Xbox news and reviews

The latest news and reviews of Xbox hardware, software and accessories.

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Watch 'Senua's Saga: Hellblade II' running on the new Xbox Series X
Microsoft revealed its next-generation console, the Xbox Series X, in a surprise announcement at The Game Awards -- and no debut would be complete without a fancy, detailed, in-engine demo. To that end, players got another world premiere in the form of Senua's Saga: Hellblade II from Ninja Theory.
The next Xbox is called Series X and it looks like a PC tower
The Game Awards kicked off with a bang as Microsoft offered a first proper look at the next Xbox and revealed the console's name: Xbox Series X. Previously known as Project Scarlett, the next-generation Xbox resembles a PC tower and it arrives holiday 2020.
Microsoft may be building a disc-less next-gen Xbox after all
Just when it seemed Microsoft's plans for Project Scarlett, its next-generation Xbox console, were getting simpler, there's a new wrinkle to the narrative. According to Kotaku's Jason Schreier, Microsoft is working on a more affordable, disc-less version of the device codenamed "Lockhart."
Bungie finally has a fix for today's 'Destiny' server problems
Over the last twelve hours or so, people trying to play Destiny 1 and Destiny 2 have had trouble connecting to the game, but at last Bungie support says it has found a resolution. However, fixing the issue in Destiny's "core services" required restarting the servers and kicking everyone out again. So if you'd finally managed to log in and are now looking at a loading screen again, just give it a minute and keep an eye on the Bungie Help Twitter account for updates -- you'll get to those daily bounties soon. Update: In a subsequent tweet, Bungie said the downtime is expected to last until about 7 PM PT / 10 PM ET. Update 2: Now the repair period has been extended through 11 PM ET, we'll see how much longer it takes. Update 3: It took past midnight, but both Destiny and Destiny 2 services are restored.
Xbox One update helps you buy the games your friends are playing
It could soon be all too easy to cave into peer pressure if you're an Xbox One owner. Microsoft is trotting out a Guide update that not only lets you obtain more info about the games your friends are playing, but buy them, install them or play them. It can even take you to the game's official club if you're interested more than just purchasing. You just have to select a friend's profile to glean more details.
The latest Xbox One update adds Google Assistant voice controls
Xbox One's November update is here, bringing with it a bunch of new features and tools designed, as always, to improve your gaming experience. First up, and probably most notable, is the roll-out of Google Assistant voice controls. We've known this was coming for a while, and after a brief spell in beta, it's now available to all Xbox users. If you've got a Google Assistant Home-enabled device, you'll be able to turn your console on and off, launch games and apps and control videos using your voice, and the usual "Hey, Google..." command.
'Minecraft Dungeons' will arrive in April 2020
Game developer Mojang last year unexpectedly announced that it was working on Minecraft Dungeons -- a blocky take on classic dungeon crawlers. Now we know when we can finally expect it to land. Initially slated for 2019, Microsoft now says the game will be arriving on Xbox One, PC, Switch and PS4 in April next year.
Microsoft is adding 10 'Final Fantasy' games to Xbox Game Pass
Earlier today, Microsoft announced that it's adding more than 50 new games to Xbox Game Pass -- as well as giving three sweet freebies if you sign up for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. By any measure, that's a lot of games, but it's an especially exciting crop if you're a fan of Japanese role-playing series Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts.
'West of Dead' is a fast-paced shooter starring Ron Perlman
After it popped up in the Microsoft Store perhaps a little earlier than intended, twin-stick shooter West of Dead is available in open beta on Xbox One. You'll play as the Ghost Rider-esque William Mason, who's voiced by Ron Perlman of Hellboy and Sons of Anarchy fame.
Rare's next Xbox game is pure 'Princess Mononoke'
If Sea of Thieves isn't your bag, how about a sumptuous cel-shaded game from Rare that looks like a lost Miyazaki film? The Microsoft studio announced Everwild today during the XO19 Inside Xbox presentation, and while there aren't many details to run with, it certainly looks intriguing. The trailer shows us a gorgeous world filled with fantasy creatures and human-like characters tentatively co-existing, while something nefarious brews in darkness. Rare says it's an open-world title that it'll be developing alongside Sea of Thieves, so don't expect it to arrive anytime soon.
