Xbox Game Pass Archives

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Could Be Merged with PC Game Pass and Expanded with More Third-Party Services

Microsoft is reportedly considering merging the Xbox Game Pass Premium console subscription with the PC Game Pass. This information has been corroborated by multiple sources, indicating substantial interest in this direction. The current features of both subscriptions differ in price, platforms, first-party day-one access, EA Play inclusion, cloud gaming capabilities, online multiplayer options, and game library size. The potential merger could introduce a new subscription tier that includes cloud gaming, EA Play, and first-party day-one access, likely at a higher price point. Additionally, Microsoft is speculated to be exploring bundled third-party services to enhance Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. There are also rumors about a next-generation Xbox console launching in 2027, which may be a hybrid model capable of running PC applications.

Winsage

February 1, 2026

Windows 11 has 1 billion users

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that Windows 11 has surpassed 1 billion monthly active users, following the end of support for Windows 10. Despite this milestone, there is significant customer dissatisfaction. Windows chief Pavan Davuluri acknowledged the need for improvements in system performance, reliability, and overall user experience. Recent updates have been problematic, with glitches reported during the first Patch Tuesday update of 2026. The integration of AI features has left some users feeling overwhelmed, while the constant upsell prompts for services like Xbox Game Pass and Microsoft 365 have been criticized as bloatware. Users have also expressed frustration over forced migrations to OneDrive, where files have been deleted without consent. Additionally, there is a notable disparity in support for home users compared to corporate users, raising concerns about Microsoft's commitment to enhancing the consumer experience.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Weekend PC Download Deals for Jan. 30: Steam Board Game Fest

The Steam Board Game Fest 2026 features deals on tabletop-style video games, showcasing titles that reflect traditional board games. Steam is also offering sales on popular games from developers like Square Enix, Rockstar Games, and Xbox. A free weekend for the game Dead by Daylight is available. GOG.com is hosting a New Year Sale, while the Epic Games Store has ongoing sales. Fanatical is offering discounts on the game Cairn. Xbox Game Pass users receive exclusive discounts, and various other platforms like Gamebillet, GamesPlanet, Green Man Gaming, Humble Bundle, and Ubisoft are also providing deals and promotions. Green Man Gaming offers a coupon code for 15% off PC games, and Humble Bundle has a subscription service with monthly offerings. Feedback from the gaming community is encouraged.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Is Reanimal coming to Game Pass?

Tarsier Studios is set to release a horror platformer titled Reanimal, featuring grotesque creatures and a narrative about a brother and sister trying to escape a nightmarish landscape. The game will not be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, and Tarsier Studios has not confirmed its future inclusion. However, Reanimal will be accessible through Xbox Anywhere for both Xbox and PC platforms.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

5 things to be ready for if you’re leaving PC gaming for consoles in 2026

In 2026, consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X offer a compelling alternative to PC gaming due to rising costs and complexities. Transitioning to a console means giving up hardware customization for stability, as games are guaranteed to perform consistently. Consoles simplify graphics settings, allowing players to focus on gameplay rather than optimization. Subscription services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass influence buying habits, encouraging gamers to be selective and explore a wider range of titles without the financial burden of purchasing each game. However, switching from PC to console results in a loss of modding capabilities, which can limit creativity and customization. Console gaming provides a more curated experience, reducing chaos from numerous storefronts and launchers. Ultimately, the switch is about reprioritizing the gaming experience towards stability, predictability, and simplicity.

AppWizard

January 22, 2026

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, Death Stranding Director’s Cut, and More

Resident Evil Village is now available on Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass. MIO: Memories in Orbit launches on day one with Game Pass. Death Stranding Director’s Cut will be available on January 21. RoadCraft will also launch on January 21. Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is set for January 21 release. The Talos Principle 2 will be available on January 27. Anno: Mutationem launches on January 28. Drop Duchy is coming on January 28. MySims: Cozy Bundle will be available on January 29. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II is set for January 29. Indika will launch on February 2. Final Fantasy II will be available on February 3. Quarantine Zone: The Last Check is playable now. The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle will be available on January 22. Grounded 2 Garden Update will be released on January 27. Dead by Daylight has a Stranger Things DLC.

