NewApp Digest
search bot

price hikes

Microsoft just released my favorite old-school Xbox game on PC
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

Microsoft just released my favorite old-school Xbox game on PC

Microsoft is reviving classic Xbox titles for PC gamers through an initiative called "Xbox Backwards Compatibility on PC." The initial rollout includes four games: Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live & Reloaded, and Fusion Frenzy, all designed to run natively on Windows PCs. Crimson Skies is priced at ten dollars but is currently available only for streaming via Game Pass. Accessing these titles requires the latest version of the Xbox Insider build, leading to some user difficulties. Despite this nostalgic initiative, Xbox faces challenges in maintaining competitiveness against rivals like PlayStation and Valve's Steam, compounded by recent layoffs within its development teams.
'The problem with Windows machines is that they have Windows on them': Microsoft clearly faces an uphill struggle as it defends Windows 11 laptops, firing shots at MacBook Neo
Winsage
July 2, 2026

‘The problem with Windows machines is that they have Windows on them’: Microsoft clearly faces an uphill struggle as it defends Windows 11 laptops, firing shots at MacBook Neo

A viral video on X showcased the MacBook Neo's superiority over a generic Windows laptop, specifically an HP Victus gaming model, which raised questions about the fairness of the comparison. Microsoft responded by highlighting the Dell XPS 13's features and competitive pricing, especially as Apple increased the MacBook Neo's price. However, Microsoft is facing challenges with its Surface lineup, including price hikes and rumors of discontinuing more affordable models like the Surface Go 4 and Surface Laptop Go 3. Reports indicate that these devices are becoming harder to find, and the Surface Laptop Go 3 has been replaced by a more expensive model. Additionally, public sentiment on platforms like Reddit reflects skepticism towards Windows laptops, with concerns about Windows updates and overall reliability persisting despite improvements in Windows 11.
Bypassed Windows 11 shows surprising stability on ancient, completely unsupported hardware
Winsage
June 30, 2026

Bypassed Windows 11 shows surprising stability on ancient, completely unsupported hardware

Windows 11 has elevated system requirements, necessitating four times the memory and storage for AI-driven applications. It can technically run on a minimum of 4GB of memory, but current hardware pricing is challenging due to a silicon shortage affecting various memory types. A retro hardware enthusiast named Omores installed Windows 11 on a DDR1-based system using an ASRock ConRoe865PE motherboard, Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor, 3GB of DDR1 RAM, and an ATI Radeon HD 4650 AGP graphics card. He overcame the lack of AGP support in Windows 11 by using legacy drivers, achieving satisfactory performance for older applications and games. However, Windows 11 version 24H2 requires SSE4.2 CPU instructions, which are not supported by processors from the AGP era, making version 23H2 the last compatible release for such systems.
Microsoft Weekly: 5 years of Windows 11, more support for Windows 10, and expensive Xbox
Winsage
June 28, 2026

Microsoft Weekly: 5 years of Windows 11, more support for Windows 10, and expensive Xbox

Microsoft's Windows 11 celebrated its fifth anniversary on June 24, 2026, and is undergoing regular updates to improve user experience, particularly addressing search functionality. Microsoft has extended the Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10 for an additional year. A non-security update for Windows 11, KB5095093, was released, introducing enhancements such as point-in-time restore capabilities and accessibility improvements. In the Windows Insider Program, new builds were released across various channels, including accessibility features and improvements to File Explorer. Microsoft has discontinued the AI-powered browsing history search feature in Edge due to user feedback. PowerToys version 0.100.1 has been updated with improvements and bug fixes. In gaming, Microsoft announced a price increase for Xbox consoles effective August 1, 2026, with the Xbox Series X|S models seeing price hikes. The 2TB Xbox Series X will be discontinued, but new accessibility programs are being introduced. Valve's upcoming Steam Machine console is priced at ,049 for the 512GB configuration. Rockstar Games announced that Grand Theft Auto VI will launch at .99 for the base edition and .99 for the ultimate edition. NVIDIA announced new titles for its GeForce NOW streaming service, while Steam is hosting its annual Summer Sale until July 9, and the Epic Games Store is offering free games and deals.
From casual hobby to luxury investment: memory costs hit PC gaming hard
AppWizard
June 28, 2026

