Pure Xbox
Xbox platform news, reviews, and community coverage.
Xbox's Recent Battery Issue Was A Reminder To 'Earn Every Hour' With Players, Says Boss
Xbox recently discovered that new controllers were shipped without AA batteries, prompting the company to send free rechargeable batteries to affected customers. CEO Asha Sharma praised her team for the swift resolution and used the incident to stress the need to "earn every hour" with players. The move echoes Microsoft’s historic willingness to invest heavily in fixing hardware flaws, such as the Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death. Sharma’s remarks signal a continued focus on customer‑centric decisions within the Xbox ecosystem.
Samson Dev Announces Console Release Window For 2026, Likely Including Xbox
Samson, a Steam title that debuted with mixed reviews, has unveiled its console plans. The developer confirmed a Fall 2026 launch window for console versions, likely on Xbox Series X and Series S. A detailed 2026 roadmap promises weekly improvements to address early...
Here's What Pragmata And Mouse: PI For Hire Look Like On Xbox Series X|S
Capcom’s sci‑fi title Pragmata launches on Xbox Series X and S, delivering near‑60 FPS on the flagship console with occasional dips and a stable 60 FPS on the less powerful Series S, though its visual fidelity trails the Switch 2 port. Indie shooter Mouse: PI for Hire offers two...
Xbox Exec Reveals That Blizzard Is Helping Out With Development On Fable
Xbox executive Matt Booty revealed on the Official Xbox Podcast that Blizzard Entertainment’s cinematics team is assisting Playground Games with the upcoming Fable reboot. The partnership reflects Microsoft’s growing practice of sharing talent across its studios to boost production value....
Xbox's Studios Are Working 'Side-By-Side' With Microsoft On Project Helix
Microsoft confirmed that its first‑party Xbox studios are working side‑by‑side with the hardware team on the upcoming Project Helix console. Chief Content Officer Matt Booty said developers are involved from the earliest visioning and specification stages, ensuring software and hardware...
Gears Of War E-Day Direct Length Detailed As Xbox Games Showcase Reveals Get Locked In
Microsoft announced that the upcoming Gears of War: E‑Day Direct will feature a full 30 minutes of gameplay and story content, slated for release roughly two months from now. The reveal came during a briefing about the 2026 Xbox Games Showcase, where...
GameSir Unveils Tarantula Pro For Xbox & PC, Described As 'The Best Xbox Controller In Symmetry'
GameSir announced the Tarantula Pro, a wired Xbox and PC controller that builds on its existing multi‑platform line. It features the company’s new Mag‑Res™ TMR sticks, dual‑mode Hall Effect/micro‑switch triggers, four rumble motors, and up to a 1000 Hz polling rate. The...
Guide: Pragmata Release Date, Release Times & Everything You Need To Know On Xbox
Capcom’s new sci‑fi action‑adventure Pragmata launches on Xbox Series X|S on Friday, April 17, 2026, at midnight local time. The game’s download size is a modest 33 GB and can be preloaded now through the Xbox Store. Early critic reviews have been...
Replaced Dev Warns Of Issue For Xbox Series S Players At Launch, Fix Planned For This Week
Sad Cat Studios announced that the new Xbox Game Pass title Replaced experiences a memory‑related hang on Xbox Series S when transitioning from Chapter 4 to Chapter 5 after a continuous play session. The issue can cause loss of progress, but a temporary...
Roundup: Here's What The Critics Think Of Mouse: P.I. For Hire Ahead Of Its Xbox Launch
*Mouse: P.I. For Hire*, the rubber‑hose animated shooter from Fumi Games, is set to launch on Xbox on April 16, 2026. Early reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with scores ranging from 6/10 (IGN) to 9.5/10 (DualShockers) and an aggregate Metacritic rating...
Rumour: Microsoft Might Not Launch Call Of Duty 2026 On Xbox Game Pass
Microsoft has been offering Call of Duty titles day‑one on Xbox Game Pass, starting with Black Ops 6 in 2024 and continuing with Black Ops 7 last year. A recent Xbox Two podcast episode introduced a rumor that the upcoming Call of...
