manufacturers are planning on releasing handhelds it leads me to believe next gen consoles will have handhelds as part of their ecosystem.
Microsoft is working with AMD on next gen APUs that will power their Xbox handheld console. It'll be capable of running out entire Xbox libraries natively while also sipping power thanks to architecture improvements coming with Zen 6 CPU cores and RDNA 5 graphics, combined with XDNA dedicated NPUs handling AI upscaling techniques like FSR 4 and frame generation to help take some weight off the CPU and GPU loads.
I'm definitely excited for next gen and more than anything I want a dedicated Xbox handheld. The Xbox Ally is cool but will cost way too much and windows takes up way too many resources. A handheld Xbox console would most likely be subsidized just like every other console ever made which would allow such a thing to launch at $500 or less. I'm suspecting the Xbox Ally X will cost $799 while the less powerful Xbox Ally will cost $599 which is just too niche for a massive market device.
I've got some amazing Xbox games coming this year and next year to look forward to lol happy gaming ✌️
The Xbox Games Showcase 2025 was pretty damn good if you ask me, especially compared the the awful PlayStation State of Play and the even worse Summer Games Fest. The Xbox showcase brought games that I'm genuinely excited to play. The Outer Worlds 2, Persona 4 Revival, High on Life 2, Beast of Reincarnation, Super Meat Boy 3D, Grounded 2, Clockwork Revolution, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle DLC
That list is of games that I'm genuinely excited to play. The Outer Worlds 2 looked fantastic & after I beat Avowed a couple months ago I can't wait to jump back into another Obsidian game. The Outer Worlds 2 looks like they went all in for the sequel making everything we loved about the original bigger, better looking and even upgrades a bunch of mechanics to make the game better.
Ninja Gaiden 4 also looks great. The gameplay on display was solid. After seeing it in action I just really wanted to play it lol.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Order of the Giants DLC looks so damn good. Indiana Jones is already my game of the year for 2024, I haven't finished the base game yet but it's still one of the most fun games I've played in many years. It feels like you're playing a movie only better because it's a game that allows players to fully immerse themselves in the world and story. The DLC announced today looks awesome and I'm planning on having the game beat by the time it releases lol.
The Xbox games showcase was great imo, especially compared to the atrocious shows that were Summer Games Fest & the PlayStation State of Play. The Xbox games showcase included games that I'm actually interested in and want to play. Here's a list of the games that are my top priority to play upon release. The Outer Worlds 2, Gears of War Reloaded, Persona 4 Revival, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle DLC High on Life 2, Clockwork Revolution, Super Meat Boy 3D, Beast of Reincarnation, Cronos The New Dawn Grounded 2
Microsoft has proven once again why I am glad to be apart of the Xbox ecosystem. That comes down to the incredible GAMES & the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative. Xbox Play Anywhere is extremely consumer friendly, allowing purchase of digital games to be played across PC, Xbox and Cloud with cross saves and cross platform play. This means I can buy an Xbox copy of Gears of War Reloaded, with that digital purchase, it allows me to simultaneously own a copy on PC as well as console.
Xbox Play Anywhere already allows you to own and play games across Xbox, Windows PCs, handhelds, but now, with Xbox Cloud gaming being integrated you can also stream said games on mobile devices, smart TV's and even web browsers.
I am a huge fan of unified progression & saves. Whether I'm playing locally on my XSX, XSS or streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming, my game saves, achievements and DLC sync across platforms allowing me to truly pick up and play no matter what. I've put this to the test a LOT more recently.
I have an android phone that I've dedicated to gaming (emulation mostly). I use the phone with a Gamesir X2S USB C mobile game controller. I decided to really start using Xbox cloud gaming to play games that I'm not fully sold on. I started playing Metaphor ReFantazio on my Series S via cloud while at my inlaws. When I had to pack up my Series S I still wanted to play Metaphor ReFantazio so I took out my phone, my Gamesir X2S controller and opened up Xbox Cloud gaming. Within a minute I was back slaying monsters. The performance was excellent, I didn't notice any lag or anything like that although I will say a type C controller with hall effect sticks really helps with input lag, Bluetooth controllers add too much latency. Performance was solid and I spent another 90 minutes playing Metaphor ReFantazio thanks to the brilliance that is Xbox Cloud Gaming.
@Kaloudz I enjoyed the original split gate quite a bit, that being said I haven't tried the new version although my girls says it's better than the original. I might give it a go but I'm not sure when.
Can't wait! I'm ready for Xbox to show us another banger showcase! The 2022 showcase is what made me get a Series S after convincing myself the PS5 was the only console I'd ever need this generation (even though I've owned every Xbox from every generation). I couldn't have been more wrong lol I enjoyed my Series S so much I started playing less on PS5 but I wanted better performance. So in 2024 I got my Xbox Series X and now I own all 3 Consoles lol
I'm so ready for the 2025 showcase! I REALLY want to see gameplay of the new Fable reboot. I'm so excited for that game as Fable gave me some of my favorite Xbox memories. I also REALLY want to see gameplay for Gears of War Reloaded because there's nothing better than a new Gears game. Some others I'd like to see more of is perfect dark zero and State of Decay 3. Either way it's going to be an excellent showcase as Xbox hasn't disappointed me yet.
I can't wait for the Xbox showcase. If it's one thing this generation of consoles has taught me is DO NOT underestimate Xbox. I started this generation believing I'd only own a PS5, here we are 4 and a half years later, and I own a Series S and a Series X & I play on Xbox daily while my PS5 I barely touch anymore. Why you may ask? Well, it's the games. It's ALWAYS been about the games. The PS5 hasn't had the amount of excellent games that the PS4 had. Sony pushing for live service games has left us fans wanting more. Spiderman 2 was brilliant but with no DLC it feels like they just let go of what could've been an excellent game to make DLC content for.
Over on Xbox not only am I treated to brilliant day one releases via gamepass ultimate (Avowed, Atomfall, Indiana Jones, DOOM The Dark Ages and the list goes on) but one thing I absolutely love the most about Xbox is the backwards compatibility. I can play GTA 4, Midnight Club, Fall out 3, New Vegas, Gears of War 2+3, and the list goes on. It's the amount of games I can play at any given moment is why I love the Xbox ecosystem.
I'm not home, I bring my Series S with me to my in-laws. I'm away where I can't bring a console, no worries I have Xbox Cloud Gaming and a Gamesir X2S controller for my phone, I can continue playing Metaphor Refantazio or Revenge of the Savage Planet. That ability is amazing to me.
I want Xbox to replace the Series S next gen with a dedicated handheld hybrid like the steam deck. I want the Series X successor to be "the biggest leap ever seen in a console generation". Xbox has a bright future, and I'm stoked to continue enjoying team green and their games.
