Xbox Consoles Archives

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Microsoft secretly working FREE updates for Windows 11

Microsoft is set to introduce new features for Windows 11, following the discontinuation of Windows 10 support. Two major updates are planned for 2026: Windows 11 Version 26H1, available only for new PCs with the Snapdragon X2 chip, and Version 26H2, which will be released to all users in the autumn. Key features include the integration of Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant, which can replace the standard search box on the Taskbar, allowing users to ask questions and search documents using natural language. The calendar flyout on the Taskbar will be updated to show upcoming events and reminders, syncing with the Outlook app. A new full-screen Xbox app will transform Windows PCs into Xbox consoles, optimizing for gamepad use. Microsoft is also exploring video-based wallpapers for the desktop, allowing continuous video playback. Additionally, Copilot will be integrated into File Explorer for enhanced productivity, enabling users to chat about files and generate document summaries.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Square Enix RPG Free for a Limited Time

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is currently available for free to select users through Prime Gaming, requiring an Amazon Prime subscription. The offer is limited to PC users and will be available until February 2. The game, released a decade ago, is the fourth installment in the Deus Ex series and typically retails for .99. It has a Metacritic score of 83 and players can expect to spend around 30 hours to complete the main storyline or about 50 hours for full exploration.

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

Gift Digital Xbox and PC Games for the Holidays

Gifting digital games through the Microsoft Store is popular during the holiday season, allowing users to send digital codes easily across Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, ROG Ally devices, and web browsers. On Xbox consoles, users select a game, click the gift-wrap icon, and choose a friend or enter an email address to send the gift. Both sender and recipient must be in the same country. The recipient receives a redeemable code via Xbox message and email. The process is similar on the Xbox app for PC and ROG Ally, as well as through the Microsoft Store online, which only supports email delivery. The Microsoft Store on Windows also allows gifting via email. Digital Xbox gifts cannot be sent internationally, and subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can be gifted. Gifting is not supported through web3 wallets or blockchain services, and redeemed codes cannot be refunded or transferred.

AppWizard

December 6, 2025

How to Buy a Digital Game as a Gift This Holiday

The Microsoft Store allows users to gift digital games across various platforms, including Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and handheld devices like the Xbox ROG Ally. To gift a game through a console, users navigate to the Microsoft Store, select the game, and click the gift wrap icon to access “Buy as gift” options. The recipient must be in the same country for the transaction to proceed. After selecting the recipient and payment option, the friend receives a notification to redeem the game. Users can also gift add-ons and subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. For gifting through the Xbox app on PC or Xbox ROG Ally, the process is similar: search for the game, click the “…” button, and select “Buy as Gift.” Gifting via a web browser involves visiting the Microsoft Store Online, selecting the game, and choosing “Buy as a gift” after logging into a Microsoft Account. The gifting process on the Microsoft Store for Windows is also straightforward, with only the email option available for sending gifts.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

XBOX Black Friday 2025 Sale Discounts Over 2,000 Digital Games On Console And PC

Microsoft has launched its Black Friday 2025 sale, offering discounts up to 75% on select Xbox titles and up to 85% on select PC titles, running until December 3rd. The sale features over 2,000 titles, including games like Borderlands 4 and Battlefield 6. Notable Xbox digital game discounts include Fallout 76 at .99 (-75%) and Hogwarts Legacy at .49 (-85%). For PC, discounts include Hogwarts Legacy at .49 (-85%) and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 at .99 (-50%). Microsoft is not offering discounts on Xbox consoles, which remain at regular prices, while accessories like Xbox controllers have discounts up to 38%. Retail partners are expected to announce their Black Friday deals soon.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