'The Series S Version Can't Be Readily Recommended' - Digital Foundry Reviews Crimson Desert On Xbox
Digital Foundry’s technical review finds Crimson Desert on Xbox Series S severely compromised, with ray‑tracing removed, textures cut to PC low settings, and a native 720p resolution that looks like a Switch port. The Series X version performs better, matching the base...
Crimson Desert Dev Details List Of New Features Coming To Its Massive Xbox RPG
Pearl Abyss announced a slate of post‑launch updates for the Xbox‑only RPG Crimson Desert. The roadmap includes boss rematch modes, difficulty sliders, new character skills, expanded storage systems, UI and control refinements, and a free soundtrack DLC. While dates remain...
Halo: Master Chief Collection Deploys 'Significant Ban Wave' In Latest Update
Halo Support announced a stealth server‑side update to Easy Anti‑Cheat that triggered a significant ban wave for Halo: The Master Chief Collection on Xbox and PC. The rollout required no client download, allowing the system to purge cheaters instantly. The...
Preview: We've Played Forza Horizon 6, And It's Potentially The Best Entry To Date
Forza Horizon 6’s preview reveals a massive, densely packed open‑world set in Japan, touted as the series’ most diverse map yet. The demo runs in a 30 FPS quality mode on Xbox Series S, delivering striking visuals and promising a 60 FPS performance mode...
The First Reviews Are Going Live For Starfield's Terran Armada Expansion
Bethesda released the paid "Terran Armada" expansion for Starfield alongside the free "Free Lanes" update, pricing it at $9.99 (approximately $11 in GBP). Early professional reviews are largely positive, with VICE praising its end‑game combat and GamingBolt giving it a...
Here's What Crimson Desert's New 4K Performance Mode Looks Like On Xbox Series X
Ubisoft released Patch 1.02.00 for Crimson Desert, extending 4K upscaling to the Xbox Series X Performance Mode. Previously limited to Quality and Balanced modes, the update now upscales the native 1080p output to 4K while preserving the target 60 FPS frame rate. Early...
Xbox Relists Multiple Backwards Compatible Games, And Then Quickly Delists Them
Xbox has been briefly relisting several previously delisted backward‑compatible titles—Armed and Dangerous, Aegis Wing, and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time—only to remove them again within days, while Mars: War Logs was quietly delisted. The pattern was highlighted by...
Multiple Assassin's Creed Games Are Free To Play On Xbox This Week (April 2-6)
Xbox’s Free Play Days returns April 2‑6, featuring six Assassin’s Creed titles at no cost. The lineup includes Odyssey, Origins, Syndicate, Unity, Valhalla and a two‑hour trial of Mirage, all accessible without an Xbox Game Pass subscription. Unity also receives a...
Five Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass In Early April 2026
Microsoft announced that five titles will leave Xbox Game Pass on April 15, 2026, headlined by Grand Theft Auto V. The departing games—Ashen, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery, and Terra Invicta—cover console, PC and cloud platforms....
The Elder Scrolls Online Is Coming To PC Game Pass With Xbox Play Anywhere Support
Bethesda announced that The Elder Scrolls Online will debut on the Xbox PC Game Pass on June 2, 2026, with Xbox Play Anywhere support allowing console owners a free PC version. The launch coincides with Season Zero: Dawn and Dusk, which begins April 2...
'Xbox Presents' Is A New Type Of Showcase Debuting This May For Stranger Than Heaven
Xbox announced that SEGA's upcoming title Stranger Than Heaven will join Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere, following its reveal at the Xbox Partner Preview. The company introduced a brand‑new showcase format called “Xbox Presents,” slated for May 6‑7 at...
Serious Sam Returns To Xbox With 'Shatterverse', And Its Developer Might Surprise You
Devolver Digital unveiled Serious Sam: Shatterverse during the Xbox Partner Preview, a multiversal co‑op first‑person shooter developed by Behaviour Interactive, the studio behind Dead by Daylight. The game lets up to five players battle across procedurally shifting arenas while wielding...