FBC: Fire Break looks pretty good ngl, whatever games we get will be added to my back catalog lol I'm currently working through DOOM The Dark Ages (so much fun BTW), Metaphor Refantazio (is so much better than I had anticipated it to be) and last but definitely not least Revenge of the Savage Planet which is surprisingly better than the original lol Xbox is keeping me happy with so many amazing games! I'm REALLY looking forward to the Xbox showcase, not only for potential shadow drops but The Outer World 2 deep dive as well I'm hoping for more information about Fable seeing how it got delayed. Definitely a ton to look forward to from Xbox. Happy gaming ✌️
@Banjo- I appreciate your response Banjo, it's nice to see other people who actually understand what's going on. Xbox has a major plan to unite Xbox, Cloud and PC like never before. We're even getting a dedicated Xbox handheld console that'll feature "a low powered AMD APU" and I truly believe it's a brilliant idea. The Xbox handheld will most likely be able to run all 4 generations of Xbox games much like the Series S does today. I do believe it'll be able to do this natively thanks to using AMD APUs but also the fact Xbox has a dedicated team for backwards and forwards compatibility. I'm guessing the Xbox handheld (not the Asus Xbox branded PC, Xbox is making its own handheld) will probably replace the Series S when it comes to a next gen base console. These are just my assumptions obviously but it seems likely especially now that we know Sony is working on a PlayStation Portable powered by a "low powered AMD APU" which leads me to believe next gen we will see handhelds from PlayStation and Xbox as well as a PlayStation 6 and a Xbox Series X successor representing the "largest leap ever in a console generation"
The future of Xbox is exciting, forget the haters man I'm just enjoying the games lol ✌️
I got the Witcher 3 complete edition, the one that comes with absolutely everything needed for the ultimate Witcher 3 experience. I've personally never played the Witcher 3 so I'm not quite sure what to expect. However I have played Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty & those were amazing. Obviously the Witcher is a completely different IP but so many people say the game is GOATED 🐐 now I own it lol when I'll have time to sink my teeth into it? I have no clue because Xbox has been delivering a ton of games I want to play lately. Happy gaming ✌️
Gamepass is amazing, just as I was getting hyped for Metaphor ReFantazio coming to the service, Xbox announces all these retro classics coming & I'm definitely here for it lol. Sometimes it's nice to zone out and enjoy some classic games, especially games that came before my time (I'm 32 and my first console was a PSone at age 6 or 7). Xbox keeps bringing it, I'm freaking loving it lol
Xbox Cloud gaming really is amazing! The number of games I've played has gone up thanks to cloud gaming. Out of this great lineup though, Quantum Break is definitely the hidden gem. That game slaps so hard, Shawn Ashmore and Lance Reddick deliver excellent performances that definitely deserve to be praised. I highly recommend Quantum Break to any Xbox fan who hasn't given it a go. Happy Gaming ✌️
For me personally, DOOM the Dark Ages is the most fun I've had in a DOOM game since the 2016 soft reboot. Don't get me wrong DOOM Eternal was a solid 9/10 for me but I had more "fun" with the 2016 game. That being said, DOOM the Dark Ages is a fantastic game. The stand and fight approach is a lot more fun than I expected it to be and really nobody is standing, with the shield dash, the jump slam, the parrying and shield throwing the combat is a ton of fun! I'm only a quarter of the way through my playthrough and I can honestly say this is the one of if not the best DOOM game I've ever played. Yes, I am one of those players who genuinely enjoyed the survival horror feel of DOOM 3 lol I'm also impressed with how great the game runs and looks on Series X. It really is impressive. Happy gaming ✌️
The Switch 2 specs are better than I expected them to be. The CPU specifically is better than expected when it comes to the Cortex Cores per Cluster: Up to eight "big" cores in a single cluster. This multi-core configuration is a key differentiator from the standard Cortex-A78, which typically features a mix of "big" and "LITTLE" cores for power efficiency. Think of the mediatek Dimensity 7300 for instance. That SoC features 4 Cortex A78 performance cores along with 4 Cortex A55 efficiency Cores. The A78C features 8 'big' cores prioritizing scalable performance and efficiency.
The Switch 2 GPU is a custom offering from Nvidia based on the Ampere architecture (think RTX 3000 series of GPU like the RTX 3050) featuring 1,536 CUDA cores, 2 Ray Tracing cores, 12 streaming multiprocessors, and 6 texture processing cores.
All this technical jargon gives the Switch 2 around 3.1 Teraflops docked and 1.71 Teraflops in handheld mode. This console will be more powerful than the PS4 and Xbox One. The PS4 features 1.84 Teraflops of graphical performance and the Xbox One featured about 1.34 Teraflops. The Switch 2 rivals that performance in handheld mode and is around twice the performance in docked mode. You also have to take into consideration the advancement in tech the Switch 2 has over those decades old consoles. The numbers don't paint the full picture as we are seeing more performance per watt, and per core on Switch 2 than these old consoles. I believe the Switch 2 will be able to handle most modern games, especially considering it will use DLSS heavily to achieve better performance. The Switch 2 is definitely a LOT more powerful than it's predecessor. It's a significant performance upgrade and I expect it to run games pretty well so long as devs fully optimize for it.
As cool as the Switch 2 sounds, I won't be buying one until the price comes down or there's a hardware refresh that offers better battery life. As much as I love mobile gaming, I'm content with my Series X and PS5 for the time being. I am extremely interested in the dedicated Xbox handheld device that's rumored for next generation. Not the current leaked Asus handheld device with Xbox buttons slated for this year but a next gen handheld slated for 2027. It's already rumored to feature a dock so I'm guessing next gen Xbox will have a handheld Xbox console in place of a Series S and it'll have a high end console in place of a Series X. I'm ecstatic about that possibility as I've always dreamed of a portable Xbox capable of running my entire Xbox library of games lol.
DOOM The Dark Ages is absolutely amazing. It's fast fluid and fun. It's different than DOOM Eternal but in a fun new way. The shield and melee stuff is so much fun, combined with amazing guns. I'm playing on Series X and it's gorgeous! Once again the Series X edges out the PS5 pro, which just validates how much of an incredible console the Series X truly is. DOOM The Dark Ages is definitely my new obsession at the moment! Let's Freaking Go 💯
@Banjo- You're absolutely right that Microsoft's strategy is multifaceted and smart. While seeing Xbox games on PlayStation might raise eyebrows for some, it's crucial to understand the bigger picture: Microsoft is strategically expanding the reach of its gaming franchises across consoles, cloud, and PC. This isn't about abandoning Xbox; it's about maximizing the value and audience for their incredible games. Think of it this way: bringing games like Forza Horizon 5 to PlayStation introduces a whole new group of players to the Xbox ecosystem and its quality. Some of those players might eventually be drawn into the Xbox console or Game Pass.
And you're spot on about the numbers! The success of Xbox titles on PC, particularly through platforms like Steam, highlights Microsoft's strength with Windows. Owning the dominant PC operating system gives them a massive advantage in the gaming space, regardless of where individual games are purchased.
Ultimately, Xbox remains a vital pillar for Microsoft. It's a powerful brand, with a thriving community, and a significant revenue driver through hardware, Game Pass subscriptions, and software sales. By extending their game reach, they're not diminishing Xbox; they're strengthening their overall gaming ecosystem and ensuring the long-term health and innovation of the Xbox platform itself. The revenue generated from this wider reach ultimately fuels further investment in making the Xbox experience even better for its core audience across console, cloud, and PC.
We know Microsoft is investing heavily into Xbox as it's next gen console has already been greenlit across the board of higher ups at Microsoft. Like I said earlier, Microsoft has recently been hiring software engineers specifically to an Xbox team that's dedicated to backwards & forward compatibility.
Microsoft is planning the future of Xbox everywhere we look. They are strengthening everything they possibly can when it comes to Xbox. We've got a new Xbox in development, we've got a handheld Xbox in development, we've got Xbox Cloud Gaming being enhanced and expanded across the board, & last but definitely not least we've got some incredible studios working on some of the best games ever made!
I've been talking with a fellow Xbox fan about this the other day. Microsoft is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers. Microsoft is one of the MOST successful software companies of all time. Xbox as a brand makes Microsoft tons of money, now Microsoft is having its cake (35 million Series X|S sold and 100 million+ Monthly Active Users is nothing to sneeze at) and eating it too (selling it's software on PlayStation). Microsoft is then taking all that revenue and investing it back into the Xbox brand. We're getting excellent games greenlit across some of the most talented devs in the entire industry. They are expanding gamepass, Xbox Cloud Gaming and the ability to buy and play OWNED games via Xbox Cloud Gaming.
They've also greenlit some excellent sounding hardware with the next generation Xbox console, they've got 2 handhelds in development one a partnership with Asus due out sometime this year and the other is a full fledged Xbox handheld built by Xbox due in 2027/2028.
Xbox has also been hiring for their newly created team dedicated to backwards compatibility and forward compatibility which is GREAT news for me as my Xbox library consists of games from every generation lolol.
TLDR; Xbox has plans in effect for years to come that we're not even aware of. Game development has gotten so expensive that it really does make sense to sale your game to the biggest player pool available. We're even seeing PlayStation release their exclusives simultaneously on PC (which guess what benefits Microsoft & benefits Xbox) lol it's kinda crazy how Microsoft is benefitting from literally every aspect of gaming. They benefit from hardware, software sales across the board, Xbox Cloud Gaming, subscription services via Xbox Gamepass, PC Gamepass.
I'm sick of people who don't research things for themselves instead they regurgitate whatever their favorite ignorant YouTuber says. Thankfully there's some people here and some people on the Series S subreddit who actually take the time to READ up on why things are the way they are. Happy gaming ✌️
Xbox has kept me an incredibly happy customer. The steady release of excellent games has kept me busy. Finishing Avowed was bittersweet because I genuinely loved that world and wished there was dlc for it lol but it allowed me to dive into the Oblivion remaster, as well as the incredibly brilliant Clair Obscur Expedition 33 (I'm not even a fan of turn based games but this game has its hooks in me). I'm also going to be checking out Revenge of the Savage Planet that launches today, then I have Doom the Dark Ages at the end of this month. In June we have the showcase and I'm guessing we'll get another shadow drop of something great lol. People over here melting cuz some games went to PlayStation, I stopped caring about it months ago. I enjoy my Xbox games on my Xbox. The only thing my PS5 is good for is the PlayStation exclusives but even those have been lackluster as of late thanks to the PlayStation live service switch up.