AppWizard

January 22, 2026

January Xbox Update: Xbox Expands to Arm-based PCs, Game Save Sync Indicator, and More

Xbox is introducing updates to enhance gaming experiences, including the Xbox PC app for Arm-based Windows 11 PCs, allowing downloads from the Xbox PC app catalog and access to Xbox Game Pass. A new Game Save Sync Indicator feature provides real-time visibility into cloud save status for seamless gameplay across devices. Xbox has partnered with Hisense and V homeOS to enable cloud gaming on select Smart TVs. The Handheld Compatibility Program highlights games optimized for portable play, with recent additions such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. The Xbox Play Anywhere initiative now supports over 1,000 games for cross-platform play, including titles like Abyss DX and Cyberpunk Hacker. The Stream Your Own Game feature allows Xbox Game Pass subscribers to stream from a library of over 1,000 owned games, including Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. Xbox is reviving retro classics through a collaboration with Antstream Arcade, featuring over 100 titles and community challenges. Support for mouse and keyboard navigation has been expanded to over 230 games, and touch controls are available on cloud. Community feedback is encouraged to shape future developments, and players can join the Xbox Insider Program for early access to new features.

AppWizard

January 21, 2026

Death Stranding Director’s Cut Launches on Xbox Game Pass for PC and Console

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now available on Xbox Game Pass for both console and PC, marking its first appearance on Microsoft's subscription service. This version, developed by KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and published by 505 Games, is accessible to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Premium subscribers. The Director’s Cut includes new features such as a new story location called the Ruined Factory, new delivery tools like cargo catapults and support ramps, an expanded combat system with new melee moves and the Maser Gun, a firing range for weapon testing, and a racetrack mode for time-based challenges. The game has been optimized for performance on handheld devices. It is also available for purchase through the Xbox Games Store.

Winsage

January 21, 2026

The Xbox app is now available on Arm-based Windows PCs

Microsoft has launched its Xbox app for Windows 11 PCs with Arm chips, specifically those using the Snapdragon X processor. Over 85% of games on Microsoft’s Game Pass are now compatible with Arm architecture. The app allows for native game execution on devices, moving beyond previous limitations of cloud streaming. Microsoft has improved its emulator, Prism, to support AVX and AVX2 instructions. Additionally, a new feature called Game Save Sync integrates save data across PC and handheld devices. Microsoft plans to expand the Xbox app to select Hisense and V HomeOS-powered smart TVs in 2026. Xbox Game Pass offers various subscription tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate, with the Ultimate Tier providing access to both Xbox and PC Game Pass games, including day-one releases for first-party titles.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

New Game Pass titles revealed, including Space Marine 2 and Death Stranding

Microsoft has announced new titles for Xbox Game Pass, including: - Death Stranding Director’s Cut (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) - Available January 21 - RoadCraft (PC) - Available January 21 - Ninja Gaiden Ragebound (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) - Available January 21 - The Talos Principle 2 (PC, Xbox Series X|S) - Available January 27 - Anno: Mutationem (Cloud, PC, Console) - Available January 28 - Drop Duchy (Cloud, PC, Console) - Available January 28 - MySims: Cozy Bundle (PC) - Available January 29 - Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) - Available January 29 - Indika (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) - Available February 2 - Final Fantasy II (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) - Available February 3 Ultimate subscribers can access MIO: Memories in Orbit starting today, and Indika is set for release on February 2. Premium subscribers will receive a total of seven new titles, including Death Stranding Director’s Cut, Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, and The Talos Principle 2. PC Game Pass users will get Roadcraft this week and the MySims: Cozy Bundle on January 29.