• ☁️ Microsoft is expanding Xbox Cloud Gaming to everyone

• 💰 It’ll be charging for the service, with prices starting at $3.99 for ten hours

• 📈 This rises up to $7.99 for 25 hours and to $11.99 for 50 hours of playtime

• ⏰ It comes soon after time limits were introduced for Game Pass subscribers, depending on your tier

Walmart: Xbox Game Pass

Best Buy: Xbox Game Pass

GameStop: Xbox Game Pass

Amazon: Xbox Game Pass

Target: Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft has announced it’s expanding Xbox Cloud Gaming to everyone, even if you don’t have an active Game Pass subscription.

As per a new Xbox Wire post, Microsoft is rolling out a new way for folks to purchase cloud playtime without a Game Pass subscription for Xbox Insiders.

Microsoft’s post says it’s designed to give Xbox Insiders an early look at a service that will roll out more broadly in November, allowing them to “purchase cloud playtime, stream games on supported devices, and share feedback to help us continue improving the experience.”

At introductory launch pricing, Microsoft is charging $3.99 for 10 hours, $7.99 for 25 hours and $11.99 for 50 hours of cloud playtime. It’s not known if this will increase with a broader rollout next month.

Microsoft says its cloud playtime features “an ad-free cloud gaming experience” as well as “shorter wait times, high-quality streaming, and playtime that remains available until it’s used.”

If you don’t want to pay for the privilege, then it has been testing a free tier supported with ads with Xbox Insiders for the last few weeks.

Back in September, Microsoft announced it was introducing monthly limits for Xbox Cloud Gaming based on your Game Pass tier and that it would be possible to purchase additional hours if you ran out – this appears to be that scheme in action.

If you’re a Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, you now get 15 hours a month, while Premium members get 10 and Essential subscribers get five hours of playtime a month.

Microsoft said at the time this change would only affect around 4% of Game Pass subscribers, suggesting only a small percentage use Xbox Cloud Gaming for more than five hours a month.

Up next: Xbox Game Pass could become ‘á la carte’ allowing subscribers to pick and choose what they pay for

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 🤔 Microsoft is considering an “á la carte” overhaul for Xbox Game Pass to let users customize their subscriptions

• 💰 Subscribers may soon be able to choose individual features like cloud gaming, multiplayer, or console-only games

• 🎮 The change aims to provide greater flexibility beyond the current four fixed subscription tiers

• 📈 Impact on subscription pricing is still unknown following recent adjustments to the Ultimate tier

Walmart: Xbox Game Pass

Best Buy: Xbox Game Pass

GameStop: Xbox Game Pass

Amazon: Xbox Game Pass

Target: Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft is reportedly considering an overhaul of Xbox Game Pass that lets you fine-tune your subscription so you’ll only pay for the things you want – like an á la carte menu.

A report from Fortune says that “according to people familiar with the strategy” will allow players to choose features, including add-ons for “console-only games, cloud gaming and multiplayer”.

“Xbox is planning a major overhaul of Game Pass that would have players choose features á la carte, including add-ons for console-only games, cloud gaming, and multiplayer, with the system operating on a tiered structure, according to people familiar with the strategy.”

Microsoft has just announced that Xbox Cloud Gaming will be available to everyone, even if you don’t have a Game Pass subscription. Instead, a pay-as-you-play model is in place.

Currently, there are four tiers of Xbox Game Pass: Core, Console, PC, and Ultimate.

Core includes access to online multiplayer, a small library of 25 rotating games, and essentially replaces Xbox Live Gold. Console gives players access to hundreds of titles, but doesn’t include online multiplayer or cloud gaming. PC Game pass gives all the benefits of Ultimate, but doesn’t include console access. Ultimate combines all the benefits, including console, PC, cloud gaming, online multiplayer, EA Play, and cross-platform play.

Microsoft’s plan should make Game Pass even more flexible, as some may want online access only, or the full suite of features. How this affects pricing remains to be seen, but currently Ultimate costs $23 a month, a reduction from $29.99 after Microsoft added and then later removed Call of Duty.

Up next: Xbox Nano Controller doesn’t have rumble support, Microsoft quietly confirms

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🎮 The Xbox Nano Controller is available for pre-order at $49.99 with a launch date of November 4, 2026

• 🔋 Key hardware details including battery life, rumble support, and stick technology haven’t been addressed by Microsoft

• 🤷‍♂️ Marketing imagery strongly suggests that the 3.5mm headphone jack may have been removed

• ✋ The lack of transparency makes it difficult to justify buying the Nano over the standard Xbox Wireless Controller

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Amazon: Xbox Nano Controller

Best Buy: Xbox Nano Controller

It’s small. It’s cute. It fits inside your pocket. The Xbox Nano Controller has been received positively since its announcement, and it’s easy to see why. The shrunk-down design appeals to those with smaller hands, children, or anyone simply looking for a more compact option for gaming on the go.

However, as much as I’d like to pre-order one, I can’t do so in good conscience.

Bizarrely, Microsoft has left out vital information on its tech specs page, which raises several questions that really should have been answered before the product went up for sale.

How long does the Xbox Nano Controller battery last?

We know the Xbox Nano Controller has a rechargeable battery, but there are no details on how long it will last. Is it good for six hours? 12 hours? 24 hours? No idea. And that’s a pretty important selling point to be missing.

Does the Xbox Nano Controller have rumble support?

Microsoft has quietly confirmed that the Xbox Nano Controller won’t have rumble support. The Xbox Germany account finally responded to a user that a vibration function is not included, which is a real shame. The response (translated) said: “Hi! The Nano Controller does not have a vibration function.”

Does the Xbox Nano Controller have a 3.5mm headphone jack?