So yeah, my Xbox Series X + Gamepass ultimate has kept me an incredibly satisfied customer. The best part about it is that I'm playing some of the best games ever made, Day One on Gamepass. If the game is good enough like Avowed was I spring for the $30 premium upgrade to access the game earlier but most importantly it's for the extra content. I did the Starfield premium upgrade which got me some cool digital stuff plus I got Shattered Space day one which was awesome.
TLDR: Xbox is where I choose to play, it's where over 34 million people choose to play and their numbers are increasing thanks to the easy access that Xbox Cloud Gaming gives to people. Xbox is still the best place to play imo and the haters won't convince me otherwise.
@Cakefish I'm waiting for a new 3rd action RPG myself although I did find myself switching between 1st person and 3rd person quite a bit in Avowed, the combat was much better in 1st person. I agree we need a new 3rd action adventure RPG.
I just double checked my Xbox library to make sure I own the legendary edition and I do lol I'm definitely excited for this upgrade, although I was REALLY hoping we'd get a remastered trilogy. As good of a game as Gears of War is Gears of War 2 and Gears of War 3 are of the same caliber of greatness. In fact I regard the Gears Trilogy as one of my favorite shooter campaigns of all time. Gears of War is able to show true grit while at the same time tug in those heart strings which is something you wouldn't expect from such a game. Hopefully we get a remastered trilogy sometime in the future.
As a longtime Xbox fan, this news used to really bother me but NOT anymore. I just want to say that people freaking out over Xbox putting games on PlayStation are totally missing the bigger picture. This isn’t the end of Xbox, not even close. It’s actually a smart move that makes the brand even stronger. Xbox isn’t just about selling consoles anymore, it’s about building an ecosystem that reaches more players wherever they are. Stuff like Game Pass, Xbox Live, cloud gaming, and cross-play are what make Xbox special. By bringing a few titles to other platforms, Xbox is creating more revenue that goes right back into making better games, supporting studios, and improving the whole experience for us Xbox fans.
For those worried that Xbox is going away, (I see that 'xbox is dying' comments) relax. Microsoft has already confirmed they are working on the next gen Xbox, and from the sound of it, it is going to be a massive leap forward. They are not giving up on consoles at all. If anything, this shows how committed they are to making Xbox future-proof and sustainable. So yes, seeing some games on PlayStation does not mean Xbox is dying. It means Xbox is evolving, growing, and setting itself up to be a bigger force in gaming than ever before. This is just the next chapter, and honestly, it is a pretty exciting one. I'm sticking with Xbox as I've built a massive library over the years on Xbox, I absolutely love gamepass and the Series X it's my favorite console of all time mainly because of its phenomenal backwards compatibility.
People need to understand that the recent Xbox price increases aren’t just about Microsoft trying to make a quick buck. We’re living in a time of serious economic uncertainty, with global inflation, rising production costs, and tariffs from the Trump administration are making things worse. These kinds of economic pressures hit tech and gaming companies hard.
Microsoft isn’t deliberately sabotaging Xbox, if anything, they’ve continued to invest in it heavily, offering more value than ever through Game Pass, cloud gaming, and backward compatibility. They’re trying to keep the platform sustainable long-term. It's just an extreme shame that these circumstances have hit our favorite gaming platform.
And let’s be real, PlayStation will almost certainly follow with their own price hikes. This is an industry-wide shift, not a sign that Xbox is in trouble. im beyond frustrated with the situation TBH.
I'm glad I got my Series X last year as it's become my favorite console of all time, gamepass ultimate has been such an amazing service for my family! Truly bringing us together and allowing us to play some incredible games. Xbox is still the best value in gaming, it's console price increases are an utter shame but that doesn't take away from the fact the Xbox has been great for so many of us gamers.
@Tasuki I finally finished Avowed just the other day. I made sure to complete every single bounty and every single side mission I could before continuing to the garden. Now that I've finished the game I'm kinda bummed about it lolol Avowed filled a Skyrim like RPG hole that I hadn't realized I missed as much as I did. I'm going to play through it again without a doubt, however right now I'm focusing on finishing finishing Assassin's Creed Odyssey, South of Midnight and Elders Scrolls 4 Oblivion Remastered. that's not even counting Revenge of the Savage Planet coming May 8th and DOOM the dark ages also coming this month haha damn I love Xbox and gamepass 😎
@Kieduss haha excellent response my friend! I feel the same way, Xbox Gamepass is absolutely brilliant for my family & I'll be subscribed indefinitely as well lol.
It's crazy to see this statistic but I guess it also makes sense. I own a Disc Xbox Series X, my wife has a Series S and I also have my own Series S. My wife and I game share so it's way more economically viable for us to purchase one game digitally that we BOTH get to play at the same time on separate consoles. If I were to buy a physical disc, I would have to buy 2 copies of the same game one for each of us and at $70+ a pop it would make our favorite hobby much too expensive for us.
This makes buying games digitally worth it for our family, that being said I do believe we need to keep fighting for game preservation and digital ownership rights to ensure our games are playable long after our consoles become obsolete. (This is one frustrating thing I have with PlayStation, I have quite a few games I bought digitally on PS3. Those games are stuck there, I have no access to them on my PS5 whatsoever and my PS3 finally died in late 2023 meaning of I ever want to play these games again I'd have to purchase a PlayStation 3).
I would say that is 80% the main reason I purchase games digitally. The other 20% is the ability to download and play my games on other consoles. I mentioned owning a Series S. I use that console with a portable display and I take it with me to my in-laws or when I'm out of town for prolonged periods of time. I wouldn't be able to take my SSD expansion card full of games outside of my Series X, stick it into my Series S and continue playing as of nothing happened at all. That extremely ease of use and the fact my library can be wherever I need it to be is another reason I've switched to buying games digitally.
For me personally, digital is the best option for my family. I actually plan to upgrade my wife's Series S to a Series X sometime this year and depends on what I can get for the price I maybe purchasing a Xbox Series X digital edition. Happy gaming ✌️
Very enticing upgrades for sure. I got the premium upgrade for Starfield before it launched, I was going to do the same for Indiana Jones but I decided to just buy the ultimate edition or whatever it was called so I own Indiana Jones and I also did the premium upgrade for Avowed lol I guess I'm actually a fan of these premium upgrades for gamepass ultimate subscribers. Starfield was an excellent game and now I have Shattered Space to dive into (haven't had the time yet), Indiana Jones was GOTY for me, and Avowed has become one of my favorite Obsidian masterpieces of all time. Damn, Xbox is killing it lol I can't wait for DOOM the dark ages, it looks so good!
Control was a masterpiece IMO and if Remedy can make this game feel similar to the eeryness vibe that Control had I'm all for it. That being said I hope there's options for solo play as well as duos co-op. I hate being forced to have an extra player in a co-op game and I also hate when games are ONLY playable in co-op. I play with myself most of the time (haha yup i see it), so if there's a solo option chances are that's where I'll be, I do have a buddy I link up with about once a week.
I'm tired and rambling at this point lol 😆 Remedy is a top tier development studio and I'm ready for any and all things connected to control
Avowed is one of the best RPGs in recent memory, delivering a deeply immersive experience that excels in nearly every aspect. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game features stunning visuals that bring its rich fantasy world to life. The gameplay mechanics are extremely solid, making combat and exploration feel both engaging and rewarding.
What truly sets Avowed apart for me personally, is its exceptional character development. Companions are not just side characters but fully realized individuals with unique backstories and personalities. The game strengthens these connections through well-crafted side missions that further develop their arcs, making interactions at camp and during missions feel meaningful. Obsidian has really developed a knack for giving us companions that go deeper than surface level co-op bots.
The story, while not groundbreaking, evolves based on your decisions, ensuring a level of agency that keeps the experience engaging. With its beautiful world, well-written characters, and strong RPG mechanics, Avowed is an outstanding entry in Obsidian’s lineup—an absolute must-play for anyone who appreciates Obsidians unique blend of the RPG genre.
@Tasuki same I'm about 35 hours in and still have stuff to do in Dawn shore. I've completed every bounty in the game, got the achievement, and yesterday I got an achievement for opening every certain type of chest that's in the game lol Avowed has been a phenomenal game that's kept me entertained the entire time. I've enjoyed it so much that I am already planning a second playthrough whenever I finish. I really hope we get some type of DLC in the future though.
