For Xbox, the changes have been coming in thick and fast.

Under new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, Microsoft's gaming division has already made a flurry of pro-consumer changes to the platform. From the return of feature updates for Xbox Series X|S, the revival of Xbox FanFest shows, to the reversion of the wildly unpopular 50% Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price hike of last year. Sharma has the Xbox community energized in a way that I haven't seen in at least a couple of years.

Yesterday, Asha Sharma and content lead Matt Booty published a blog post on Xbox Wire detailing the division's new mission statement. "Microsoft Gaming" is dead; we're now returning to Xbox, and Asha and the team spoke on re-evaluating various aspects of its business.

Microsoft has done some deep damage to Xbox with its decision-making in recent years. A disastrous 30% margin demand from Microsoft corporate effectively had Xbox running on austerity measures, at a time when competition is more aggressive than ever. I understand that margin pressure has now been lifted, and Microsoft has (at least for now) indirectly admitted that its profit goals were ridiculous and unprecedented, frankly.

This gives Asha Sharma a decent amount of breathing space to improve Xbox and prepare it for the next phase of its life cycle, whatever that may look like. It's with that in mind that I present this: a list of the biggest issues I think Xbox is facing today, both from my own perspective and inspired by community sentiments I read every day across social media and in my DMs. Xbox has already identified most of the issues quite adeptly, but there's a lot of context that I feel should be out there.

For sure, Asha Sharma and the team have made all the right moves so far, but difficult decisions will lie ahead. She might just have the most difficult job in all of gaming right now.

Xbox marketing (and lack thereof)

One of Asha Sharma's recent moves was to kill the anti-Xbox "This is an Xbox" marketing campaign, which paradoxically suggested that users shouldn't buy Xbox products. Instead, it advertised competitors' platforms and systems, including Google's Android of all things, to the detriment of Xbox hardware.

It's probably no shock that Xbox hardware has been in free-fall decline over the past couple of years. It's not entirely attributable to this marketing cycle, but for me, it certainly doesn't help that Xbox hardware marketing is practically non-existent.

RELATED: Xbox needs to stop apologizing for its existence

Perhaps there's not much point in marketing Xbox Series X|S at this point, but with Grand Theft Auto 6 on the horizon, it's insane to me that Microsoft hasn't made more of an effort. This is going to be a major, landmark, console-exclusive game (at least for a time), and Microsoft's hardware marketing presence capitulation is going to quite effectively hand over an entire generation of younger gamers to PlayStation.

For a very basic example: Microsoft owns Call of Duty; it owns Minecraft. It makes zero effort whatsoever to tie these absolutely massive brands to its console hardware. This needs to change immediately for the brand's visibility, in my view.

Xbox PC presence and discoverability

Microsoft identified Xbox's PC presence as a major pain point, and a pain point it indeed remains. The Xbox PC app has improved by leaps and bounds over the past couple of years, but sadly, it's still nowhere near where myself and many others would like it to be. It's still at times disgustingly slow and unresponsive, especially on gaming handhelds like the Xbox Ally. And navigability and discoverability are relatively poor through it, too, compared to Steam.

I don't think the Xbox PC app does a good enough job at showcasing games at a glance, either. The console-like tiled interface doesn't do enough to leverage mouse navigation or desktop use, where platforms like Steam, for example, make finding new games and content very easy with mouse-over glanceable information, superior community tools and curation, and perhaps more crucially, solid performance.

The Xbox PC app may need some kind of overhaul to get to where it needs to be, throwing out the sluggish codebase they have now for something more responsive. I'm not sure what the answers are here, but if the next-gen Xbox Helix is indeed a full-blown Windows PC, as I expect, the Xbox PC app as it is today cannot be the standard interface. It's still not good enough.

Furthermore, organic developer support is also not good enough. It can't be the case that Xbox PC users are consistently second-class citizens in this ecosystem. Whether it's on sales (often Microsoft's own games are on sale on Steam but not on Xbox PC), content and developer support, or general performance — a lot of work needs to be done here.

Developer back end systems

Perhaps Microsoft could win some more organic developer support if the back-end systems were more robust.

One thing that really, really bugs me about being an Xbox-first "game journalist" is the fact that developers often skip out on Xbox review codes. I'm told part of this revolves around difficulties generating codes vs. Steam or PlayStation. If you ever wonder why there are so few reviews for Xbox versions of games on Metacritic vs. other platforms, the ease of access to codes is at least part of it.

I'm no developer, but I'm told through various conversations that Xbox's developer environment is a weird mishmash of old systems and overlapping processes. Developers tell me that Xbox certification is among the most aggressive and slow, making shipping games more difficult in the Xbox ecosystem. Developers also can't set up and manage their own sales easily on the store, and even big publishers struggle to set up Xbox Play Anywhere entitlements and things like that, owing to their complexities.

Microsoft has already been doing some great work in this area, but I suspect Asha Sharma's dev tooling and platform background will help here. This is in addition to reduced margin pressure, allowing Asha and the team to more deeply invest.

The AI angle, and keeping Microsoft "happy"

At a recent event, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described how he's all-in with Xbox gaming for the long haul, donning an Xbox hoodie in the process. But you have to wonder to what extent in reality.

Microsoft is a company dominated by its share price and shareholders, much like any other publicly traded entity. The current hotness in tech is AI and adjacent computing paradigms. Microsoft was an early investor in OpenAI, but its own consumer-grade AI projects haven't really seen much, if any, real traction with the public.

Copilot has found its way into government ops and big corporations, but the gaming audience, especially, generally seems to hate AI anything these days. Even if the monthly active users for the tech are in the billions.

Asha Sharma has an AI tools background within Microsoft. There's doubtless some sort of "AI play" for Xbox in amongst all of this down the road, whether it's AI super resolution upscaling tech or something we have yet to even conceive. Sharma is nailing the basics right now. But Microsoft has this uncanny knack of stepping on rakes. Will there be a point when Microsoft's c-suite shows up to ask how Xbox plans to somehow contribute to its "AI" vertices?

Customer support (and lack thereof)

I remember back in the Windows Phone days when Microsoft had a retail store presence and a pretty, actually great customer service layer. When I had issues with my old Surface Book 1 or Surface Pro 3, Microsoft support was pretty adept at getting them solved promptly. You could talk to humans fairly easily via chat interfacing, too.

These days, you're lucky if you get to talk to a human at all. The same is true across Microsoft's service game-oriented subsidiaries as well, including Blizzard and Bethesda.

This isn't necessarily an Xbox-specific issue, since Microsoft joined practically every big company on earth in outsourcing and hamstringing its customer support operations. Its retail stores have all been closed, save for a couple of flagships, and human-led customer support is skeletal and underfunded. If you have an issue with your Microsoft Account, a Kafkaesque maze of AI robots and canned responses awaits you.

At least weekly, often twice weekly, I receive DMs from people who have been banned from Xbox Live and Microsoft's entire ecosystem by extension. Many tell me stories of how Microsoft's support acknowledges that a hack or breach has taken place, but offers no help or support in regaining access to accounts. For many, this often represents thousands of dollars in digital games or decades worth of lost digital photos and documents in OneDrive.

I'm actually planning a larger article on this point, but Xbox, and honestly, Microsoft all up, could do with some serious investment in this area.

A global Xbox

Another point of contention pertains to how Xbox shows up in non-English regions.

Microsoft is a U.S. company at the end of the day, but its Anglo-centricism has been an issue across its entire stack for a long time. Microsoft products and services are staples in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and so on, but even just finding an Xbox at a retail store in Germany has always left me confused.

Microsoft has painfully underinvested in Europe, Asia, and other major markets across Xbox's entire life span. There have been efforts to change that, but none of it goes anywhere near far enough.

Finding stock of Xbox Series X|S hardware outside of the U.S. and UK has often been a point of contention. Social media presence and supply for the Middle East, Latin America regions, South and East Asia, and other major markets have been anemic. We all know about Xbox's battles in Japan, too.

If Xbox is going to be world-class and compete with the best of them, more effort should also be focused on regions where Xbox can potentially win support. Xbox FanFest going global is a great start, mind.

Xbox hardware and ecosystem desirability

The Xbox Series X|S roared out of the gate when it launched in 2020, and even managed to beat PlayStation in certain months in the U.S. when supplies were constrained, but those times are over.

Over the past few years, Xbox has posted near free-fall declines in its console hardware ecosystem. Xbox isn't exactly suffering in a vacuum, though, as other companies have also seen declines in interest. Youngsters simply aren't coming into the ecosystem at the same cadence they once were, with new users effectively stagnant for the segment. Roblox and other cheap forms of entertainment, such as TikTok scrolling, have eaten into interest in video game consoles. But even among enthusiasts, Xbox hasn't exactly been showing up as well as it could be.

There's been little to no marketing of Xbox Series X|S consoles. Microsoft has also joined other consumer electronics companies in struggles to keep costs down, owing to tariffs and other supply chain issues emanating from the United States' current administration. But that hasn't stopped PlayStation and Nintendo from quite adeptly outselling Xbox in the United States, which should be its home turf.

I'm not sure exactly how I would solve it. There's a big desirability gap between Xbox and its competitors. For many, though, it starts with exclusive games.

The Xbox exclusive games issue

Last year, Microsoft effectively ripped the soul out of Xbox by announcing its most iconic home-grown character, Master Chief, would appear on competitor platform PlayStation for the first time.

We all knew it was coming, but it was an inflection point for the Xbox community, and represented, wholesale, Xbox's decline as an ecosystem, a community, and a brand.

There's not a ton of real evidence that exclusive games would help Xbox hardware to sell. But if not exclusive games, then what?

I can't help but feel like if Xbox had stayed the course, and spent at least 5 years advertising high-quality, exclusive content, it would have had a net positive impact on Xbox's competitiveness against other gaming platforms.

Assuming the games are actually good, Xbox had a real opportunity here to show up strong in 2026. Halo Campaign Evolved, Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Gears E-Day could've and should've been an opportunity to showcase what Xbox is willing to do for users who show up in their hardware ecosystem. Marketing against Call of Duty, a big 2026 Showcase, 25th anniversary celebrations, and co-branding with Blizzard at BlizzCon. Advertising the Xbox Series S as the "most affordable" way to play GTA 6.

Xbox could've done a lot with content recently, but instead, it spent the last couple of years helping PlayStation and other platforms make more money instead. Fallout 5 and Elder Scrolls 6 being exclusive to Xbox absolutely, surely, would sell consoles. Right? Well, maybe not.

I don't have all the data Microsoft does, and maybe it wouldn't work. But it's still the hottest topic being discussed among Xbox fans right now. And it's something that Asha Sharma and the team at Xbox will struggle to keep ignoring long-term. Sharma says she's "re-evaluating" Xbox's approach to exclusive content, but whatever form that takes has clear pros and cons for the business.

I think ultimately Microsoft needs to compete harder for the types of players that exist today, given that youngsters are patently disinterested in the medium for whatever reason. At the very least, compelling exclusives could convince people to pick up an Xbox as a companion device, and then world-class features and services might gradually win them over into regular users on top.

But for those users, Microsoft needs to answer this: Why buy an Xbox if PlayStation offers the same content, in addition to Sony's exclusive games?

That's the biggest and most simple question Asha Sharma and Xbox need to answer for me, and most likely the wider market.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

We all love the Xbox round these parts, but where we may differ is on which one we think is the best of the bunch.

On a purely hardware level, there's no denying the current Xbox Series X is the most impressive, but that's not what I'm polling for here.

Inspired by this Reddit thread asking if the Xbox One X is the most "aesthetically pleasing" of Microsoft's console designs, I thought it a good chance to find out what you think. Oh, and for the record, yes, the Xbox One X is the best-designed console ever.

Opening the Xbox One X on launch day (I sprung for the Project Scorpio edition) was such a treat. The Xbox One S may have slimmed down from the original, but the One X was something else.

It was so sleek and reassuringly heavy. Feeling like it was crammed full of the performance we were promised before even turning the thing on. All matte, no gloss, it was just such a nice thing to look at.

Let's also throw a little shade at the competition while we're at it. I also had a PS4 Pro, Sony's beefed-up console of that generation, and it felt like a toy. The design was atrocious, the plastics horrible, and the power and eject buttons felt like they'd snap off every time I touched them.

Of course you don't have to agree. Many would put a strong case together for the current-gen consoles. Or perhaps that amazing Crystal version of the Xbox that started it all?

As long as you don't come in here saying the launch Xbox 360 was the best at anything, I'll take it as a valid argument.

We're lucky to have seen iterations on every Xbox console that came after the original and special edition designs through every generation, albeit less so with the current hardware.

So, hit up the poll above with your favorite, and drop into the comments below and share with all of us why you're dying on that particular hill.

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Xbox Wire has dropped its latest blog post outlining new updates across Xbox consoles, the ROG Xbox Ally, and more, detailing a wave of new features and quality of life improvements.

Kicking things off, console players can now enjoy 1440p streaming on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X, and Xbox One S. It is genuinely impressive to see hardware this old continue receiving meaningful upgrades, especially one that enables higher resolution cloud streaming for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members.

So what else is changing? Let’s take a closer look at the rest of the updates below.

Xbox PC App updates

We actually covered this previously, but Xbox is now highlighting it properly in their latest blog.

The Xbox PC app has added new UI navigation sounds when using a controller, making the Xbox App feel more console-like by using the same UI noises that Xbox consoles use.

These can be toggled on or off in Settings > Audio within the app.

Xbox Ally updates

This is something I can get behind. As an Xbox Ally X owner myself, these are genuinely useful updates.

Removable storage formatting has been improved, making it easier for those who prefer installing and running games from microSD cards. More importantly, the new Advanced Shader Delivery Indicator lets players know whether a game’s graphic shaders were pre-compiled, which should mean smoother first launches for supported titles.

Xbox also says it has made several additional improvements based on user feedback. However, at the time of writing, I have not been able to find detailed patch notes beyond those published in November 2025.

Other updates across Xbox

Xbox is also highlighting its new Postgame Recaps feature, which is now available to Insiders. We covered this when it was first announced earlier in the month, but it essentially gives you a clean summary of your gaming session once you are finished, which is a pretty neat addition.

We also get another small look at the updated Xbox Cloud Gaming web experience currently being tested in public preview. We covered that in more detail previously, but it offers a noticeably improved user experience and could hint at the direction Xbox is taking its UI for future hardware.

It's not the biggest of updates, but some nice features for people who use Xbox hardware, devices, and apps.

🗨️ What do you think of Xbox's February Xbox update?

Are these upgrades meaningful for you, or just nice-to-haves? We’re curious how this February update actually lands in the real world — whether 1440p cloud streaming and the other tweaks change anything in your day‑to‑day gaming, or if it all feels more like background noise.

Drop your thoughts below, especially if you’re still rocking an Xbox One. Tell us what’s working, what’s not, and what you want Xbox to tackle next.

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Xbox Social Clubs was a feature introduced to help players meet like-minded people. It allowed users to chat, play games, and share content within dedicated spaces, effectively giving them the tools to build their own communities.

However, starting in April 2026, Xbox will shut down Social Clubs across Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

Xbox hasn't really provided a detailed explanation for the decision, though it has pointed players toward alternatives such as Discord integration, party chat, messaging, and Looking for Group features.

What happens to existing clubs and communities?

According to Xbox, Official Clubs are not currently affected by this change. Users can still access Official Clubs accessed through an individual game’s Game Card.

Community-created clubs, however, will close in April 2026. That includes the removal of the Clubs tab from the Friends and Community Updates tab.

If you still want to find like-minded players, Looking for Group remains available. It allows you to post sessions, set requirements, and join existing groups. Xbox also points players toward features like party chat, messaging, and Discord integration to stay connected.

For sharing content, the activity feed will remain active. Players can continue posting game clips, screenshots, and achievements there or share them to external social platforms.

Clubs may have been a niche feature, but it is still disappointing to see it go. For the players who relied on it, it offered a simple way to build and maintain small communities.

At the time of writing, it is unclear whether existing club content will remain accessible after the shutdown. If you have posts, screenshots, or shared media you want to keep, it may be worth saving copies now, just in case that content is eventually removed.

Did you ever use Xbox Social Clubs, or have you already moved your communities elsewhere? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and make sure to take part in our poll below:

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Sleeper builds are PCs hidden inside unassuming or unexpected chassis. We have seen computers built into desks, microwaves, and even other appliances.

Now, one madman, or rather genius, @PhasedTech on YouTube, has built an entire gaming PC with a working disc drive inside an Xbox One S.

And surprisingly, it is a fairly capable machine.

The build keeps the original console aesthetic intact while packing in proper desktop components, which is what makes it so impressive. It is not just a novelty shell swap; it is a fully functioning Windows gaming PC inside a console-sized footprint.

Seeing projects like this inevitably raises a bigger question. If an individual creator can cram this much hardware into an Xbox One S, imagine what Xbox itself could do with a next-generation Xbox Windows PC, or whatever it ultimately ends up being called.

Inside the Xbox One S turned gaming PC

It is genuinely a feat I never expected to see. Fitting an RTX 3050, a 250W PSU, a disc drive, 16GB of RAM, and a Ryzen 5 3600 inside the shell of an Xbox One S is no small task.

On paper, that setup should deliver roughly three to four times the graphical performance of the original Xbox One S hardware.

It is well worth watching the full video and subscribing to @PhasedTech, who has only been creating content for a short time, but has already tackled similarly ambitious small form factor builds.

For this project, he fully kitted out the Xbox One S by shaving down parts of the internal shell and 3D printing custom brackets. All of it was done while keeping the original eject and power buttons fully functional, which makes the end result feel very authentic.

According to PhasedTech, games like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant can reach around 200 FPS at 1080p using medium settings, making it pretty much as powerful as my measly GTX 1080, in a build far more discreet.

Temperatures can climb as high as 80°C under load, which is reasonable given the tight internal space.

He also suggests the system could work well as a Steam Deck-style living room PC, or even double up as a fully functional DVD player, thanks to the working optical drive.

Would you use an Xbox One S like this as your living room gaming PC, or do you prefer a traditional console setup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and make sure to take part in our poll below:

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

If you don't have the budget to afford one of the more expensive Xbox Elite controllers or 3rd-party controllers from the likes of Razer or Hyperkin, then don't fret.

The official Xbox wireless controller still stands as the best option available for ergonomic build, great performance, and comparatively modest MSRP of $64.99. A price that has been slashed by 23% to $49.99 at Amazon.

What makes the official Xbox wireless controller worth using?

The official, Microsoft-branded Xbox wireless controller has some stiff competition these days from the likes of the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro or the GameSir Super Nova.

Yet despite the odds, it's still regarded by many (including us here at Windows Central) as overall one of the best Xbox controllers that's value-for-money while packing enough technology to help you beat the toughest Xbox games out there.

It features an ergonomic design with a lightweight, balanced build that's comfy to hold and will ensure you don't strain on your wrists or hands for many hours of gaming.

The buttons are responsive with a satisfying, clicky feedback; it has a dedicated "Share" to capture and share personal gameplay screenshots or clips, and it can be bought in various colors or unique designs through Xbox Design Labs.

Ff course, what wireless controller would be complete without wireless connectivity? The Xbox wireless controller can connect to Xbox consoles and Windows PC through reliable Bluetooth connections with a 20-foot max range (which can be enhanced with Xbox Wireless Dongles sold separately).

The only major downside is that this controller lacks an internal rechargeable battery, so you will need to find one sold separately.

The best part about this controller is its affordable MSRP of $64.99, which makes it an affordable option compared to other wireless controllers that have MSRPs of $199.99, like the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core and the aforementioned Razer Wolverine V3 Pro.

Plus, when you take into account Amazon's 23% discount, taking the Xbox Wireless controller's price down $49.99, making $150 cheaper than either of those options, it's practically a steal by comparison.

FAQ

When we're covering new Xbox games in these parts it's pretty much always focusing on the Xbox Series X or the Xbox Series S. Both are approaching their 5th birthday next month, so truthfully, there's no reason not to. But occasionally something big comes along that is still getting a release on the Xbox One.

Such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. I'll admit that this completely skipped my attention. On one hand, it's noble, supporting players who haven't been able to upgrade. Especially in a world where Microsoft has cranked up the price of the current gen consoles.

But is it actually something worth playing on the older console? I dug out my trusty old Project Scorpio edition Xbox One X to have a look before the Black Ops 7 beta was finished, and, yeah. I don't think it's a good idea.

Playing Black Ops 7 on an Xbox One is hard work

It's not all bad, but if Activision is serious about this, then there's plenty of work still to be done. Starting off, the version for the Xbox One is smaller than on the Series X|S, so that's a result.

Despite this, and the obvious limitations to graphics over the new consoles, it looks pretty good. There wasn't a single second where I thought that it looked bad. Call of Duty is hardly the most graphically intense game out there, but it's absolutely fine on the old gen console.

The problem is the frame rate. I can't tell you what it actually is, but I can tell you it's not 60 FPS, and it's not remotely stable. Sure, it's a beta, but compared to the Series X, it's a whole world away.

Things start out ok, leaving spawn for the first time is smooth and seems to be 60 FPS, or close to it. But give it a few seconds or actually start doing something, and it all falls apart.

I'm a very average Call of Duty player, but playing on the Xbox One X made me change my style of play. I found myself not using the new wall jump ability at all, nor doing as much sliding about.

That's not a bad thing on its own, but with the state of modern Call of Duty, it makes it very hard to compete against the movement demons out there. You're more of a sitting duck.

I had to avoid all of this as much as possible because it's simply harder to see opponents and lock onto them. If feels like you're playing on a sandy beach, with every footstep labored, every movement more exaggerated. It feels exhausting.

I did manage to get some good performances out, which is shocking enough in itself, but I had to be resigned to playing more like I would in the original Modern Warfare days. SMGs are out, I'm keeping as much distance as possible and playing from range with an assault rifle. But I wasn't enjoying it nearly as much as I have been on the Xbox Series X.

The video clip above shows a very basic comparison using clips recorded on each console. It's clear that the last-gen version is nowhere close to the current-gen just in being smooth, stable, and reaching 60 FPS.

You cannot expect to enjoy Call of Duty below 60 FPS, it's tiresome, and each game feels like a slog. You're not going to be able to keep up with better players playing a game in this state.

I am pleased to see, though, that being on Xbox One doesn't exclude you from an FOV slider. I was able to play at my preferred 110 FOV on the Xbox One X just as I do on PC or the Series X.

You also have the ability to use FidelityFX sharpening, but I'm not sure it makes too much difference. Likewise, you can do things like turn off depth of field, but even turning everything I can off, it doesn't help the stability.

It's time to say goodbye once and for all to the Xbox One

Bearing in mind I was playing on the more powerful Xbox One X, I dread to think what it could be like trying to play Black Ops 7 on a standard Xbox One. Loading times aren't bad considering the old hat mechanical hard drive inside, but once you're in, it's just not good enough.

At least it's not in the way things stand as of the beta. The game doesn't come out until November 14, so there's time to work on it. But I'm not holding my breath.

Even for a less-demanding title such as Black Ops 7, the Xbox One is really showing its age now. I cannot in good faith tell anyone who is still using any of the Xbox One family of consoles to buy this game, or subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to play it.

Even just spending a couple of hours with it, I never want to do it again. But I will, at launch, to see if it got any better.