Judging by the marketing materials, the 3.5mm headphone jack appears to have been removed, though we haven’t had a clear look at the bottom of the controller yet. The jack is also conspicuously missing from the standard Xbox Wireless Controller in side-by-side shots, which feels deliberately misleading when Microsoft could simply come clean.

Will the Xbox Nano Controller get stick drift?

We don’t know whether the Nano keeps the traditional, drift-prone potentiometer sticks or upgrades to Hall effect or TMR sticks that third-party controllers have now widely adopted. You could forgive Microsoft for keeping this quiet, as older Xbox controllers never advertised it either, but it would still be nice to know.

What’s the Xbox Nano Controller price and release date?

The Xbox Nano Controller costs $49.99 and is set to launch on November 4, 2026. But if the Nano has poor battery life, no rumble, no headphone jack, and the same old unreliable sticks, then that price tag starts to feel steep. After all, the standard Xbox Wireless Controller is $69.99, and you can often find it for less. Yes, it’s bigger, but it’s hardly so unwieldy that I’d sacrifice several features just for the Nano’s smaller form factor.

Should you pre-order the Xbox Nano Controller?

Right now, it looks like we’ll have to wait for hands-on impressions or even full reviews before we know more. For all the refreshing transparency Xbox has shown since new CEO Asha Sharma took over, this feels like a frustrating oversight that reminds me of the Xbox of old.

Up next: Gran Turismo 7 PS5 controller: pre-order date, price and release date

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 😔 Microsoft confirmed the Xbox Nano Controller does not support rumble (vibration)

• 🤷‍♂️ Product listings also omit details about the feature and the likely removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack

• 💰 Designed for portability and smaller hands, the compact controller is priced at $49.99

• 📅 It is currently available for pre-order and launches on November 4, 2026

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Amazon: Xbox Nano Controller

Best Buy: Xbox Nano Controller

One of the biggest questions surrounding Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox Nano Controller was whether the shrunk-down gamepad had rumble support, as the feature was conspicuously missing from any product pages or announcement.

Sadly, we’ve finally learned that it will not.

In a response to a user who asked if the Nano has a rumble function (vibration), the Xbox Germany X account said: “Hi! The Nano Controller does not have a vibration function.” (Thanks, Matteventu for the tip.)

Bizarrely, despite being up for pre-order Microsoft’s product pages and main social accounts have avoided listing whether the feature is supported, and also refrained from mentioning if the 3.5mm headphone jack had been removed.

While it certainly looks like you won’t be able to plug a headset into the Xbox Nano Controller, it’s a shame that rumble has also been cut.

The Xbox Nano Controller costs $49.99 and features a smartphone-sized design that makes the controller more portable, suitable for smaller hands and children. However, its price tag seems rather high considering the Xbox Wireless Controller costs $59.99 unless its a special edition, which cost $69.99 - $79.99. The standard controller includes rumble, impulse triggers, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The Xbox Nano Controller is available to pre-order now and releases on November 4, 2026.

Up next: Xbox Project Helix tipped for 2028 launch – with a staggering price to match

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🤷‍♂️ Microsoft is encouraging lapsed Xbox players to trade in their unused Series hardware

• 🤝 A new targeted email promotes Best Buy’s trade in scheme

• 💰 The scheme offers up to $375 for an Xbox Series X or up to $200 for a Series S

• 😥 It appears hardware shortages are biting so hard Microsoft wants to get existing consoles into more profitable hands

Walmart: Xbox Series X

Best Buy: Xbox Series X

Amazon: Xbox Series X

It appears Microsoft is really feeling the effects of ongoing hardware shortages, as it’s asking lapsed Xbox players to trade their consoles in exchange for a credit.

As spotted by users on X (thanks, Windows Central), Microsoft has been sending emails out to users who have dormant Xbox Series X|S hardware, recommending that they trade them in.

The email offers links and advice on how to do so, specifically mentioning Best Buy’s trade-in system. Emails are reportedly going out to users who have hardware they aren’t actively using, potentially including those who have multiple consoles.

The email opens with “Haven’t played on your console in a while? If you’ve moved on to Xbox on PC or another way to play Xbox games, it may be time to trade in your console to Best Buy for up to $375 back.”

Specifically, the up to $375 is for an Xbox Series X, while users can get up to $200 for an Xbox Series S – a price that barely covers half of either console, given Microsoft’s most recent console price rises.

A Series X in good condition with power cable, controller and stand will net you the full payout, while one in poor condition drops to $150. If you’re missing accessories, that further reduces the payout. Payment comes in the form of a Best Buy eGift Card.

When Microsoft announced its most recent price rises, it promised some form of console trade-in scheme, and it seems this delivers on that promise.

At the time, Microsoft said it was “working with retail partners on new programs to provide previously played consoles at lower prices,” refurbishing traded-in consoles and reselling them for less.

Therefore, this Best Buy model could be the first of a few different schemes that Microsoft is running with its retail partners. This scheme is currently limited to those in the US, but it may be the case that it opens new variants in different regions where console supply remains okay.

The current economics of console hardware are so dire at the moment that anyone sitting on a dormant console they aren’t using represents a hefty loss for manufacturers, and any way of getting that console out of their hands and into the hands of a more active player (with cash to spare) is preferable, especially given how iffy the stock situation is in any case.

As per Windows Central, stock availability of new Xbox Series X|S hardware has remained stable in Microsoft’s key markets, including the US and Canada. It’s been in Asia, mainland Europe, the Middle East and South America where Microsoft has faced real supply issues.