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Re: Nightdive Studios Teases 'Big Thing' Happening At QuakeCon 2025
I'm hoping for Quake 3 & 4 remasters
Re: Obsidian Reveals How Halo Studios Helped With The Outer Worlds 2
The Outer Worlds 2 looks great! I'm almost done with the original Outer Worlds and while I've enjoyed it thus far it feels like a game that could've done so much more. I love it's Fallout New Vegas spiritual successor type vibe. I hope The Outer Worlds 2 is bigger and better in every way shape and form 👍
Re: Opinion: It's Nice To See ActiBlizz Titles Coming To Xbox Game Pass, But We Want More
It's definitely been a drip feed of ABK titles coming to gamepass. It's a shame we don't get more added at once but I guess the drip feed is better than nothing. I'm not into COD like I was when I was younger, although I do enjoy playing zombies so the games that have zombies I'll check out. Definitely glad to see a steady drip of ABK games coming to gamepass. It's pretty awesome and it's just one more cherry on top of the awesomeness that is the Xbox ecosystem and gamepass
Re: ROG Xbox Ally Gets Price & Release Date Info In 'Exclusive' Report
As much as these are compelling devices they're still over priced PC handhelds with an Xbox logo slapped on them. i genuinely hope Xbox sees the hype around these devices and makes a dedicated Xbox handheld CONSOLE that can play Xbox games natively something these devices won't be able to do. If Xbox makes a handheld Xbox console that plays games natively it would absolutely be a day one purchase for me. I'm hoping Xbox replaces the Series S SKU next generation with a handheld Xbox console. Looking at the AMD roadmap and seeing what AMD has to say themselves, an entry level next gen Xbox in handheld for is more than feasible and if the can keep the price in the $399-$499 range it'd be a massive success. I just wish more people would get behind wanting a Xbox handheld console and there was a way to make our voices heard because I for one would love to take my Xbox library with me on the go without relying on cloud gaming.
Re: Pure Xbox's Game Of The Year 2024
@mac_da_man careful some people on this site will call you a shrill for saying you enjoyed playing Avowed. I best the game and all its side quests and it's a game that I'll definitely play again in the future.
Re: 12 New Game Pass Titles Announced At Xbox Games Showcase 2025
@themightyant agreed 💯 percent. The fact that the majority of games shown are gamepass day one are a massive win for Xbox and gamepass subscribers. I for one and grateful for Xbox and gamepass for making gaming more accessible for me and my family.
Re: Reaction: Xbox Games Showcase 2025 Was Just OK, But Next Year Should Be Amazing
@Wizzle8899 calling me a shill because I genuinely enjoyed a game that you didn't, WOW. Avowed was a fun game that had a decent story with even better side quests. I enjoyed the action RPG mechanics and it definitely scratched the 'Skyrim' itch for myself and many others who enjoyed the game. You can sit there and hate on the game all you want but the fact remains I enjoyed the game and so did many people.
Re: World Of Warcraft Plays Surprisingly Well On Xbox Thanks To GeForce Now
@Kaloudz yup, Jack Thompson was the jack ass (lol I had to) who brought multiple lawsuits and tried lobbying against Rockstar Games citing specifically GTA and Manhunt as games that were overly violent and were inspiring real life violence.
Nowadays this doesn't happen as often since there's zero scientific evidence that points to games driving people to hurt people. That being said, the new way to attack games has been to say playing them for multiple hours a day is the same as an addiction, which I suppose some people can technically be addicted to gaming, I think it's few and far between what's reality.
Re: Open World RPG 'The Blood Of Dawnwalker' Gets Massive Gameplay Reveal, Hits Xbox In 2026
This game looks great, I just hope they take the time to polish and refine things. I also think the camera is a little too close but I think that'll be solved by the time the game releases in 2026.
Re: Death Stranding 2 Debuts To Impressive Reviews Ahead Of Hopeful Xbox Release
I wasn't much of a fan of the first game. I spent more time frustrated than I did actually have fun within its gameplay systems lol I've heard the sequel is quite different from the original game.
Re: Don't Like The New Xbox Game Hubs? Here's How To Turn Them Off
I like the game hubs, I think they're a great new feature that adds to the UI in a clean subtle way.
Re: Xbox Data Shows 'Most' Console Owners Are Playing On Other Devices As Well, Says Exec
I guess I technically play Xbox on 3 devices. I play on my Series X at home most of the time. When I have to leave home for days at a time I will bring my Series S with me. The 3rd device is an older Android phone that I use for Xbox Cloud gaming. I have a gamesir X2S USB type C controller (think backbone) and I place my phone in there and thanks to Xbox Cloud Gaming I can pick up right where I left off on many of games. I especially enjoy using that mobile phone setup when my wife is watching her TV shows I can play Xbox games via Xbox Cloud Gaming or if it's something not available on cloud like Diablo 4 I just remote play from my console and the experience on both cloud gaming and remote play is pretty damn good. I do have gig speed fiber optic Internet at home so I never really run into issues, I will say a Bluetooth controller makes cloud gaming much harder as there's a lot of latency but if you use a type C controller directly connected it cuts the latency down by a lot and actually makes gaming from the cloud a nice viable alternative.
I love Xbox, I think console wars are redundant, and I think exclusive games are going the way of the dodo. If you look at big PlayStation exclusives like Spiderman 2 they barely broke even which is why you see Sony pushing it's games on PC much more now than ever before. Development costs have gone up considerably so it makes sense to sell games to as many players as possible. I think timed exclusives will still be a thing going forward but console exclusives are slowly dying and I for one won't miss them. Happy gaming ✌️
Re: Talking Point: Have This Month's Announcements Made You Excited About Xbox Again?
I've been excited about Xbox for quite some time now, the announcements from Microsoft & AMD definitely have me excited for the future of Xbox! It sounds like we will get new consoles, handhelds and updated Xbox Cloud Gaming in the future all of which I'm ecstatic about. This generation specifically taught me that PlayStation has lost sight of what made PS4 beloved (great exclusives) instead they've been wasting resources on finding a live service golden goose. Xbox in 2025 is absolutely brilliant! their consoles are great, their games are amazing, their release cadence is unmatched, and gamepass ultimate is still the best subscription in the industry. It looks like the vision of Xbox is getting clearer, they want to be the best place to play games no matter where you're playing and I for one will be playing on Xbox. Happy gaming ✌️
Re: 'Blood Message' Looks Like Assassin's Creed Meets Tomb Raider, And It's Coming To Xbox
This looks incredibly good, that being said until I've seen proper gameplay, I've learned my lesson to keep my excitement in check until gameplay has been revealed for consoles. I do imagine this would look great on my Series X and 65 inch 4K TV lol keeping my hype in check.
Has anyone seen the trailer for the upcoming Capcom game The Blood of a Dawn Walker? Holy wow does that look good! IDK y'all but I love me some vampires in games. One of the most fun vampire games I've ever played was infamous festival of blood DLC way back on PS3. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing gameplay for The Blood of a Dawn Walker.
Re: ASUS Explains Why The ROG Xbox Ally Doesn't Have An OLED Screen
I'm in my 30s, I care about performance but I also care about efficiency. If OLED caused the device to be less efficient AND lack VRR support then I'm glad they decided to remove it. when it comes to frame rates, the most I care about is 60fps. I can deal with 30fps but I absolutely prefer 60fps in most games. When it comes to 120fps gaming, it's a nice luxury to have but to be honest I'd rather have a 1440p image, or upscaled 4K at 60fps than have a 1080p image at 120fps. Maybe that's just me but I think the engineers hit the sweet spot with the Xbox Ally.
When you consider the Xbox Ally is using custom silicon from AMD that's not featured in any other devices, what makes me most excited is the possibility for extreme efficiency and extended battery life. These custom APUs utilize dedicated NPUs (at least in the Xbox Ally X) which will not only offer copilot+ features and generative AI tools but MOST importantly the NPU can boost performance of the CPU and GPU by offloading upscaling and frame generation. The dedicated NPU will most likely enable advanced AI features such as real time upscaling (AMD FSR), and frame generation without taking resources away from the CPU or GPU. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what's possible with these devices.
All that being said, I am still firmly on the side of wanting a true Xbox console handheld NOT a handheld gaming PC with the Xbox name slapped on it. Sure a bunch of games I own on console are part of Xbox play anywhere BUT the majority of them are not. I don't want a bloated Windows 11 gaming PC, I want a pick up and play portable Xbox. I genuinely hope Microsoft realizes they're into something special and focused on bringing a portable Xbox console experience to the next gen Xbox. With Sony already working on their new PSP powered by an AMD APU capable of running PS5 games natively, Microsoft would be foolish not to make a Xbox handheld console.
