consoles Archives

Winsage

July 19, 2025

Microsoft shuts down Movies & TV digital storefront on Xbox and Windows

Microsoft will discontinue its Movies & TV digital storefront on Xbox consoles and Windows devices on July 18, 2025, ending the ability to purchase new movies and TV shows through the Microsoft Store. Users will still have access to previously purchased content via the Movies & TV application on their devices. The closure will affect new entertainment content acquisitions on Microsoft.com and the Microsoft Store on Windows and Xbox, but users can continue to enjoy their existing digital libraries. The refund policy for movies and TV shows will remain unchanged, with purchases being ineligible for refunds. Content portability options are available through Movies Anywhere for U.S. residents, but direct migration to alternative services is largely unavailable. Third-party entertainment services will continue to be available on Microsoft's platforms for new content purchases. The Movies & TV storefront has been operational since 2015, evolving from earlier services. Microsoft will maintain server infrastructure for existing content libraries and provide ongoing support for previously purchased content. Content licensing agreements will dictate the availability of purchased titles.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

15 incredible DOS classics you can play in your browser

Between the late '80s and early '90s, DOS became the foundation of PC gaming, fostering innovation with advancements in 2.5D and 3D environments, first-person shooters, city-building simulations, and point-and-click adventures. DOS games are lightweight, allowing them to run on modern devices easily. Dangerous Dave (1988) is a nostalgic platformer that remains enjoyable today. Sid Meier's Civilization (1991) is considered one of the greatest DOS games, allowing players to build empires through various strategies. Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty (1992) is credited with shaping the real-time strategy genre, introducing base-building and resource management. Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons (1990) set the standard for PC platformers with its vibrant gameplay. Carmageddon (1997) is an iconic car combat game known for its humor and chaos. Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (1992) is a hallmark of the point-and-click genre with engaging puzzles. The Oregon Trail (1990) started as an educational tool and became a classic game blending survival strategy with humor. Command and Conquer (1995) revolutionized the RTS genre with engaging gameplay. X-COM: UFO Defense (1994) is known for its strategic gameplay where every decision matters. Wolfenstein 3D (1992) is a pioneer of the FPS genre, influencing many subsequent titles.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

You Can Now Stream Your Own Xbox Games Directly to Your PC

XBOX has enhanced its Play Anywhere program, allowing users to stream Game Pass titles and select personally owned games across various devices, including smartphones and the Meta Quest, through cloud streaming. This functionality now extends to browsers and consoles, but not to the Xbox app on PC. PC gamers can stream games previously unavailable on PC, provided they have a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and own the specific game. The "Stream Your Own Game" feature is in beta testing and is being rolled out for around 250 games, with plans for expansion. To access this feature, users must become Xbox Insiders by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub app and completing the setup process.

BetaBeacon

July 17, 2025

Forget copyright strikes, a retro gaming YouTuber faces jail time for reviewing gaming handhelds

Italian YouTuber Once Were Nerd is facing legal trouble in Italy for promoting pirated copyrighted materials, specifically related to ANBERNIC devices. Officials seized more than 30 gaming consoles from his collection and may shut down his channel before the case goes to trial. The charges are related to the reproduction of copyrighted material from Nintendo and Sony, and could result in a maximum punishment of €15,000 and three years of jail time. The case sets a dangerous precedent for other gaming-focused creators in countries with outdated copyright laws.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Xbox PC app can now stream 250+ games beyond the Game Pass library

Microsoft is enhancing the Xbox PC app with a new feature called “Stream your own game,” allowing Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream over 250 console games directly to their PCs without installation. This feature expands the library of supported games from 50 to over 250, including titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Star Wars Outlaws, Cyberpunk 2077, and Hogwarts Legacy. The games run on Microsoft’s cloud servers, conserving installation time and storage space on PCs. To use this feature, users need a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and digital copies of the games; physical discs are not supported. Participation in the Xbox Insider program and registration for the PC Gaming Preview is also required. Currently, the feature is available in 28 countries, with plans to remove the Insider restriction and broaden game selection in the future.

BetaBeacon

July 16, 2025

YouTuber faces jail time for showing off Android-based gaming handhelds

Italian YouTuber Once Were Nerd is facing legal issues for showcasing handheld gaming devices with pre-loaded copyrighted game ROMs, leading to potential criminal charges and the risk of his channel being shut down.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Xbox Insiders Can Now Stream Xbox Console-Only Games On PC

Microsoft has enhanced its "Stream your own game" feature, allowing Xbox Insiders to stream any Xbox game they own directly on PC. This update follows previous rollouts to TVs, browsers, and consoles. The feature is available exclusively to Xbox Insiders who are Game Pass Ultimate members and can be accessed through the Xbox PC app in 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming operates. Players can stream from over 250 supported titles without installation. The game library is expanding, though it currently does not include older Xbox and Xbox 360 titles. Microsoft is also promoting its Xbox Play Anywhere initiative, enabling gamers to purchase titles once and play them across multiple devices, including the upcoming Xbox ROG Ally Windows handhelds.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Xbox Game Pass now lets you stream your own games on PC

Xbox has introduced a new feature for its Game Pass service that allows PC subscribers to stream games they own, even if those titles are not part of the current catalogue. This enhancement improves user experience and addresses backwards compatibility concerns. Additionally, Xbox is collaborating with Asus to create a handheld device similar to the Steam Deck, further promoting versatile gaming across platforms.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Xbox ‘Stream Your Own Game’ Now Available on PC For Select Titles Only

Microsoft's Xbox division has launched the "Stream your own game" feature for PC users, allowing access to a library of over 250 games without extensive downloads or installations. This feature is available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers who are part of the Xbox Insiders Program in 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta) is supported. The program includes popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy and enables users to play console-exclusive games on PCs.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Microsoft Tests Streaming Xbox Games on PC

Microsoft's Xbox division is testing a new feature that allows users to stream their personally owned games through the Xbox PC app, eliminating lengthy installations. This feature is currently available to Xbox Insiders with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and enables players to access their game libraries on Windows devices using cloud technology. The app manages processing on remote servers, conserving local storage and reducing download times. This initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to unify its gaming ecosystem and respond to competition from services like Nvidia's GeForce Now and Amazon's Luna. The feature aims to democratize access to games without requiring a subscription for owned titles. Challenges include reliance on internet connectivity and privacy concerns regarding cloud data management. If successful, this could lead to broader integration across Xbox platforms, including smart TVs. Feedback from Insiders will influence the rollout pace.