If you are on an Xbox One still and really want to play Black Ops 7, my advice would be to turn to the cloud. I haven't tried it myself yet, but looking at the video above from Cloud Gaming Battle, it looks pretty good.

You'll get 60 FPS gameplay on Xbox Cloud Gaming, which is the crucial part, and even with slightly higher latency than playing natively, chances are you'll enjoy it more than the janky mess you get on the Xbox One.

I can only assume there were still enough players of Black Ops 6 on Xbox One to make this worth doing at all. It might well generate some additional revenue for Xbox, but personally, I'd be much happier if those players couldn't buy this game at all.

It's not like they're getting something worth their money, the state the Black Ops 7 beta plays in. I'm ready to be proved wrong if it launches, and it plays well, but I think the bigger point is that it's time we stopped bothering.

Don't be putting out sub-par products for people to buy. It's been five years, it's time to let the Xbox One go.

It's a strange, bittersweet day for Windows, as Microsoft's previous-generation operating system simultaneously celebrates its 10th anniversary with a wealth of defining moments for Windows 10 while its steadfast users prepare for an impending end-of-life status due in October. Opinions are often divided on the various iterations of the company's paid OS, but Windows 10 stands as a more universally praised attempt that had a particularly interesting pitch.

Besides the unusual passing-over on Windows 9, an omission that itself is up for debate as to its origins, the skip-ahead to Windows 10 felt like a more significant leap forward than a simple generational level-up.

Microsoft promised a unified experience across its broad assortment of hardware as part of its "OneCore" ecosystem, essentially scaling Windows apps to practically any form factor, even away from a traditional desktop.

It was certainly alluring, and its marketing was appealing to me, particularly as a disgruntled user who so disliked the initial tablet-centric style of Windows 8 and its "Metro" Start menu design philosophy. After falling back to the comfortable familiarity of Windows 7 for a while, I'd eventually come back to a conventional desktop in Windows 8.1, but not before traveling a free upgrade path to Windows 10, alongside buying a wealth of Microsoft-branded devices to fill up my home.

Yeah, I bought into it pretty heavily. It's fair to say that I gradually went all-in, buying into Microsoft's vision with an onslaught on my wallet that was justified because I felt as though I was "future proofing" myself. I picked up an Xbox One console with a TV tuner add-on in the United Kingdom, eager for a DVR function that Microsoft promised would come in a later update to ensure I'd never have to use my TV provider's set-top box ever again.

Unsurprisingly, at least in hindsight, the DVR function for Xbox One never materialized, much to the disappointment of the few users who were expecting it, including me; frustrated by the forced reorganization of my entertainment setup after the first dream died.

To be clear, it's not as though television is something I ever associated with Windows, even after dabbling in Windows Media Center, an ambitious project for its time but one nevertheless destined for the "Microsoft Graveyard".

No, I was just trying to get a head start on my newfound and all-encompassing life within the Microsoft ecosystem by consolidating as much of my hardware and software as possible. I signed up for a Groove Music Pass, moved from Google's Gmail to Microsoft Outlook, and started backing up my life's work to SkyDrive — now known as OneDrive — all in preparation for my next purchase: a Nokia Lumia 735 (after changing my mind and exchanging the Microsoft Lumia 640 days before), to complete a switch from iOS to Windows Phone.

The youth of today might look at the colorful Lumia slabs and wonder whatever happened to those useful Live Tiles decorating the home screens. Now, these overlooked smartphones will likely be relegated to modern memory as "the one used by Trevor in Grand Theft Auto V".

Little would they know of how a now-dead Windows 10 Mobile might have disrupted the market by becoming a strong third player, but a lack of support for my mobile banking app and a handful of other annoyances had me defecting to Android phones a couple of years later.

Around this time, my Windows 10 PC had no issues whatsoever, so my primary interest in Microsoft was holding strong. In fact, it was a breath of fresh air, proving to be as popular with my future boss Daniel Rubino in his original Windows 10 review, but it was everything floating around it that was starting to falter and plunge, like a collection of junk satellites orbiting an otherwise healthy product, trying to hold my praise.

An escapade with the Microsoft Band 2 was, to my knowledge at least, the final brand-new purchase of that era that I grabbed without question — and what a way to go out. It was a great fitness companion that paired well with the Lumia, and eventually, partially well with the slew of boring Android phones that I was slipping between, never living up to the hype of the Lumia 1020's glorious camera that I always craved but never had a chance to try.

Over the past few years, I've migrated all of my devices to Windows 11, including a second-hand Surface Pro X with its first-generation Microsoft SQ1 processor that I picked up just for fun, replacing its original Windows 10 installation. It's still going strong, serving as little more than a glorified web browser while I'm on the couch looking to kill time, but at least it's still alive.

It's more than I can say for my Xbox One, Microsoft Band, and Windows Phone that are collecting dust as little more than paperweight ornaments, still trying to connect to lifeless Microsoft apps and services that were axed years ago. Now, Windows 11 just feels like the obvious choice, standing as the world's most compatible and widely supported OS, but I still flirt with Linux via SteamOS and Fedora KDE, reliant on a UI that resembles Microsoft's iconic desktop.

For me, Windows 10 quietly fades away in the background, collected with other Microsoft-made fascinations of its time, but at least it stands as the best example among them. For those who cling to it with adoration and even an obligation to certain apps — I get it — but a decade is long enough. It's time to make a decision, whether that's with an upgrade to Windows 11, sticking around with extended security updates, or finding a replacement OS elsewhere.

.. At least I never bought a Kinect.

The Xbox PC app for accessing Microsoft Store PC games and PC Game Pass has been steadily getting better in recent months, but lately, something has gotten broken.

A little while ago, I noticed that Microsoft seems to have begun unifying the back ends of the Xbox One store powering the previous console and the Xbox Series X|S consoles. How did I notice? Well, I saw that beta tests for deactivated games like Bleeding Edge and Xbox 360 backward compatible titles began showing up on my Lenovo Legion Go. Needless to say, I wasn't exactly excited about all the added unplayable clutter.

RELATED: 🔴 Xbox Games Showcase 2025 LIVE BLOG

I recently wrote an article about how much the Xbox PC app and Xbox Game Bar have improved in recent months, but one critical area of weakness remains library management. You cannot hide games, nor can you see the status of cloud saves uploading and syncing. Today, it seems the problem got even worse.

I received some DMs on Twitter asking me why Xbox 360 and Xbox One games were beginning to show up on the Xbox PC app. With the Xbox Showcase slated for Sunday, speculation began running rife that Microsoft is gearing up to announce that all Xbox console games are now playable on PC or something along those lines.

While that would be fantastic news, there are of course significant hurdles both technological and legal (licensing) that would need to be solved for that to happen. Although, what I think we're seeing here is potentially, at least, some of the ground work to work towards that goal. Or, maybe Microsoft truly will surprise the world on Sunday by letting me play my Xbox versions of Blasphemous and Cult of the Lamb on my Lenovo Legion Go.

I somehow doubt it, though, because the section of the Xbox PC app titled "My PC games" is definitively not showing my PC games. In fact, it's showing dead Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 tablet and phone games, many of which won't even function or run. It's showing beta tests that have been dead for years, some for over a decade, in fact.

Naturally, when you click on these non-PC Xbox games, they do not work, simply linking you out to the Xbox console store on the web. It's incredibly annoying.

So, what's going on?

Microsoft is working hard and putting a ton of resources into improving Windows 11 PC gaming right now, with specific focus on the Xbox PC app. This is ahead of a possible announcement for Project Kennan, which many suspect could be revealed during this weekend's showcase festivities — but it may be far too early still.

If I had to guess, what we're seeing with the libraries crossing over in this weird, inconsistent way, is Microsoft unifying its back end systems to improve the experience for developers, if I had to guess. The downside is that its resulting in an absolute clusterfuck for any Xbox gamer who also actively uses devices like the ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, or Xbox / PC Game Pass on an every day gaming PC. Although, if you're a weirdo like me and actually purchased Windows Phone games back in the day, your PC library likely looks even more insane than most right now.

I've asked Microsoft to comment on what's going on (and with the Xbox Showcase going on, I'm sure they have bigger fish to fry right now.) But, this has been going on for a hot minute at this point. I first noticed it a few weeks ago, but it definitely got worse over the last few days.

So, is this innocuous tidying up of backend systems, or is Microsoft working towards truly unifying the Xbox and Xbox PC stores into one glorious digital gaming ecosystem? Time will tell.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct today gave us more information on the next handheld to shake up the market. Though two particular parts of the announcement that were met with delight may be familiar to Xbox fans, especially those still reeling from the doomed announcement of the Xbox One.

GameShare is Family Sharing in a different font

Yes the Nintendo Switch 2 boasts game sharing, the ability to share your games with friends and family who don't even own the game. As long as you own it, GameShare will work with up to four consoles at a time including the original Switch and Switch Lite.

It's incredibly consumer friendly and almost makes up for the eyewatering price of the handheld which will be $449 and game prices of $80, setting the tone for future game price hikes. Almost.

Back in 2013, when the Xbox One was revealed, Microsoft had planned to include a feature called 'Family Sharing', which would have allowed players to share their library with up to 10 people designated as family members.

This was meant to improve access to games without the need for physically sharing discs but unfortunately was paired with the announcement of the controversial 'always-online' DRM policy. The backlash included accusations of the scheme being a direct attack on the used game market.

Yet another example of Microsoft being ahead of their time and trying to push the industry in a direction it wasn't ready for, but considering the reaction to Nintendo's announcement today, the audience is now willing and ready. So come on Xbox, enough messing about and give us the Friends and Family pass!

That's not all, there'll be an optional in Switch 2 camera for voice chat. Perhaps the Kinect is making a comeback but not in the form we expected. A reincarnation if you will.

Again as much as we loved the Kinect, it being bundled with the console and forced on an unwilling audience didn't go down well and despite later releasing a Kinect-less bundle, the damage to public perception of the Xbox One was done.

Over to you. Do you think that the Xbox One with it's original plans for Family Sharing and the bundled Kinect would have gone down better with todays gaming audience? What did you think of the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal?

Indiana Jones is coming to Xbox consoles

All in all, this year has been an excellent one for gaming, with everything from new high-production hits like the bombastic co-op shooter Helldivers 2 to the delightfully creative deck builder Balatro captivating players throughout 2024 — and that's to say nothing of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, which easily goes down in history as one of the best-ever DLCs. But even though there's less than a month until it rolls over into the New Year, there's still one more huge game slated to release: the highly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

Developed by Bethesda and MachineGames (known for the modern Wolfenstein titles), Indiana Jones and the Great Circle stands out as one of the most exciting new action-adventure games of 2024. After all, MachineGames has made what are arguably some of the best single player shooters in recent memory, and despite how popular the overall series is, there actually hasn't been a new Indiana Jones game on PC or game consoles since 2009's LEGO Indiana Jones 2. With that in mind, it's not surprising that there's a ton of hype surrounding its December 9 release, and also that many are wondering if they'll be able to play it on Microsoft's Xbox consoles (among other platforms).

Xbox Series X|S users will be happy to know that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will indeed be available on their console for its $69.99 MSRP, as it's actually a temporary first-party Xbox and Windows PC exclusive until several months into 2025. However, it's not getting a release on last-gen Xbox One systems, as it's far too advanced for those aging consoles. If you're still using one of these, you'll either have to buy an Xbox Series X|S or stream the game with Xbox Cloud Gaming instead of playing it natively.

How else can you play Indiana Jones?

Directly purchasing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on Xbox Series X|S is one way to play the upcoming Indy adventure, but it's not the only way you can. You also have the option of buying it on Windows PC via either the Microsoft Store or Steam, though something to be aware of is that the Indiana Jones PC system requirements are very, very steep. If you don't have a strong, modern gaming rig already, you'll likely need to make some upgrades or buy a new system if you want to enjoy the game that way.

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Alternatively, you also have the option of diving in with Xbox Game Pass on both Xbox and PC (the Microsoft Store version, specifically). As a first-party exclusive, Indiana Jones is one of the titles that subscribers to the premium Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass tiers of Microsoft's all-you-can-eat gaming service can access on day one. Unfortunately, though, the console-specific Xbox Game Pass Core and Standard tiers do not include Indiana Jones. Note that Xbox One users should subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate specifically, as having it is what allows you to utilize Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Lastly, it's important to note that Microsoft plans to bring Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to Sony's PS5 console in Spring 2025 — a decision that's in-line with the firm's recent focus on multiplatform releases and bringing titles like Sea of Thieves and Hi-Fi Rush to PlayStation. There's not a concrete date set for Indy's PS5 arrival yet, but once the port is released, folks using that console will be able to play the game, too.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is scheduled to launch on Dec. 9, 2024 across Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, with a PlayStation 5 version coming in 2025. Like all Xbox first-party games, it's included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Anyone that buys the Premium Edition of the game gets three-day early access. For more information, consult our Indiana Jones and the Great Circle preorder guide.

What you need to know

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is slated to launch on Oct. 25, 2024 across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4. 
• Speaking in an interview with Windows Central, Treyarch's director of production Yale Miller confirmed that the Theater mode won't be included on Xbox One or PlayStation 4 versions of the game. 
• According to Miller, this is because the older consoles didn't have the resources to record and replay matches. 

Players still on older consoles won't be able to review their multiplayer matches in the latest blockbuster first-person shooter from Activision. 

While Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 does include a Theater mode, this feature isn't available for anyone on Xbox One or PlayStation 4, Instead, it's locked to the Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PlayStation 5 versions of the game. Speaking with Windows Central in a wide-ranging interview on all things Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Treyarch's director of production Yale Miller says that this is a resource issue, as the last-generation hardware simply can't run the mode well.

“There’s no way, on a last-gen machine, that we can do all the things, especially from a graphical fidelity level. You start getting to a point where you’re looking at visual fidelity and other things. You’re wondering if you want to keep pushing to use CPU or GPU to push on graphics, then you might have to sacrifice gameplay. For us,” Miller says, “gameplay is king.” 

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Call of Duty's cross-gen cuts are nothing new

The Call of Duty franchise is no stranger to dropping features in order to fit a game on older hardware.

2015's Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 featured a campaign, zombies, and multiplayer across Xbox One, Windows PC, and PlayStation 4. Meanwhile, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game were heavily stripped back, with massively reduced visuals in multiplayer and a complete lack of the campaign mode. 

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is currently scheduled to launch on Oct. 25, 2024. It's also launching day one into Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, a first for the franchise and coming almost a year after Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard. 

If, like me, you're fully swept up in Deadpool and Wolverine fever, you're probably looking for as much of a fix as you can get. When it comes to gaming, there's not a lot about, and the less said about the sweepstakes only controllers and console, or the only free with a $130 purchase controller holder, the better. 

But did you know there's actually a game you can play? Activision, now under Microsoft ownership, put out the simply titled "Deadpool" back in 2013, and it was available on Xbox 360 and Xbox One, as well as PS3 and PS4. 

I haven't actually played it, and I'm even more disappointed now because the copy I own, I've somehow lost the disc for. But if you can find a copy, it might be just what you're looking for. It even has some Wolverine for good measure. 

No longer available on digital, and used prices are INSANE

Despite owning it, or thinking I did, I've never played Deadpool. I went through a phase of buying up all the old Marvel games I could when I saw them cheap enough in local used game stores, and if I can find the disc for this one, I'll be happy. 

That's because you can't get it digitally anymore, the license has expired, and used prices on eBay are predictably rather high. In the UK, I'd be looking at around £40 to get another one. In the U.S., anything from $30 for the Xbox 360 version and up is what I've seen so far. Not quite the same price as a brand-new game, but still a fairly significant investment. 

Given the hype around the movie, I can't help but feel like Microsoft should have gone to Marvel, got a short-term new license, and put the game back out there, perhaps even through Game Pass. If ever there was going to be a time people wanted to play this game who didn't even know it existed, now is that time. 

It's a third-person action game that certainly seems to capture the essence of the "merc with a mouth" and, of course, has cameos. Including Wolverine! It's almost like it was meant to be, just 11 years early. 

So, if you really want a copy, you can still get one. But you'll need to spend a bit, and own an Xbox with a disc drive. Sorry, Series S owners. 

There's also a way to get your Logan on

There's also another way to get a bit of a fix, but this one is even harder since you'll need to still own an Xbox 360. Luckily for me, I do, and I definitely have the disc in the box for X-Men Origins: Wolverine. 

Released as a tie-in to the movie of the same name from 2009, this is another game made by Activision in partnership with Marvel. Activision actually made quite a lot of Marvel games back in the day, including Ultimate Alliance and Spider-Man. But naturally, Wolverine isn't backwards compatible and of course, the license has expired. Not that the Xbox 360 digital store is much longer for this world. 

This one could cost you a lot more than Deadpool, too. I saw one copy on eBay for $20, but most were significantly higher. So if you want to pick one up, I'd recommend checking out anywhere you might be able to find used games, thrift stores, garage sales, and keeping your eyes open. Not only are these games (and other old Marvel titles) a potential goldmine, but they're so much harder to find. If you own either, or manage to get one, I hope you have a blast!

Need a static IP address on your Xbox console? Then look no further. 

There's a range of reasons why you might want to set up static IP addresses on your Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, or even Xbox 360 console. In households with multiple Xbox consoles, sometimes you can get IP conflicts if you rely on DHCP to assign IP addresses automatically, especially if one device has a static IP but yours doesn't. Some online games really don't like it if you don't set up static IP addresses as well when in households with multiple Xbox consoles. Additionally, some routers may require that you have a static IP address in order to set up port forwarding for your Xbox. 

Related: Best routers for gaming

In this simple Xbox help guide, we'll run through the general steps on how to set up a static IP address for your Xbox. This guide works for Xbox One consoles and the modern Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X. The steps are fairly similar for the older Xbox 360 as well, just with a different settings menu style. 

The steps may differ depending on your router and home network environment, but the general direction will be the same overall. 

Understanding IP addresses and their relationship to Xbox

An IP address (Internet Protocol Address) is a number that devices use to communicate across the internet, and within a home network. Your external IP address is what your ISP uses to deliver the web to your home, but within your home, each device has its own IP address to communicate with the outside world. This includes your Xbox, your smart TV, your phone, iPad, and whatever else you have connected up there. 

Your router handles internal IP addresses using DHCP (Dynamnic Host Configuration Protocol), that automates assigning IP addresses within your home network. By default, your router will typically have DHCP enabled, and will automatically assign IP addresses to the various devices in your house, as you connect them up. 

IP addresses assigned this way sometimes expire or get overwritten. In some cases, automatic IP address assignments can interfere with some internal routing for certain games, too. I had this issue with Monster Hunter Rise on Xbox for for a while, where me and my family couldn't connect and play together reliably within tihe same network until I gave everyone a static IP address and did full Xbox port forwarding for each device. 

For the vast majority of situations, using automatic IP addresses on your Xbox will be fine. However, if for whatever reason you do feel like setting up a static IP, either to enable port forwarding or overcome some other issue, here's how you go about it.

How to set up a static IP address on Xbox

1. First, navigate to the settings menu on your Xbox by hitting the guide button, moving right through the menus, and then hitting settings. 
2. Find the network settings by going to the general tab at the top, then network settings. 
3. Navigate to advanced settings. Here, we'll need to make note of a bunch of information. 
4. Note down your IP address, Subnet Mask, Gateway, and DNS numbers (in the format of number.number.number.number). You don't need to make a note of IPv6 numbers. You can also make a note of your Wired and Wireless MAC addresses too, but they might not be needed. 

5. Now, you'll need to access your router settings. This is best done via a web browser on a Windows PC connected to the same network as your Xbox. 
6. Using the gateway IP address you recorded earlier, type that into your web browser (like Microsoft Edge or Chrome) to access your router. It should look something like this: http://192.168.1.1, although the last two numbers may vary slightly. Some routers even have a special URL you can go to to configure their systems. Your router instructions should have more details. 
7. Sign in to your router. The credentials are often listed in the manual, or occasionally on the underside of the device itself, particularly if it was supplied by your ISP. 
8. Once on your router settings page, you will need to assign your Xbox to utilize the same IP address you recorded down earlier. 
9. The methodology for making sure a connected device retains the same IP address will vary by manufacturer. For example, a typical way to find it is under the Wi-Fi devices list. My router allows me to view all of the devices on the network, and select "always assign the same IP address." Other routers are less simplistic, especially older ones, and basic ones provided by your ISP. Find connected device settings either under Wi-Fi devices, security, or other similarly-phrased menus. Or, consult your router manual. Just make sure you're assigning the correct IP address to the correct device. The device should match the IP address we noted down earlier from Xbox's advanced network connection menu. 

10. Once you have assigned your Xbox to a specific IP address on your router, it's time to go back to your Xbox network settings menu to make sure everything lines up.
11. Select IP settings. Then select manual.
12. Enter the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway from the information recorded above. You can use RB and LB on your controller to move the cursor, and then press the hamburger-looking menu button to move to the next section.
13. Next, go to DNS settings, then select manual.
14. Enter the DNS addresses from the information you recorded earlier.
15. Now, your Xbox should automatically test the connection. If it says "You're connected," then congrats, you now have a static IP address!

Other things you can do to improve your Xbox network connection

Setting up a static IP address by itself won't necessarily boost your Xbox connectivity by itself, but it's an important step towards setting up things like port forwarding and other features. 

Port forwarding is method for making sure your Xbox can communicate effectively with Xbox's network systems remotely. Microsoft requires certain ports to be open in order for Xbox network (formerly known as Xbox Live) to function properly. Without this, you might see messages like "Strict NAT" on your network connections screen, which can block and impede connections in games like Battlefield, Call of Duty, or Overwatch. One good guide to follow is how to get an open NAT on Xbox with port forwarding, if you don't already have one. 

RELATED: How to set up a static IP address on Windows 11 PC

Additionally, you can enable UPnP on your router to ensure open NAT happens automatically. If you don't want to bother setting up static IP addresses or dabbling with port forwarding, which can be overly complicated on some routers, you can just enable UPnP. UPnP doesn't always work, I find, to improve your Xbox connectivity. But it's always worth a shot. Read about how to enable UPnP for Xbox here. 

If you have any questions about Xbox connectivity, be sure to drop them in the comments below. 

If you're seeing the message "Strict NAT" on your Xbox's Wi-Fi connection menu, you might be causing yourself some multiplayer headaches. 

Network Address Translation (NAT) plays a central role in multiplayer gaming, particularly so on Microsoft's Xbox network. This has been true since the Xbox 360 era, and now extends through to Xbox One S and Xbox One X, all the way to Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. It can also impact multiplayer games played via Microsoft's PC offering on Windows 11 too, both via the Microsoft Store and even via Steam. Making sure you have the correct ports open and forwarded to compliment Microsoft's gaming network is absolutely paramount. 

NAT systems allow different clients and platforms to communicate securely. It helps systems to map private addresses for external use online, reducing barriers specifically while a gaming session is taking place. Having closed ports is generally important for security, particularly in the commercial and industrial space. For home consoles, though, which are very unlikely to be the target of hacks — closed ports simply make it hard for multiplayer systems to communicate.

In this guide, we'll outline how to open up your NAT to improve your multiplayer experience on Xbox. These steps work for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles, as well as Xbox 360. 