Re: All 60+ Backwards Compatible Games In The Xbox Deals Unlocked Sale 2025
I love playing og Xbox and Xbox 360 games on my Series X. The auto HDR and fps boosts make the older games look and play better most of the time. Red Dead Redemption is a great example, GTA 4 is better too thanks to Auto HDR and 60fps although the 720p resolution coupled with short draw distance really makes GTA 4 show it's age but the fact it's playable is awesome and something that I'm definitely grateful for lol every 360 game I own is playable both on disc and digitally. Xbox backwards compatibility is top notch 😁
Re: Gears Of War: E-Day Team Shares Message After Missing Xbox Games Showcase 2025
@Kaloudz some people just find whatever they can to complain. Xbox is killing it & people love to hate. If you take the 2024 showcase and add it to the 2025 showcase, you're mind will be blow with just how many BANGERS Xbox has cooking. I mean it REALLY is something to admire especially when you take into account how bad Xbox was doing with game output last generation. Xbox has finally righted that ship and has been releasing amazing game after amazing game with no signs of slowing down. I can honestly say I am so happy to be apart of the Xbox community!
Xbox has PROVEN themselves as the best place to play. With their Xbox play anywhere initiative expansion making it a massive win for consumers. Buy a game once on Xbox get a copy for PC at no extra charge with cross saves and DLC following wherever you play.
Also, the expansion of Xbox Cloud Gaming is massive because now games you own or purchase are being added to a growing list of games that can be played via Xbox Cloud Gaming whether they're on gamepass or now. This means you can literally play your games across console, PC and Cloud which essentially means your Smart TV, your tablet, your phone and whatever other device that has access to an Internet browser. Xbox is expanding massively and it's proving that they are the BEST place to play no matter where you play, that's an incredibly strong statement. Xbox has the hardware and the games to back it up.
I know this isn't really indicative of much but I was at Walmart last week, browsing the gaming isle. I was looking at Xbox accessories and I noticed there weren't any consoles on the shelf. I walked over to the PlayStation area where they had 2 PS4 consoles 2 PS5 consoles and 2 PS5 pro consoles sitting on the shelf. I went up to the guy who works in the department and struck up a conversation with him as he himself was a gamer. I asked him if they had any Xbox consoles in the back because I noticed there wasn't any on the shelves. To my surprise he told me that they had sold out of their entire inventory and they were expecting more Xbox consoles to arrive by Wednesday next week. I then went on to ask if he noticed if consoles were selling better now or when they were first released. He went on to say that he's been selling Xbox and PlayStation consoles pretty consistently. I asked if the PS4 was still selling well and he said yes which I was like WOW that's crazy but I guess it makes sense it's cheaper and has a massive library of games. Anyways I was just surprised to hear that Xbox consoles were being sold at my local Walmart pretty consistently. Now before I get the inevitable feedback of this not meaning anything, I will once again clarify, I know this doesn't represent anything & I'm not saying Xbox is suddenly selling consoles everywhere. HOWEVER I just found that conversation interesting and thought I'd share with my fellow Xbox peeps.
Re: Gears Of War: E-Day Team Shares Message After Missing Xbox Games Showcase 2025
I'm absolutely ready for Gears of War E-day! I'm a day one fan of Gears of War as it released in my early teens and it was a game that I played with friends and one of the coolest parts of Gears back then was I had friends come over to my house to specifically play Gears of War & we beat the game via local co-op which has memories that'll live with me forever.
I also own the Gears of War Ultimate Edition since day one so I am extremely grateful that I'll get Gears of War Reloaded. I plan on enjoying the hell outta Gears of War Reloaded reliving that game all over again, which will be great especially seeing how Gears of War E Day is a prequel.
Gears of War E Day is my most anticipated game of 2026 so far . . .
Re: Five Reasons Why I'm Incredibly Excited For The ROG Xbox Ally Handheld
As much as I love the idea of the Xbox Ally, I am going to hold out hope for a TRUE XBOX handheld CONSOLE, one that plays my entire Xbox library natively. We know Microsoft is making a Xbox portable console, it was out on hold recently but most rumors point to it being on hold because it's waiting for AMD and their next gen APUs so my guess is the truly Xbox handheld console will probably be released as part of the Xbox next gen plans.
I can see an Xbox handheld console replacing the Xbox Series S next generation. It'll be the entry level device that can run all the games (just like the Series S) albeit at lower resolutions. My guess is it'll also include a dock to play on the TV as well similar to switch and steam deck.
As for the Xbox Ally and the Xbox Ally X as much as I am drooling over these devices I'm afraid the price will be too much. If the Ally Xbox launched at $399 and the Ally Xbox X launched at $599 then it'd be something worth considering up if it costs anywhere near the Asus ROG Ally X ($799) then it's just a hard no.
If Microsoft launched a true Xbox handheld console that they could eat the cost like on all consoles, then I could see a portable Xbox next gen launching at $449 and the Series X Successor launching at $599. That's historically a decent launch price. Hopefully the next gen consoles will launch after the cheeto in office is done with his tariffs pissing contest lol
Re: Two Huge Free Demos Were Added To The Xbox Store Last Night
The pro skater demo is pretty good, the ONLY downside is that the runs are capped at 2 minutes for the demo which is just too short imo.
Re: No, The ROG Xbox Ally Handheld Doesn't Play Native Console Games
As cool as the Xbox Ally is I'm going to be skipping it in favor of waiting for the Microsoft developed Xbox handheld console. I'm guessing the dedicated Xbox handheld CONSOLE is being delayed and will release next gen. I think the Xbox handheld will probably replace the Series S sku as an entry level next gen Xbox that plays all Xbox games and can be docked to play on the TV.
I think it was smart of Xbox to do this collaboration because it'll be great for the PC handheld crowd but not for console gamers like myself. I do believe we will get a dedicated handheld Xbox because from everything we know based on AMD and Microsoft leaks that's what's being made.
It also just leaked PlayStation is doing the same thing. PlayStation is also developing a dedicated PlayStation Portable capable of playing PS4 and PS5 games natively. The fact both manufacturers are planning on releasing handhelds it leads me to believe next gen consoles will have handhelds as part of their ecosystem.
Microsoft is working with AMD on next gen APUs that will power their Xbox handheld console. It'll be capable of running out entire Xbox libraries natively while also sipping power thanks to architecture improvements coming with Zen 6 CPU cores and RDNA 5 graphics, combined with XDNA dedicated NPUs handling AI upscaling techniques like FSR 4 and frame generation to help take some weight off the CPU and GPU loads.
I'm definitely excited for next gen and more than anything I want a dedicated Xbox handheld. The Xbox Ally is cool but will cost way too much and windows takes up way too many resources. A handheld Xbox console would most likely be subsidized just like every other console ever made which would allow such a thing to launch at $500 or less. I'm suspecting the Xbox Ally X will cost $799 while the less powerful Xbox Ally will cost $599 which is just too niche for a massive market device.
I've got some amazing Xbox games coming this year and next year to look forward to lol happy gaming ✌️
Re: Reaction: Xbox Games Showcase 2025 Was Just OK, But Next Year Should Be Amazing
The Xbox Games Showcase 2025 was pretty damn good if you ask me, especially compared the the awful PlayStation State of Play and the even worse Summer Games Fest. The Xbox showcase brought games that I'm genuinely excited to play.
The Outer Worlds 2,
Persona 4 Revival,
High on Life 2,
Beast of Reincarnation,
Super Meat Boy 3D,
Grounded 2,
Clockwork Revolution,
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle DLC
That list is of games that I'm genuinely excited to play. The Outer Worlds 2 looked fantastic & after I beat Avowed a couple months ago I can't wait to jump back into another Obsidian game. The Outer Worlds 2 looks like they went all in for the sequel making everything we loved about the original bigger, better looking and even upgrades a bunch of mechanics to make the game better.
Ninja Gaiden 4 also looks great. The gameplay on display was solid. After seeing it in action I just really wanted to play it lol.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Order of the Giants DLC looks so damn good. Indiana Jones is already my game of the year for 2024, I haven't finished the base game yet but it's still one of the most fun games I've played in many years. It feels like you're playing a movie only better because it's a game that allows players to fully immerse themselves in the world and story. The DLC announced today looks awesome and I'm planning on having the game beat by the time it releases lol.
Happy gaming ✌️
Re: 12 New Game Pass Titles Announced At Xbox Games Showcase 2025
The Xbox games showcase was great imo, especially compared to the atrocious shows that were Summer Games Fest & the PlayStation State of Play. The Xbox games showcase included games that I'm actually interested in and want to play. Here's a list of the games that are my top priority to play upon release.