Up next: Xbox Project Helix tipped for 2028 launch – with a staggering price to match

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 💰 Project Helix is set to be coming soon, although at a hefty cost

• 😬 The hybrid console is set to cost between $1,200 and $1,800

• 📅 It’s set to release during the 2028 holiday season, according to a new Fortune report

• 🎮 Before that, Microsoft intends to release a Project Helix handheld by the end of 2027

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Best Buy: Xbox Series X

Amazon: Xbox Series X

Microsoft’s Xbox Project Helix console is tipped to launch as soon as 2028, although it looks like it’ll come with a hefty price tag to match its ambitions.

As part of a profile of incumbent Xbox CEO Asha Sharma from Fortune, the publication has divulged some alleged new details on Xbox’s progress on Project Helix.

It alludes to a dual release strategy for Microsoft’s upcoming gaming hardware, with a “next generation handheld device” by the end of 2027 (potentially an Asus ROG Xbox Ally X 2 for instance), and a 2028 holiday season console release that could cost between $1,200 and $1,800.

The purported price tag is based on what has “internally been projected” by Microsoft, according to Fortune. The price could come down if “Microsoft decides to subsidize the cost”, as console makers have done in the past.

A price tag between $1,200 and $1,800 would comfortably make Project Helix the most expensive console ever, and push it way above traditional expectations for the kind of device it is.

It’s further evidence as to how widespread the memory crisis has pushed prices up across the board, which has meant gaming hardware isn’t as cheap as it used to be.

For instance, Sony’s two-year–old PS5 Pro is now going for $900, if you can find one that is, while Microsoft recently raised the price of its own consoles, so an Xbox Series X now starts at $750. Even the Steam Machine, which was originally destined to be a value-oriented living room PC, starts at $1,049.

Fortune’s report also notes that Microsoft is having internal struggles over what operating system its Helix handheld is going to run, whether it’s a “trimmed down version of Windows Home”, as the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X does, or a bespoke operating system built and controlled by Xbox.

According to the report, one high-level Microsoft executive has threatened to cancel the handheld altogether if they decide that it’ll run a form of Windows.

Supposedly, as a result, it has given the Xbox team the lead to control its operating system, even though the two teams are working closely together, according to Sharma.

Microsoft has also pressured its hardware team to move up the timeline for Project Helix by “at least several months”, according to the Fortune report, by using AI tools where applicable.

Microsoft hasn’t divulged much about Project Helix officially, although in a previous interview, Sharma hinted that Helix could mean a family of devices, rather than just one

It’s unknown as to whether the device will take discs, though, as the question has been deflected by the Xbox CEO in the past. Microsoft has introduced its new “disc to digital” option for Xbox One and Xbox Series X games in recent weeks to allow users to transfer a disc license to digital to help users migrate a physical game library to a digital one.

Up next: PS6 price could top $1,000 as RAM and SSD costs skyrocket

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 🤏 Microsoft announced the Xbox Nano Controller, a ultra-compact, portable gamepad weighing just 3.5 ounces

• 🎮 It includes standard inputs, a rechargeable battery, programmable Action Button, and supports Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless

• 💰 Priced at $49.99 for pre-order, though it omits a 3.5mm jack and uses traditional analog sticks

• 🎄 Holiday US bundles will feature the controller with select Samsung TVs and Meta Quest devices

Amazon: Xbox Nano Controller

Best Buy: Xbox Nano Controller

Microsoft has announced the Xbox Nano Controller, a shrunk-down version of the Xbox Wireless Controller that’s pitched as a great option for younger players, those with smaller hands, or for anyone looking for a gamepad they can take on the go.

The Xbox Nano Controller is just over five inches in length and weighs just 3.5 ounces (99 grams). It’s smaller and lighter than most modern smartphones, and includes all 18 standard gameplay inputs Xbox gamers expect.

It includes a rechargeable battery and a programmable Action Button that can be customized for features like screenshots, gameplay captures or other shortcuts. It supports Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth.

Microsoft is charging $49.99 for the Xbox Nano Controller, and it’s available for pre-order now with a release date of November 4. However, we don’t know how long the battery life will last, nor whether there’s rumble support included. It also looks like Microsoft has removed the 3.5mm headphone jack, and has stuck with the traditional, yet drift-prone, potentiometer analog sticks.

The Xbox Nano Controller will also be in the US with the purchase of select Samsung TVs this holiday season with two-months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate included (for new members). Microsoft is also working with Meta on a holiday offer in the US that includes the Xbox Nano Controller and two-months of Game Pass Ultimate subscription for new members with the purchase of a Meta Quest.

Up next: Gran Turismo 7 PS5 controller: pre-order date, price and release date

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🙂‍↔️ Microsoft denied reports that Xbox holds exclusive streaming rights for GTA 6

• 📅 The game will launch on Xbox on November 19, but will not stream exclusively or to PC

• 🤝 Sony maintains marketing rights for GTA 6, highlighting PS5 performance

• 🤷‍♂️ GTA 6 will initially be limited to PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X/S consoles

Microsoft has quickly dismissed a report that claimed Xbox had secured the cloud streaming rights for GTA 6, which would allow players to play Rockstar’s game via their phone, PC, or TV via Xbox Cloud Streaming.

• Walmart: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Best Buy - GTA 6 - $79.99

• GameStop: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Amazon: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Target: GTA 6 - $79.99

• PlayStation Store: GTA 6 - $79.99

Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball responded to The Verge’s story that inferred that Microsoft had secured the exclusive game streaming rights for GTA 6 after Xbox CEO Asha Sharma allegedly told staff that the company was planning to do something “no other platform holder is doing” around the game.

However, that doesn’t seem to be the case, according to Ball.

“While the excitement for GTAVI and XBOX is great to see, it has also led to some misreporting. We are looking forward to launching GTAVI on XBOX November 19, though the game will not be streaming exclusively or to PC.”