Why you need Open NAT on Xbox

When you go to your Xbox settings and then head to Network settings under the "General" tab, you'll see your NAT type underneath your "Current network status" on the right of the screen. If you're seeing "Strict" or "Moderate," you may want to consult this guide to figure out how to move through to "Open" NAT. 

When connected to the Xbox network and playing online games, you may have seen terms thrown around indicating the leniency of NAT types. This somewhat represents your compatibility with other players, with stricter NAT types often experiencing issues with multiplayer connectivity. A good way of showing how NAT influences connectivity is through this handy grid. This shows the compatibility between NAT types and why aiming for Open NAT makes for the best overall experience.

Put simply, users with an Open NAT will have the best experience overall when playing multiplayer games. This is true for Xbox, and even other systems like PC gaming and PlayStation, although every system has a different set of ports they're looking to communicate through. Here, we're mainly focused on Xbox. 

While getting your NAT open is ultimately the end goal for the best connectivity, this isn't as straight forward of a process as it probably should be in current year. Some of the best gaming routers have more simplistic interfaces for setting up favorable NAT types for Xbox and other platforms, but routers provided by ISPs generally make it overly complicated. 

One of the common solutions to grab an Open NAT on Xbox is via port forwarding, or helping route gaming traffic directly to your console. UPnP is another modern system for making communications for gaming more simple on modern routers. It can be a little more simple than performing port forwarding, so first, we recommend checking out our UPnP guide for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S and returning to these steps if you're still struggling with NAT.

Enabling UPnP on your router is often enough to get Open NAT on Xbox, but sometimes it isn't. This is when port forwarding comes into play. 

Understanding port forwarding

Put simply, ports are basically digitalized channels for your router. They sort incoming and outgoing internet traffic and connections. Port forwarding will open specific ports used by specific services in order to make communication more seamless. UPnP can do this automatically in some cases, as outlined above, but sometimes it can be a bit temperamental. Port forwarding is a usually failsafe way to ensure your Xbox can communicate properly on the world wide web. 

Xbox uses a specific array of ports across all of its consoles and systems, standardized so people playing on the same network can all enjoy the same access. Xbox uses the specific ports UDP: 88, 500, 3544, 4500 and TCP & UDP: 3074 for communication. 

The methodology for opening up these specific ports will vary wildly, often VERY wildly by router manufacturer, which is why we suggested going down the UPnP route first. Port forwarding can be more failsafe, though, and stable, if done correctly. 

How to port forward your Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

To get the most from your Xbox console, if UPnP isn't giving you Open NAT, you will need to port forward the specific ports Microsoft uses for its Xbox network. 

These ports are used by Xbox consoles and ensure all incoming Xbox network traffic makes it directly to your console. The below steps provide an outline of port forwarding, although exact steps can vary between router models and manufacturers.

To make this as easy as possible, have a laptop or a smartphone handy that is attached to the same network as your Xbox. Preferably a Windows laptop. 

NOTE: Additionally, on some routers, you may need to set up a static IP address on your Xbox in order to perform port forwarding properly. We have a guide on how to set up a static IP address on Xbox right here. You should do that first, if you find that your router requires a specific IP address to be enabled for said port forwarding. 

1. Open the Settings app on your Xbox console.
2. Select the Network tab.
3. Select the Advanced settings tile.

4. Write down the IP address, DNS servers, and Subnet Mask of your console. This may be required later in the port forwarding process.
5. Note down the MAC address of your console. This may also be required for later steps.
6. Note down the default gateway, this can be used to log in to your router via the web browser (like Chrome, or Edge) on a laptop or phone attached to the same network as your Xbox. 
7. Navigate to your router login page, typically the "default gateway" IP address, which may look something like 192.168.0.1. For more details on logging into your router, search online for guides related to your specific model. However, we'll use an example here as a general guide. 
8. Log into your router using the required credentials. These default credentials may be listed on the back or underneath your router if it was provided by an ISP. 
9. Now, this is where the steps will vary wildly by router manufacturer. On my router, for example, I can go to the Wi-Fi Network list, find my Xbox console, and check a box that says "Always use the same IP address," that's as good as making sure the Xbox always uses the same IP address. However, you may need to follow different steps depending on what manufacturer your network router is. You need to find the menu that says "Port forwarding," sometimes this is under general Internet settings, sometimes under network setttings, sometimes under Wi-Fi settings, sometimes under security settings, and so on. 
10. Open the following ports, making sure to utilize the correct protocol:
    
    UDP: 88, 500, 3544, 4500
    TCP & UDP: 3074
    
    Note: You may need to add multiple port forwarding listings to make sure each port is opened. Additionally, some routers only allow you to assign port forwarding rules per device. So make sure the ports are forwarded to whatever IP address or device your Xbox is currently listed as. 
11. Now, once you've saved your settings on your router, it's worth rebooting both your Xbox and your router at this point. 
12. Now, go back to your Xbox. Head to settings, and select the Network tab under General.
13. Select the Test NAT type tile. You should now have Open NAT on your Xbox console.

That should solve your Xbox NAT problems

Following these steps and configuring your router correctly should give you fully open NAT connectivity on your Xbox. If you have connectivity issues after performing the above, make sure your IP address on your console (find in Network advance settings) matches what your router expects it to be on your router settings. If you still don't have Open NAT, make sure you didn't typo any of the ports or protocols. It should be noted that, some routers, won't let you open the ports Xbox needs. My old German Fritz.box router, for example, communicated on the same UDP 88 port for some reason, which often caused me issues. If that occurs, it may be time to set your router into modem mode, and buy a third-party best Wi-Fi router instead. 

While port forwarding is a common remedy for Xbox NAT issues, it's far from the only solution out there. Our breakdown of UPnP and its benefits for Xbox gaming provides another potential fix, and only scratches the surface of complex Xbox networking. You can also improve your Xbox NAT with DMZ, although it should be thoroughly researched, given the security implications associated with the method.

If you have any troubleshooting questions, drop them in the comments below. 

There was once a time where Xbox consoles had little to no JRPGs to speak of. However, thanks to many years of negotiations with Microsoft and demand from the fanbase, we now have mountains of high-quality JRPGs to play on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. 

Although we have now have a different problem as Xbox players are spoiled for choice when its comes to picking which JRPG is right for them. Some JRPGs featured classic turn-based combat, while others adopt a more action-RPG approach. 

To make help you make an informed decision, we at Windows Central have catalogued some of the best JRPGs the Xbox platform has to offer into a list. So, if you're looking for a classic gem from the Xbox 360 era via Xbox Backwards Compatibility or a modern-day smash hit, you can be sure to find one here. 

We also aim to update this list over time with more upcoming Xbox JRPGs that manage stand out from the crowd, so be sure to bookmark this page to avoid missing on your next favorite title.

So, without further delay, we present our list of the best JRPGs available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Xbox Game Pass.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the seventh major entry in SEGA’s Like a Dragon series (until now, known as Yakuza in the west) that takes the series in a bold new direction. It features a new protagonist and eschews the series’ iconic beat em’ up combat for turn-based JRPG gameplay.

This game tells the story of Ichiban Kasuga, an ex-yakuza grunt who spent 18 years in prison, taking the fall for his yakuza gang, the Tojo Clan. When he is released, Ichiban is shocked to find that his clan is gone and that he has been betrayed by the man whom he idolized since he was a teenager. With nowhere left to go, Ichiban sets off on a quest with his new friends of misfits to rebuild his life and discover why the man he looked up to betrayed their clan.

While Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s controversial genre shift was seen with massive trepidation, it ultimately paid off. The turn-based gameplay is expertly woven into the narrative, and it stays true to the series’ dramatic yet charmingly bizarre storytelling and pulse-pounding action of its predecessors. Yakuza: Like a Dragon, like all other Like a Dragon/Yakuza games, is available on Xbox Game Pass. However, if you’re a newcomer looking for an entry point into the franchise, this is a great place to start, as its story is a self-contained adventure.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the eighth of the Like a Dragon series and it once again follows the misadventures of Ichiban Kasuga. After the events of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Ichiban has settled down making an honest living finding work for former Yakuza. 

However, Ichiban's life once again takes a chaotic turn as he gets pulled into another sinister conspiracy involving the yakuza, which ends up with Ichiban getting kidnapped and dropped off in Hawaii. Now Ichiban must find a way to get back home to Japan and unravel this conspiracy. Thankfully, Ichiban won't be along in his quest as he will be joined by a host of allies new and familiar, including the series' long-time protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu.

This game builds upon the turn-based JRPG gameplay of Yakuza: Like a Dragon with a plethora of new Jobs and party members to discover and a tidal wave of side activities and mini-games to partake in. Not to mention it has an insane and epic storyline filled with dramatic plot twists, over-the-top action and satisying conclusions to plot threads and character arcs that have going since the beginning of the franchise.

While it may not be newcomer friendly as it is a continuation of many ongoing storylines in the series, it is a must-have for long-time Like a Dragons and newcomers who got into the series through Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is the eleventh main entry in the Dragon Quest, one of the longest-running JRPG franchises that helped shape the genre into what it is today. Set in the land of Erdrea, you play as a young man who, one day, discovers he is the Luminary, a hero of legend prophesied to save the world from a great evil. Our hero sets off from his humble village to fulfill his destiny while exploring rich environments, befriending charming allies, and battling dastardly villains.

Dragon Quest XI refines the series’ trademark gameplay to near perfection with a hundred hours’ worth of content, an engaging story with memorable characters, and a vast, gorgeous world to tour. While it may tread familiar ground for those experienced with fantasy stories, it is still a well-crafted adventure that will pull at your heartstrings when you least expect it. Not to mention, Dragon Quest XI is a standalone game that doesn’t require newcomers to play any of the previous games to enjoy the ride.

Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal is the fifth major installment of Atlus' Persona franchise and is the most stylish and popular entry in the series to date. You play as the Phantom Thieves, a group of high school kids moonlighting as vigilantes shunned and abused by Japan's corrupt society. They aim to reform it by infiltrating an alternate dimension where mankind's darkest desires are given physical form, and steal them to cause criminals in the real world to have a change of heart and confess their sins.

Persona 5 Royal takes the series' trademark gameplay loop of balancing high school life with dungeon crawling to near perfection with a myriad of quality-of-life improvements, diverse gameplay mechanics, and nearly over a hundred hours of content. The plot may take some time to get going, with several hours' worth of setup and world-building. But once it kicks off, it becomes a roller coaster thrill ride that explores the dark side of humanity and rebelling against it alongside a memorable and relatable cast of characters.

If you're new to the Persona series, you can't go wrong starting with Persona 5, as each game's story is self-contained and doesn't require players to play any previous entries.

Persona 3 Reload

Persona 3 Reload is a remake of Persona 3, a PlayStation 2 JRPG released in 2006 that rebooted Atlus' Persona series into the turn-based dungeon crawler/Visual Novel high-school simulator franchise it is today. The story is centered around a mysterious phenomenom known as the Dark Hour, a mysterious hidden hour of the day where monsterous Shadows feast upon vulnerable humans who are unluckly enough to wander into it.

The only ones capable of stopping the Shadows from harming people are S.E.E.S., a special group of high school students who wield the otherworldly power of Personas. As a member of S.E.E.S., it is your goal to destroy and discover the origins of the Dark Hour, which is said to lie within a gigantic tower known as Tartarus.

The original Persona 3 is regarded as a cult-classic among fans for its dark yet optimistic storyline, memorable characters, and unconventional gameplay loop. Persona 3 Reloads takes this aspects and improves upon in almost every while paying homage to its legacy. 

The storyline and characters are more engrossing than ever thanks to the addition of new scenes and sidestories, it features many of Persona 5 Royal's quality-of-improvements to make it more accessible for newcomers, and the combat and dungeon crawling has been enhanced with new mechanics to tham more interesting and engaging.

If you're new to the Persona series, Persona 3 Reload is another excellent jumping on point. Persona 3 Reload's storyline is self-contained and doesn't require newcomers to play the original Persona 3 to understand what is going on.

NieR: Automata BECOME AS GODS Edition

When it comes to modern-day classics, few games are regarded as highly as NieR: Automata, an action-JRPG directed by acclaimed game director Yoko Taro and developed in collaboration with Platinum Games. 

This game takes place in a dystopian future where otherworldly mechanical life forms have invaded and ruined planet Earth. Driven from their home, humanity has developed intelligent android soldiers armed with super-human strength and advanced weaponry to strike back at the invaders. As androids 2B, 9S, and A2, your goal is to charge into the fray to battle the robot invaders and reclaim the Earth for the glory of mankind.

As you journey into this war-torn world, you will engage the machines in epic battles using an intuitive combat system laden with complex and rewarding mechanics for those willing to master it. NieR: Automata starts with a simple premise and quickly builds upon it with a captivating narrative, intriguing world-building, and complex characterization that will make you emotionally invested in our androids’ struggle.

NieR: Automata is a standalone title in Yoko Taro’s NieR series that doesn’t require new players to play any of the previous games like NieR: Replicant to understand what is at stake. So, if you’re looking for a good entry point into the insane, bleak, and yet beautiful world of NieR, NieR: Automata is an excellent gateway entry into the franchise.

Scarlet Nexus

Scarlet Nexus is an action-JRPG with a self-styled "Brainpunk" aesthetic brought to you by Bandai Namco Entertainment. You play as Yuito Sumeragi or Kasane Randall, two psychic soldiers serving the Other Suppression Force (a.k.a. OSF), and your goal is to protect humanity from being hunted by disturbing, bloodthirsty alien monsters codenamed the "Others."

Your mission to destroy the "Others" will be harsh as you must master your psychic abilities and martial arts skills to overwhelm your foes, lest you wish to have your brain devoured. While some of its game design may be considered outdated, it is nonetheless a delightful title that fans of Bandai Namco's anime action-JRPGs will enjoy greatly.

Octopath Traveller

Octopath Traveller is a turn-based JRPG that harkens back to Square Enix’s golden age of 16-bit JRPGs with gorgeous HD-2D sprite artwork presented in a lush 3D world. In this game, you experience the lives of eight characters, each with their own unique and fascinating tales to share within the fantastical world of Orsterra.

Octopath Traveller takes the tried-and-true formula of turn-based combat and expands upon it with advanced mechanics where you can break an enemy’s guard by exploiting their weaknesses and using Boost Points to unleash super powerful attacks while they’re vulnerable. Though take heed as the enemies can pull the same strategies on you if you’re not careful.

If you’re a casual fan looking for great stories or a long-time fan who grew up during the 1990s playing landmark JRPGs like Final Fantasy VI and Chrono Trigger, then Octopath Traveller is for you.

Lost Odyssey

Lost Odyssey is a critically acclaimed JRPG from the Xbox 360 made by Mistwalker, a development studio founded by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the Final Fantasy series. This game follows Kaim Argonar, a stoic immortal warrior who has lost his memories. After helping the nation of Uhra claim a decisive victory in their war against the beastmen of Khent, Kaim encounters another immortal named Seth Balmore.

Their meeting causes Kaim's memories to slowly return, and his aimless life suddenly takes a dramatic turn from there. Our hero becomes entangled in an epic journey tinged with political intrigue, deep introspection, and monumental conflicts that will determine the country's fate.

In addition to fighting enemies using a traditional turn-based combat system, the gameplay of Lost Odyssey revolves around the "Thousand Years of Dreams." This gameplay feature tells short stories of Kaim's past as he slowly regains his memories, and they are tragic tales that will make you emotional weep for our poor hero and question if some things are best left forgotten.

Fuga: Melodies of Steel

Fuga: Melodies of Steel is a side-scrolling strategy JRPG developed by CyberConnect2, known for the cult PlayStation 2 action-JRPG series, .hack, and creating a myriad of fighting games based on popular anime franchises such as Naruto, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and Dragon Ball Z.

Fuga takes place on Gasco, a floating isle that the tyrannical Berman Empire is currently conquering. The only thing that can stop them is a group of war orphans piloting the Taranis, a gigantic, ancient tank that can annihilate armies of enemies if used correctly. It is a charming yet dark story of children banding together in a bleak world and using their newfound weapons to try and rescue their families from the horrors of war.

The gameplay also features an addicting combat system inspired by the Advance Wars series. You will march across battlefields mowing down mechanical marauders looking to destroy you while making difficult decisions to secure victory. Some situations may even require sacrifices for the greater good, but at what emotional cost?

In a world filled with big-name AAA JRPGs taking the spotlight, Fuga: Melodies of Steel is a hidden gem that stands out from the crowd with eye-pleasing artwork, charming characters, and a rewarding combat system. If you’re a fan of tactical JRPGs such as Advance Wars or Valkyria Chronicles, then Fuga: Melodies of Steel deserves your undivided attention.

Tales of Arise

Tales of Arise is the latest entry in Bandai Namco’s Tales series, an action-JRPG franchise that has been around since Tales of Phantasia for the Super Nintendo in 1995. The story of Arise is set on the planet of Dahna, a world that has suffered over 300 years of oppression at the hands of an evil empire hailing from their neighboring planet, Renan.

You play as Alphen, a vagabond of Dahna who has been afflicted with a curse that has robbed him of his memories and his ability to feel physical pain. While wandering, he runs into Shionne, a Renan noblewoman who was also cursed, but hers’ brings pain to anyone that touches her. After a few misadventures and realizing their curses have no effect on each other, Alphen and Shionne form an unlikely alliance and set out on a journey to undo their grim predicament.

While Tales of Arise may lack variety in enemy designs and the plot contains cliché anime tropes, they do not take away the sheer amount of fun one can have in this title. The visuals powered by Unreal Engine 4 are sublime, the world has a host of diverse biomes to explore, and the game’s combat system is a gratifying mash-up between strategic team management and over-the-top hack n’ slash mayhem.

If you’re a fan of action-JRPGs or a veteran Tales fan that can overlook Tales of Arise’s flaws, you will find one of the best titles in this franchise’s storied history.

Which JRPGs will you play?

With each passing year, Xbox continues to grow its ever-expanding selection of high-quality JRPGs, some of which have become some of the best Xbox games on the platform. Many of these titles have even made it into Microsoft’s vaunted Xbox Game Pass subscription service, so players can indulge in their engrossing stories on Xbox consoles, PC via Windows, and mobile devices with the aid of Xbox Cloud Gaming.

It is a wonderful time to be a fan of JRPGs on Xbox, and as we move forward into the future, we will continue to highlight the best of the best this genre has to offer. If you feel like there are some Xbox JRPGs that deserve on a spot on this list, tell us on our our X/Twitter account (@WinC_Gaming) and we will add them posthaste.

What you need to know

• Microsoft documents that reveal early plans the company had for the Xbox One console have leaked on Reddit. Though the post has been taken down, we've saved the link to the files and have verified their authenticity with our sources.
• The documents show that Microsoft was originally considering calling the Xbox One the "Xbox 720," and that it planned to sell the console for $299 and bundle it with the second-generation Kinect motion tracking controller.
• The slides also highlight the company's plan to make a console with lots of multimedia features and experiences at the time, which is consistent with how the Xbox One was designed and marketed to consumers.
• The Xbox One launched in 2013 with an MSRP of $499 instead, and many criticized this price as well as Microsoft's decision to not focus more directly on gaming. In 2022, Microsoft stated that sales of Sony's PS4 were more than double of the Xbox One's.

Microsoft's 2013 follow-up to its Xbox 360 gaming console was the infamously controversial $499 Xbox One. But based on information from newly leaked documents the company put together well before the Xbox One's launch, it was originally named the "Xbox 720," and was planned to retail for $299.

These documents were posted to the r/gaming subreddit on Monday morning, and though its moderators promptly took down the link to the PDF, we were able to save it beforehand. You can view the full file here, though we've included the highlights in the gallery below. Windows Central's sources have verified the authenticity of the documents (we saw and covered a few of the slides several years ago, actually).

The slides largely show Microsoft's plan to position the console as "the ONLY box you need for premium living room entertainment," emphasizing its ability to be used for watching TV, playing DVD and Blu-ray discs, and enjoying music and video streams as well as gaming. The documents also highlight the firm's ambitions to sync the new Xbox with companion devices like phones or tablets to "move experiences seamlessly across devices," and the bundling of the Kinect V2 motion tracking controller with every console sold.

Notably, almost all of this is consistent with how the Xbox One was eventually marketed to consumers when it was revealed, though its $499 MSRP was a full $200 higher than the $299 price point Microsoft was originally targeting. That price was fiercely criticized by consumers, and it's generally believed to be one of the primary reasons why Sony's PS4 sales were more than double of the Xbox One (had it launched for $299, the Xbox One would have undercut Sony's console). Many also lambasted the company for not strongly focusing more on gaming, decrying the platform's lack of exclusive games and worse overall performance compared to the PS4, which had a lower $399 MSRP.

The files also reveal that Microsoft was aiming for the console to have a full 10-year life cycle, with "GM positive" profits every year, 100 million units sold, and "flexibility to support multiple SKUS/Config over lifetime." Ultimately, the Xbox One lasted until 2020 — it, along with the Xbox One S and Xbox One X, was discontinued as the newer Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S systems arrived — and less than 58.6 million consoles are estimated to have been sold.

Another interesting note from the documents is that at one point, Microsoft planned to make an "Xbox 361" in 2012. This would have been "a new low cost Xbox 360 for every person and room in your house," which sounds a whole lot like the budget-friendly $299 Xbox Series S that's on the market today.

Analysis: How would $299 even be possible?

I had quite a chuckle when I first came across this leak, as it reminded me of a movie about boxing robots called Real Steel I saw back in 2011 while I was in middle school (I suddenly felt old shortly afterwards). In a sweeping shot of one of the film's massive boxing arenas, you can see a fake ad for the Xbox 720 console on one of its advertisement screens. I pointed this out to some friends at lunch and we joked about how funny it would be if Microsoft actually called its next Xbox that, so 13 years later, it's hilarious to learn it was pitched with this name.

Much of what's in these documents are things we already knew about Microsoft's original strategy for Xbox in the 2010s, though it's quite the bombshell to learn that the company originally hoped to sell the Xbox One for just $299 — with a Kinect V2 included. All the hardware in that package wasn't cheap, and while console manufacturers usually lose money on sold units, the fact the Xbox One's launch price shot up $200 to $499 indicates the company just wasn't able to afford going that low.

Ultimately, Microsoft's decision to bundle a Kinect with every Xbox One is probably why it couldn't match the $399 MSRP of Sony's PS4 at launch, which contributed massively to the overwhelmingly negative reputation the console had right out of the gate. Perhaps if it was made available as a separate accessory, things would have gone better for the "Xbox 720."

Xbox has officially released its Xbox Year in Review stats so players can check out just how much time they've spent on Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S in 2023. This includes seeing things like how many total hours you've spent playing on Xbox this year, which games were your top-played titles, how many achievements you've unlocked, and more. Plus, it shows all of this information in nice little infographics, including a pie chart that shows the genres you've played the most. 

Of course, TrueAchievement also has its own My Year on Xbox stats, which displays this year's Xbox gaming a little differently. So you might want to do both and see which one you like more. At any rate, here's how to access your official Xbox Year in Review stats. 

How to see your official Xbox Year in Review

To see this year's official Xbox gaming stats, simply go to the Xbox Year in Review page and log into your account. Your stats will appear shortly thereafter. 

As my personal Xbox stats show in the screenshot above, I've historically been more of a PC gamer. I only just got my first Xbox this year so my Xbox Year in Review stats aren't that impressive compared to what some of yours will be.

