Jez Corden
Fresh out of high school, Jez enjoyed a long career unemployed as a World of Warcraft dragon slayer. After slaying every dragon WoW had to offer at the time, he eventually stumbled into an I.T. support role for a small company smack in the middle of the good old United Kingdom. While in this role, Jez encountered his first "tech fanboys," people who inexplicably get so deep into tech that they start rooting for them, much like a sports team.
One day, Jez picked up a Windows Phone on a whim — and little did he know it would eventually land him a role as a managing editor for the biggest Windows-focused site in the world! "This is actually pretty cool," he thought, watching the Windows Phone 8.1 tiles flip and cycle, followed by a "wow!" upon discovering the games therein had actual Xbox achievements baked in as standard. "I must tell the world about this," he resolved and began blogging during breaks at work. As one of the few people on Earth who actually actively used and enjoyed using a Windows Phone, Nokia invited Jez to MWC to watch them launch the Lumia 640. Enticed by the promise of free whiskey, Jez immediately leaped at the opportunity. Wholly impressed by the fact that there was someone else on Earth who loved Windows Phone more than he did, Windows Central editor Daniel Rubino saw Jez's excellent content from MWC and promptly offered him a job, and now the rest is history.
Since joining Windows Central, Jez turned his workaholism and restlessness to producing masses of world-exclusives on the Microsoft ecosystem. From the existence and spec sheet of the Xbox Series S, to unannounced Xbox features and games, Jez also has a wealth of expertise in producing analysis on the Microsoft platform and its future direction. An active user of Windows 11, Surface devices, Xbox consoles, Xbox cloud gaming, and beyond, Jez's role as managing editor is to ensure that Windows Central remains the #1 destination for all news, reviews, and analysis pertaining to the Microsoft ecosystem.
Latest articles by Jez Corden
![Xbox Game Pass Rocket](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cBtSt6urLVSJJXoTzNziMA-320-80.jpg)
Xbox Game Pass has hit a new growth milestone, as Microsoft's gaming ambitions expand
By Jez Corden published
XGP grows Despite rumors that Xbox Game Pass might lose day one exclusive games, it seems that instead, Xbox Game Pass is forging ahead with an additional boatload of subscribers.
![Diablo 4 microtransactions](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LMwMRdAsdFhjewwk9AWR8f-320-80.png)
Diablo 4 has done little to earn these absurdly priced microtransactions — but does anyone even care?
By Jez Corden published
Diablowblow Diablo 4 is once again in the spotlight for its insane microtransactions. You can buy your own spotlight for $30 too.
![The Thaumaturge](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RerSJxbzSyEQgccmBecFwZ-320-80.jpg)
'Demonic Pokemon' isometric RPG from vets behind games like 'The Witcher' has grabbed a (very) small delay
By Jez Corden published
Pokemon Evil In what could be called the most gothic and twisted take on Pokemon this side of Palworld, developers behind The Thaumaturge have announced a short delay to this hotly anticipated RPG.
![Lumia 1520](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CxphectrZ9ki3qidcT3oMW-320-80.jpg)
OPINION: This week's big Xbox drama showcases how little people trust Nadella's Microsoft — a legacy forged in the death of Windows Phone
By Jez Corden published
Trust issues Xbox uber fans are notorious for freaking out first, asking questions later. But it isn't their fault — it's Microsoft's.
![A stunning view of a sunset behind the spaceship on Starfield](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iSA2kobac8neRw5bVFUD3F-320-80.jpg)
Xbox is reportedly going to release Starfield on PlayStation 5 — is the death of Xbox-exclusive games nigh? (Update)
By Jez Corden published
A new frontier Starfield is apparently coming to PlayStation 5, per a new report. Here's why Microsoft might be doing this, and why that might be a huge mistake.
![Xbox handheld? written via Photoshop on an ASUS ROG Ally](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sD5tt3X5bTxkq8QHSMciVV-320-80.jpg)
An 'Xbox handheld' isn't just likely. For Microsoft, it's absolutely necessary.
By Jez Corden published
Crucial Forget A.I., Microsoft's hottest future new product will be an Xbox handheld.
![YouTube on Nokia Lumia 920](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KUrR3BhjAVgfFZJs4zLRaD-320-80.jpg)
YouTube for Windows Phone is apparently getting updated soon (👀?!)
By Jez Corden published
WP YouTube revived? A team of developers refuses to let good old Windows Phone die.
![Palworld on Xbox Cloud Gaming device](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Qto6V3SvUZYC4WWy4rrneg-320-80.png)
Xbox Cloud Gaming queues blow up under the strain of Palworld, with 40+ minute access queues reported
By Jez Corden published
Dark clouds Palworld giveth, Palworld taketh away.
![ASUS ROG Ally](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3PxBHh8G4hxgqVYnrAQEGo-320-80.jpg)
ASUS ROG Ally in 2024: A six month review with one of the world's most powerful gaming handheld
By Jez Corden published
ROG n Roll ASUS ROG Ally six-month 2024 review: After six months with the ASUS ROG Ally, here's why it is now firmly among my favorite gaming devices of all time.
![Promotional screenshot of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LTNSSXdEWUAeChtNFWhHjD-320-80.jpg)
Searches for 'Suicide Squad refund' surge 791% following the game's early access launch 'disaster'
By Jez Corden published
Refundathon Suicide Squad is turning out to be something of a cursed IP, as the game endures controversy after controversy.