Sony has secured the marketing for GTA 6, which is why it’s been proudly claiming that the game “plays best on PS5”. However, Microsoft will want to get a piece of the pie, and if it can offer players more ways to enjoy the game across different devices, it could be a selling point.

For now, GTA 6 will only be available on PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. We’ll have to wait and see whether a cloud version comes after November 19.

Up next: Used PS5 Pro consoles will reportedly cost $1,399 at GameStop amid GTA 6 launch demand

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 👀 The Xbox Elite Series 3 Wireless Controller leaked via the backend of Xbox Design Lab

• 👏 Key features include Hall-effect/TMR sticks with adjustable tension and advanced DualSense-style haptics

• 👍 It includes a dedicated audio scroll wheel, four back paddles, and customizable D-Pads

• 🤔 It will come in two packages (full bundle and base version), with pricing currently unknown

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Microsoft has leaked the Xbox Elite Series 3 Wireless Controller via the backend of its controller customization website, Xbox Design Lab.

We’ve already seen photos of the Xbox Elite Series 3 Wireless Controller in the wild, but new information has now come to light.

As spotted on Reddit’s r/GamingLeaksAndRumours, the new Xbox Elite controller will feature Hall-effect or TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance) sticks, with the option to change the tension from loose, standard, and tight. The Elite Series 3 will also adopt advanced haptics and will deliver more convincing and nuanced force feedback, similar to the DualSense, Steam Controller, and Switch 2 Joy-Con.

The sticks will also be “low-friction” or “silent”, which seems like a similar promise to the “smooth-gliding” sticks used on the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

As we’ve seen before, there is a dedicated audio scroll wheel, which seems to control voice chat and game audio balance, and there are four paddles on the back. The controller’s D-Pad will also be customizable, with a standard and cross directional pad available.

Microsoft’s package mappings indicate that two versions of the controller will be offered: one that includes a case, charging dock, and top and bottom back paddles, while the base version will only include bottom paddles and a cable for charging.

There’s no indication of how much the Xbox Elite Series 3 Wireless Controller will cost, but the previous model was $179.99 at launch. However, we can expect an official reveal from Microsoft soon.

Up next: Gears of War: E-Day review roundup: ‘the best the combat has felt in twenty years’

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🤝 Xbox and IKEA have teamed up on a range of new furniture with a collection called YXSTABY

• 🎮 It takes inspiration from the Xbox Wireless Controller and includes a thumbstick stool as the centrepiece

• 👾 There is also a D-Pad cushion and even a stainless steel platter in the same shape

• 🔜 It’s available in store now, and will be online at some point in 2026

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Xbox and IKEA have teamed up to launch some gaming-inspired furniture with a new collection called YXSTABY.

After being shown off at Gamescom 2026 and released in the UK a month or so ago, this marks the first time this collaboration is available in the USA, as per a new Xbox news post.

The nine-piece collection saw designers from both Microsoft and IKEA collaborating on products that combine “performance, comfort, and storage solutions for new everyday wins”, according to the press release.

As per Philip Dilé, Product Developer at IKEA, with the YXSTABY collection, IKEA “worked closely with XBOX to reimagine familiar forms into playful, functional pieces that make it easier for people to bring their love of gaming into the spaces where they live.”

The press release notes both teams saw the Xbox controller as a “recurring source of inspiration”, with the classic D-Pad taking the form of both a cushion and a stainless steel platter.

There is also a thumbstick stool available that was developed from the original 3D design files for the controller, complete with a grippy texture to keep you in place.

The YXSTABY collection also includes a gaming lounge chair, a monitor stand, a TV stand on castors, a side table on castors and a laptop support with storage and accessories.

It’s also not the first time IKEA has collaborated on gaming furniture, as it launched a range of chairs, desks, and other accessories with Asus’ ROG gaming division some years ago.

If you’re interested in any of these items, the press release notes they’re available in IKEA stores right now and will be online “later this year”.

Up next: Gears of War: E-Day review roundup: ‘the best the combat has felt in twenty years’

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 🙂‍↔️ Xbox CEO Asha Sharma clarified that Microsoft has no plans to sell its gaming division

• 👍 Sharma has steered the brand back on track by returning to console exclusives and user-friendly initiatives

• 📈 Despite structural changes and job cuts, Xbox remains committed to a long-term future within Microsoft

• 😀 Overall sentiment around Xbox is improving as it prepares for the next console generation

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The Xbox division appeared to be on life support earlier this year, leading many to wonder whether Microsoft would cut ties with its gaming division altogether and sell it off to the highest bidder. Not so, according to new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma.

Sharma, who has done a remarkable job at course-correcting the Xbox brand from the pit of abyss and into clearer waters, has squashed rumors that Microsoft will cash in on its once imperious gaming brand.

In an interview with The New York Times, Sharma said: “Xbox is not for sale. We will do whatever it takes to set the company up for success, and we will look at the right partnerships, the right operating model and everything needed to achieve that.”

Under Sharma’s short leadership, Xbox has returned to console exclusives with Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution, lowered the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, introduced several fan-requested features – like Mythic Achievements – and rolled out the consumer-friendly disc-to-digital program.

However, there have been countless job cuts, studio reshuffles, and structural changes in the background to compensate for many years of failure. When asked if Xbox would spin off into its own independent company, Sharma said: “We’ve got a long way to go with Microsoft, and we’re going to take the long-term view.”

Xbox’s great reset continues, as Sharma has been blunt about the state of Microsoft’s gaming division in the past and said it didn’t do enough to “compete and win”. While decisions have been made that affect countless livelihoods, the overall feeling around the brand is more positive than it has been in quite some time, and Sharma appears to be setting Xbox back up for success ahead of the next-generation of consoles and Project Helix.