The Outer Worlds 2,
Gears of War Reloaded,
Persona 4 Revival,
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle DLC
High on Life 2,
Clockwork Revolution,
Super Meat Boy 3D,
Beast of Reincarnation,
Cronos The New Dawn
Grounded 2
Microsoft has proven once again why I am glad to be apart of the Xbox ecosystem. That comes down to the incredible GAMES & the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative. Xbox Play Anywhere is extremely consumer friendly, allowing purchase of digital games to be played across PC, Xbox and Cloud with cross saves and cross platform play. This means I can buy an Xbox copy of Gears of War Reloaded, with that digital purchase, it allows me to simultaneously own a copy on PC as well as console.
Xbox Play Anywhere already allows you to own and play games across Xbox, Windows PCs, handhelds, but now, with Xbox Cloud gaming being integrated you can also stream said games on mobile devices, smart TV's and even web browsers.
I am a huge fan of unified progression & saves. Whether I'm playing locally on my XSX, XSS or streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming, my game saves, achievements and DLC sync across platforms allowing me to truly pick up and play no matter what. I've put this to the test a LOT more recently.
I have an android phone that I've dedicated to gaming (emulation mostly). I use the phone with a Gamesir X2S USB C mobile game controller. I decided to really start using Xbox cloud gaming to play games that I'm not fully sold on. I started playing Metaphor ReFantazio on my Series S via cloud while at my inlaws. When I had to pack up my Series S I still wanted to play Metaphor ReFantazio so I took out my phone, my Gamesir X2S controller and opened up Xbox Cloud gaming. Within a minute I was back slaying monsters. The performance was excellent, I didn't notice any lag or anything like that although I will say a type C controller with hall effect sticks really helps with input lag, Bluetooth controllers add too much latency. Performance was solid and I spent another 90 minutes playing Metaphor ReFantazio thanks to the brilliance that is Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Re: Two Major Free-To-Play Games Are Launching On Xbox This Week
@Kaloudz I enjoyed the original split gate quite a bit, that being said I haven't tried the new version although my girls says it's better than the original. I might give it a go but I'm not sure when.
Re: Xbox Is Streaming Its 2025 Showcase In More Locations Than Ever
Can't wait! I'm ready for Xbox to show us another banger showcase! The 2022 showcase is what made me get a Series S after convincing myself the PS5 was the only console I'd ever need this generation (even though I've owned every Xbox from every generation). I couldn't have been more wrong lol I enjoyed my Series S so much I started playing less on PS5 but I wanted better performance. So in 2024 I got my Xbox Series X and now I own all 3 Consoles lol
I'm so ready for the 2025 showcase! I REALLY want to see gameplay of the new Fable reboot. I'm so excited for that game as Fable gave me some of my favorite Xbox memories. I also REALLY want to see gameplay for Gears of War Reloaded because there's nothing better than a new Gears game. Some others I'd like to see more of is perfect dark zero and State of Decay 3. Either way it's going to be an excellent showcase as Xbox hasn't disappointed me yet.
Re: Our Predictions For The 2025 Xbox Games Showcase
I can't wait for the Xbox showcase. If it's one thing this generation of consoles has taught me is DO NOT underestimate Xbox. I started this generation believing I'd only own a PS5, here we are 4 and a half years later, and I own a Series S and a Series X & I play on Xbox daily while my PS5 I barely touch anymore. Why you may ask? Well, it's the games. It's ALWAYS been about the games. The PS5 hasn't had the amount of excellent games that the PS4 had. Sony pushing for live service games has left us fans wanting more. Spiderman 2 was brilliant but with no DLC it feels like they just let go of what could've been an excellent game to make DLC content for.
Over on Xbox not only am I treated to brilliant day one releases via gamepass ultimate (Avowed, Atomfall, Indiana Jones, DOOM The Dark Ages and the list goes on) but one thing I absolutely love the most about Xbox is the backwards compatibility. I can play GTA 4, Midnight Club, Fall out 3, New Vegas, Gears of War 2+3, and the list goes on. It's the amount of games I can play at any given moment is why I love the Xbox ecosystem.
I'm not home, I bring my Series S with me to my in-laws. I'm away where I can't bring a console, no worries I have Xbox Cloud Gaming and a Gamesir X2S controller for my phone, I can continue playing Metaphor Refantazio or Revenge of the Savage Planet. That ability is amazing to me.
I want Xbox to replace the Series S next gen with a dedicated handheld hybrid like the steam deck. I want the Series X successor to be "the biggest leap ever seen in a console generation". Xbox has a bright future, and I'm stoked to continue enjoying team green and their games.
Re: Xbox Game Pass: All Games Coming Soon In June 2025
FBC: Fire Break looks pretty good ngl, whatever games we get will be added to my back catalog lol I'm currently working through DOOM The Dark Ages (so much fun BTW), Metaphor Refantazio (is so much better than I had anticipated it to be) and last but definitely not least Revenge of the Savage Planet which is surprisingly better than the original lol Xbox is keeping me happy with so many amazing games! I'm REALLY looking forward to the Xbox showcase, not only for potential shadow drops but The Outer World 2 deep dive as well I'm hoping for more information about Fable seeing how it got delayed. Definitely a ton to look forward to from Xbox. Happy gaming ✌️
Re: Reaction: Gears Of War: Reloaded Makes Perfect Sense For Microsoft, But Not For Xbox Fans
@Banjo- I appreciate your response Banjo, it's nice to see other people who actually understand what's going on. Xbox has a major plan to unite Xbox, Cloud and PC like never before. We're even getting a dedicated Xbox handheld console that'll feature "a low powered AMD APU" and I truly believe it's a brilliant idea. The Xbox handheld will most likely be able to run all 4 generations of Xbox games much like the Series S does today. I do believe it'll be able to do this natively thanks to using AMD APUs but also the fact Xbox has a dedicated team for backwards and forwards compatibility. I'm guessing the Xbox handheld (not the Asus Xbox branded PC, Xbox is making its own handheld) will probably replace the Series S when it comes to a next gen base console. These are just my assumptions obviously but it seems likely especially now that we know Sony is working on a PlayStation Portable powered by a "low powered AMD APU" which leads me to believe next gen we will see handhelds from PlayStation and Xbox as well as a PlayStation 6 and a Xbox Series X successor representing the "largest leap ever in a console generation"
The future of Xbox is exciting, forget the haters man I'm just enjoying the games lol ✌️
Re: More Amazing Games Are Discounted By 90-95% On Xbox This Weekend
I got the Witcher 3 complete edition, the one that comes with absolutely everything needed for the ultimate Witcher 3 experience. I've personally never played the Witcher 3 so I'm not quite sure what to expect. However I have played Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty & those were amazing. Obviously the Witcher is a completely different IP but so many people say the game is GOATED 🐐 now I own it lol when I'll have time to sink my teeth into it? I have no clue because Xbox has been delivering a ton of games I want to play lately. Happy gaming ✌️
Re: Xbox Retro Classics: The Full List Of Games Included At Launch
Gamepass is amazing, just as I was getting hyped for Metaphor ReFantazio coming to the service, Xbox announces all these retro classics coming & I'm definitely here for it lol. Sometimes it's nice to zone out and enjoy some classic games, especially games that came before my time (I'm 32 and my first console was a PSone at age 6 or 7). Xbox keeps bringing it, I'm freaking loving it lol
Re: Xbox Is Making Loads Of Old First-Party Titles Cloud Gaming Compatible This Week
Xbox Cloud gaming really is amazing! The number of games I've played has gone up thanks to cloud gaming. Out of this great lineup though, Quantum Break is definitely the hidden gem. That game slaps so hard, Shawn Ashmore and Lance Reddick deliver excellent performances that definitely deserve to be praised. I highly recommend Quantum Break to any Xbox fan who hasn't given it a go.
Happy Gaming ✌️
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of DOOM: The Dark Ages So Far?
For me personally, DOOM the Dark Ages is the most fun I've had in a DOOM game since the 2016 soft reboot. Don't get me wrong DOOM Eternal was a solid 9/10 for me but I had more "fun" with the 2016 game. That being said, DOOM the Dark Ages is a fantastic game. The stand and fight approach is a lot more fun than I expected it to be and really nobody is standing, with the shield dash, the jump slam, the parrying and shield throwing the combat is a ton of fun! I'm only a quarter of the way through my playthrough and I can honestly say this is the one of if not the best DOOM game I've ever played. Yes, I am one of those players who genuinely enjoyed the survival horror feel of DOOM 3 lol I'm also impressed with how great the game runs and looks on Series X. It really is impressive. Happy gaming ✌️
Re: Switch 2 Tech Specs Revealed, Here's How They Compare To Xbox Series X|S
The Switch 2 specs are better than I expected them to be. The CPU specifically is better than expected when it comes to the Cortex Cores per Cluster: Up to eight "big" cores in a single cluster. This multi-core configuration is a key differentiator from the standard Cortex-A78, which typically features a mix of "big" and "LITTLE" cores for power efficiency. Think of the mediatek Dimensity 7300 for instance. That SoC features 4 Cortex A78 performance cores along with 4 Cortex A55 efficiency Cores. The A78C features 8 'big' cores prioritizing scalable performance and efficiency.