Unfortunately, Xbox doesn't provide a convenient way to share your stats on Twitter (X) or Reddit like the TrueAchievement My Year in Xbox stats do. So you'll have to screenshot your results and send them to someone that way. 

Is it what you expected? 

It's always fun to see just how much time you've spent playing your favorite games within a year. Sometimes the results aren't at all what you expect but other times it's pretty obvious what the results will be like. At any rate, I love that the official Xbox Year in Review shows you, not only your overall stats but the stats of your top-played games. I love seeing how I stack up to other players who have experienced the same games. 

Make sure to share your Xbox Year in Review stats on social media for others to see. Better yet, reply to our Windows Central Gaming account on X with a screenshot of your Xbox Year in Review. We'd love to see it. 

What you need to know

• Hyperkin announced a new competitive controller called Competitor.
• Hall effect sensors use magnets in their design to detect movement, meaning high precision gameplay without risk of deterioration from stick drift.
• The Competitor will feature these, as well as Hall effect impulse triggers.
• Hall effect triggers allow for more realistic and precise feedback.

The competitive controller market is fairly competitive for Xbox. Giants such as Thrustmaster, SCUF, Victrix, and Microsoft all have one or more controllers in the marketplace. Each features their own set of pros and cons that players will use in deciding which controller to purchase. 

These controllers have all generally shared an issue amongst themselves, stick drift. It wasn't until GameSir launched a controller last month that Xbox had an officially licensed product that combated this issue. What is this sweet technology? Hall effect sticks.

Previously, Hyperkin announced their controller dubbed Competitor. An officially Xbox-licensed wired controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs. The controller has a symmetrical, side-by-side analog stick layout, a strong move against the traditional asymmetrical offset layout.

Hyperkin has now revealed that the peripheral will feature Hall effect analog sticks and Hall effect impulse triggers. In a press release, Hyperkin outlined the following:

What is Hall Effect Technology?

The biggest update to the controller is the inclusion of hall effect analog sticks and hall effect impulse triggers. Hall effect sensors use magnets in their design to detect movement, meaning high precision gameplay without risk of deterioration. Say goodbye to stick drift and trigger wear!

Hall Effect Sticks: Ensures quick, accurate, and responsive control, giving you the competitive edge in every game.

Hall Effect Impulse Triggers: Experience realistic feedback as you feel every shot, explosion, and impact, with hall effect precision.

Additional Features:

• Modern amenities for Xbox Series X|S: Menu, View and Share buttons
• Vibration feedback for realistic experiences
• 3.5 mm headset jack
• Detachable Type-C cable

If you can't wait until the Hyperkin Competitor launches in the first quarter of 2024 to enjoy stick-drift-free gaming, you can pick up the GameSir G7 SE that launched earlier this year.

Analysis: Stick drift drifting away

I'm honestly quite excited. I'm one of those people who revel in having the absolute best controller when it comes to gaming, and as such I'm constantly seeking out the latest and greatest tech when browsing the controller space. As such, I abandoned the Elite controllers quite some time ago in favor of others. Most recently, I purchased a Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro as my daily go-to. Hyperkin entering the space is nothing but good news, especially with the company's device potentially solving the most dire issue facing controllers today.

Xbox has always been known for its amazing wide range of special edition controllers, with a myriad of unique designs. Whether it’s inspired by a game, a theme, or a color, there is a controller for every Xbox fan out there. In fact some go to great lengths to collect them all.

The most recent launch, the Starfield controller is one of its more special designs, and my initial reaction to the controller was how much it matched the vibes of the Titanfall controller. But before I dive into Starfield, I wanted to take a look back at some of the other amazing controllers that Xbox has released over the years. I ventured to Twitter to ask you guys for your favorites.

Not only did I get some great responses and reminders of great controllers of yrars gone by, you guys also shared photos of your amazing collections. It was tough but I have compiled a list of what I believe are the top 10 Xbox controllers of all time:

10. Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition 

Cyberpunk 2077 had a rocky start for CD ProjektRed, but they did deliver a pretty cool controller that came with the game. In my personal opinion, it could have been more adventurous in its design, but most fans appreciate the industrial look of this controller which has a black and silver split design with real dents and scratches on the plastic.

The controller was part of a Limited Edition Xbox One console bundle, but it was also sold separately. Fans love the glow-in-the-dark graffiti on the back and the striking red accents on the bumper. It also has textured grips and rubberized diamond grips on the back case. If you still own one of these, you are probably excited about the new Cyberpunk 2077 DLC Phantom Liberty. To find out more about it, check out our preview here.

9. Phantom Magenta 

Xbox has always been a master of translucent design, and one of the finest examples of this art was the Phantom Magenta Xbox Controller. It was part of the Phantom series that also included Black and White versions, but the Magenta stood out with its exquisite shades of pink. And yes, we are biased because pink is our signature color, but we are not alone in admiring this beauty.

This beautiful controller reveals its inner workings through a gradient that goes from magenta to black, creating a stunning contrast. The joysticks have a blackberry tint and the D-pad has a plum metallic finish. It’s almost like I'm describing a fine wine, except it’s an Xbox controller. The Phantom Magenta was truly one of the greatest Xbox controllers of all time.

8. CoD Advanced Warfare 

The Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Controller came out in 2014 as a special edition controller for the Xbox One, along with the game that it was inspired by. It had a pleasing matte grey finish with worn-out graphics offset with metallic gold details, reflecting the Sentinal Task Force iconography from the game. It also included a supply drop that gave you some extra goodies in Advanced Warfare itself.

Accompanied by a pretty cool special edition Xbox One, the pairing has me wondering where our Special Edition Xbox Series X|S are at?

7. Forza Horizon 5

Next up, another tasty translucent entry in the chart, the Forza Horizon 5 Xbox Controller. Released in November 2021 with the game of the same name. Forza Horizon 5 takes you to the colorful and vibrant landscape of Mexico, inspiring this fresh colorway of translucent yellow plastic and pink and blue paint splashes.

This controller isn't just a pretty face, the Forza Horizon 5 controller has unique racing-inspired rubber grips on the rear that feel almost like the steering wheel texture of your car. A departure from the usual plastic texture on Xbox controllers, isn't just for aesthetics but shows an impressive commitment to the theme.

My favorite detail, is the visible rumble motor on the left-hand side of the controller, something I have had a lot of fun with on my GameSir T4 Kaleid. Xbox also hasn't forgotten how much their Forza players love collecting in-game cosmetics, rewarding buyers of this controller with a bunch of exclusive cars and character customization.

6. Gears of War 4 Xbox Controller (Elite and Standard)

I admit, I’m bending my own rules a bit here, but hey, it’s my article. Xbox really went all out with the merchandise for Gears of War 4 and produced not one, but two amazing controllers, both of which deserve a spot on this list. As I refuse to choose between them for placement in this very scientific countdown, they get to share 6th place.

The Gears 4 Special Edition Elite Controller came out in 2016 and it’s a stunning piece of hardware, regardless of whether you’re into the Gears series or not. Even the back paddles are metallic red and black tie-dye. The whole controller is red and black themed, including the USB charging cable. The details are impressive too, with etched claw marks and the Phoenix Omen logo on the battery cover.

The Gears 4 Xbox One standard controller is just as worth a mention here, in a slightly different shade of blood-red it has the omen design and metallic D-Pad, and gouges around the A B X and Y buttons to look battle-worn. This would make any Xbox controller collector proud.  

5. Starfield Controller

The Starfield Controller was famous before it was even officially announced, thanks to the hype around Starfield, the most anticipated game of this Xbox generation, and the rumors of a special edition controller that circulated before the Starfield Direct revealed the real thing.

This controller was the inspiration for my article, so of course it had to be on the list. The Starfield Controller arrived with its colorful home button and see-through triggers and stole my heart the moment I laid eyes on it.

The back of the controller says ‘property of Constellation’, the space exploration group that we’ll join when the game launches on September 6 2023. The sides have rubberized grips that make it feel more premium and similar to the Elite Core 2 Controller, and the LB and RB buttons also have a nice textured grip upgrade from the standard Xbox Series S|X Controller.

This will unquestionably be the best controller to navigate the stars, and eat space sandwiches.

4. Xbox 20th Anniversary Edition

You know you’re getting old when a 20-year old calls themselves ‘old’ on their birthday, but we’ll let Xbox off the hook. They celebrated their 20th anniversary in style with this stunning controller, which ranks at number 4 on my list. It’s a tribute to the original Xbox, with the classic black and green colour scheme and the silver guts visible through the smoky black shell.

The right side of the Xbox 20th Anniversary Controller has a subtle 20 with an Xbox logo inside the zero, which is a nice touch. The controller also has all the modern features and improvements that Xbox has developed over the years, making it a joy to use.

It's not just what's on the outside either, the back is reasonably unassuming until you open the battery door to find a message from Phil Spencer "When everybody plays, we all win." This is a nod to Xbox’s commitment to accessibility and cross-play, and a sweet way to end this love letter to the Xbox community.

3. Halo 4 Limited Edition

I know what you were thinking, where is the love on this list for the Xbox 360 controllers? There are certainly plenty of players out there still nostalgic for the Xbox 360 controller, in fact I recently reviewed the new Hyperkin Xenon which pays tribute to the era of the red ring of death and blades dashboard.

Well do not fear, the Halo 4 Edition controller gets a spot in the top 3 very comfortably with its blue-black hues and transparent faceplate. The Xbox 360 had many wild and wonderful special edition controllers, but some of them look tacky by today's standards. The Halo 4 Edition, however, has a timeless appeal and still looks cool as hell today.

It is a rare and beautiful piece of hardware that captures the essence of one of the most memorable games in the Halo franchise. Memorable as it was quite a departure from the traditional Halo storytelling, but visually one of the best-looking games to ever grace the Xbox 360.

Also, Xbox had the gall to change the home button light from green to blue, and I have to respect that kind of bravery with our most staunch Team Green fans. 

Xbox controller deals: Amazon | Razer | Dell | Best Buy | Walmart 

2. Sea of Thieves

Here's where it gets tough, I've changed the top 2 multiple times as I've written this, as I absolutely adore them both, but when I hit publish I am going to have to live with the consequences of my decision. At number 2, and it was CLOSE is the absolutely breathtaking Sea of Thieves controller. 

Perhaps its 2nd spot in my chart is mainly down to my bitterness that I never got hold of one of these, and will always regret it? It haunts my memories. When I see pictures on social media of this controller I wince with pain, I want it, but I don't want to pay triple for it on eBay. The Sea of Thieves controller has laser-etched barnacles, rust and copper accents and the left thumbstick even has the North, South, East and West compass markings. Perfect for captaining your own ship in Sea of Thieves. I

f you really want to get acquainted intimately with the controller (no not like that) you can turn off the lights and see it's glow in the dark logo and feel like you're really under the sea. The gold trigger could be likened to the handle of your cutlass or the trigger on your blunderbuss.

In short there were so many interesting little design choices and details with this controller that really made it feel like it was made by people passionate about the game, which for me makes it a great special edition controller.

1. Titanfall Controller

The number 1 spot on this list goes to the legendary Titanfall controller. This controller doesn’t need any fancy etched details or metallic accents to impress. It has something more powerful than that: pure vibes. Vibes of a great game that deserves a comeback.

When you are holding the Titanfall controller, you're holding a piece of history. Titanfall wasn't you're average first-person shooter, you were a soldier that could command a huge but remarkably agile mech and stomp your enemies into oblivion. But this is not a list of the best games. This is a list of the best controllers. And the Titanfall controller is in my opinion THE best.

The controller looks and feels like it could be made from a dismantled in-game weapon with it's randomly painted serial numbers, and was designed in collaboration with Respawn to feel like an in-game artefact. The striking black, white and orange design really stands out against everything else in the Xbox Special Edition back catalogue.

Many people who missed out on this controller regret it as much as I do with the Sea of Thieves Special Edition. But there is still hope. Some of these controllers are still out there in the wild, waiting for you to find them and buy them from eager collectors. If you see one, don’t hesitate. Grab it and enjoy the vibes of one of the best games and controllers ever made.

What is your top 10?

It was harder for me to narrow down this list to 10 controllers than it was for my colleague Zachary Boddy to narrow down a list of 22 indie games they are looking forward to from Xbox.

There are so many more controllers that I would have loved to include (cough-Minecraft-cough), but I had to make some tough choices. Now, I want to hear from you, our readers. What are your favorite Xbox Special Edition controllers? Let me know in the comments below. 

What you need to know

• Xbox has revealed a collaboration with Barbie to coincide with the release of the Barbie film.
• Forza Horizon 5 will feature two new vehicles; the 1956 Chevrolet Corvette EV Corvette and the 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup.
• You can win your own Barbie-themed Xbox faceplate or Xbox Series S.
• Get lucky, and you could hold one of ten Xbox-themed Barbie dolls with complete Xbox accessories.
• Meet the creators behind Forza Horizon 5, and learn some of their memories connected to Barbie.

Xbox has announced a new fabulous partnership with Barbie. Ranging from in-game content for Forza Horizon 5 to their own lineup of Barbie dolls. It looks like Barbie is meeting Xbox on the runway in numerous forms.

Their blog post announcing the content states, "This Barbie is a gamer! Together with Warner Bros. Pictures and Mattel, Xbox is excited to invite fans on a fun, fashionable, and inspirational ride this summer to celebrate the much-anticipated release of the new movie 'Barbie,”'premiering in theaters on July 21. Bringing Barbie’s signature flair to our gaming platform, we’re honoring all that there is to love about this iconic role model: her persevering optimism, wide-ranging career journey and never-ending capacity for self-discovery. Audiences of 'Barbie'will follow the heroine to the furthest reaches of Barbie Land and beyond, and now fans can follow in her high-heeled footsteps with exclusive Forza Horizon 5 in-game content, an inspiring video about careers in gaming with a Barbie touch, the first ever Xbox Barbie dolls, and our most stylish custom Xbox hardware yet."

Race like Barbie and Ken in Forza Horizon 5 

Both vehicles featured in the film will be freely available for download. These vehicles include a more classical 1956 Chevrolet Corvette EV Corvette and a modern 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup. Simply check the in-game messaging system; you should see both vehicles available.

“Racing at the intersection of style, speed and self-expression, “Barbie” fans new and old can find the inspiration to follow their own road and get in the game."

It's common for gamers to have figures related to their favorite games; how about a Barbie to match? Xbox also announced fans could win one of ten specially designed Barbie dolls featuring Xbox gear and accessories via international sweepstakes

"To celebrate our commitment to being a place for everyone, we’ve rounded up ten Barbie dolls that are reflective of the Barbie line, which is the most diverse doll line on the market. We outfitted them with the latest Xbox Gear fashion, as well as accessories including an Xbox Series S console, Wireless Controller and an Adaptive Controller. Fans can win the dolls as part of an international sweepstakes."

Dream Console, Meet Dreamhouse

In a separate sweepstake, starting July 10th, players can wager points on Microsoft Rewards to win exclusive faceplates and a Barbie-designed Xbox Series S console that "has been built into the glamorous Barbie DreamHouse." The controller faceplates were designed after Barbie and Ken’s distinct on-screen outfits.

From Xbox, "Young girls thrive when they have someone to look up to, and Barbie has exemplified their limitless potential for decades. With over 200 careers, Barbie continues to reflect new movements. Movie-going audiences will see themselves represented in the film’s Barbies, who are thriving in professional roles ranging from physicist to President. In collaboration, Xbox is spotlighting some of the dolls’ real-world counterparts in the gaming field with a video. Hear about the different careers in gaming as those who work on the Forza franchise speak about their own career journeys, motivations, and personal Barbie connections. Fans can also see the video debut as part of a very special livestream on July 14th from the World of Barbie, where fans can learn about “Barbie” and see our hosts race in Barbie and Ken rides from the movie, in Forza Horizon 5."

Xbox and Microsoft are no strangers to partnering with brands outside the Dorito ecosystem. One of which included an Oreo partnership that included ways to obtain free Oreo cookies. These collaborations are always fun, if not humorous, as things like Barbie are never expected. Here's to a hopeful collaboration with Heinz so our editor Jez can get some free beans.

What you need to know

• Microsoft recently held an Xbox Games Showcase, announcing a number of new games and sharing updates on previously announced titles. 
• All of the first-party games from Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks are coming exclusively to Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. 
• Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty confirmed in an interview that the first-party teams are completely focused on the latest hardware, meaning there won't be new Xbox One titles. 

While a large bevy of first-party games are on the way from Xbox, Xbox One players will no longer be able to play them natively.

Speaking with Axios, Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty confirms that there won't be any new Xbox One games developed at the first-party teams across Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks.

”We’ve moved on to Gen 9,” Booty said. This doesn't mean existing games are being cut off though, with titles like Sea of Thieves and Halo Infinite continuing to be updated on older hardware. Instead, this means that any new games are going to built specifically for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.

At the recent Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft showed off a number of titles such as Fable, South of Midnight, Avowed, and Starfield, all of which are being developed exclusively for the latest machines.

Any Xbox One owners that want to play these games will need to upgrade, though they also have the option of streaming games to their Xbox One via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Windows Central's take

Getting direct confirmation is cool, but this really shouldn't be surprising. Even back in 2022, most of the games announced from Xbox have been exclusive to Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. There were a handful of cross-gen titles, such as the excellent Pentiment, but the trend has been clear for a while.

This is the way of the world, and it's a good thing, as developers will be building games for a higher-spec baseline that can take advantage of the additional GPU and CPU power these machines provide, as well as building games around an ultra-fast internal SSD.

Welcome to our Xbox help guide for UPnP and getting Open NAT on your Xbox console!

More and more of us are playing multiplayer games these days, whether it's co-operative titles or full-blown competitive multiplayer games like Call of Duty or Overwatch. Jumping into Xbox parties with your friends sometimes requires your console to make direct connections over the internet, which can sometimes fail if your router has particularly strict settings.

When encountering connectivity issues on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S consoles, your Network Address Translation (NAT) type is the first place to look. NAT determines how easily you connect to other players, potentially limiting who you can enjoy games with. While various solutions can alter your NAT type, enabling Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is the simple first step to achieving this.

More and more of the best routers have it enabled by default these days, but you may still want to double check before doing further trouble shooting.

Why you need Open NAT on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S (and PC too really)

Why you need Open NAT on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S

When connected to Xbox Live and playing online games, you may have seen terms indicating the leniency of NAT types. This somewhat represents your compatibility with other players, with stricter NAT types often experiencing issues with multiplayer connectivity. A good way of showing how NAT influences connectivity is through a handy grid (below). This shows the compatibility between NAT types and why aiming for Open NAT makes for the best overall experience.

Users with Open NAT will usually see the best experience on Xbox Live. While getting your NAT open is ultimately the goal for the best connectivity, this has proven difficult for many users. One of the standard solutions is port forwarding, helping to route gaming traffic directly to your console.

Understanding UPnP in gaming

Ports are digital channels for your router, used for sorting incoming and outgoing internet traffic. UPnP essentially allows applications to forward ports automatically, avoiding the hassle of manual "port forwarding." Although they often achieve the same result, UPnP allows the console to request a port seamlessly rather than requiring specific port numbers to be entered manually. And for many, it's a simple flick of a switch.

You should note that UPnP has seen heavy criticism due to the technology's long list of security flaws. Malicious programs can leverage UPnP vulnerabilities simply because of its open nature. So there might be some related security risk here. The technology is also far from standardized, meaning implementations can vary between routers, especially on older or less reputable models. It's a case of slightly relaxing security for convenience, though generally, the risk isn't high for home users.

To maintain higher levels of security, port forwarding only creates specific port maps but requires a bit of manual work.

How to enable UPnP on your router for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC

Enabling UPnP is pretty simple for most modern routers. Your Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S console will automatically detect if UPnP is enabled usually, and give you an "Open NAT" status if everything has worked out correctly. However, if it doesn't give you an Open NAT, you might have to dig into Xbox port forwarding methods instead, which we have a separate guide for linked there.

If you want to enable UPnP on your router, the setup process is simple. Steps will vary between router models, though we've provided a general guideline of what to expect.

Just follow these steps:

1. Navigate to your router login page on your web browser.
   (For more details on logging in to your router, search online for guides related to your specific model. Usually, you can get to it by typing 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 into your web browser's address bar.)
2. Log in to your router using the required credentials.
3. Navigate to the UPnP menu on your router.
   (This action once again varies between models, so search for specifics on your router. If UPnP isn't available, we recommend port forwarding.)
4. Enable UPnP.
5. Save your changes. You may have to also reboot your router in some cases.
6. Hard-reset your Xbox by long-pressing the power button. Then turn it back on.
7. Navigate to the Settings app on your Xbox by pressing the X guide button on your controller.
8. Head to the General tab, and then select the Network settings section.
9. Select the Test NAT type.
   (You should now have Open NAT on your Xbox.)

If the above steps didn't work for you, as mentioned, we recommend trying port forwarding with your Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S instead. This can also help with PC gaming in some specific games and platforms too.

For a step-by-step explainer, check our Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S port forwarding guide.

Great Xbox networking gear picks

Ultimately the battle between the Xbox One S and One X boils down to whether you have a 4K TV to go with it. If you have a 4K television or monitor, an Xbox One X will provide the best visuals the video game industry has to offer outside of a high-end gaming PC. Even on 1080p sets, many games support Xbox One X-exclusive 60 FPS modes, but you'll be paying a premium for the privilege.

However, the real answer is: Don't buy either. Really. The next-gen Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are here, and they have far more power than either of these consoles, with better loading speeds, faster processing, next-gen graphics features like ray tracing, and much, much more. Additionally, supplies of these consoles are short, and Microsoft has ceased manufacturing them entirely. The Xbox Series S replaces the Xbox One S, and the Xbox Series X replaces the Xbox One X.

At this point, the only reason to buy an Xbox One X or One S is for collecting, or if you can get one extremely cheap via eBay, specifically for older games. The next-gen Xbox Series X and Series S can run ALL Xbox One X and One S games, often with performance enhancements for free. There are stock shortages of the new 4K Xbox Series X console, but the cheaper, less-powerful Xbox Series S is easier to get a hold of and is arguably better than the previous-gen 4K Xbox One X anyway.

• Related: Xbox Series X vs. Xbox Series S
• Related: Is the Xbox Series S more powerful than the Xbox One X?

Xbox One X vs. Xbox One S: Spec showdown

Xbox One X vs. S: HD vs. UHD

With the Xbox One X launching for around $200 more expensive than the Xbox One S, it was fair to expect some massive gains. Microsoft delivered. The Xbox One X packs hundreds of visually enhanced games over the Xbox One or Xbox One S, taking advantage of the console's impressive 6 teraflops (TF) of graphical power. By comparison, the Xbox One S only has around 1.2 TF, which often struggles to handle games at a native 1080p resolution. But what does all of this mean?

4K is referred to as "UHD" or ultra-high definition because the images contain many millions of additional pixels (8,294,400 to be precise) versus standard high definition (2,073,600). Each pixel represents a single point of colored light, which combine to create the images on-screen. More pixels mean sharper images, more detail, and, thus, more immersion. Both consoles also support HDR, which allows games to achieve more vivid colors and leverage more realistic light tones and contrasts, producing spectacular effects.