Up next: Gears of War: E-Day review roundup: ‘the best the combat has felt in twenty years’

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 💪 Gears of War: E-Day has a Metacritic score of 88 after 49 critic reviews

• 👏 95% of the reviews are positive, with 5% mixed, and 0% negative

• ⚙️ Most outlets have only critiqued the campaign and not the multiplayer

• 🎮 Gears of War: E-Day is exclusive to Xbox Series X|S and PC

Walmart: Gears of War: E-Day

Best Buy: Gears of War: E-Day

Amazon: Gears of War: E-Day

Target: Gears of War: E-Day

Gears of War: E-Day is a prequel to Microsoft’s iconic gritty, third-person cover-based shooter, and it seems like reviewers agree that i’s a return to form for developer The Coalition.

The game is currently sitting on a Metacritic score of 88 after 49 critic reviews, which puts it above Gears 5 and Gears of War: Reloaded, which achieved scores of 85 and 79, respectively.

The reviews primarily focus on the game’s campaign, with impressions of Gears of War: E-Day’s multiplayer still to come.

PureXbox thought Gears of War: E-Day’s campaign deserved full marks, and said:

“Gears of War: E-Day is a monumental triumph from a developer that irrefutably understands what’s important to fans: Gears isn’t just about tearing through Locust with a chainsaw, it’s about brotherhood, sacrifice, and grief. The Coalition has delivered an unforgettable campaign packed full of fresh ideas whilst staying true to what makes Gears so special. The Locust are back and more terrifying than ever, and blasting them to bits is incredibly satisfying. This is the best the combat has felt in twenty years, and fighting to survive the fall of Kalona will leave you speechless. Through its stunning locations, characters, and cinematics, E-Day is a visual powerhouse and one of the best-looking games I’ve ever seen on Xbox.”

DayOne gave Gears of War: E-Day a perfect score and said:

”The Coalition has elevated the franchise to new heights, crafting an engaging, brutal, and surprisingly intimate campaign that’s full of smart gameplay mechanics and wonderful surprises. It’s the best Gears has ever felt to play, and the best it’s ever looked and sounded on the big screen. Gears of War: E-Day? It's a f.cking masterpiece.”

GamingBolt praised the game’s new movement mechanics and combat in its 9/10 review:

“It stumbles sometimes with its story, but thanks to new and improved movement mechanics, Gears of War: E-Day ends up delivering some of the tightest combat and one of the series’ most excellently paced campaigns in a long, long time.”

VGC was also a fan of Gears of War: E-Day’s campaign and gave the game 8/10:

“Gears of War: E-Day's campaign offers balls-to-the-wall action and rarely lets up, but that means the story takes more of a back seat than I'd like. It's good that time is given to the backstories of new protagonists Mags and Lucas, but given that the game is literally the playable Marcus and Dom backstory fans have been waiting decades to see, more time could have been spent on their relationship. In terms of pure gunplay, however, very little beats it this year.”

GAMINGbible felt similar and said it’s a solid prequel in its 8/10 review:

“Gears of War: E-Day is a solid prequel that gets a lot of things right. The characters, the combat, and the visuals all mesh together into a must-play adventure for any Gears of War fan, but it’s also an excellent starting point for those new to the series.”

Several outlets are yet to give Gears of War: E-Day a score, like Windows Central, which said:

“Gears of War: E-Day has some of the most stunning visuals I've ever seen committed to the medium, with absolutely immaculate lighting treatment, immense and meticulous city detailing, and gorgeous character work. The gunplay is also fantastic, smoothing off some of the series' rough edges with boosted mobility, without sacrificing the Gears feel…But, the overall gameplay structure does the overall game a pretty sizeable disservice in my view, preventing it from reaching its full potential.”

Gamekult was one of the most critical outlets, giving Gears of War: E-Day a score of 5/10:

”There's no point pretending otherwise: we're living in a post-Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 world. Up against the brutal generosity of its direct heir, Gears of War: E-Day simply doesn't measure up. And it would be a lie to say my feelings didn't turn from disappointment to anger over these 14 hours of play. Watching the series that once dictated terms to an entire industry turn into a sluggish follower—bloated with loot and filler—is heartbreaking. The worst part is that Act 3 and the sound design serve as a reminder of what Gears of War could still be. The rest just highlights what it has become: a franchise on autopilot with little left to say, except to cling to memories of its former glory. We tried everything to love it. It did precious little to make us.”

With an average of 88 as of writing, it’s clear that Gears of War: E-Day will satisfy returning fans and is the best Gears has been for many years. That will come as a relief to Microsoft, as it pivoted Gears of War: E-Day back to being a console exclusive to some controversy.

Up next: Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave review roundup: ‘a sumptuous feast of a game’

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 💿 Microsoft is globally rolling out a disc-to-digital program for Xbox One and Xbox Series X games

• 👏 The feature lets players convert physical discs into digital copies, allowing seamless transition to future digital-only consoles

• 👍 Supported titles gain extra perks like Xbox Play Anywhere PC access and Xbox Cloud Gaming support

• 😤 The move contrasts with Sony’s plan to end disc production by 2028 without a clear path for physical PS4/PS5 game libraries

Microsoft’s fortuitously timed disc-to-digital program is now available to all users, and it’s rolling out globally today.

The incredibly consumer-friendly feature lets you insert an Xbox One or Xbox Series X disc into a disc-based Xbox – be it an Xbox One S or an Xbox Series X – and magically convert a physical copy into a digital one.

Thousands of titles are supported, and it means those who have amassed an extensive library of physical games can confidently move on to the next-generation (which will probably be digital-only) without leaving their existing collection behind. It’s worth noting that original Xbox and Xbox 360 games are not supported.