The Switch 2 GPU is a custom offering from Nvidia based on the Ampere architecture (think RTX 3000 series of GPU like the RTX 3050) featuring 1,536 CUDA cores, 2 Ray Tracing cores, 12 streaming multiprocessors, and 6 texture processing cores.
All this technical jargon gives the Switch 2 around 3.1 Teraflops docked and 1.71 Teraflops in handheld mode. This console will be more powerful than the PS4 and Xbox One. The PS4 features 1.84 Teraflops of graphical performance and the Xbox One featured about 1.34 Teraflops. The Switch 2 rivals that performance in handheld mode and is around twice the performance in docked mode. You also have to take into consideration the advancement in tech the Switch 2 has over those decades old consoles. The numbers don't paint the full picture as we are seeing more performance per watt, and per core on Switch 2 than these old consoles. I believe the Switch 2 will be able to handle most modern games, especially considering it will use DLSS heavily to achieve better performance. The Switch 2 is definitely a LOT more powerful than it's predecessor. It's a significant performance upgrade and I expect it to run games pretty well so long as devs fully optimize for it.
As cool as the Switch 2 sounds, I won't be buying one until the price comes down or there's a hardware refresh that offers better battery life. As much as I love mobile gaming, I'm content with my Series X and PS5 for the time being. I am extremely interested in the dedicated Xbox handheld device that's rumored for next generation. Not the current leaked Asus handheld device with Xbox buttons slated for this year but a next gen handheld slated for 2027. It's already rumored to feature a dock so I'm guessing next gen Xbox will have a handheld Xbox console in place of a Series S and it'll have a high end console in place of a Series X. I'm ecstatic about that possibility as I've always dreamed of a portable Xbox capable of running my entire Xbox library of games lol.
Re: DOOM: The Dark Ages Comparison Shows Difference Between Xbox Series X And Series S
DOOM The Dark Ages is absolutely amazing. It's fast fluid and fun. It's different than DOOM Eternal but in a fun new way. The shield and melee stuff is so much fun, combined with amazing guns. I'm playing on Series X and it's gorgeous! Once again the Series X edges out the PS5 pro, which just validates how much of an incredible console the Series X truly is. DOOM The Dark Ages is definitely my new obsession at the moment! Let's Freaking Go 💯
Re: Reaction: Gears Of War: Reloaded Makes Perfect Sense For Microsoft, But Not For Xbox Fans
@Banjo- You're absolutely right that Microsoft's strategy is multifaceted and smart. While seeing Xbox games on PlayStation might raise eyebrows for some, it's crucial to understand the bigger picture:
Microsoft is strategically expanding the reach of its gaming franchises across consoles, cloud, and PC. This isn't about abandoning Xbox; it's about maximizing the value and audience for their incredible games. Think of it this way: bringing games like Forza Horizon 5 to PlayStation introduces a whole new group of players to the Xbox ecosystem and its quality. Some of those players might eventually be drawn into the Xbox console or Game Pass.
And you're spot on about the numbers! The success of Xbox titles on PC, particularly through platforms like Steam, highlights Microsoft's strength with Windows. Owning the dominant PC operating system gives them a massive advantage in the gaming space, regardless of where individual games are purchased.
Ultimately, Xbox remains a vital pillar for Microsoft. It's a powerful brand, with a thriving community, and a significant revenue driver through hardware, Game Pass subscriptions, and software sales. By extending their game reach, they're not diminishing Xbox; they're strengthening their overall gaming ecosystem and ensuring the long-term health and innovation of the Xbox platform itself. The revenue generated from this wider reach ultimately fuels further investment in making the Xbox experience even better for its core audience across console, cloud, and PC.
We know Microsoft is investing heavily into Xbox as it's next gen console has already been greenlit across the board of higher ups at Microsoft. Like I said earlier, Microsoft has recently been hiring software engineers specifically to an Xbox team that's dedicated to backwards & forward compatibility.
Microsoft is planning the future of Xbox everywhere we look. They are strengthening everything they possibly can when it comes to Xbox. We've got a new Xbox in development, we've got a handheld Xbox in development, we've got Xbox Cloud Gaming being enhanced and expanded across the board, & last but definitely not least we've got some incredible studios working on some of the best games ever made!
Re: New Sales Data Highlights How Xbox Is 'Dominating' PS5 Right Now
I've been talking with a fellow Xbox fan about this the other day. Microsoft is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers. Microsoft is one of the MOST successful software companies of all time. Xbox as a brand makes Microsoft tons of money, now Microsoft is having its cake (35 million Series X|S sold and 100 million+ Monthly Active Users is nothing to sneeze at) and eating it too (selling it's software on PlayStation). Microsoft is then taking all that revenue and investing it back into the Xbox brand. We're getting excellent games greenlit across some of the most talented devs in the entire industry. They are expanding gamepass, Xbox Cloud Gaming and the ability to buy and play OWNED games via Xbox Cloud Gaming.
They've also greenlit some excellent sounding hardware with the next generation Xbox console, they've got 2 handhelds in development one a partnership with Asus due out sometime this year and the other is a full fledged Xbox handheld built by Xbox due in 2027/2028.
Xbox has also been hiring for their newly created team dedicated to backwards compatibility and forward compatibility which is GREAT news for me as my Xbox library consists of games from every generation lolol.
TLDR; Xbox has plans in effect for years to come that we're not even aware of. Game development has gotten so expensive that it really does make sense to sale your game to the biggest player pool available. We're even seeing PlayStation release their exclusives simultaneously on PC (which guess what benefits Microsoft & benefits Xbox) lol it's kinda crazy how Microsoft is benefitting from literally every aspect of gaming. They benefit from hardware, software sales across the board, Xbox Cloud Gaming, subscription services via Xbox Gamepass, PC Gamepass.
I'm sick of people who don't research things for themselves instead they regurgitate whatever their favorite ignorant YouTuber says. Thankfully there's some people here and some people on the Series S subreddit who actually take the time to READ up on why things are the way they are.
Happy gaming ✌️
Re: Here's A Look At The Updated Xbox Game Studios Roadmap From May 2025
Xbox has kept me an incredibly happy customer. The steady release of excellent games has kept me busy. Finishing Avowed was bittersweet because I genuinely loved that world and wished there was dlc for it lol but it allowed me to dive into the Oblivion remaster, as well as the incredibly brilliant Clair Obscur Expedition 33 (I'm not even a fan of turn based games but this game has its hooks in me). I'm also going to be checking out Revenge of the Savage Planet that launches today, then I have Doom the Dark Ages at the end of this month. In June we have the showcase and I'm guessing we'll get another shadow drop of something great lol. People over here melting cuz some games went to PlayStation, I stopped caring about it months ago. I enjoy my Xbox games on my Xbox. The only thing my PS5 is good for is the PlayStation exclusives but even those have been lackluster as of late thanks to the PlayStation live service switch up.
So yeah, my Xbox Series X + Gamepass ultimate has kept me an incredibly satisfied customer. The best part about it is that I'm playing some of the best games ever made, Day One on Gamepass. If the game is good enough like Avowed was I spring for the $30 premium upgrade to access the game earlier but most importantly it's for the extra content. I did the Starfield premium upgrade which got me some cool digital stuff plus I got Shattered Space day one which was awesome.
TLDR: Xbox is where I choose to play, it's where over 34 million people choose to play and their numbers are increasing thanks to the easy access that Xbox Cloud Gaming gives to people. Xbox is still the best place to play imo and the haters won't convince me otherwise.
Re: Here's A Look At The Updated Xbox Game Studios Roadmap From May 2025
@Cakefish I'm waiting for a new 3rd action RPG myself although I did find myself switching between 1st person and 3rd person quite a bit in Avowed, the combat was much better in 1st person. I agree we need a new 3rd action adventure RPG.