It's hard to replicate what 4K truly means without viewing the images on a 4K screen (and with our website's image compression...), simply because the display doesn't have enough pixels to show the images natively. While it doesn't do true 4K justice as the pictures are squashed, you can see in the above slider that the 4K image is far crisper than the 1080p image, especially when you zoom in using your web browser. Pay attention to details in the background textures, the trees, and so on. In modern AAA games like Assassin's Creed Odyssey and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the difference is quite huge.

Fallout 76 is an excellent example of the differences between 4K on the Xbox One X and HD-level visuals on the base Xbox One S, showing how resolution bumps could instantaneously enhance visual quality. It isn't all about raw resolution, however, and even owners of 1080p TVs can get in on the Xbox One X action to some degree. Many games support 60 FPS modes exclusive to the Xbox One X, which you'll be able to enjoy on a 1080p set. Fallout 76, for example, will have far better detail in its trees and environments, even on a 1080p TV, when using an Xbox One X.

Many games on the Xbox One X enhanced list won't output at native 4K resolution. Instead, they will either use checkerboard rendering techniques or use sub-4K resolutions, using computing power to add physical details and improved effects (or in addition). Even if they are using UHD resolutions your HD set can't accept, the Xbox One X will use a technique called supersampling to take the 4K image and improve its visual quality at an HD level. You'll also benefit from faster loading speeds, due to the X's upgraded HDD.

The new-gen Xbox Series S doesn't have the raw graphics power of the Xbox One X, but it does beat the One X on speed. It beats the One S on both speed and power, too, meaning that games will not only generally look crisper, but they'll hit higher frame rates for a smoother gaming experience. The argument, at this point in 2022, once again boils down to skipping Xbox One-gen consoles, and simply going for either the Xbox Series S for 60 FPS 1080p gaming, or Xbox Series X for 4K 60 FPS gaming.

However, these comparisons are more relevant in the debate between the modern Xbox Series S vs Xbox Series X consoles, given that the Xbox One range is no longer in production. The Series S is the "HD" version, with the Xbox Series X as the "4K" version. Both consoles can outperform the Xbox One X and S for frame rates owing to their superior CPUs. Even if you have a 4K TV, getting a cheaper Xbox Series S may provide a better overall experience than an older Xbox One X. 

Xbox One X vs. S: Additional features

So, we know that dozens and dozens of games will look significantly better on the Xbox One X, but what about other features?

The first thing to note is that the Xbox One X is slightly smaller than the S. It's not so much smaller you'll choose based on that fact alone, but it's worth being aware of. Both consoles can also be positioned vertically with an additional vertical stand.

Both the Xbox One X and One S run incredibly quietly, despite the X's slim form factor. The X comes with advanced cooling features to help with this, which no doubt, in part, has impacted its price point.

Both consoles support HDMI IN for TV passthrough, meaning that you can connect your cable box or TV receiver to your console, and use it to navigate channels and TV schedules. Previously, you could use the Xbox One's TV tuner accessory, you could eliminate a separate TV set-top box in some territories, but Microsoft has deprecated the feature in updates owing to low usage. Both consoles also have an IR blaster to communicate with other devices, such as televisions, sound systems, and remote controls.

The fact the Xbox One range support IR blasters and HDMI-in are two aspects that were removed from the Xbox Series X|S range, again, owing to low use and the desire to shave some $ off the asking price. On the new consoles, you can use HDMI-CEC to control your Xbox using practically any remote control, circumventing the need for an IR blaster. The only downside is that you can no longer control an external sound system with the same level of ease as you could with the Xbox One range, although it's still a bit of a niche use case. 

None of the more recent Xbox consoles have ports explicitly tailored for the (now dead) Kinect, sadly, but you can pick up a Kinect USB adapter for that purpose on an Xbox One S or X. The Xbox Series X|S consoles do not support Kinect at all by comparison. 

Since the October 2018 Xbox update, the Xbox One S and One X and its successors can be controlled using an Amazon Echo voice speaker, which is an excellent replacement for Kinect. As for other peripherals, both the X and the S have the same number of USB ports: two in the back, one in the front.

The Xbox One S was updated with support for 1080p 30 FPS game DVR clip recording, after years of being restricted to 720p. The Xbox One X, however, supports full 4K 60 FPS video recording options, complete with HDR. With current technology, the best 4K capture devices are either PCI-e based (for desktop PCs), or professional grade-standalone solutions that cost hundreds of dollars.

Additionally, the Xbox One X supports FreeSync variable refresh rates — Xbox One X enhanced games could offer options for frame rates between the standard 30 and 60 FPS without screen tearing. This will provide a smooth experience even if developers decide to offer sub-60 FPS frame rates to achieve 4K or other visual enhancements in their games.

The Xbox Series S and X feature all of the above, albeit without support for Kinect. The Xbox Series S does not have a Blu-ray drive either, as it focuses entirely on digital media playback and digital games. Both the Series X and Series S support VRR too, which combined with the best TVs for Xbox, produces a smoother gaming experience in general.

Xbox One X vs. S: Why you shouldn't buy EITHER

Which should you buy? Honestly: neither. You should look into picking up an Xbox Series S or a more powerful Xbox Series X. Both of these systems are in the next-generation console family for Xbox gaming, and are future-proofed for at least the next five-plus years. The Xbox One consoles have ridden off into the sunset, with fewer and fewer games being made for them.

If you absolutely are intent on getting an Xbox One console, and not a Series X|S console, the main issue here is whether or not you have a 4K television. There are gains to be had by using the Xbox One X with a 1080p set, but they will be nowhere near as pronounced as they would be with a 4K display with HDR. I would argue that, unless you're going to get a 4K TV or monitor shortly, you could probably stick with an Xbox One S. However, as time has gone by, it feels like developers are increasingly deprioritizing the development of the Xbox One X versions of games. At this point, even people with 4K TVs should probably opt for an Xbox Series S to play modern games, which overlook the Xbox One range completely. 

If you're on the fence about whether or not to join the 4K resolution revolution, it depends on what you want from your console experience. If you're the type of console gamer who buys all the latest, biggest games and wants the best visual experience possible, the Xbox One X with a 4K TV is the best option by far this year. If you're a content creator, the Xbox One X will provide you with 4K video clips and screenshots as a bonus.

However, if you're a little more casual and are more interested in maybe just picking up one or two games per year and occasionally playing in the evenings after a hard day at work, consuming media on the side, the Xbox One S might be a more cost-effective solution. But the truth is, it isn't, because it's no longer being manufactured. The only people buying an Xbox One S at this point should be collectors, given that you can get a more powerful Xbox Series S for less. 

If you already have an Xbox One S and just feel like playing casually, you can always invest in a 4K TV and an Xbox Series X|S later, since all games and all accessories will be fully compatible across both devices. With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can also stream modern games from the cloud on an Xbox One S (or X) to expand its lifespan. 

What you need to know

• City-building simulation Cities: Skylines is receiving a Plazas & Promenades expansion that focuses on more pedestrian-friendly streets for cities.
• The DLC offers pedestrian-only streets, three zone policies that affect citizens' lives, three new district specializations, and city service buildings.
• The expansion will cost $15 and the bundle, containing two Content Creator packs and two radio stations, will be available soon for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox simultaneously.

Paradox Interactive announced a new expansion for its city-building management sim Cities: Skylines called Plazas & Promenades. It will be "coming soon" to the Xbox One version alongside PC, Epic Games Store, and PlayStation 4.

The new Cities: Skylines DLC trades roads for sidewalks and allows players to create more walkable cities with a number of new features. Pedestrian-only streets can now be placed to build greener, vehicle-free cities.

Three pedestrian zone policies can also be enacted, such as limiting non-highway roads to 20 mph, a sugar ban that increases citizen's lifespan but decreases happiness, and allowing street music to increase both happiness and noise pollution.

More citizen happiness can be achieved with new city service buildings to connect to pedestrian zones, and there are three new district specializations: offices, high-density residential areas, and high-density commercial zones. Each specialization all buildings within a zone and features a unique style and gameplay effects.

The Plazas & Promenades will cost $15, but also comes in a bundle with the Mid-Century Modern and Seaside Resorts Content Creator packs alongside two radio stations: Paradise Radio and Shoreline Radio. The packs and radio stations will release at the same time as the DLC with the Plazas and Promenades Bundle available at a 15% discount.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has stated Sony sold "more than twice as many" PlayStation 4 consoles than its lifetime Xbox One sales, according to new filings via Brazil's competition regulator.
• The claim suggests Microsoft sold less than 58.6 million Xbox One consoles throughout the generation, falling behind Sony's 117.2 million total PlayStation 4 sales and the 111.08 million Nintendo Switch sales to date.

Sony’s PlayStation 4 consoles beat out Xbox One by racking up over double total sales, according to new insight from Microsoft. The Xbox owner has provided a rare update on total lifetime console sales in new documents submitted to Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) amid its proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

This latest insight comes as Microsoft awaits regulatory approval on the $68.7 billion deal, set to bring hit franchises from Call of Duty to Candy Crush under the Xbox family. Microsoft has now told the Brazilian competition regulator Sony outsold Microsoft’s Xbox One consoles by over double, providing the first official update on Xbox hardware sales figures since October 2015.

“Sony has surpassed Microsoft in terms of console sales and install base, having sold more than twice as many [than] Xbox in the last generation,” Microsoft stated, as translated by Game Luster. With Sony reporting 117.2 million total lifetime sales across its PlayStation 4 family, Microsoft suggests less than 58.6 million Xbox One consoles had shipped since 2013.

Microsoft stopped reporting Xbox One console sales in October 2015, stating its focus had shifted from console sales to overall engagement. Later financials used Xbox Live members as a key metric moving forward, reflecting its growing focus on services, later accompanied by Xbox Game Pass. The move also helped obscure the number of Xbox One consoles in living rooms as PlayStation 4 sales rapidly outpaced Microsoft’s devices.

The claim aligns with a past report from Ampere Analysis (via The Verge) with estimated Xbox One sales of around 51 million consoles in 2020. Microsoft’s comments confirm what many had suspected — the Xbox One fell far behind the PlayStation 4’s 117.2 million and the Nintendo Switch's 111.08 million units sold to date.

The latest update joins a series of insights tied to the Activision Blizzard acquisition, with recent regulatory filings documenting Sony’s opposition to the deal and Microsoft’s efforts to dampen concerns. Microsoft has also kicked back over Sony paying companies for “blocking rights,” preventing companies from bringing games rival services like Xbox Game Pass.

What you need to know

• The seventh season of Sea of Thieves is out today on PC and Xbox consoles.
• The update allows players to buy, customize, and captain their own ships with new milestones and achievements related to it.
• Season 7 brings a new Plunder Pass with more cosmetic rewards alongside gameplay improvements and fixes.

Season 7 of Rare's online multiplayer pirate game Sea of Thieves is now available on PC and Xbox consoles, finally bringing the ability to be the captain of your ship, new rewards in the season and its battle pass, and some gameplay improvements.

The most notable change in the introduction of Season 7, or update 2.6.0, is that players can now be the captain of their own ship and to be able to customize it how they like. Ships are available in multiple sizes and are bought with in-game gold, though a ship must reach "Legendary status" before another ship of the same size can be purchased.

Captains can name their ships and customize the outside appearance along with the captain's room with various trinkets. Decorations can be unlocked by completing Ship Milestones. The game received 13 new achievements related to being a captain.

Season 7 also brings a refreshed progression path with the new Captain's Voyages that can earn Renown, and a new Plunder Pass that rewards with the Courage of Captaincy clothing set for completing. Pass holders can get the Baleful Bloom Costume, which can be upgraded three times throughout the season.

The 2.6.0 update adds a few gameplay improvements and changes from the patch notes, such as being able to zoom in on any note or map held, disabling mast friendly fire, and more respawn locations around the sloop. Players can also find stools washed up on beaches to sit on, seemingly to take a break from digging up treasure. 

Sea of Thieves is available on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC through the Windows Store and Steam, and is included with Xbox Game Pass.

What you need to know

• Hokko Life is an Animal Crossing-like game where players will be able to customize their town 
• The game has a deep customization tool for player characters and items, and designs can be shared online with friends or other players around the world.
• It will be launching for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch on Sept. 27.

Hokko Life will be coming to Xbox One alongside other platforms next month, developer Wonderscope and publisher Team17 announced today. 

The game is a community life sim in the same vein as Animal Crossing, right down to players beginning the game on a train taking them to start a new life in a new town. Players take over an old workshop and must expand upon the town through collecting resources, placing and decorating new houses, and building furniture. There is even animal-like townsfolk that will visit your town and possibly stay alongside minigames like fishing, bug catching, and planting crops.

The biggest difference that sets Hokko Life from Animal Crossing is in its customization. The 3D design tool allows players to customize everything within the town of Hokko from clothing to household items. 

For example, a single pillow can have its color, fabric, and the angle which it is placed customized. Players will also be able to share their custom designs with friends and other players around the world in the game.

Hokko Life has been in Steam Early Access since June last year, and had received several major updates that added features such as a city location, farming, and unlockable perks to make living in the town easier. It will be launching on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch on Sept. 27 alongside the PC version. The console versions are also getting physical releases that will be available on launch day.

What you need to know

• RimWorld Console Edition will be coming to Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on July 29.
• The once PC-exclusive game is being handled by Double Eleven, which developed the console versions of Prison Architect and Rust.
• There is a Digital Deluxe edition that includes additional DLC and three days early access.

Space colony management game RimWorld is finally coming to consoles next month as RimWorld Console Edition, developer and publisher Double Eleven announced today. The game first released in early access on PC in 2013 before officially launching in 2018.

The sci-fi simulation game draws heavy inspiration from other sci-fi classics such as Firefly and Dune alongside PC game Dwarf Fortress as a story generator. It features three A.I. storytellers that can affect how players' colonies will survive through unpredictable events, a balanced experience, or through a slowly increasing difficulty curve.

Each playthrough begins with three survivors crash landing on a distant world, and each of the survivors has their own background and motivation that help or hinder the future progress of the developing colony.

RimWorld Console Edition is being developed and published by Double Eleven, responsible for the console versions of previously exclusive PC titles Prison Architect and Rust, in collaboration with original game's developer Ludeon Studios. The company says the console version will stay true to the roots of the PC version, while converting the keyboard mapping to something more palatable for controllers.

The game will be launching for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on July 29, though is playable across Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PS5. The game will come in two editions.

The standard edition of RimWorld Console Edition will retail for $40, while the Digital Deluxe edition contains the base game, the Royalty downloadable content, and three day early access to play starting on July 26 for $55. The Royalty DLC will also be available to purchase separately and adds more quests, tech, psychic powers, and more.

Greetings and welcome to our in-depth guide of the best Xbox games for kids. Ever since the dawn of their creation, Xbox consoles have featured an extravagant library of videogames aimed at gamers of all ages. Whether it’s an AAA-budget action-adventure title or a charming, cozy indie farming simulator, Xbox games have something for everyone. In addition, if your young kids happen to stumble upon a violent game rated for adult audiences, you can activate the Xbox’s parental controls to protect them from being harmed mentally.

With that being said, it can be difficult for parents to decide which videogame is appropriate for their children as there are so many high-quality games to choose from. To help you make an informed decision, we at Windows Central have rounded up all the best Xbox games aimed at kids that are both family-friendly and enjoyable to play.

This list will also include titles meant for older kids. However, younger kids can still play as long as they receive adult supervision during their playthrough. With introductions out of the way, here is our list of the best Xbox kids games that you can buy right now for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Xbox Game Pass.

Minecraft

When Minecraft was first released in 2011, no one could have predicted it would become one of the best-selling videogame franchises of all time. This survival adventure game captured the imagination of gamers across the globe by allowing them to play however they desired in a massive, procedurally-generated world.

You can journey into the wilderness and delve into the dangerous realm of the Nether to slay the Nether Dragon in survival mode. Or enjoy some relaxation in creative mode and build whatever you want, whether cities, statues, houses, mountains, farms, and much more. You can partake in both modes, solo or with your friends and family, as Minecraft features online multiplayer and cross-platform support across Xbox consoles, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

While the learning curve can be daunting for beginners, it is well worth the effort as the sheer amount of creativity you can get away with building structures is virtually limitless.

Minecraft Dungeons

If you and your kids like the world of Minecraft but prefer combating its rogue’s gallery of villains and beasts instead of crafting, look no further than Minecraft Dungeons. This game is an action-RPG spin-off of Minecraft where you must save the world from being taken over by the evil Arch-Illager.

Inspired by classic dungeon crawlers like Diablo, Minecraft Dungeons stands on its two blocky feet with superb presentation, an easy-to-learn and polished combat system, and tons of gear and loot to collect and power up your character with. What’s even better is that Minecraft Dungeons features offline and online multiplayer with cross-platform support so you and your kids can team up to bring down the Arch-Illager together.

Check out our Minecraft Dungeons review to learn about this action-packed take on Minecraft.

Kingdom Hearts III

Kingdom Hearts III is the third mainline entry of Kingdom Hearts. This long-running video game franchise blends together the fantastical worlds of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series with that of iconic Disney and Pixar movies. The story of Kingdom Hearts follows Sora, a boy traveling with Donald Duck and Goofy on a quest to save the Disney Worlds from demonic monsters called the Heartless, notorious Disney villains, and mysterious masterminds such as Organization XIII and Master Xehanort.

Kingdom Hearts III is the long-awaited conclusion of an ongoing story arc that has been building up for decades, where all the major heroes and villains come together for one epic final battle. This game features a beginner-friendly yet in-depth combat system where you use the power of Sora’s Keyblade to unleash a grand spectacle of magical attacks to lay waste on the hordes of Heartless.

Disney fans, both young and old-school, will love how their favorite Disney and Pixar movies are presented in this game. Exploring worlds based on Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Pirates of the Caribbean, Hercules, Tangled, Big Hero 6, and Frozen will invoke nostalgic memories and make you feel like you have been transported into your favorite Disney films.

Among Us

Among Us is a trendy social deduction game that took the internet by storm for its addicting gameplay, somewhat dark humor, and engaging social interactions with players online. The premise is that the crew of a spaceship is trying to repair their vessel, but two members of their group are imposters who intend to murder everyone on board. The crew members must repair the ship and oust the imposters during board meetings before the imposters destroy the boat or kill everybody off.

Among Us is a great hit with both older kids and adults alike. Getting a group of up to 15 players together online and deducing who is lying or telling the truth is a fantastic experience you won’t find anywhere else. And if you feel like giving your kids extra protection online, Among Us has parental control features to filter chat rooms of inappropriate words.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

The Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a collection of remastered editions of the Spyro the Dragon trilogy, a series of classic platformers initially released for the PlayStation 1. In these games, you play Spyro the Dragon, a wise-cracking dragon who goes on adventures with his best friend, Sparx the Dragonfly, to explore magical kingdoms, meet quirky characters, and battle evil-doers.

The Reignited Trilogy takes the presentation of the original games and gives them a shiny new coat of paint with overhauled HD graphics, new voicework, and a revamped soundtrack. The gameplay remains unchanged, yet it still holds up to this day with tight controls, engaging platforming levels, fun boss battles, and gorgeous worlds to explore that look better than ever, thanks to the remastered graphics.

If you were a fan of the original Spyro the Dragon games back in the 1990s or if you’re looking for a good gateway game to introduce your kids to the platforming genre, you can’t go wrong with the Spyro Reignited Trilogy.

Sonic Mania

Long ago, there was a time when SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog franchise was on top of the world. The original Sonic games on the SEGA Genesis gave Nintendo’s Mario series a run for its money. They led the charge of the console wars between SEGA and Nintendo during the 1990s. However, when Sonic shifted from 2D to 3D on the Dreamcast, the games wildly shifted in terms of quality, and fans felt they lost what made the original Genesis games special.

Fortunately, their wish to return to Sonic’s roots would eventually be granted in Sonic Mania. This 2D platformer pays homage to the retro 2D Sonic games while standing on its own merits. It has a beautiful 2D art style that replicates the 16-bit graphics of the Genesis, a cast of fun playable characters, each with unique playstyles, superbly designed platforming levels that reward speed and patience, and challenging boss fights that will test your mettle. On top of that, this game features a two-player co-op mode where you and your kid can play together and save the world from the evil Dr. Eggman.

If you’re a long-time Sonic fan pining for the good old days of the SEGA Genesis games, or you are looking for an excellent platformer to introduce your kids to Sonic the Hedgehog, then Sonic Mania Plus is a no-brainer.

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a charming farming simulator game with gorgeous 2D pixel artwork that will teach your kids how to manage resources while making learning fun. You play as a farmer who has just moved into the peaceful town of Stardew Valley to inherit a farm from his grandfather. However, this land has seen better days, so it is up to you to revitalize the farm and aid the community of Stardew Valley to help the town become a prosperous and wonderful place to live in.

The open-ended gameplay of Stardew Valley is relaxing and engaging as your tasks range from cultivating crops and livestock to exploring monster-infested caves for long-lost treasures. You can also go to the town to sell your wares and crops and interact with the townsfolk to develop relationships with them. If you feel your kid might struggle to build a farm on their own, you can help them through the game’s online co-op multiplayer feature, where you can work together to make Stardew Valley a better place.

New Super Lucky's Tale

New Super Lucky’s Tale is a 3D platformer where you play as Lucky Swiftail, a fox on a quest to stop the evil cat wizard Jinx from using the power of the Book of Ages to take over the world. This game is a short but sweet adventure where you jump and dig through a wacky and vibrant world filled with hijinks, danger, and wonder.

New Super Lucky’s Tale’s platforming gameplay is polished and satisfying, it has a cast of funny characters to meet, eye-catching visuals, and tons of interesting hidden collectibles to find that will keep your kids occupied for hours.

Slime Rancher 2

Slime Rancher 2 is the sequel to the award-winning indie adventure game Slime Rancher. You play as Beatrix LeBeau, a space rancher who travels across the stars to wrangle in cute alien slimes and raise them on her ranch. Continuing her adventures from the previous game, Beatrix journeys to a new frontier called Rainbow Island, where ancient technology, unidentified energy sources, and new slime species are waiting to be discovered.

This game builds upon the gameplay foundations set by its predecessor by having more varied slimes to catch, a new land with many mysteries to solve, and new facilities and tools that will aid your sliming farming efforts. Moreover, Slime Rancher 2 is continually being supported with free updates, adding more slimes, new areas to explore, and new gameplay mechanics to enrich the slime-catching experience.

Unravel Two

Unravel Two is a heart-warming platformer that tells the tale of tiny creatures made of string called Yarnys. You play as one of these Yarny who is on a journey to find their way back home after they have been swept away by a terrible storm. Aided by another Yarny, you will traverse through a precarious land where you will have to work together to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles to find your home.

Unravel Two features intense platforming and puzzle-solving gameplay with tight controls, well-executed level design, and an excellent presentation. While your kids will enjoy the single-player campaign, this game shines in its split-screen, two-player co-op mode, where you and your child can play together and have more fun conquering the odds.

Roblox

Roblox is a popular creative platform where players can create an avatar, interact with millions of players in a virtual world, and craft their own video games which others can play. The games you can create in Roblox can be anything from action to social simulators.

Notable examples include the ‘cops & robbers’ style action game Jailbreak, where you can play as escaped convicts or as the police trying to apprehend the criminals. There’s the theme park simulator, Theme Park Tycoon 2, where you build and manage an amusement park. And there’s a social roleplaying game called Adopt Me! where you make a home, adopt and raise animals, and/or hang out with your friends by partying and going on camping trips.