2025 Windows 11 PC holiday buying guide: Best devices and deals

The holiday season is an ideal time to gift a Windows 11 PC, which can enhance gaming setups, assist with creative projects, and simplify daily tasks. Windows 11 PCs now feature Copilot, an AI-powered assistant that streamlines tasks through voice commands. A survey shows that over half of Gen Z and Millennials use generative AI weekly. Various Windows 11 PCs are available for different users, including: - Lenovo Legion 5 15": A gaming laptop with AMD Ryzen 7 260 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics, starting at ,249.99 MSRP, currently ,169.99 at Walmart. - ROG Xbox Ally: A portable gaming device starting at 9.99, available at Microsoft.com and Best Buy. - Dell 16 Plus Laptop: Designed for students, starting at ,149.99 MSRP. - Samsung Galaxy Book5 360: A versatile 2-in-1 PC starting at ,349.99 MSRP. - Acer Aspire 14 AI: A portable laptop starting at 9.99 MSRP at Costco.com. - ASUS Zenbook 14: Lightweight with multi-day battery life, starting at 9 MSRP at Walmart. - Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC: Starting at ,199.99 at Best Buy. - Surface Pro 12-inch: A portable 2-in-1 device starting at 9.99 MSRP at Best Buy. - HP OmniBook 5 14-inch: Offers long battery life, starting at 9.99 MSRP. - Surface Laptop 13-inch: Lightweight with AI features, starting at 9.99 MSRP at Best Buy. Retailers like Microsoft, Best Buy, and Costco offer significant holiday deals on these PCs, with discounts and promotions available. Microsoft.com features exclusive deals, price protection, and free shipping until January 31, 2026. Xbox deals include discounts on games and accessories, with Xbox Game Pass Premium subscriptions and Microsoft gift cards available as gift options.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Xbox Partner Preview: See the Latest Games From Our Amazing Third Party Partners This Week

The Xbox Partner Preview is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, at 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern / 6 PM UK. The event will highlight upcoming games from third-party partners, including IO Interactive, Eclipse Glow Games, and THQ Nordic. Viewers can expect a first look at 007 First Light, an extended gameplay trailer for Tides of Annihilation, and a glimpse at Reanimal. All featured games will be available on Xbox consoles, Xbox on PC, and through Xbox Game Pass, and are part of the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative. The event will be streamed on YouTube and Twitch, with live subtitles in multiple languages and accessibility features including Audio Descriptions and ASL interpretation. A recap of the announcements will be published after the event.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick says gaming is ‘moving towards PC’ as the industry shifts away from closed systems, but we still don’t have a GTA 6 announcement

PC gaming is experiencing a resurgence, moving away from the belief that it is dying, as players seek more open and versatile experiences. Take-Two Interactive's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, noted a trend towards PC gaming and the evolution of consoles. The introduction of the Steam Machine, a device that resembles a console but functions as a low-spec gaming PC, raises questions about the future of dedicated gaming consoles. Xbox chief Phil Spencer acknowledged this shift, indicating a potential dilemma for Microsoft regarding the appeal of Xbox consoles if players can access Xbox titles on Steam Machines. Pricing will play a crucial role in consumer decisions about the Steam Machine. Additionally, the anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 has not yet been confirmed for PC, highlighting complexities within the gaming industry.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

Fortnite Hits Xbox PC Store with Game Pass Crew Bundle

Fortnite will be available through the Xbox on PC app starting November 18th, ending its exclusivity on the Epic Games Launcher. It will be part of Microsoft's Xbox Play Anywhere program, allowing seamless progression across Xbox consoles, PCs, and supported handheld devices. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will receive a complimentary Fortnite Crew subscription, valued at .99 per month, which includes exclusive skins, 1,000 V-Bucks, and access to all battle passes. This partnership indicates a shift towards collaboration between Epic Games and Microsoft in the PC gaming market. The integration raises questions about account management and in-game purchases. Epic aims to leverage Microsoft's Game Pass ecosystem, which has over 25 million subscribers, to grow its audience while diversifying Fortnite's offerings.

BetaBeacon

November 15, 2025

Another Rockstar Games hit is coming to Netflix next month

Red Dead Redemption is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. Owners of the PS4 and Xbox One versions can upgrade for free. Save progress can be carried over from older versions. The game will also be available on mobile devices for the first time.