Re: Here Are All The Changes & Enhancements Coming To Gears Of War: Reloaded On Xbox
I just double checked my Xbox library to make sure I own the legendary edition and I do lol I'm definitely excited for this upgrade, although I was REALLY hoping we'd get a remastered trilogy. As good of a game as Gears of War is Gears of War 2 and Gears of War 3 are of the same caliber of greatness. In fact I regard the Gears Trilogy as one of my favorite shooter campaigns of all time. Gears of War is able to show true grit while at the same time tug in those heart strings which is something you wouldn't expect from such a game. Hopefully we get a remastered trilogy sometime in the future.
Re: Reaction: Gears Of War: Reloaded Makes Perfect Sense For Microsoft, But Not For Xbox Fans
As a longtime Xbox fan, this news used to really bother me but NOT anymore. I just want to say that people freaking out over Xbox putting games on PlayStation are totally missing the bigger picture. This isn’t the end of Xbox, not even close. It’s actually a smart move that makes the brand even stronger. Xbox isn’t just about selling consoles anymore, it’s about building an ecosystem that reaches more players wherever they are. Stuff like Game Pass, Xbox Live, cloud gaming, and cross-play are what make Xbox special. By bringing a few titles to other platforms, Xbox is creating more revenue that goes right back into making better games, supporting studios, and improving the whole experience for us Xbox fans.
For those worried that Xbox is going away, (I see that 'xbox is dying' comments) relax. Microsoft has already confirmed they are working on the next gen Xbox, and from the sound of it, it is going to be a massive leap forward. They are not giving up on consoles at all. If anything, this shows how committed they are to making Xbox future-proof and sustainable. So yes, seeing some games on PlayStation does not mean Xbox is dying. It means Xbox is evolving, growing, and setting itself up to be a bigger force in gaming than ever before. This is just the next chapter, and honestly, it is a pretty exciting one. I'm sticking with Xbox as I've built a massive library over the years on Xbox, I absolutely love gamepass and the Series X it's my favorite console of all time mainly because of its phenomenal backwards compatibility.
Re: Talking Point: Would You Still Buy An Xbox At Microsoft's 2025 Prices?
People need to understand that the recent Xbox price increases aren’t just about Microsoft trying to make a quick buck. We’re living in a time of serious economic uncertainty, with global inflation, rising production costs, and tariffs from the Trump administration are making things worse. These kinds of economic pressures hit tech and gaming companies hard.
Microsoft isn’t deliberately sabotaging Xbox, if anything, they’ve continued to invest in it heavily, offering more value than ever through Game Pass, cloud gaming, and backward compatibility. They’re trying to keep the platform sustainable long-term. It's just an extreme shame that these circumstances have hit our favorite gaming platform.
And let’s be real, PlayStation will almost certainly follow with their own price hikes. This is an industry-wide shift, not a sign that Xbox is in trouble. im beyond frustrated with the situation TBH.
I'm glad I got my Series X last year as it's become my favorite console of all time, gamepass ultimate has been such an amazing service for my family! Truly bringing us together and allowing us to play some incredible games. Xbox is still the best value in gaming, it's console price increases are an utter shame but that doesn't take away from the fact the Xbox has been great for so many of us gamers.
Re: Opinion: It's Been A Quiet March, But Next Month Looks Awesome For Xbox Game Pass
@Tasuki I finally finished Avowed just the other day. I made sure to complete every single bounty and every single side mission I could before continuing to the garden. Now that I've finished the game I'm kinda bummed about it lolol Avowed filled a Skyrim like RPG hole that I hadn't realized I missed as much as I did. I'm going to play through it again without a doubt, however right now I'm focusing on finishing finishing Assassin's Creed Odyssey, South of Midnight and Elders Scrolls 4 Oblivion Remastered. that's not even counting Revenge of the Savage Planet coming May 8th and DOOM the dark ages also coming this month haha damn I love Xbox and gamepass 😎
Re: Indie Dev Defends Xbox Game Pass As Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Sells Most On PS5
@Kieduss haha excellent response my friend! I feel the same way, Xbox Gamepass is absolutely brilliant for my family & I'll be subscribed indefinitely as well lol.
Re: Digital-Only Xbox Series X|S Consoles Have Accounted For 75% Of Sales So Far In 2025
It's crazy to see this statistic but I guess it also makes sense. I own a Disc Xbox Series X, my wife has a Series S and I also have my own Series S. My wife and I game share so it's way more economically viable for us to purchase one game digitally that we BOTH get to play at the same time on separate consoles. If I were to buy a physical disc, I would have to buy 2 copies of the same game one for each of us and at $70+ a pop it would make our favorite hobby much too expensive for us.
This makes buying games digitally worth it for our family, that being said I do believe we need to keep fighting for game preservation and digital ownership rights to ensure our games are playable long after our consoles become obsolete. (This is one frustrating thing I have with PlayStation, I have quite a few games I bought digitally on PS3. Those games are stuck there, I have no access to them on my PS5 whatsoever and my PS3 finally died in late 2023 meaning of I ever want to play these games again I'd have to purchase a PlayStation 3).
I would say that is 80% the main reason I purchase games digitally. The other 20% is the ability to download and play my games on other consoles. I mentioned owning a Series S. I use that console with a portable display and I take it with me to my in-laws or when I'm out of town for prolonged periods of time. I wouldn't be able to take my SSD expansion card full of games outside of my Series X, stick it into my Series S and continue playing as of nothing happened at all. That extremely ease of use and the fact my library can be wherever I need it to be is another reason I've switched to buying games digitally.
For me personally, digital is the best option for my family. I actually plan to upgrade my wife's Series S to a Series X sometime this year and depends on what I can get for the price I maybe purchasing a Xbox Series X digital edition. Happy gaming ✌️
Re: PSA: DOOM: The Dark Ages Has An Early Access Upgrade For Xbox Game Pass Players
Very enticing upgrades for sure. I got the premium upgrade for Starfield before it launched, I was going to do the same for Indiana Jones but I decided to just buy the ultimate edition or whatever it was called so I own Indiana Jones and I also did the premium upgrade for Avowed lol I guess I'm actually a fan of these premium upgrades for gamepass ultimate subscribers. Starfield was an excellent game and now I have Shattered Space to dive into (haven't had the time yet), Indiana Jones was GOTY for me, and Avowed has become one of my favorite Obsidian masterpieces of all time. Damn, Xbox is killing it lol I can't wait for DOOM the dark ages, it looks so good!
Re: Remedy Announces New Showcase For Its Xbox Game Pass Title FBC: Firebreak
Control was a masterpiece IMO and if Remedy can make this game feel similar to the eeryness vibe that Control had I'm all for it. That being said I hope there's options for solo play as well as duos co-op. I hate being forced to have an extra player in a co-op game and I also hate when games are ONLY playable in co-op. I play with myself most of the time (haha yup i see it), so if there's a solo option chances are that's where I'll be, I do have a buddy I link up with about once a week.
I'm tired and rambling at this point lol 😆 Remedy is a top tier development studio and I'm ready for any and all things connected to control
Re: Three Classic Activision Games Listed For Xbox Game Pass By Microsoft
Definitely excited for Crash 4 to arrive on Gamepass. It's about time lol I had to 😅
Re: Avowed Update 1.31 Now Live, Includes Improved Performance On Xbox Series X|S
@FarmDog08 the game is so good and it gets even better 😋
Re: Avowed Update 1.31 Now Live, Includes Improved Performance On Xbox Series X|S
My personal review
Avowed - (9/10, Excellent)
Avowed is one of the best RPGs in recent memory, delivering a deeply immersive experience that excels in nearly every aspect. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game features stunning visuals that bring its rich fantasy world to life. The gameplay mechanics are extremely solid, making combat and exploration feel both engaging and rewarding.
What truly sets Avowed apart for me personally, is its exceptional character development. Companions are not just side characters but fully realized individuals with unique backstories and personalities. The game strengthens these connections through well-crafted side missions that further develop their arcs, making interactions at camp and during missions feel meaningful. Obsidian has really developed a knack for giving us companions that go deeper than surface level co-op bots.
The story, while not groundbreaking, evolves based on your decisions, ensuring a level of agency that keeps the experience engaging. With its beautiful world, well-written characters, and strong RPG mechanics, Avowed is an outstanding entry in Obsidian’s lineup—an absolute must-play for anyone who appreciates Obsidians unique blend of the RPG genre.
Re: Opinion: It's Been A Quiet March, But Next Month Looks Awesome For Xbox Game Pass
@Tasuki same I'm about 35 hours in and still have stuff to do in Dawn shore. I've completed every bounty in the game, got the achievement, and yesterday I got an achievement for opening every certain type of chest that's in the game lol Avowed has been a phenomenal game that's kept me entertained the entire time. I've enjoyed it so much that I am already planning a second playthrough whenever I finish. I really hope we get some type of DLC in the future though.