If your child isn’t into creating games, they can still enjoy playing hundreds of player-made games, as Roblox features a large and passionate community of players where everyone can create and share their fun ideas. It also features in-depth parental settings so you can set the parameters on what Roblox games are appropriate for your child and what kinds of people they’re allowed to socialize with online.

The Gunk

The Gunk is an action-adventure game where you play as Rani, a space scavenger traveling the galaxy with her partner Beck, for resources to help them survive in the cold depths of space. During one of their expeditions, they discover a world rich with resources, but it is infested with Gunk - a parasite slime that devours anything it comes into contact with. It is up to you and Beck to use your advanced technology to clean this world of Gunk, extract the resources and find out where the Gunk initially came from.

The Gunk is a fantastic game featuring puzzles that will test your problem-solving skills and a strikingly beautiful world that becomes more gorgeous as you clear it of Gunk. The story is just as top-notch, with endearing characters you want to succeed and a memorable plot that will teach your children the importance of taking care of the environment and how precious life can be.

However, parents should be aware that this game is aimed at older kids and contains a few instances of mild swearing that may offend younger ears.

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

The LEGO Star Wars games take the world-renowned Star Wars movies and retells them with a comedic twist that both pokes fun at and pays loving homage to the franchise. The latest game in the series, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, is the most significant entry to date as it takes players on a wild journey through every mainline Star Wars film reimagined through the charming lens of LEGO.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a fantastic game for Star Wars fans of any age. It is packed with stellar writing and humor, a simple yet satisfying combat system, and hundreds of unlockable characters and ships to find and play as. There is even a local, split-screen, 2-player co-op mode where you can team up with your kids and save the galaxy from the evil Empire.

Disney Dreamlight Valley

Disney Dreamlight Valley is an early-access life simulator where you can interact and go on adventures with your favorite Disney and Pixar characters. The game takes place in Dreamlight Valley, a peaceful land where everyone lived in tranquillity until an evil force known as the ‘Forgetting’ came and ruined everything. The 'Forgetting' has trapped the inhabitants inside the Dream Castle using Night Thorns and is sucking Dreamlight Valley of all life and magic. Now, it is up to you to free the Disney and Pixar characters, save Dreamlight Valley from the 'Forgetting,' and restore this idyllic land to its former glory.

This game is a surprise hit for farming simulator fans as it mixes elements of the genre, like farming, fishing, and town-building, with elements of adventure games, such as puzzle challenges and exploring lush locales for hidden secrets. It also features an in-depth narrative where you take on quests for various Disney/Pixar heroes and villains to stop the 'Forgetting.'

As an early-access title, this game is being updated regularly with new content bringing more characters to converse with and new lands to journey through. If you and your kids are Disney/Pixar fans and want a game where you can kick back and relax in a virtual Disneyland, then Disney Dreamlight Valley is for you.

Beacon Pines

Beacon Pines is an indie adventure game set in a storybook where you play as both the reader and the main character, Luka. One day while playing with his friends, Luka discovers something strange happening at an abandoned warehouse, and no one in their hometown other than his friends seems to notice. So, they decide to sneak in and investigate but little do these kids know that what they find will change their lives forever.

This game has fascinating gameplay mechanics where you, as the reader, can rewrite the story's outcome by filling in blank spaces with words that will determine where the narrative goes. And the story of Beacon Pines will tug at the heartstrings of older kids and teens as it is a coming-of-age tale that deals with heavy topics like the loss of family members and how to come to terms with it.

Let's Build a Zoo

Let’s Build a Zoo is a theme park simulator game where you are put in charge of managing a zoo. Most management simulators can be complicated for beginners to learn but Let’s Build a Zoo does a great job of simplifying the micromanaging so that it is more accessible for kids while still offering complex systems and options for fans of the genre.

In addition to micromanaging the staff, finances, and facilities, you will be importing, caring for, and breeding exotic animals to display to the general public. However, Let’s Build a Zoo spices things up by employing morality choices that keep replay value and general gameplay fresh. You can be a moral, upstanding manager that cares about his animal exhibits or an evil manager that illegally employs scientists to combine the DNA of various animals to create brand-new mutant hybrids to shock and amaze your customers for a quick buck.

My Friend Peppa Pig

My Friend Peppa Pig is a narrative-focused adventure game based on the popular British TV show Peppa Pig. This game is an excellent title for little kids as it is filled with fun mini-games, and the player can walk around and interact with every character and the environment. In addition, the voice actors from the show reprise their roles for My Friend Peppa Pig to help immerse your kids and make them feel like they’re taking part in an episode of the show.

Mineko’s Night Market

Mineko’s Night Market is a cozy, social-adventure game that’s rated ‘E’ and available on Xbox Game Pass. In it, you play a young girl named Mineko who just moved into a rural Japanese-inspired village with her family. Sadly though, the town has seen better days as it struggling to make profits due to being situated in the middle of nowhere. Your goal in this game is to help this town get back on its feet by taking on jobs, befriending the locals, and uncovering the mystery behind the village’s legendary Sun Cat, Nikko.

Mineko is a charming, cute, and heartwarming videogame that will entertain your kids for hours with a plethora of fun activities while introducing them to Japanese culture. Explore the town to discover whimsical quests, solve complicated puzzles, play dozens of mini-games, and help the town prepare its upcoming Night Market to rake in the profits.

Coral Island

Coral Island is a farming simulator similar to Stardew, except you get to create your farm on a tropical island and interact with mermaids from an underwater kingdom! You play as a farmer who recently moved from their home city of Pokyo to begin a new life and career on Coral Island. Set out to create your dream farm by managing your crops and livestock, exploring the island for valuable resources, and forge strong bonds with the island’s inhabitants to help you achieve your goals.

Coral Island is rich with content and quests that will engross your kids for days on end. They can also customize their character body types and a giant wardrobe of outfits to express themselves while playing. In addition, players can also pursue touching romantic relationships with some of the locals and even get married so that they will help build the player’s dream farm together.

Do note that this game is rated E10+ due to the romance options and references to alcohol.

Devcats games

Devcats Games is a small indie studio that creates cute, short but sweet games centered around cats. Their Xbox titles include A Building Full of Cats, A Castle Full of Cats, and Sudocats. They are super cheap to purchase, very chill, and easy to play.

The best part about these games is that they benefit cats in real life as the proceeds from purchasing games from Devcat will go directly towards supporting cat rescues. So not only are these games 'purrfect' for little kids who love cats, but they are also great for adult cat lovers who wish help to save real-life cats find a new home.

Paleo Pines

Paleo Pines is an indie farming simulator game where you get to build a farm on an island filled with adorable dinosaurs. Embark on your Jurassic adventure to befriend all the dinosaurs and use their special skills to help you create a peaceful dino-themed ranch.

This game is a must-have title for fans of family-friendly farming simulators. It features a wholesome storyline of friendship and wonder, a large gallery of creatively designed dinosaurs to meet, and a vibrant, beautiful world to explore.

If you wish to learn about why this game is fitting for the whole family, check out our Paleo Pines Xbox review.

Jusant

Jusant is a peaceful, atmospheric puzzle-adventure game created by the developers of the award-winning Life is Strange series. Unlike Life is Strange which is aimed at older audiences for its mature story, gamers of all ages can enjoy Jusant as it is rated E for Everyone.

Accompanied by a water elemental creature named Ballast, you are on a journey to climb to the top of a mysterious tower that reaches up to the heavens and uncover its secrets. Jusant is a beautiful game that will put your kids in a state of calm bliss with its gorgeous art design, relaxing well-executed puzzles and climbing segments, and engaging, magical story told purely through gameplay without any dialogue.

If you wish to learn more about this title, check out our review of Jusant.

Fall Guys

Fall Guys is one of the hottest online multiplayer party games on the market, bringing smiles and laughter the world over for its over-the-top, Wipeout-style challenges and cute, cartoony aesthetics. Take control of adorable, bean contestants and make a mad dash across ridiculous obstacle courses to reach goal and claim the crown.

This game is an absolute treat for the whole family to play. It has tight and precise controls, a huge variety of exciting and challenging obstacle courses to play in, and features full cross-progression and cross-platform support across Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch consoles, and PC via the Epic Game Store and Steam. And on top of that, it’s free-to-play and constantly receiving updates to keep the game fresh.

Party Animals

Party Animals is a physics-based party-game brawler where you take control of cute plush animals and hilariously beat the snot of each other until there’s only one victor. While the control may be sluggish at times and the user interface can use some improvement, Party Animals makes up for it with plenty of fun qualities.

It’s got an adorable cast of characters, and a healthy diversity of arenas to fight in, and it's available on Xbox Game Pass. In addition, Party Animals supports online and offline co-op multiplayer so parents and their kids can team up to beat the competition.

If you want to learn about this goofy and fun party game, check out our review for Party Animals.

Grounded

Grounded is a survival game developed by Obsidian, the creators of beloved RPGs like Fallout: New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity, and the Outer Worlds. You play as a group of kids who’ve been shrunk down to the size of ants and now must learn how to survive and escape the wilderness of a backyard before they get eaten by giant spiders.

Grounded is a great introduction to the survival genre for older kids thanks to its in-depth and balanced gameplay, massive open world to explore with tons of cool wildlife to hunt, intriguing story, and solid online multiplayer. Also, if your kids suffer from arachnophobia, you can activate the game’s Arachnophobia Mode to make spiders appear less scary so they can enjoy the game without being terrified.

If you want to learn more about one of the biggest games to hit Xbox Game Pass, check out our review of Grounded.

Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves is an online multiplayer adventure where you play as pirates sailing the seven seas to become the ultimate legendary pirate. This game was originally intimidating for newcomers and little kids to play due to its hostile PVP elements. However, thanks to the Safer Seas update, parents can now take their kids to private servers so they can enjoy all the game’s PVE elements without the fear of being attacked by hostile pirate players.

Sea of Thieves has a gigantic ocean of fun content to discover. They can travel to uncharted islands to uncover long-lost treasure, earn riches by hunting down undead pirates, and partake in epic story campaigns that include crossovers with famous pirate-themed franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Monkey Island series.

Fortnite

Fortnite needs no introduction. It’s one of, if not, THE most popular free-to-play games on the planet for its addictive gameplay loop, eye-catching visuals, and mountains of collaborations with celebrities, movies, comics, TV shows, and videogames.

The game also features a variety of fun gameplay modes. First off is Fortnite’s iconic Battle Royale mode where 100 players must hunt each other down until only one is left standing. Then there’s the Save the World co-op mode where players must together to build fortifications and defend objectives from hordes of monsters.

Finally, there’s the recently added, LEGO Fortnite mode. This is a Minecraft-esque game mode where play as LEGO characters, survive the harsh wilderness, and create literally whatever their imagination can come up with like real LEGO.

With the addition of LEGO Fortnite, Fortnite isn’t just an awesome game for older kids anymore, it can now be played by all age demographics. The older kids and adults can get stuck in the competitive Battle Royale and Save the World modes, while younger kids can relax and play with their parents in the easy-going LEGO Fortnite mode.

Psychonauts 2

Psychonauts 2 is a 3D platformer and is the long-awaited sequel to one of the original Xbox’s cult-classic titles, Psychonauts. You play as Raz, a young psychic training to become a secret agent while also working to save the world from an evil cult trying to revive the world’s most powerful and evil psychic, Maligula.

The 15-year wait for this title paid off in spades and Psychonauts 2 is one of the finest Xbox games this generation. It’s got wild and imaginative level design, an impeccable art style, polished platforming gameplay, a cast of likable characters, hilarious and clever writing, and a heartwarming story that tackles themes of mental health that will resonate with older kids growing up.

Check out our review of Psychonauts 2 if you want to learn more about this literally mind-blowing game.

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged is a racing game based on the long-running Hot Wheels toy car franchise. This game builds upon the foundations of its highly acclaimed predecessor by improving the controls and graphics, featuring over 130 vehicles to customize and drive in, including new physics-defying racetracks to compete in, and introducing an expansive single-player story mode.

In addition to the traditional racing mode, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged has a new Waypoint mode which has players go off the map to clear checkpoints by utilizing new movement mechanics to overcome obstacles. If and your kids are fans of racing and Hot Wheels, don’t miss out on this trail-blazing title.

PAW Patrol games

PAW Patrol is an immensely popular kids' show and toy line about a group of emergency service puppies protecting the town of Adventure Bay from danger. The show has also produced a line of entertaining video games to introduce really little kids to the video game industry.

Some of PAW Patrol's finest games on Xbox Game Pass include PAW Patrol: Grand Prix, a racing title that teaches little kids how to handle an Xbox controller, and assisted driving to help them learn how to play racing games. Kids can take on their friends and family in 2-player or 4-player split-screen racing matches and play as their favorite pups from the show to claim the championship Pup Cup.

Then there is PAW Patrol Mighty Pups save Adventure Bay, a 3D platformer akin to Spyro the Dragon where the pups must use superpowers to repair Adventure Bay from being damaged by a meteor strike and protect it from evildoers. It’s an enjoyable platformer for beginners with fun powers to play with and in-depth puzzles that will teach little kids problem-solving skills.

And then we have PAW Patrol World, an action-adventure game where the pups travel the world to take dangerous rescue missions and save the day. This game features an original PAW Patrol story with flashbacks to the TV show, a huge roster of fan-favorite PAW Patrol pups to play as, fun missions to complete, and a mountain of hidden collectibles to find that will keep your kids busy for hours on end.

Bluey: The Videogame

Bluey is a popular kids' cartoon about the titular puppy going on adventures to learn about the world with her family. Bluey: The Videogame is an adventure game that allows players to play as Bluey and explore the world of the show across four cozy storylines.

This game is a well-done adaptation of the show that faithfully translates the art style, characters, and narrative life lessons in videogame form. The game has simple controls that are comfy to use for little kids, it has a plethora of entertaining mini-games inspired by the show, there are lots of hidden secrets and collectibles to find, and the game features 4-player local co-op so parents can play the story mode together with their kids.

DreamWorks Trolls Remix Rescue

DreamWorks Trolls Remix Rescue is a platformer based on DreamWorks’ Troll Doll franchise. In this game, kids can play as Poppy, Branch, and more of their favorite Trolls to save Troll Kingdom’s musical harmony from being ruined by an evil mastermind.

DreamWorks Trolls franchise has made a comeback recently with the third movie, Trolls Band Together, releasing in theatres in 2023. So, if your little kid is a fan of DreamWorks’ Troll movies and Troll Dolls, this game will make a welcome companion piece. It’s got vibrant and eye-pleasing graphics, four-player co-op, a wealth of musical mini-games, an easy-to-use combat system, and a soundtrack with songs ripped straight from the movies that fans will love.

Understanding ESRB labels

As you can see, there is a wide selection of games for all the family to enjoy on the Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. However. there is something important all parents should be aware of when purchasing games for their children – the ESRB labels. Created n September 16, 1997, by the Entertainment Software Rating Board organization, ESRB labels are part of an age rating system designed to help consumers determine what video games are age appropriate.

Depending on the content found within a game, there are five types of labels for different age groups:

• 'E' for Everyone: The ‘E’ label means the game is appropriate for everyone of all ages. The game’s content may contain scenes of minimal or mild cartoon or/and fantasy violence. It may also contain infrequent use of mild language.
• Everyone 10+:The ‘E 10+’ label means the game is appropriate for everyone 10 years old and over. The game’s content may contain more instances of cartoon, fantasy, or mild violence. It may also contain mild language and/or minimal instances of suggestive themes.
• Teen: The ‘Teen’ label means the game is suitable for people aged 13 years and above. The game’s content may contain several instances of violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language.
• Mature 17+: The ‘Mature 17+’ label means the game is only suitable for people 17 years old and older. The game may contain intense scenes of violence, blood, and gore. It may also contain sexual content and frequent usage of strong language.
• Adults Only +18: The ‘Adults Only +18’ label means the game is only suitable for adults aged 18 and up. The game may contain prolonged scenes of intense violence, blood, gore, sexual content, and/or gambling that requires using real-world currency.

There are two extra labels for games that have not been given an official age rating by the ESRB.

• Rating Pending: The ‘Rating Pending’ label means the game has not yet received its final ESRB rating. This label appears on advertisements, promotional, and marketing material related to a physical copy of the game (e.g., the box the game comes in) that is expected to carry an ESRB label. Once the game’s official ESRB label has been assigned and announced, this label will be removed and replaced.
• Rating Pending - Likely Mature 17+: The ‘Rating Pending – Likely Mature 17+’ label means the game has not yet received its final ESRB rating but is likely expected to be rated Mature 17+. This label appears on advertisements, promotional, and marketing material related to a physical copy of the game (e.g., the box the game comes in) that is expected to carry an ESRB label. Once the game’s official ESRB label has been assigned and announced, this label will be removed and replaced.

Understanding the ESRB labels will help you choose which games best suit your child. You can learn more information on the Entertainment Software Rating Board organization on the ESRB website.

Which Xbox games will you get for your kids?

As you read this, the Xbox’s massive library is receiving more and more kid-friendly videogames as time progresses. Many of these games like Minecraft, have gone on to become some of the best Xbox games on the market and be included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This is a premium subscription service similar to Netflix that allows gamers, and their children access to hundreds of their favorite titles on all Xbox consoles, PC, and mobile devices via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

If you have any personal recommendations for the best Xbox kids games, leave your suggestions on our X/Twitter account (@WinC_Gaming) and we will add them to the list in the future.

LEGO has a special way of parodying our favorite franchises in a way that no other medium can, like with The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Batman Movie. This is accomplished once again in LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, which is a hilarious game that doesn't take itself too seriously. It alludes to popular jokes shared among fans and it leans into its toy nature, and it works... for the most part.

As a kid, I had played and replayed all of the LEGO Star Wars games that came out and so I was eager to check out this latest installment. I was a little worried that the gags wouldn't land as well with full voice acting, which the older LEGO Star Wars video games didn't have. But I'm happy to report that it only leads to a different but equally good kind of humor mixed in with old and new mechanics.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review code provided by WB Games. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga — What you will like

In LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, you experience all nine of the main Star Wars films. Anyone familiar with the older LEGO Star Wars games should note that this is not a remaster of those games, but rather a completely new take on them. This is also the first time that The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker have been made into LEGO video game adaptations.

Players can start at the beginning of any of the three trilogies (the second and third installments of any trilogy must be unlocked by playing through the story before it), but I chose to play through all nine episodes in chronological order. Each episode is broken into chapters that usually simplifies the story down to just the bare bones needed to make sense. However, additional scenes are often thrown in to provide more gameplay or to poke fun at something in the series. It takes about 1-1.5 hours to run through each episode on average, and around 13 hours to beat the game, although you can go back and spend dozens of hours collecting everything you missed.

May the farce be with you

I can't tell you how many times LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga made me bust out loud laughing. Sometimes it was so bad that I had to pause the game and wait until I had regained my composure from the funniest moments. The prequel and original trilogies were especially willing to make fun of themselves. For instance, when Padme revealed that she was actually Queen Amidala in disguise, it turned into a Spartacus scene where every other character around her also claimed to be Queen Amidala including an old bearded man.

Another amusing moment is when I was riding the speeder bikes on Endor. Luke made a comment about how bad of an idea it was to have these vehicles in a place where there were so many trees and suggested that it would have been a better idea to use them on Tatooine. I won't ruin any more of the jokes, but they often played around with familiar memes and jabs fans make at the series.

It helps that many of the voice actors do a decent job mimicking the actors from the films with one notable exception. Qui-Gon Jinn's lines always sound like they're being said by a bad Sean Connery impersonator, but that in and of itself kind of makes his appearances more fun.

Characters, collectibles, gameplay, and replay value

The first time you play a chapter, you have to do it in Story Mode, which means you need the specific characters that belong in that story. However, once completed you unlock Free Play mode and can replay it using any unlocked characters. Seeing Kylo Ren run around with Chewbacca at the Mos Eisley Cantina was jarring and funny at the same time.

Characters, which all fall into one of the 10 character classes, are unlocked by completing specific challenges. For instance, I only unlocked Bobba Fett once I had played through The Empire Strikes Back sections. There are hundreds of characters and ships but you sometimes cannot unlock them all on your first playthrough, so you'll want to come back to a mission and try it again with different characters' skills.

I was surprised by how large and complex the exploration areas were. If it wasn't for the map and waypoints, I could easily have gotten lost. There are hidden blue Kyber Crystals and secrets everywhere in places like Coruscant, Hoth's Echo Base, or Starkiller Base that require specific character class skills to unlock. Once you have one of each class of characters, you can easily swap between usable characters for the area to solve puzzles. Within levels, players can seek out Minikits that are similarly locked behind puzzles or hiding for players to find. Finding all of these Minikits unlocks various ships for you to use.

This game not only indulges your desire to smash everything in sight but also rewards you for it by giving you studs that can be used to buy things (a feature also in the older LEGO video games). When on an active mission and not in the exploration areas, you always have the goal to collect enough LEGO studs to fill a large gauge. This gauge is split into three parts and earns you a Kyber Crystal for each filled section, but if you fill all of them, you unlock the rank of True Jedi. I honestly cannot tell you how many times I got distracted from completing the main mission because I wanted to build up that gauge.

Your collected studs and Kyber Crystals can be exchanged to level up your characters. There are basic level-ups that effect every character like increasing basic running speed or stud magnetism, but I can also spend these hard-earned items to increase the powers of the different classes. For instance, I upgraded the Astromech Socket Expert skill so droids like R2-D2 can bypass a specific puzzle with just the press of a button.

Whenever the story takes players into the sky or into space, you'll board an iconic Star Wars ship and get to participate in the battle. This also means that I was able to drive a podracer in Episode 1, even if the level itself wasn't an actual race. Ship controls handled well and I was happy to find that I could invert the Y axis.

Additionally, whenever you wrap up a chapter that takes place on a planet, you'll be brought into space to fly to another. While here, pressing the View Button brings up a map of the galaxy and allows you to warp to any planet you've unlocked so far. There are also a few missions to complete when hovering over a planet like defeating bounty hunters, unlocking new characters, or shooting out comets for Kyber Crystals, so you can spend extra time with your favorite ships if you'd like.

Splitscreen co-op

I played with my husband to get a better understanding of LEGO Star Wars' two-player co-op. The game implements a split-screen so two players can investigate anywhere they want without being beholden to each other. This allows them to solve puzzles on their own or unlock collectibles. There are also several puzzles that required us to work together, but some can be solved single-handedly. Additionally, both players can switch to any available characters at any time except for the one that the other player is occupying.

One thing that can be mildly frustrating is that if one player initiates a mission, the other will be pulled into it. So it's good to communicate with each other so you don't rip someone away from reaching a Kyber Crystal they've just climbed up a building to get. Overall, multiplayer worked very well and allowed us to unlock True Jedi faster than I could on my own.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a great game to share with people of all ages. While you do have a health bar, the gameplay is relatively simple and you'll spawn right back into place if an enemy destroys you. This is one of the best Xbox kids games since the gameplay is relatively chill and you can enjoy it with anyone of any skill level including young children.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga — What you won't like

I had a hard time getting through the latest trilogy with Rey, Finn, Poe, and Kylo Ren since these movies have never sat well with me. In addition to not really caring for these stories, it felt like the LEGO humor wasn't able to land nearly as well as it had in the prequel and original trilogies. Fortunately, if you don't like one of the trilogies, you can easily skip it and still enjoy the others, although this will prevent you from unlocking certain characters and ships.