From casual hobby to luxury investment: memory costs hit PC gaming hard

Two years ago, the gaming landscape was improving with affordable video games and devices like the Steam Deck making PC gaming more user-friendly. However, demand for AI data centers has disrupted manufacturing, causing component prices to rise significantly. Microsoft reported a 2.5 times increase in costs for memory and storage, leading to a 20% price hike for the Xbox Series S in the U.S. starting in August. Apple also announced a similar 20% increase on its hardware. The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ has been launched at a price of ,499 in Australia, offering advanced gaming performance but at a steep cost. The Steam Deck remains a popular option at 9, while the ASUS ROG Ally provides alternatives for Windows users. The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a 1080p, 120Hz screen at a lower cost but lacks many major releases. Valve's Steam Machine was initially expected to start at 9, but due to the component crisis, it now starts at 9 for a 512GB model. DIY PC builds are becoming more accessible, with a recent build costing just over ,000. Consoles from Sony and Microsoft may offer better pricing for components despite recent increases. Cloud streaming services like Nvidia GeForce NOW and Xbox Game Pass are also emerging as cost-effective options.
Microsoft Shares Bounce From 52-Week Low as Italian Probe and Windows 10 Extension Create Crosscurre
Winsage
June 28, 2026

Microsoft Shares Bounce From 52-Week Low as Italian Probe and Windows 10 Extension Create Crosscurre

The Italian antitrust authority, AGCM, has launched an investigation into Microsoft 365 for allegedly guiding users toward pricier subscription tiers by integrating AI tools like Copilot and Designer without explicit user consent. Microsoft has stated it will cooperate with the investigation. Last year, Australia’s consumer watchdog made a similar complaint regarding hidden costs related to Copilot during contract renewals. Despite this scrutiny, Microsoft shares rose to €327.90, a 5.71% increase, following a shift in investor sentiment towards AI-software firms. Microsoft also extended its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 until October 2027, allowing users to delay transitioning to Windows 11, which could hinder hardware sales. The stock remains down nearly 19% year-to-date and is trading below key moving averages. The ongoing regulatory investigation and sluggish Windows upgrade cycle present challenges for Microsoft’s growth.
Why Are Game Consoles Cheaper Than A Gaming PC?
AppWizard
June 4, 2026

Why Are Game Consoles Cheaper Than A Gaming PC?

There is a disparity between the costs of building a gaming PC and purchasing a gaming console, with consoles often being the more economical choice. The average cost of building a gaming PC tends to exceed that of acquiring a current-generation console. Console manufacturers often sell their systems at a loss, compensating through sales of higher-priced games and subscription services. The PS5 Pro retails for 0 or more, aligning it more closely with the cost of building a gaming PC. Modern consoles have limited hardware upgrade options, while gaming PCs offer flexibility for incremental upgrades. Affordable pre-built systems with older hardware configurations are available, allowing for cost-effective gaming setups. While the initial investment in a gaming PC may be higher, long-term benefits include free online multiplayer, a vast library of games, straightforward upgrades, and extended support.
Game Pass success story: It turns out that when you make things cheaper, more people will buy them
AppWizard
May 29, 2026

Game Pass success story: It turns out that when you make things cheaper, more people will buy them

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma indicated a strategic shift in Game Pass pricing, noting that a price reduction has effectively increased consumer interest. In April, Xbox acknowledged the need for "a better value equation" after a significant price increase in October 2025, where the Game Pass Ultimate subscription rose by 50% to .99 per month. Following Sharma's comments, Xbox reduced the Game Pass Ultimate subscription price to .99 per month, though this rate is still higher than pre-increase levels. As a result of these changes, Call of Duty titles will no longer be available on Game Pass at launch, with availability expected about a year later. Additionally, an ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming service has emerged, suggesting potential future models for Game Pass. Sharma also mentioned a rebranding of Xbox to XBOX, aimed at better engagement with the player base, although Xbox will not participate in this rebranding effort.
Epic Games’ Tim Sweeney slams Valve over Steam Deck price hikes — mocks founder Gabe Newell over rising costs of megayachts
AppWizard
May 29, 2026

Epic Games’ Tim Sweeney slams Valve over Steam Deck price hikes — mocks founder Gabe Newell over rising costs of megayachts

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, criticized Valve for increasing the price of the Steam Deck's 1TB model to 9, attributing the price hike to shortages in memory and chips. He acknowledged the overall rise in component costs but deemed Valve's increases excessive. Valve's CEO Gabe Newell is known for his luxury yacht collection, including a 365-foot superyacht valued at around a billion dollars. Valve has not yet announced pricing for the Steam Machine, which is expected to be priced similarly to other gaming PC builds, potentially exceeding ,000, without subsidies to compete with PlayStation or Xbox.
Search