Here's What ICARUS: Console Edition Looks Like On Xbox Series X|S
ICARUS: Console Edition, the survival PvE title from the DayZ creators, launches on Xbox Series X and Series S on March 26. The Xbox Series X version offers two graphics modes—4K at 30 fps or 1512p at 60 fps—while the Series S runs at 1440p 30 fps. Early...
Two Xbox Executives Announce Their Departures From Microsoft
Microsoft announced that two long‑time Xbox leaders are exiting the company. Lori Wright, corporate vice president of partnerships, business development and marketing, is departing after roughly a decade of steering publishing and platform deals. Haiyan Zhang, general manager of gaming...
Guide: Based On Previous Years, Here's When The Xbox Spring Sale 2026 Should Begin
The Xbox Spring Sale 2026 is expected to launch in early April, likely on a Friday such as April 3, 10, or 17, following the pattern of previous years. Historical data shows the sale typically runs for two weeks, offering over...
Forza Horizon 6 Dev Explains How Turn 10 Has Helped Since Dropping 2023's Forza Motorsport
Turn 10 Studios temporarily reduced its Forza Motorsport work to support Playground Games on Forza Horizon 6, allowing the open‑world racer to inherit advanced car‑detail expertise. The partnership enabled Playground to expand its vehicle art team to its largest ever, delivering higher‑fidelity...
Forza Horizon 6 Brings Back Seasonal Weather Changes, But Playground Has 'Learned From' FH4
Forza Horizon 6 reintroduces seasonal weather changes, expanding on the system that debuted in Forza Horizon 4. The new title, set in Japan, will feature four distinct seasons that alter gameplay, with a particular focus on making winter more player‑friendly. Developers learned...
According To Metacritic, These Are The 10 Best Xbox Games Of 2026 So Far
Metacritic’s mid‑year ranking lists the top ten Xbox Series X/S games of 2026, with Resident Evil Requiem topping the chart at a 93 metascore. The list is limited to titles that have received at least seven professional Xbox reviews, excluding...
Two Xbox Game Pass Titles Got New Trailers At This Week's 'Future Games Show' Event
At the Future Games Show Spring Showcase, Xbox highlighted two Game Pass exclusives. Aphelion received a firm launch date of April 28 2026, with a new trailer showcasing its icy survival action. There Are No Ghosts At The Grand debuted a musical‑themed...
'Xbox 25' Fanta Collab Hints At What We Might Be Getting With Call Of Duty 2026
A limited‑edition Fanta can celebrating Xbox’s 25th anniversary was spotted in Canada, featuring the Call of Duty logo and the franchise’s iconic Ghost character. The promotion, shared by CharlieIntel and Klobrille, is being interpreted as the strongest hint yet of...
Fortnite Price Hikes Are Coming, And They'll Affect Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Epic Games will reduce the V‑Bucks value of all real‑money bundles on March 19, dropping the standard $8.99 purchase from 1,000 to 800 V‑Bucks. The change also applies to larger bundles, while offering small cash‑back credits. Fortnite Crew, included in Xbox...
Xbox's Phil Spencer Was Asked About Retirement A Year Ago, And Here's What He Said
Phil Spencer announced he will retire from Xbox in the summer of 2026, passing leadership to Asha Sharma, the newly appointed Microsoft Gaming CEO. The transition follows a year‑long succession dialogue and aims to maintain continuity for projects like the...
Cities: Skylines Is Getting New Free Content On Xbox Game Pass, Console Sequel Still Delayed
Paradox Interactive announced a free patch for the original Cities: Skylines on Xbox Game Pass, arriving March 10 and adding roadside fences and an Employment Info View. The update coincides with new paid expansions for the 2015 title. Meanwhile, Cities: Skylines 2...
Guide: Xbox Game Pass: All Games Coming Soon In March 2026
Microsoft has released an early March 2026 lineup for Xbox Game Pass, adding four titles including Final Fantasy III and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 on March 3, Planet of Lana 2 on March 5, and Nova Roma on March 26. The games span Xbox Series X|S, PC, and cloud tiers, covering both...