It’s worth unlocking digital licenses for your physical games, as many Xbox One and Series X games support Xbox Play Anywhere, which gives you access to a digital PC copy of the game at no additional cost. You can also access some games via Xbox Cloud Gaming, giving you far more added value overall.

The feature comes shortly after Sony announced it was ending disc production after January 2028, resulting in a monumental backlash from fans. Even though the logic is sound from a business perspective – more players are purchasing their games digitally than ever before – Sony hasn’t offered a solution to those who have physical PS4 and PS5 games.

It remains to be seen whether Sony will, or even can, offer a similar disc-to-digital program, or if it will release a disc drive add-on, as it has with the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro, for the PS6. Right now, though, it’s Microsoft which is doing the most to cater to gamers who prefer to buy their games physically.

Up next: Xbox finally answers PlayStation’s Platinum Trophies with Mythic Achievements after years of player demand

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🏆 Xbox has introduced Mythic Achievements to match PlayStation’s Platinum Trophies after years of player demand

• 👏 Mythic Achievements reward 100% completion of base games and apply retroactively, including to Xbox 360 titles

• 👍 DLC achievements will not stop players from earning a Mythic Achievement for completing the main game

• 🙌 The update is part of new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma’s initiative to deliver long-requested community features

Even though players have been demanding a Platinum Trophy equivalent on Xbox, Microsoft hasn’t budged. Years of requests have fallen on deaf ears until now, that is.

Mythic Achievements are now available to test for Xbox Insiders and reward players for achieving every in-game challenge set by a developer. They’re essentially the equivalent of Sony’s coveted Platinum Trophy, which many believe has given Sony’s system the edge over Xbox Achievements.

Mythic Achievements are applied retroactively to any Xbox games you’ve completed in the past, including Xbox 360 titles. You’ll see a new Mythic Achievements total in the ‘Gaming’ tab, and each game tile will also be adorned with a Mythic badge.

You’ll be able to track your progress towards a Mythic Achievement at the top of each game’s achievement list, and DLC achievements that were added at a later date do not count towards 100% completion.

Parity unlocked

The Xbox 360 introduced Microsoft’s beloved Xbox Achievements, an in-game reward system that has been widely adopted by the likes of Sony, Valve, Apple, Google, and many others.

However, it’s fair to say that Xbox Achievements have been usurped by rival offerings over the years, particularly by Sony’s PlayStation Trophies. The only genuine change Microsoft made to Achievements since its inception was the addition of ‘Diamond’ achievements, which are awarded for any achievement that has been unlocked by less than 10% of players.

Sony introduced Platinum Trophies in 2008, way back on the PS3. It’s awarded to players who complete every in-game challenge set by a developer and has become a huge point of pride for players. So much so that it became one reason people would choose to play a game on PlayStation instead of Xbox.

It’s criminal that it’s taken Microsoft this long to respond to Platinum Trophies, but under new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, it seems like features players have been demanding for years are now suddenly possible, including a disc-to-digital program, getting a wider range of profile colors, and even the return of Xbox exclusives.

Up next: Minecraft Dungeons II review roundup: ‘a polished and enjoyable dungeon crawler’

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• ⚔️ Minecraft Dungeons II has received generally favorable reviews from critics

• 👍 The game is currently sitting on a Metacritic score of 76

• 🤔 62% of reviews were positive, 38% mixed, and 0% negative

• 📅 Minecraft Dungeons II is available now for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC

Walmart: Minecraft Dungeons II

Best Buy: Minecraft Dungeons II

Amazon: Minecraft Dungeons II

Target: Minecraft Dungeons II

Minecraft Dungeons was one of the more successful spin-offs from the blocky-building phenomenon in recent years, so it isn’t too surprising that a sequel is now here. But does it improve on its predecessor? Let’s look at the Minecraft Dungeons II reviews to find out.

Minecraft Dungeons II currently has a Metacritic score of 76 after 26 critic reviews. That’s quite an improvement over the first game, which scored 70, though it also received more reviews.

Here’s what critics made of Minecraft Dungeons II, which is available on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC. It’s also part of Xbox Game Pass.

Destructoid was one of the most positive outlets, and gave Minecraft Dungeons II 9/10, saying:

“Expanding and improving on the original game in most conceivable ways, Minecraft Dungeons 2 is an excellent advancement in this ARPG spin-off for one of gaming's most beloved and iconic franchises.”

TheSixthAxis gave Minecraft Dungeons II a score of 8/10 and said:

“Minecraft Dungeons II is a perfectly tuned sequel, taking everything that the first game got right, and expanding, revising and improving on it.”

GamesRadar+ thought Minecraft Dungeons II was worthy of a 7/10 score, saying:

”Minecraft Dungeons 2 scores zero points for originality and feels very much like its predecessor, but when you're trying to perfect a formula, it's not the time to add wild new ingredients. The result is a polished and enjoyable dungeon crawler that children and adults alike can enjoy whether solo, online, or next to each other on the couch.”

GameSpot also gave Minecraft Dungeons II 7/10 in its review:

“Where Minecraft Dungeons was a charming introduction to the dungeon-crawler genre, Dungeons 2 builds a deeper action-RPG within the same familiar, blocky framework. While it doesn’t completely escape the limitations of its predecessor, Minecraft Dungeons 2 is a more ambitious sequel that finally gives its loot, builds, and world the depth that was missing, even if a few rough edges remain.”

IGN was less impressed with the follow-up to Minecraft Dungeons and only gave the game 6/10:

“Minecraft Dungeons 2 is a shallow ARPG that provides a few evenings of mindless dungeon delving fun, but not a lot beyond that. Aside from the new Sift realm, which has a some cool new ideas and creatures to admire as you and your friends carve your way through it, there’s just not much to make this sequel stand out. It makes poor use of Minecraft’s iconic world, feeling like little more than a skin slapped onto a generic Diablo-like, with a barebones story and skin-deep hack-and-slash combat. This low-stakes action isn’t a bad way to pass the time, especially if you’re intimidated by the hilariously crunchy menus and buildcrafting of more serious ARPGs, but there also aren’t a ton of interesting reasons to play this one beyond that.”