![Apple iPhone in space](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tfRkDChRLimCKcB86iqyCV-320-80.jpg)
'Apple's new policy is a step in the wrong direction.' Microsoft, Spotify, decry Apple's 'compliance' with new European app store rules
By Jez Corden published
Poisoned Apple Apple's malicious compliance with new the EU's Digital Markets Act isn't sitting well with Epic Games, Spotify, or Microsoft. Here's what the companies had to say.
![Best Xbox Headsets 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/T2fxCHZ8PWEhmRueKv3sNH-320-80.jpg)
The best Xbox headsets (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) 2024
By Jez Corden last updated
🎧 Xbox 🎧 What are the best Xbox headsets in 2024? Look no further with our detailed guide to the top options. Upgrade your sound with dozens of headsets we've personally tested.
![Cronus Zen device with the text "banned" on it](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CVvVEMwaXZwPFgzgkKZg79-320-80.jpg)
PlayStation just did something awesome for its players that Xbox should DEFINITELY follow
By Jez Corden published
Cheaters wrekt Cheat accessories like Cronus seem to be getting blocked on PlayStation. It's time for Xbox to do the same.
![Xbox on a retro computer with a cracked screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/36tzqcoBs3dKVwo9C8CMEe-320-80.jpg)
Palworld has, once again, highlighted the ongoing deficiencies in PC Game Pass and the Xbox app on Windows 11
By Jez Corden published
Palworld Microsoft and Xbox see themselves as having a cross-platform future, but its own efforts to curate a Steam-like store on Windows PC are still going awry.
![PlayStation running on a retro PC](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7gNNExw6MtaKbQaBnyzy45-320-80.jpg)
"Wherever there is computing, users will be able to play their favorite games seamlessly," Sony CEO describes a PlayStation future with Windows PC and AI
By Jez Corden published
Playstation ❤️ PC During a investor-oriented interview, Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida revealed PlayStation's evolving strategy.
![War Hospital](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GiQWPgejBr8w9CKGJRBtkT-320-80.jpg)
War Hospital (Xbox) review: Major surgery is needed to save this terminally buggy Frostpunk-like
By Jez Corden published
Trauma Patient War Hospital has been a game Frostpunk fans might've been hoping could tide them over until Frostpunk 2, alas, it's too buggy to recommend right now. Here's our review.
![Elden Ring Map](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/74EbXfByNGSw7vyrfKRNGU-320-80.jpg)
Elden Ring: Full interactive map of the Lands Between (2024)
By Jez Corden last updated
Maps Between Elden Ring's map is utterly huge. If you don't fancy venturing into the unknown by yourself, there are some great interactive map tools online.
![Microsoft Copilot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pvAUN2zy2Hqs47QCHFVtm6-320-80.jpg)
3 reasons why AIs like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT will only get worse — and why it doesn't have to be this way
By Jez Corden published
A.I.pocalypse Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and Google Bard all share one thing in common right now: they're actively trying to destroy themselves. Here are the biggest self-induced threats facing AI LLMs.
![Xbox Series X and pitchfork-armed angry mob](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YXvyDHVeZFxgzcMt8eNJF9-320-80.jpg)
Why Xbox customers are right to be angry about Microsoft putting more 'exclusive' games on Nintendo or PlayStation
By Jez Corden published
Exclusive problems Rumors are swirling that Microsoft wants to expand its publishing business beyond games that were already historically multiplatform. Here's why Xbox fans are right to push back.
![Microsoft's FY24 statement breakdown](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RnmVdouZTSwdv9KSZekPFb-320-80.jpeg)
As Microsoft becomes the world's most valuable company, this infographic details its increasingly diverse portfolio
By Jez Corden published
$$$$ Microsoft has defied all expectations of yesteryear by trouncing Apple to become the world's most valuable company, as smartphone market saturation gives way to artificial intelligence hype.
![Battery](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6dqRQ29WepbQnnufv3cW3Y-320-80.jpg)
A 'holy grail' battery breakthrough could charge your Windows laptop or Xbox controller in 2 minutes, make it last for decades
By Jez Corden published
Supercharge A new breakthrough in lithium metal anode battery research might finally make them viable for practical use, supercharging devices like your Windows laptop, Steam Deck, smartphone, and many more.
![Master Chief in Fortnite](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yiXLa89vTQaAc5B9ZGVLyF-320-80.jpg)
'Congratulations to Microsoft on a well-deserved honor,' Epic and Fortnite's Tim Sweeney swoons for Microsoft and its market cap win over Apple 🤔
By Jez Corden published
Sweeney Swoons Microsoft recently (and briefly) passed Apple in market cap this past week, as the two companies vie for the top spot. Epic Games CEO had some interesting words to say on the matter this week.
![Spore 2008, played in 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cezTnkNwLUte5qKiHobiHk-320-80.jpg)
The first game I played on my shiny new RTX 4080 PC was ... Spore (2008), and I LOVE it. Where are the sequels, EA?
By Jez Corden published
Sporetastic Recently, a younger family member implored me to check out Spore while visiting. Only peripherally aware of Spore, I thought it was some kind of Pokemon clone. How wrong I was.