Analyst Provides Interesting Data On How Well January's Big Game Pass Additions Performed
Alinea Analytics reported that Xbox Game Pass added three major titles in January 2026—Death Stranding Director’s Cut, Star Wars Outlaws, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2—each attracting over half‑a‑million new players across console, PC and cloud. Star Wars Outlaws alone onboarded nearly 600 K newcomers. Resident Evil...
Here's What's Included In The Xbox February 2026 Update
Microsoft’s February 2026 Xbox update rolls out 1440p, high‑bitrate cloud streaming for Game Pass Ultimate members on Series X|S, One X and One S consoles, expanding the service beyond PC and TV devices. The Xbox PC app receives subtle navigation sounds that enhance controller‑based...
Ubisoft Unveils New Leadership Team For Assassin's Creed's 'Ambitious New Chapter'
Ubisoft announced a new leadership team to steer the Assassin’s Creed franchise into an “ambitious new chapter.” Martin Schelling will serve as Head of Brand, Jean Guesdon as Head of Content, and François De Billy as Head of Production Excellence, each...
Forza Horizon 6 Dev Explains Campaign Progression & How You Can 'Deliver Food As A Side Hustle'
Playground Games revealed that Forza Horizon 6 will reintroduce a seven‑step Festival Wristband system, requiring players to earn each wristband before accessing higher‑tier cars, with hypercars unlocked only after the Purple Wristband. The game also adds a Discover Japan mechanic that...
Guide: Resident Evil Requiem Release Date, Release Times & Install Size On Xbox Series X|S
Capcom’s ninth main‑line title, Resident Evil Requiem, launches on Xbox Series X|S on Friday, February 27, 2026, at midnight local time. The game’s install footprint is 68.5 GB, with pre‑load beginning a few days prior. Requiem is a current‑gen‑only release, unavailable on Xbox...
Review: The 'Nacon Revolution X Unlimited' Is A Fantastic-Feeling Xbox Controller, At A Cost
Nacon’s Revolution X Unlimited Xbox controller launches as a premium, Xbox‑Elite‑style pad with swappable sticks, rear paddles, a tiny customizable screen, and a full suite of accessories. Reviewers praise its chunky, comfortable feel and clicky button response, noting it competes directly with...
Sony's Bluepoint Games Might Be Gone, But We'll Never Forget Their 'Impossible Port' For Xbox 360
Sony announced the abrupt shutdown of Bluepoint Games, the studio behind acclaimed remakes such as Shadow of the Colossus and Demon's Souls. Among its lesser‑known achievements was the technically demanding port of Titanfall to the Xbox 360, released in 2014. Bluepoint...
Bethesda Says Starfield's Next Update Will 'Change The Game' But 'It's Not Starfield 2.0'
Bethesda’s Todd Howard announced that the next Starfield update will "change the game" but clarified it is not a full sequel. The team is entering a phase to showcase new, meta‑level features that expand gameplay without overhauling the core experience....
Four Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass In Late February 2026
Microsoft announced that four titles will leave Xbox Game Pass on February 28, 2026. The departing games are Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, Injustice 2, Middle‑earth: Shadow of War, and Monster Train, all removed from console, PC, and cloud tiers. Until the removal date, each title will be offered with a...
Here's What The Kingdom Come: Deliverance Upgrade Looks Like On Xbox Series X|S
Kingdom Come: Deliverance has been upgraded for Xbox Series X and Series S, launching alongside its addition to Xbox Game Pass. On Series X the game runs at a native 1440p resolution, upscaled to 4K, delivering roughly 60 FPS with occasional dips to 50 FPS. The Series S...
Game Freak's Beast Of Reincarnation Gets August 2026 Xbox Game Pass Release Date
Game Freak announced that its new action‑RPG Beast of Reincarnation will launch on August 4, 2026, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from day one. The title, set in a post‑apocalyptic Japan, follows outcast Emma and her...