Minecraft Dungeons II hasn’t received the most glowing reviews, but it doesn’t sound like a bad game, especially if you enjoy the first title. As one of the biggest gaming franchises out there, it’s sure to be a popular pick with younger players this holiday.

Up next: Control Resonant review roundup: ‘hard to escape its gravitational pull’

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🙂‍↔️ Microsoft dismissed rumors of an Xbox Game Pass overhaul, confirming day-one releases on Game Pass Ultimate will remain unchanged

• 🤔 A ResetEra leak claimed Microsoft planned ad-supported ($13/month) and ad-free ($20/month) tiers, removing cloud gaming and day-one titles by February 2027

• 💰 Xbox Game Pass Ultimate currently costs $23/month under CEO Asha Sharma, alongside Essential ($9.99/month) and Premium ($14.99/month) options

• 🔒 Call of Duty is currently the only first-party title excluded from day-one Game Pass releases

Walmart: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Microsoft has released a statement addressing a new rumor that Xbox Game Pass is set to undergo a major overhaul.

According to ResetEra user Slayven, who has previously reported on unannounced Xbox news accurately, Microsoft is planning to change Xbox Game Pass into two new tiers: one that has ads, and one that does not.

The tiers would be priced at $13 a month for the ad-enabled version and $20 a month for the ad-free version of Game Pass.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate currently costs $23 a month after the price was lowered by new CEO Asha Sharma. There are also two more tiers available right now: Essential, which costs $9.99 a month, and Premium at $14.99 a month.

The new lower $20 price will include two big changes from the current Ultimate offering. Xbox Cloud Gaming – which has been nerfed recently – will be removed and sold as an add-on service. Day-one new releases will also be cut from February 2027, which would be a huge change for the service.

To keep things confusing for customers, Microsoft will also reportedly offer another tier of Game Pass that costs $15 a month and lets you access select titles in the Game Pass library plus online multiplayer. There will also be a standalone $11 membership for those who just want online access, and a Family Plan will be made available that costs an extra $6 a month.

However, after the Xbox Game Pass rumor began to spread, Microsoft has since come out and squashed it. In a statement to Forbes, a spokesperson said: “We regularly test different Game Pass offerings and look at what works best for players in different markets. We don’t have any changes to announce today or plans that have been finalized. There are no changes to previously announced games coming to Game Pass Ultimate on day one.”

Microsoft has conceded that Xbox Game Pass hasn’t grown at the rate it expected, and has experimented with new ways of making the service more enticing. A big gamble was releasing Call of Duty onto the service on day-one, but after sales were impacted significantly, Call of Duty was removed, which also led to a price drop. It’s the only first-party title that isn’t offered as a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass.

Xbox won’t want to derail its current sentiment of goodwill, as fans have been pleased by the rapid releases of new console updates, its disc-to-digital program, and the partnership announcement with Hideo Kojima’s Kojima Productions.

If it were to announce the rumored changes to Game Pass, specifically removing day-one releases from the service, it would represent a huge shift away from the service’s original appeal.

Up next: Xbox Project Helix release window narrowed down as Xbox CEO hints at multiple next-gen consoles

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 👏 A new console update brings customizable boot screens, profile badge showcases, and improved search

• ☁️ Remote Play gains 1440p resolution support, while Cloud Gaming adds background downloads during streaming

• 🗣️ Party chat introduces ‘Voice Clarity’ to suppress background noise in supported games

• 🤝 Microsoft has now partnered with Hideo Kojima for PHYSINT alongside the upcoming Xbox exclusive OD

Shop Xbox at Walmart

Shop Xbox at Best Buy

Microsoft is pulling out all the stops recently to win back the hearts and minds of disillusioned Xbox gamers – and even those who have pledged their allegiance to Sony PlayStation.

As shared on Xbox Wire, a new console update is on the way that lets players choose the boot screen of different Xbox generations, whether that’s Xbox One, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X|S, or the default ‘We are Xbox’ logo. Sadly, there’s no Xbox 360 or original Xbox boot screens, though perhaps they’ll be added at a later date.

Microsoft is also adding new customization options for players that let them showcase up to five badges they’ve earned on their public profile, and the console’s search functionality is being improved.

Remote Play is getting a surprise update, too, with support for up to 1440p resolution and increased video bitrates for sharper visuals and smoother gameplay on supported devices. You’ll need to make sure your console is set to 1440p or 4K to take advantage of the new resolution bump.

Those who use Xbox Cloud Gaming – despite the new limits – will be pleased to hear that downloads will continue in the background when you stream a game, when network conditions allow, allowing you to play while a game installs or updates without any interruptions.

Party chat, one of Xbox Live’s most iconic features, is also getting an update, with an enhanced audio experience that helps reduce everyday background noise. It’s called ‘Voice Clarity’ and it will be enabled by default in party chat in most games released since 2020.

If the latest Xbox console update wasn’t enough to get excited about, Microsoft announced it has picked up Hideo Kojima’s PHYSINT, after the legendary Japanese developer parted ways with Sony.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma recently visited Kojima Productions in Japan, which is also developing another Xbox exclusive called OD.

Sony announced it was parting ways with Hideo Kojima in a shock announcement on X. Since starting his own studio, Kojima has closely aligned with Sony, using Guerrilla Games’ graphics engine ‘Decima’ to create Death Stranding and Death Stranding 2, both of which released on PS4 and PS5 as timed exclusives.