Another frustrating thing was that I experienced several glitches throughout the Skywalker Saga that required me to restart the game in order to keep playing. It's very likely that these complications and others will be written out in upcoming patches, but you should be aware of them. Among the most notable ones, mission markers and waypoints failed to show up while I was in the vast multilevel Gungan city from The Phantom Menace, which made it nearly impossible to find the specific doorway I needed to advance the story. Once I restarted the game, these markers showed up right away.

Additionally, I had to restart after meeting Jango Fett at the cloning facility on Tipoca. A cutscene was supposed to play, but all I got was the voice acting and subtitles on a black screen before the game crashed. There was also a time or two while playing in co-op where the game didn't go back to split-screen after a cutscene until player two pushed the LB button to switch characters.

My last complaint is that when I first started playing The Phantom Menace, I was hit with several tutorials that went through how to use the various menus and character skills. However, sometimes these tutorials would pop up chapters after I had already gotten the hang of using the controls. Not to mention, I was forced to sit through some of the same tutorials again when I beat Revenge of the Sith and started A New Hope. Fortunately, these tutorials didn't pop up again when I started the last trilogy.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga — Should you play it?

If you're a fan of Star Wars, you definitely should pick the Skywalker Saga up. The silly LEGO logic subverted my expectations and allowed me to view these classic stories in a whole new light while making me laugh every few minutes. This humor was especially well done in the original and prequel trilogies. However, the sequel trilogy felt more serious and the gags didn't land nearly as often.

Regardless. the number of collectibles including the large cast of characters and ships you can unlock give the game plenty of replay value. Plus, it can be a fun social experience if you run through it with a friend in two-player co-op. Overall, the game is laid back enough so people of any skill level can enjoy it.

Virtual private networks (VPNs) are quickly becoming an essential companion for avid internet users, primed for navigating the online world. They can increase security, bypass regional content restrictions, and in some cases, even improve network performance. 

However, without native VPN support on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, overcoming these challenges can be daunting. Here's how to start using a VPN on your Xbox console with fast and simple steps, using one of our picks for the best Xbox VPN options.

Before we begin

Before we begin it's important to note that using this method to apply a VPN to your Xbox won't work with Wireguard's protocol. 

As such, whichever your VPN of choice needs to take this into consideration. In most cases it's best to select OpenVPN (UDP) as the preferred connection method for your VPN. 

How to set up and use a VPN on Xbox

Without native VPN support or formal VPN apps on Xbox, using them on the console isn't exactly easy. To establish a connection without affecting the full network, we recommend using a VPN-enabled Windows PC to share the benefits over an Ethernet cable. 

It means you'll have to use a Windows PC with a spare Ethernet port, mandatory for sharing while maintaining a stable internet connection. VPN newcomers will first need to set up a VPN service via a service's respective app or manually in Windows. We recommend subscribing to ExpressVPN, due to its strong collection of features and privacy-focused policies.

With a Windows PC geared for VPN use, you need to share your connection with your Xbox console. After linking your PC and Xbox over an Ethernet cable, follow the below steps to share your existing PC VPN.

1. Connect an Ethernet cable between your Xbox and VPN-ready PC.
2. Open the Control Panel.
3. Click Network & Internet.
4. Click Network & Sharing Center. 
5. Click Change adapter options.
6. Right-click on your VPN icon. In our example we're using Private Internet Access VPN.
7. Click Properties.
8. Click the Sharing tab.
9. Check the Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection box.
10. Click the Select a private network connection box.
11. Choose your Xbox's Ethernet connection.
12. Press OK.

That's all for now on your Windows PC, the rest can be completed on your Xbox console so it's time to head back over there.

How to check your VPN connection on your Xbox console

Once you've done the necessary setup work on your PC, you need to go back over to your Xbox console and make sure that it's all working as it should be.

1. Press the Xbox button on your Xbox controller.
2. Navigate to Settings.
3. Select the Network menu.
4. Select Network settings.
5. Select Test network connection. Your console should connect to the internet.

To use your VPN on Xbox, your Windows PC must remain running with an active VPN connection. Your Xbox Live traffic will be routed through your PC as a result, with the benefits of its VPN. From now on, you can now browse with added ease and peace of mind.

Our top Xbox VPN picks

To complete the steps laid out above, you'll need to invest in a quality VPN.

ExpressVPN tops most best VPN lists, and with very good reason — it's one of the best, most reliable, and speediest offerings currently available. If you use your Xbox as a living room PC for web browsing and media, you'll be pleased to hear that ExpressVPN will unblock the likes of Facebook, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Twitter, Spotify, and much more. Beyond content unlocking, you can also feel reassured that your activity is safe and secure, thanks to 256-bit encryption, a no-log policy, zero-knowledge DNS, and a kill switch for any dropped connections.

With Surfshark, there is no limit to how many devices you can connect simultaneously, which is great if you have a ton of tech. It's one of the more affordable options, and it's capable of offering both the protection you need and the fast data speeds required for uninterrupted gaming. 

You've probably heard of NordVPN. It's been around a long time and has been one of the most popular options for a while, offering a high-quality experience for not a lot of cash. Specific to gaming, NordVPN is one of the best performing services for data speeds, so if that's your priority it's a great choice. 

When it comes to a VPN and its apps, some people want a UI with only what is needed. Private Internet Access is exactly this and it unblocks most of the streaming services you might want to use. Speeds are a little lower than some competitors, but its advantage is definitely in its unblocking capabilities. 

IPVanish is one of the easiest VPNs to use, thanks to an app with a user interface that appeals to both novices and experts alike. It can be a little pricier on renewal, though, and it struggles to unblock Netflix in some territories. 

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network" and is a technology that creates a secure connection between the device and a specific network to access files and resources remotely. Usually, organizations set up a VPN server to allow employees to connect using a VPN client to access resources and work as if they were physically at their office. 

On the other hand, there are also third-party VPN services that work in the same way. However, these services provide an encrypted connection allowing devices to connect to their networks (located in strategic locations around the globe) to access the internet hiding your public IP address, which offers a more private and secure experience surfing the web. In addition to the extra layer of security and privacy, a VPN service is a suitable option for bypassing geographic restrictions to access censored content and online services (such as the US version of Netflix) from other parts of the world.

Why use a VPN on Xbox?

With games and entertainment more connected than ever, using one of the best VPNs is incredibly valuable for any Xbox owner. In short, a VPN service is comparable to an encrypted tunnel, shuttling your internet activity between your device and a host server, which masks and anonymizes your digital footprint.

For most Xbox users, the principal advantage of a VPN is to bypass geographical restrictions, overcoming locks enforced upon select websites. It can open your console to regional content otherwise unavailable, including video services, apps, games, and more. VPNs are especially renowned for video streaming, allowing you to access different Netflix libraries, bypass blocked YouTube videos, or tap into international programming.

The same applies to blocked content, where a VPN can overcome limitations enforced on your local network. This is most common at workplaces, colleges, and other locations with managed networks limiting the content accessible over the internet.

Using a VPN is a way to improve security, and while rare, can help those counter several emerging trends. Other gamers can obtain IP addresses when playing with strangers online, which, while not a huge security risk on its own, can increase the chance of more nefarious practices. 

That includes denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, network attacks to knock players offline, which could happen with heated online matches against the wrong crowd. While it's not a reason to get a VPN, the added layer never hurts.

While a VPN can slow connectivity by routing data farther, it can also increase speeds under the right conditions. A VPN can achieve lower multiplayer gaming latency in some instances, dependent on the location of your service's servers. You can also overcome bandwidth throttling, where internet service providers (ISPs) might limit your speed on select sites for personal gain. The encryption can help you bypass throttling, thus giving you better chance of achieving the speeds you're paying for. 

These are just some of the benefits of a VPN for a more secure, hassle-free approach to the web. We have a full breakdown of why Xbox owners might want a VPN, if you're weighing the benefits against that cost.

But you should also take advantage of the 30-day money back guarantees available on just about all of the best VPN services out there. This makes it easier for you to commit to the right VPN for you, since you can try out multiple services without fear of being locked into one you're not totally happy with.

Can I use a free VPN on Xbox?

There are some really great free VPNs out there, such as ProtonVPN, but as you would expect, there are limitations. 

These include but are not limited to lower data speeds, which you really don't want when gaming, data caps, and limited server locations. These things aren't free to run, either so the companies will be making money from you somehow. This could be with annoying ads in their apps, or they could be sharing your browsing data with third parties. 

If you're not paying there's more likelihood you'll encounter either a bad time, or a bad VPN. There are cases of usage tracking and even IP logging which you really don't want. Free versions of paid VPNs are like free trials, so by all means use one of those while you find your way, but for gaming, you need to be paying for a premium service. 

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

What you need to know

• Microsoft Flight Simulator is available on Xbox Series X|S, but the aging Xbox One generation of consoles are not powerful enough to run it.
• On Tuesday, Xbox revealed that Microsoft Flight Simulator is coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming.
• Now, Xbox One players can access the Xbox Series X|S title on their console, as long as they have a suitable internet connection to stream it.

Microsoft Flight Simulator made its debut on PC and set the bar for flight simulator games, especially from a visual standpoint. Months later, the title also arrived on Xbox Series X|S consoles, but couldn't come to the older Xbox One generation due to hardware limitations. On Tuesday, Microsoft revealed that — indirectly, at least — Microsoft Flight Simulator is coming to Xbox One.

As part of the first wave of Xbox Game Pass additions, it was revealed that Microsoft Flight Simulator is heading to Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft's cloud platform that enables subscribers to stream hundreds of Xbox games to a variety of devices, including Xbox One.

This means that the full Xbox Series X|S version of Microsoft Flight Simulator can be streamed to Xbox One consoles at up to 1080p and 60 FPS, as long as you have a suitable internet connection to play it. Even better, using this method means you don't have to download this gargantuan game or worry about updates.

This is part of Microsoft's continued efforts to preserve the Xbox One family, even as more and more of the best Xbox games become exclusive to current-gen consoles. You can now play Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox One through Xbox Cloud Gaming, or check out any of the other games heading to Xbox Game Pass in the near future.

What you need to know

• You can now easily stream live through Twitch on the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One.
• To access the feature, you need to navigate to "Live streaming" within the "Capture and Share" tab of the Xbox guide.
• You can use a headset and webcam during your stream and manually set your resolution and bitrate.

Microsoft just put live streaming at the fingertips of Xbox gamers. Starting today, it's possible to live stream through Twitch from the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One. This functionality has been in testing since October 2021 and is now rolling out to general users. Before today, it was possible to stream to Twitch through the service's Xbox app, but it wasn't an elegant process compared to going live from the Xbox dashboard.

To set up a live stream, gamers need to navigate to the "Capture and Share" tab within the Xbox guide and select "Live streaming." There, they'll see a button to go live. When streaming to Twitch through Xbox consoles, you can use the best webcams for the Xbox or a headset. You can also customize the bitrate and resolution of your stream.

Before you can go live on Twitch from your Xbox console, you'll need to scan a QR code from an iOS or Android device or us a URL.

You can customize the title of your Twitch stream through the options panel. If you swap to a different game in the middle of your stream, Twitch will automatically update your stream data. When you're hopping between games, your stream will show a pause screen.

While streaming, you can manage game and microphone audio levels and set if you'd like to include a party chat.

Microsoft announced the new feature in a recent blog post, which includes steps on how to get started.

What you need to know

• Dying Light 2 Stay Human is a highly-anticipated open-world zombie-apocalypse game from Techland.
• Ahead of its release early next month, Techland has revealed a new trailer showcasing Dying Light 2 gameplay on older consoles.
• The trailer gives players a look at how the game will look and run on Xbox One and One X, and PS4 and PS4 Pro consoles.
• Dying Light 2 Stay Human officially releases on Feb. 4, 2022 for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC platforms.

We're now a week away from the official release of Dying Light 2 Stay Human, and hype for the upcoming post-apocalyptic title is at an all-time high. Ahead of launch, Techland has released a brand-new trailer for Dying Light 2, which gives interested players a peek at how the open-world free-running game plays on old-gen systems like the Xbox One and PS4 family of consoles.

The trailer transitions between raw gameplay of Dying Light 2 Stay Human running on Xbox One, Xbox One X, PS4, and PS4 Pro consoles, mitigating many of the concerns some excited players have had about the ambitious game releasing on older systems. While the trailer is short overall, the gameplay displayed still appears smooth and stable, even in action-packed scenes. Environmental detail and visuals also look incredible, indicating Xbox One and PS4 owners looking to play Dying Light 2 may be in for a fantastic experience.

The community's responses to the trailer look to be generally positive, with many praising Techland's transparency in showing last-gen console gameplay. Still, there are a lot of unanswered questions that won't be resolved until Dying Light 2 is in the hands of players. Fortunately, we don't have long to wait. Dying Light 2 Stay Human's launch times have been revealed, ensuring players can jump in as soon as the game drops.

Dying Light 2 Stay Human releases on Feb. 4, 2022 on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC platforms. If Techland delivers on its ambitious vision for Dying Light 2 and its expansive open world, Dying Light 2 Stay Human could easily join our list of best Xbox games.

If you go online, you're going to encounter ads and trackers. It's just the way of the world, but it doesn't necessarily mean you have to like it. Especially on your games console.

Browsing the web on the TV isn't for everyone, but while it can be done you should at least enjoy it and for many, that will mean blocking unsightly advertisements. And we could all do better about keeping tabs on how we're being tracked.

On the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One, you can easily block ads and trackers and make your online time a little less irritating. Here's what you need to do.

How to block ads and trackers on Xbox with AdGuard DNS

AdGuard is one of the world's biggest adblocking services with apps and extensions that cover all platforms. What is possibly less well known is the provision of a public DNS, much like those provided by Google and Cloudflare, with the big difference being that the AdGuard DNS servers filter out ads and trackers.

There will always be a question of "can I trust this service?" And that's good, you should be asking those questions. AdGuard has done nothing to suggest it isn't trustworthy, but for added peace of mind, you're free to look over the project on Github. Even if you don't personally understand the code, someone does, and being on GitHub is usually a good sign nothing is being hidden.

There are likely other similar services that could be used, and the steps in this guide would apply to any other such adblocking DNS server. I've used AdGuard here because it's a service I've personally used and trust, as well as having verified works as advertised. 

To implement the DNS server on your Xbox console, follow these steps.

1. Open the Settings app on your Xbox.
2. Select General.

3. Select Network settings.
4. Select Advanced settings.

5. Select DNS settings.
6. Choose Manual.

7. Enter 94.140.14.14 for the primary DNS address.

8. Select the right arrow button to continue.
9. Enter 94.140.15.15 for the secondary DNS address.

From this, it's a good idea to then reboot your Xbox console to refresh the connection and ensure that the new settings are working properly. Now you shouldn't see ads when browsing the web inside Microsoft Edge and other applications, and it even seems to take care of the sponsored tiles on the Xbox dashboard and in the Store.

Sure, you see a grey tile now instead of the ad, but there are enough people out there who object to being shown ads by Microsoft on their console that this could be just the ticket.

Using a Pi-Hole or AdGuard Home

You can of course get more radical and block ads and trackers across your entire home network with something like a Pi-Hole or AdGuard Home on a Raspberry Pi. These have a similar effect, replacing your existing DNS and filtering out the nasties. Or you could apply AdGuard DNS to your home network if you're looking for something a bit less techy.

Whichever you choose, the process involves going into your router settings, and naturally, all of these are different. But you'll be looking for the same settings as on your Xbox console, manually setting the DNS to something that's going to block ads and trackers for you.

What you need to know

• Xbox One consoles are officially no longer being manufactured by Microsoft.
• According to the company, it stopped making any more of them back in 2020.
• The remaining Xbox One consoles you see on store shelves are leftover stock.

It's official: The Xbox One era is over, at least as far as manufacturing is concerned. No more models of the Xbox One are being manufactured by Microsoft, and apparently, that's been the case since the end of 2020.

In a statement to The Verge, Cindy Walker, senior director of Xbox console product marketing, said the following: "To focus on production of Xbox Series X / S, we stopped production for all Xbox One consoles by the end of 2020."

That means all Xbox One, Xbox One X, and Xbox One S models are all officially in the rearview mirror for Microsoft. The Xbox One consoles you see lining store shelves are simply what remains of the stock produced long ago.

This statement from Microsoft comes not long after the news that Sony will keep up PS4 production given the ongoing shortage of PS5s available for purchase.

If you're interested in grabbing one of the (now legacy) Xbox One consoles, what stock is out there is all the stock that's out there and you shouldn't expect more to appear in circulation unless otherwise noted by Microsoft. Alternatively, you can choose to go with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, which remain the company's focus for the foreseeable future.

And if you're not interested in any Xbox consoles but still want access to the best Xbox Game Pass games, just stick with a PC. After all, 2021 was the best year for PCs since 2012, so the platform's doing as well as ever.

While the Xbox One remains a gaming console at heart, Microsoft also touts a growing suite of entertainment features. For example, the flagship Xbox One X and budget-friendly Xbox One S serve 4K video playback over Blu-ray discs, accompanied by a range of 4K-compatible apps too. We've rounded up every Xbox One video app with 4K and HDR available now.

Upgrade your Xbox video

While the Xbox One's 4K video lineup is tied down to a tight pool of applications, you'll find most movies and TV on the console. You just need to know where to look. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video lead the charge with content-rich libraries, each boasting 4K HDR blockbusters and exclusives.

myTube! is an added essential for YouTube viewers, compiling a ton of features into a snappy native app. Third-party developer, Ryken Studio, stays on top of the latest YouTube additions, delivering regular updates and refinements for its $1 cost. A limited free trial is also available for budding myTube! adopters to get hands-on today.

The Xbox One and Series X|S have no shortage when it comes to survival games, with gameplay centered around gathering food and water and building a shelter to survive the elements. Thanks to the success of Minecraft, the survival genre is booming with new games attempting to make their mark on the industry. Many survival games are multiplayer-focused where players have to join forces to survive or relax in creative play modes. There are also single-player-oriented survival games where you must learn how to survive on your own and explore a dangerous world to uncover its mysteries. Here are our top picks for the best survival games you can get right now for the Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.

Survive 'em up

Survival games are a personal favorite, offering oddly relaxing gameplay at times, interspliced with tense moments. Many of the games rely on procedural generation and random events, adding a level of dynamism unique to the genre.

The Long Dark remains our pick for top survival game on Xbox, for its deep and evocative episodic campaign, and hauntingly lonely survival gameplay. Seeing a bear emerge from the mist, mauling me to within an inch of my life, remains one of the tensest and memorable experiences I've ever had on Xbox. Managing to survive and ultimately get revenge on said bear also simply felt great.

If you have a strong emotional disposition, please consider This War of Mine too. It is a very uniquely visceral survival game that emphasizes the psychological trauma of being in such dire situations. It is scarce to see a video game war story where we experience the civilians' perspective instead of the soldiers fighting on the front lines. This War of Mine conveys that feeling wonderfully and made me shed a tear for all the poor souls ruined by this war they were in.

Frostpunk is another excellent pick, with gorgeous art and designs, with unique moral choices that add a slant of choice and consequence. Trying to maintain the stability of my city's ability to produce heat while keeping the well-being of its citizens intact is an intense and engaging balancing act I have rarely felt before or since Frostpunk.

Grounded is another fine example of a survival game you can play with your friends. It has a huge and intriguing setting, a delightful cartoony art direction, gripping gameplay, and many cool bugs to hunt. Grounded is currently in early access, but with every update it is receiving, this game's potential to be one of the best Xbox games in the survival genre is growing exponentially, and I cannot wait to see it realized.

How Xbox One S improves upon Xbox One

Microsoft debuted the Xbox One S two years ago and it still remains core to the Xbox family in 2019. Bringing numerous revisions to the original design, the console has emerged as a strong entry-point into Microsoft's growing gaming ecosystem. With the original Xbox discontinued, the Xbox One S is treated as the standard Xbox One console.

The Xbox One S delivers a sleek, angular aesthetic, coming in 40 percent smaller than its predecessor. Other features include vertical standing, an internal power supply, and a physical power button rather than the former touch-sensitive key.

Included in the box is the third-generation Xbox One controller, bringing numerous improvements over prior revisions. Bluetooth support is the heavy hitter, bringing native connectivity for PCs and mobile devices. An IR blaster also makes the cut for communication with various third-party devices.

Despite universal improvements, the Xbox One S does abandon the proprietary port for Microsoft's Kinect sensor. To use Kinect, buyers need the now-discontinued Kinect adapter, splitting this into USB and 12V connectors. With Kinect production wrapped, this omission won't affect many, but should be considered by motion control fans.

New features are headed to Xbox One S through regular system updates too, in line with Xbox One X.

Is Xbox One S good for gaming?

The Xbox One S maintains compatibility with all existing Xbox One games and upcoming projects for the foreseeable future. Comparable performance across the board is expected, reaching up to 1080p resolution at 60 frames-per-second (FPS). Although a minor hardware bump on paper, you'll generally experience identical performance to original Xbox One consoles.

The Xbox One S packs a key feature for gamers, with the addition of High Dynamic Range (HDR) support across select titles. This brings a wider color gamut and increased contrast ratio across supported displays, generally leading to more vivid, realistic colors. A significant library of HDR titles has accumulated since 2016, recently bolstered by the HDR-enabled Xbox One X Enhanced lineup.

Microsoft has been criticized for its lack of high-quality exclusives, but Halo, Gears of War, Forza, and other top franchises are accessible on the console. Strong third-party support brings titles from the world's top developers, while Xbox backward compatibility ensures support for classic Xbox 360 and original Xbox games too.

Microsoft's Netflix-style subscription service for games, Xbox Game Pass, also pairs well the budget-friendly Xbox One S. Providing access to a rotating library of over 100 games for a flat $10 monthly fee, this is an ideal way to kickstart your game collection from zero.

Is Xbox One S good for movies and TV?

Although the original Xbox One was pitched as a cohesive media device, the Xbox One S delivers major improvements for movies and TV. With the addition of HDMI 2.0 support, the console can output native 4K 60Hz video, paired with HDR. This delivers the best possible image across select media when paired with a top-end display.

The Xbox One S also packs a 4K HDR Blu-ray player, which is currently absent from all PlayStation 4 consoles in 2019. Standalone 4K Blu-ray players are priced similarly to the Xbox One S, making it viable for media consumption only.

A growing collection of services also offer 4K playback on Xbox One S, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, and more. Alternatively, users can access digital UHD content served via the Microsoft Store, despite the weak library.

Should you buy an Xbox One S?

The Xbox One S is a great all-round entertainment system, providing access to the Xbox One's full library of features, games, and video content. Starting at $299 in the U.S., this is an affordable entry point to the Xbox ecosystem, without comprising on top-tier console features.

For existing Xbox One owners, the upgrade to Xbox One S is a little harder to justify. Advancements over the original are welcome, but hard to warrant the upgrade. Alternatively, the Xbox One X offers significant advancements across the board.