Share your memories of the first Xbox console!
Tomorrow marks the eighteenth anniversary of the original Xbox, the first console from Microsoft that kicked off a rivalry with PlayStation that still burns today. Stockier and arguably more stylish than the first PlayStation, the first generation Xbox featured a 733MHz Intel Pentium III processor and a built-in hard disk. The initial sales of the Xbox broke records, with 1.5 million units sold before the end of the year and a total of 24 million units moved over its four-year lifespan.
Ubisoft is developing five games for Microsoft’s next Xbox
During a recent earnings call, Ubisoft CEO and co-founder Yves Guillemot announced that the publisher is working on five games for Microsoft's next Xbox console, according to Game Informer. Three of the five titles are Watch Dogs: Legion, Gods & Monsters and Rainbow Six: Quarantine, which will be released both on the current Xbox One and the upcoming Xbox, which is codenamed Scarlett. The Scarlett versions of the games will presumably feature faster frame rates and improved graphics. The other two games have yet to be announced.
Xbox All Access financing returns with Project Scarlett upgrade option
Microsoft is bringing back Xbox All Access, in addition to expanding the availability of the program to include the UK and Australia. Stateside, the financing program will relaunch on November 18th through Amazon. Meanwhile, in Australia and across the pond, All Access will be available starting on October 29th and November 5th respectively.
Former Xbox executive Mike Ybarra is Blizzard's new GM
Former Xbox executive Mike Ybarra has revealed his next role: he's joining Blizzard as executive vice-president and general manager. He'll step into the job just after Blizzcon, which takes place next weekend.
Microsoft starts inviting people to try Project xCloud
Microsoft is starting to invite players to test out its Project xCloud game streaming service. It said last month it would open up a public preview of the platform in October, allowing players to stream games to their Android devices. Now, it's starting to send out invitations to those eager to try it, with Halo 5: Guardians, Gears 5, Killer Instinct and Sea of Thieves available to play.
Microsoft tests content filters for Xbox messages
The gaming community can be ruthless and often outright abusive. In an attempt to make Xbox more welcoming and inclusive, Microsoft is introducing new content filters. Beginning today, Xbox Insiders can select one of four filters that will automatically block abusive and offensive messages.
Xbox One adds game sale alerts and expanded parental controls
Sometimes, the most important Xbox One updates are less about interface changes and more about conveniences -- in this case, for bargain hunters and concerned parents. Microsoft is rolling out an October update whose centerpieces are more powerful parental controls and a sale-savvy Wish List. The parental tools now let you limit time for specific apps and games, not just the system. You can ensure that your kids only play Fortnite for an hour each day, or limit their YouTube sessions to half-hour bursts. The restrictions you set will apply on both Xbox One and Windows, so your kids can't defy the rules by sneaking in some PC time when the console kicks them off.
Microsoft patent application describes a vibrating floor mat for VR
Microsoft has filed a patent for a floor mat that could prevent you from crashing into furniture while you're exploring new worlds in virtual reality. It's also an indicator the company is still interested in bringing VR to the Xbox ecosystem, after it axed virtual reality plans for Xbox One.
Join Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and get six months of Spotify Premium free
At $15 per month, an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription could be a no-brainer for gamers who play on both PC and Xbox One. The service provides over 100 games for download, including hits like Gears 5 and Monster Hunter: World. An Xbox Live Gold membership (which otherwise costs $10 per month) also comes with the subscription, enabling you to join online multiplayer sessions. Microsoft is sweetening the deal even more with a free six-month trial of Spotify Premium when you join the service.
Google Assistant voice controls come to Xbox One
When it launched alongside, one of the Xbox One's main selling points was voice control, delivered via an upgraded Kinect unit. Kinect was quickly phased out, though, and Alexa and Cortana voice controls eventually served as a replacement. Now, Google Assistant users will be able to yell at their Xbox One, too, thanks to a software update rolling out today.

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