Up next: Xbox Project Helix release window narrowed down as Xbox CEO hints at multiple next-gen consoles

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• ☁️ Starting in November, Xbox Cloud Gaming will implement monthly playtime limits of 5 to 15 hours depending on the user’s Game Pass subscription tier

• 🤔 Microsoft states these changes will only affect 4% of subscribers who currently exceed these usage limits

• 💰 Users will be able to purchase additional playtime hours through the Xbox Store if their monthly allowance is exceeded

• 🤷‍♂️ A new, non-subscription option will allow players to purchase individual cloud gaming hours to stream owned games directly

Microsoft has announced that, beginning in November, Xbox Cloud Gaming will be limited to 15, 10 and 5 hours of playtime a month, depending on the Game Pass plan you subscribe to.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to play Xbox Cloud Gaming for 15 hours a month, Premium can play for 10 hours, and Essential subscribers get five hours of playtime.

Previously, and until November rolls around, Game Pass subscribers could use Xbox Cloud Gaming without monthly time limits. However, Microsoft says that this upcoming change will only impact 4% of Game Pass subscribers, which suggests only a small percentage use Xbox Cloud Gaming for more than 5 hours a month.

If you go over your included hours, you’ll be able to purchase additional cloud playtime through the Xbox Store. Microsoft hasn’t shared the pricing yet, but further details will be shared before the changes take effect.

Microsoft is also introducing a new way to use Xbox Cloud Gaming without subscribing to Game Pass. Players will be able to purchase cloud playtime hours through the Xbox Store and stream eligible games they own on supported devices, giving players another option who want occasional access to cloud gaming but do not want to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass.

Microsoft is making the change because the cost of providing cloud gaming has grown as more people use it and play for longer. Moving to a monthly limit allows Microsoft to keep offering the service while continuing to invest in its reliability and performance.

For comparison, Nvidia’s GeForce Now service – which requires you already own a game on Steam, the Epic Games Store, Xbox, or GOG – limits players to one-hour, six-hour, and eight-hour sessions. But these reset with each play session, which makes Microsoft’s new time limits look extremely restrictive.

Sony also doesn’t limit the amount of time players can use its cloud gaming service, though it is locked behind the most expensive tier of PlayStation Plus, PS Plus Premium.

Up next: Xbox Project Helix release window narrowed down as Xbox CEO hints at multiple next-gen consoles

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 👀 Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has teased that Project Helix could be more than one console

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 In a recent interview, she stated that it’s being designed as a family of devices

• 🤔 It also means third-party Helix consoles are a possibility

• 🤷‍♂️ Sharma notably dodged questions about whether Helix is going to play discs or not

We might have just gotten a better indication of when we can expect Microsoft’s next-gen console, Project Helix, to be released, plus more details on the hardware.

As per a recent interview Xbox CEO Asha Sharma gave to BBC News at Gamescom last week, Project Helix is being designed as a family of devices, rather than one singular console.

Microsoft had noted when it announced more details on a strategic partnership with AMD that the two would be working together on “a portfolio of devices” of which Project Helix presumably forms a key part, whether as one device or multiple.

This move towards a multi-device ecosystem had prompted speculation about what forms this could take, whether it’s simply multiple Xbox Helix consoles, like we saw with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, or devices from different manufacturers.

The comments have been left open to interpretation, especially after Xbox’s VP for next generation Jason Ronald posted on X that Project Helix “will be available as a 1st party Xbox console”.

It could be the case that other brands, such as Asus or MSI, may also have their own Helix consoles, if Microsoft decides to go for the same route as Valve did with the original pitch for the Steam Machine and as we’ve seen with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X.

Questions over whether Project Helix will support discs were deflected by Sharma, although Microsoft has introduced its new “disc to digital” option for Xbox One and Xbox Series X games to allow users to transfer a disc licence to digital to help users migrate a physical game library to a digital one.

Microsoft confirmed in March that alpha dev kits for Project Helix should be rolling out next year, which could point to a release in 2028 or 2029 at the earliest.

Up next: Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20: specs, price and release date

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 💰 The Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition, a translucent OG green console, is priced at $899.99 and launches on November 13, 2026

• 🔜 Pre-orders for the console begin on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 7am PT / 10am ET

• 🔫 Every console purchase includes a digital copy of Halo: Campaign Evolved, adding value to the $100 price increase over the standard model

• 📅 The standalone Xbox X25 controller is available for pre-order now for $79.99 and will be released on October 20, 2026

Best Buy: Xbox X25 controller

Amazon: Xbox X25 controller

Microsoft Store: Xbox X25 console

If you were hoping the Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition wouldn’t break the bank, we’ve got some bad news.

Microsoft has finally shared the pre-order date and price of the Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition. And while the price matches what was leaked last week, there is one surprise no one predicted.

In a post on Xbox Wire, Microsoft confirmed the translucent OG green Xbox Series X costs $899.99 and launches on November 13, 2026. Pre-orders begin tomorrow, Thursday, August 27, at 7am PT / 10am ET.

Every Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition will also include a digital copy of Halo: Campaign Evolved, which is a nice touch.

If you’re just interested in the Xbox X25 controller, it’s available on October 20, 2026. Pre-orders are open now, and it costs $79.99.

At a price of $899.99, it means the Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition is $100 more expensive than the standard 1TB Xbox Series X. However, you’re also getting Halo: Campaign Evolved as part of the deal, which costs $59.99 digitally.

It’s worth noting that the Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition will sell out fast, and it isn’t the type of item that restocks. Make sure you get your pre-order in if you’re interested, otherwise you’ll be at the mercy of scalpers and resellers.

Up next: Steam Frame release date narrowed down, thanks to upcoming sale

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.