The Western Digital My Book is a worthwhile purchase for anyone looking to install a large number of games on their Xbox One, allowing you to take full advantage of a whopping 3TB of storage.

Best Overall: Western Digital My Book

Not only are you investing in a quality storage brand in Western Digital, but the prices of the company's My Book line of external enclosures are incredibly competitive. Some purchasers have even found the drives contained within the products to be priced more as standalone units than when inside the My Book protective casing, so you know you're getting a solid deal for the Xbox One S or Xbox One X.

With games becoming more complex and sizes hitting insane amounts for downloads, it makes sense to pick up an external drive to offset some of the burdens, since the Xbox One S only comes with either 500GB, 1TB or 2TB of internal space, which simply isn't enough anymore. The Xbox One X suffers from similar storage constraints. Throw in a 4TB Western Digital My Book and you have up to 6TB of storage space.

The My Book is essentially a WD drive plugged into a daughter circuit board, which then runs via USB to the Xbox One S. That's pretty much it, aside from the protective plastic casing, of course. No thrills, no cool LED lighting, but when all you require the drive to do is spin up with the Xbox and store games, that's pretty much all you could ever need in an external drive.

WD offers the My Book series in 3TB, 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 12TB and 16TB configurations. The latter two options are dual-drives, sporting larger cases with two drives inside. It all depends on how much you want to spend and how much capacity is required.

Best Alternative: Seagate Game Drive Hub 8TB

With a massive capacity of 8TB, this Seagate Game Drive is ideal for those who need to store a colossal library of Xbox One titles on their consoles but only wish to make use of a single drive. It's also designed to fit right in with the Xbox console itself. Seagate designed this hard drive specifically with the Xbox in mind so it will surely fit in with your controllers and the device itself.

This also has two front-facing USB ports which can act as a charger for your extra controllers. Also, the hard drive is a plug-and-play, so there's no set up required for this particular drive. However, this is not as fast as an SSD, so it may take some time to transfer data to the external drive.

Best Speed: Samsung 860 Pro

Samsung's PRO range of SSDs is incredibly fast considering they connect via slower SATA cables rather than hooking up through PCIe. This also makes them ideal for the Xbox One. All you need to do is purchase a small SSD enclosure to house this drive and manage the connection between it and your console, and you're good to go.

The software helps make this SSD a great option for external storage, and it pushes this above other SSDs you may find. This helps with the transfer speeds to keep them going at top speed. Also, it can be nice to have a smaller external hard drive so you don't take up much space next to your Xbox.

Bottom line

While you cannot go wrong when it comes to external hard drives, especially if you have a few units lying around and simply need to purchase an enclosure, we believe the best option for the Xbox One S and Xbox One X is the Western Digital My Book. Not only does it add an insane amount of storage to the console, but it also offers great reliability and portability.

With this external drive, it's possible to add up to 16TB of storage for your games. With console games getting larger over time, it's important to consider just how many you'll be able to save locally without having to deal with physical media, which is becoming obsolete.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Kennedy Maring is a freelancer who loves playing games, her little animal family along with her husband, and the great outdoors. Although she is a nerd through and through, she is looking to complete her cosmetology certificate in the next year.

Costco members have exclusive access to one of the best Xbox deals of the holiday season. Right now, you can purchase a white Xbox Wireless Controller for only $30 at Costco. That's less than half of the normal retail price of $65 and is even less than Microsoft's own holiday deal on the controller.

The version discounted through Costco is the new Xbox Wireless Controller that includes a share button. It works with the Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, and PCs. It can also connect to Android and iOS devices for mobile gaming, including Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Save on an Xbox Wireless Controller

Microsoft has refined the Xbox Wireless Controller over the years and across console generations, making it one of the best Xbox accessories. It's a popular choice for those enjoying the best Xbox games and anyone that likes to use a controller to play the best PC games. The Xbox Wireless Controller is also a popular choice for mobile gamers.

Costco's deal is only on the white version of the Xbox Wireless Controller. If you prefer to pick one up in black, blue, yellow, or red, you can check out Microsoft's Black Friday deal that's still running. There, you can purchase one of the controllers for $50. The white model is also discounted to $50 through Microsoft, which is a good deal for anyone that does not have a Costco membership.

Why get an Xbox One?

Compared to its direct competitors — Sony's PlayStation 4 line of consoles — the Xbox One family has several notable advantages. Xbox One, which were designed for multimedia use, have the ability to play 4K Blu-ray DVDs and stream 4K video, whereas the PlayStation 4 does neither and the PlayStation 4 Pro can only stream 4K video. In addition, Xbox One is exclusively compatible with Dolby Atmos, giving Xbox users access to industry-leading spatial sound technology. The Xbox One family is also uniquely capable of transmitting your TV signal, which allows you to swap between watching television and playing a video game in seconds.

When it comes to gaming, the Xbox One is lacking in the exclusives department. However, this is offset by the excellence of both Xbox One Backwards Compatibility and Xbox Game Pass. Each Xbox One console is capable of playing most Xbox 360 games and even a few original Xbox games, meaning that if you used to own an older Xbox and still have your games, you can play them on Microsoft's latest generation of consoles for free. If your Xbox collection is small, Xbox Game Pass offers unlimited access to over one hundred Xbox 360 and Xbox One games for just $10/month.

The versatility and value of Xbox One is fantastic, but which specific console should you choose? Here's a breakdown of both.

Xbox One S

The Xbox One S is Microsoft's entry level machine this generation, and is an excellent option if you're looking for a modern multimedia experience for a good price. While it lacks the raw horsepower of its big brother, the Xbox One X, the Xbox One S can usually achieve a solid 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second, depending on what game you're playing. In addition, it is capable of playing 4K Blu-ray and streaming video content in 4K.

Compared to the original (now discontinued) Xbox One from 2013, the Xbox One S is also 40 percent smaller and can be used vertically, making it a great console to upgrade to if you happen to own the old Xbox One, or if you want something that won't take up a lot of space on your TV stand.

Xbox One X

The Xbox One Xis objectively the most powerful gaming console ever created. Powered by a six teraflop GPU and 12 GB of RAM, the Xbox One X is essentially a solid gaming computer in a console's shell. The Xbox One X puts this power to good use: almost all new games are able to run in 4K and between 30-60 frames per second. A lot of titles also offer a graphics setting that lets you swap over from native 4K to checkerboarding, which guarantees a higher framerate at the cost of a slightly worse looking picture.

Another excellent feature is how it makes games look better than they did on any other Xbox console. Games marked with an "Xbox One X Enhanced" tag have been tweaked by developers so that Xbox One X users will experience exclusive benefits like improved lighting effects, better anti-aliasing, and more. The X also provides all of the same multimedia features you would get with the Xbox One S.

The Xbox One X console itself is the smallest Xbox console ever created, making it a compact addition to your entertainment center that'll take up minimal space and offer maximum horsepower. Big things come in small packages, and that has never been more true than it is with the Xbox One X. It is pricy, however, so it's a great choice if money isn't a factor in your decision.

If you use the Xbox One to control most of the media in your home, you're well aware of how clunky the standard gaming controller can be when trying to command other systems. If you're looking for an easier solution, you may want to consider a media remote for your Xbox One. Here are some of our favourites.

If we had to pick...

The Xbox One is an amazing box to have in your living room for all your home media needs, and a great remote can enhance your experience. The superb PDP Talon is an excellent remote by any standards, let alone for a console. It has all the Xbox buttons, is well made and affordable, and ticks all the boxes.

By contrast, you can now finally (once again) interact with your console using your voice. It's not a substitute for a dedicated remote, but with an Amazon Echo Dot you can turn the console on and off, launch apps and games and much more besides.

And if you're a fan of high-end home entertainment equipment, the Xbox One will be right at home in your setup with the Logitech Harmony Elite. This programmable remote is capable of controlling everything in your entertainment centre. It's the one remote to rule them all.

Backward and forward compatible

When the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S arrived on the scene to help usher in a new generation of console gaming, Microsoft also debuted a newly improved Xbox Wireless Controller to complete the package. The fresh controller features a plethora of minor improvements over its predecessor that add up to a sizeable upgrade, even if the Xbox DNA is still very strong.

Continuing its focus on game preservation, Microsoft also ensured the new Xbox Wireless Controller (and other accessories) makes it easy for players to upgrade. The latest Xbox Wireless Controller may come in the box with a brand-new Xbox Series X or S, but it's also fully compatible with older Xbox consoles, including the Xbox One, One S, and One X. The new controllers can even take advantage of built-in Bluetooth support to work with PCs, tablets, and Android and iOS devices.

If you're picking up a new Xbox Wireless Controller for your Xbox One, you'll enjoy a superior experience to regular Xbox One controllers, thanks to upgrades in key areas.

Share button and other improvements

The Xbox Series X|S Wireless Controller looks very familiar on the surface, but Microsoft actually bestowed a handful of upgrades on its latest controller across the board. The new Xbox Wireless Controller features improved ergonomics courtesy of a more rounded design that works better with smaller hands, improved grips in the handles, bumpers, and triggers, and a redesigned D-pad that is wonderfully clicky and well suited to a wide variety of game genres.

There's also the new Share button, which makes it incredibly easy to capture and share screenshots and game clips with a press of a single button. Being able to share gameplay has become increasingly important in recent years, and the new Xbox Wireless Controller helps make it a seamless experience.

The new Xbox Wireless Controller finally leaves behind the archaic micro-USB charging port in favor of a universal USB Type-C port. That means that Xbox Wireless Controller can be plugged in with the same cable that powers many of the best phones, tablets, laptops, headphones, and other accessories. With improved cross-device connectivity, better build quality, the Xbox Design Lab, and other features and improvements, the new Xbox Wireless Controller is an excellent sequel to an already-fantastic controller.

Whether you're planning to stick with your Xbox One or are thinking ahead to an Xbox Series X|S, the new Xbox Wireless Controller is hands-down one of the best Xbox controllers around.

What you need to know

• Just Dance 2022 is now available for Xbox consoles, PlayStation 4 and 5, and the Nintendo Switch.
• The game supports the Kinect on Xbox One consoles to track your movements.
• The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S do not support the Kinect.

Just Dance 2022 recently launched on consoles, including the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. The game is also available on the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PlayStation 5, though the experience is different on modern consoles compared to their older counterparts. In what's a bit of a surprise in 2021, Just Dance 2022 supports the Kinect.

Before you dig through your drawers for a dongle to set up your Kinect, note that the accessory does not work with the Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S. Even if you have a Kinect USB adapter, it will not allow the camera to work with Microsoft's newer consoles.

If you play the game on the Xbox One, you can use the Kinect to dance along with your on-screen avatar. People with newer consoles will have to use the Just Dance Controller app, which is available on iOS and Android.

A listing on JB HI-FI outlines the different ways players can dance along with Just Dance 2022:

No additional accessories are required to join the fun! Just use your smartphone with the Just Dance Controller app!

Just Dance 2022 is compatible with:

• The Joy-Con controllers on Switch
• The PlayStation Camera on PS4
• The Kinect sensor on Xbox One

Just Dance 2022 is not compatible with:

• The HD camera on PS5
• Any camera on Xbox Series X

Just Dance 2022 has 40 new tracks. If you have Just Dance Unlimited, you'll have access to over 700 tracks throughout the duration of your subscription.

Games are getting bigger than ever, but the internal hard drive in your Xbox One is not. The majority of Microsoft's Xbox consoles now ship with 500GB or 1TB hard drives, unfit for a sizeable library, which makes it increasingly necessary to expand your Xbox One storage.

External drive support comes baked into Microsoft's Xbox One consoles, now a fast and affordable method to add more storage. It's relatively simple, boasting plug-and-play compatibility across most off-the-shelf USB hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) on the market. That increased capacity means less time stressing about free hard drive space and more time playing video games. You get more space for the biggest blockbusters out there, and with the right drive, you can also expect a drastic reduction in load times.

The most popular video game releases now decimate any Xbox One drive space, with top franchises like Call of Duty, NBA 2K, and Halo all north of 100GB on consoles. While you can juggle your favorite titles, uninstalling and redownloading as desired, that's hardly feasible with large file sizes. External hard drives are the remedy, hugely expanding your virtual shelf for games, and incredibly affordable, too.

The Xbox One family mandates that all games be installed on internal storage, a change from the previous Xbox 360 generation, which allowed games to be played directly from the disc. The same now applies whether you buy physical discs or digital downloads, and with file sizes steadily growing, hard drive space is now a valuable resource.

Hooking up an external hard drive is one of the best ways to expand your Xbox One console when running low on storage space. While internal hard drives cannot be replaced or upgraded without voiding your warranty, external USB storage is simple and hassle-free.

External hard drives don't require extensive setup, with plug-and-play support across current consoles. They work with all games available on Xbox One, a luxury that doesn't translate to expanding Xbox Series X|S storage, making the process incredibly simple and affordable.

The result is additional space for Xbox games, allowing you to install more titles or make room for larger file sizes. It also helps counter the rapidly swelling file sizes across top franchises, regularly surpassing 100GB. You may also see improvements in loading time and performance, depending on the drive you choose.

Xbox One hard drive and SSD requirements

Xbox consoles support most modern hard drives on the market, including the most popular models from top brands like Seagate, Western Digital, and more. The baseline requirements include USB 3.0 support, now standard among even budget USB external hard drives. USB 3.0 support ensures data will transfer between your console and drive at a relatively fast rate. Compatible external drives work with all Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games, unlike the limitations imposed on some games designed for the new Xbox Series X|S consoles.

When choosing a drive, your first consideration should be storage space. Drives must also be at least 256GB to work with Xbox consoles, eliminating some entry-level capacities. The consoles also have a 16TB limit on external storage, far beyond the reasonable storage capacity of most drives on the market. For most, 1TB externals provide a welcome boost, ideal for those on a budget. Making an upgrade to 2TB offers more flexibility, while 4TB and 8TB prove overkill for many.

Hard drive speed should also be considered, roughly estimated by the drive's revolutions per minute (RPM). Theoretically, the faster the drive, the quicker games will install, load, and save. For example, 7,200 RPM drives are faster than entry-level 5,400 RPM drives, while 10,000 RPM drives provide a further boost. For those demanding the best storage speeds, solid-state drives (SSDs) lead the pack, delivering unrivaled performance on Xbox One, albeit at a higher price.

It is worth noting that all consoles, including the Xbox One X, pack a 5,400 RPM internal hard drive. However, limitations of the console's "SATA II" interface mean its full potential is rarely used, making any external 5,400 RPM drive faster than the internal drive in most situations. As for the Xbox One X, which uses high bandwidth "SATA III," internal load times are also improved over Xbox One S. While SSDs deliver consistent improvements over the stock internal drive, some external hard drives can also bring measurable gains with load times.

How to choose an Xbox One external hard drive

When choosing a drive, your first consideration should be storage space. The console has a 16TB limit on external storage size, making most drives compatible. For most, 1TB externals provide a welcome boost, ideal for those on a budget. Making an upgrade to 2TB offers more flexibility, while 4TB and 8TB prove overkill for many.

While countless external drives meet the requirements for Xbox One consoles, we have our favorites. Overall performance, value, and reliability are crucial to choosing the right hard drive or solid-state drive. Our guide to the best Xbox One hard drives and SSDs provides a full in-depth breakdown, including more sizes and price ranges.

Entry-level 1TB and 2TB drives are an excellent upgrade for first-time buyers. You're getting a sizeable upgrade that dominates the base 500GB hard drives in many consoles, providing ample room for new releases. They're also ideal when on a tighter budget, with prices starting below the cost of a new video game.

We've rounded up a few of the best-value picks right now, which also join the lineup of best hard drives for Xbox Series X and Series S, should you choose to upgrade at a later date.

Upgrading to an SSD isn't for everyone, with the best options often demanding a hefty premium over their slower hard drive counterparts. The Samsung T7 lineup is currently a leading option for Xbox One, with high speeds and starting prices on the lower end. It's also the best SSD for Xbox Series X and Series S over a USB connection, with reduced load times even more apparent on these new consoles.

How to use an external hard drive on Xbox One

With an Xbox-compatible hard drive in hand, it's now time to connect it to Xbox One. Microsoft has made the process effortless over the years, with concise on-screen instructions throughout the setup process.

Connect the drive to a vacant USB port using the included cable. Once automatically detected, follow the on-screen prompts, permitting the drive to be formatted. By using the external hard drive on Xbox One, all prior data is erased.

1. Connect your external hard drive to an Xbox One USB port. An on-screen pop-up will display.
2. Select Format storage device.
3. Enter a name for the drive using the on-screen keyboard.
4. Select Install new things here to automatically install future games on this drive.
5. Select Format storage device. This will delete all data on the device.

Now configured for Xbox One, future games, and apps automatically install to your external drive. You can also add additional drives to your Xbox One console, using the same setup process.

How to move Xbox One games to an external hard drive

With your external drive installed and formatted, existing game installations can be moved. This allows games to take advantage of performance benefits without redownloading over Xbox Live. We recommend transferring all but the lowest-priority games.

1. Open the Settings app on Xbox One.
2. Navigate to the System tab.
3. Select Storage.
4. Scroll over to the right to select the drive to move content from.
5. Select Transfer.
6. Select items you plan to transfer. If moving all items, choose Select all.

7. Choose Move selected to move the items between the console and drive.
8. Choose the external drive.
9. Press Move to initiate the transfer.

Back to the top^

After you're done moving your games, the "My Games & Apps" menu will now display the total combined free storage and percentage of used storage on the left side of the screen.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has announced plans to bring its Xbox Cloud Gaming game-streaming service to Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles this holiday.
• Cloud gaming brings Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S-exclusive experiences to older Xbox One hardware, including titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator and The Medium.
• Microsoft will allow Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S owners to try out select games via cloud streaming without the requirement to download the title.

Microsoft has outlined plans to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming, its remote game-streaming technology formerly dubbed Project xCloud, to Xbox consoles later this year. The platform holder detailed its expected rollout at its Gamescom 2021 conference on Tuesday, scheduled to arrive on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles this holiday via its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Microsoft will also offer cloud gaming early to select Xbox owners via the Xbox Insider Program.

Cloud gaming comes to Xbox consoles with two primary focuses; playing Xbox games without waiting for downloads and playing Xbox Series X|S exclusives on older systems. The service will run games on Xbox Series X hardware, following backend server upgrades deployed earlier this year, delivering low-latency 60 frames-per-second (FPS) gameplay at 1080p resolution.

"We've been listening to our gamers and have heard their feedback loud and clear: they want to try new games fast without waiting for an install to finish," said Catherine Gluckstein, head of product and strategy for Xbox Cloud Gaming. "Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) on Xbox consoles lets you play new games faster than ever, optimizing space and saving you time."

Microsoft brings Xbox cloud gaming support to all consoles via the integrated Microsoft Store, providing a new opportunity to stream Xbox Game Pass titles without waiting for downloads. Microsoft states Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will boast over 100 cloud-enabled titles at launch, with cloud-specific iconography in the store for supported games.

The feature provides the next logical step beyond FastStart, an existing Xbox feature that prioritizes essential files during downloads, reducing the wait when first getting started. It's an ongoing challenge, especially for the latest console generation, with blockbusters like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War now surpassing 200GB on new consoles. When expanding your Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S storage feels like a necessity, cloud gaming could ease the weight on hard drives.

Extending Xbox Series X experiences to older Xbox One consoles benefits those yet to migrate to its best Xbox consoles, enabling experiences currently impossible on aging hardware. Current exclusives include Microsoft Flight Simulator and The Medium, titles built with fundamental considerations for current-generation hardware, including new solid-state drives (SSDs) and CPUs. More Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S releases, including the upcoming Forza Motorsport and Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, are expected to join the service.

Cloud gaming will prove valuable through limited Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S availability, with stock constraints ongoing months after launch. The current global chip shortage has seen Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and high-end graphics cards in short supply, with the impact expected to extend in 2022. Cloud gaming could ease the transition with many existing Xbox One owners unlikely to upgrade this year, despite developers shifting attention to the latest hardware.

Cloud gaming won't mitigate the need for new consoles — Microsoft has repeatedly stressed its commitment to physical hardware. Dedicated gaming consoles deliver leading visuals, including support for 4K resolutions, high dynamic range (HDR), and other display standards. That's without touching on latency and overall network stability that can still impact your cloud experience. However, as outlined in our Xbox cloud gaming review, the service is already a viable platform on mobile and PC.

The rollout marks the latest expansion for Microsoft's streaming efforts, expanding the Xbox platform beyond traditional living room hardware. Cloud gaming remains readily available on mobile and PC, with talk of smart TV support and dedicated Xbox streaming sticks on the horizon.

What you need to know

• 8BitDo announced two new Xbox media remotes.
• The remotes work with the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One.
• Both remotes feature media buttons, directional buttons, and A, B, X, and Y buttons, but only the long version has a number pad.

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One owners have new options when it comes to media remotes. 8BitDo announced two Xbox media remotes that are available for preorder. The short version of the remote costs $20, while the long version is a bit pricier at $25. Both remotes will be available on September 15, 2021.

Both of 8BitDo's new remotes have media buttons like play, pause, skip, and fast forward. They also have the standard Xbox buttons, including the Xbox home button, directional buttons, and A, B, X, and Y buttons. The main difference between the controllers is that the long version has a number pad. They also come in different colors, with the short version in white and the long version in black.

They're similar in design to some of the best media remotes for Xbox Series X and Series S but resemble PDP's offerings the most. The newer PDP Media Remote is more like the 8BitDo's short remote, while 8BitDo's longer offering resembles the original PDP Talon. PDP's offerings are often out of stock, so people may shift to 8BitDo as an alternative.

8BitDo is likely most recognized for its gaming controllers, like the 8BitDo Pro 2 and the 8BitDo Xbox controller, but it also makes adapters and accessories.

Update, July 27 (6:20 pm ET): Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella confirmed that the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are the fastest-selling Xbox consoles ever.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has announced its FY21 Q4 earnings, detailing an 11% increase in gaming revenue, with Xbox hardware revenue up 172% year-over-year (YoY) this quarter.
• Xbox content and services revenue slumped 4% compared to record numbers in 2020, amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Microsoft exceeded expectations with its FY21 Q4 earnings on Tuesday, closing the financial year with $46.2 billion in company-wide revenue. The Xbox platform holder also saw an 11% increase in gaming revenue year-over-year (YoY) this past quarter, while software and services revenue slumped 4%, compared to record numbers in 2020.

The latest figures come as many key Xbox markets look to reopen following the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall revenue increase demonstrated continued growth for the Xbox business, although content and services failed to maintain momentum seen in its FY20 Q4 earnings.

Microsoft attributes the $128 million decrease in content and services revenue to a "decline in third-party titles" once seeing through stay-at-home orders. However, in-house first-party offerings and its Xbox Game Pass subscription services saw elevated the category, offsetting the impact of third-party titles. The company reported "record numbers" for Xbox engagement last year, even scaling back some operations to account for unforeseen demand.

Microsoft has also seen continued three-figure growth for Xbox hardware revenue this quarter, increasing 172%, bolstered by the launch of Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S in November. The latest console generation continues to face supply constraints, with ongoing chip shortages failing to meet global demand. Console hardware shortages are expected to continue into the next financial year.

However, according to CEO Satya Nadella said that the two consoles were the fastest selling Xbox consoles ever, "with more consoles sold life-to-date than any previous generation."