Xbox Series X Archives

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

“A New Chapter of Horror”: Supermassive’s Directive 8020 Arrives on PC and Consoles in May 2026

Supermassive Games has announced that their narrative-driven horror adventure, Directive 8020, will be released on May 12, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Pre-orders are now available for PS5 and Xbox Series, with Steam pre-orders coming soon. The game was initially announced in 2024 after being hinted at in 2022, and its release was delayed from October 2025 due to layoffs at Supermassive. The last showcase of Directive 8020 took place at Gamescom 2025, where it was noted for its real-time threats and enhanced graphics.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 2 to 6

Next week, several new titles will be released for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC: - DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined Digital Deluxe Edition by SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. priced at .99, and DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined priced at .99, both releasing on February 4, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. - MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice – Ultimate Edition, Deluxe Edition, and standard edition, all by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., with prices ranging from .99 to .99, releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Carmageddon: Rogue Shift by 34BigThings, priced at .99, releasing on February 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Hidden Cats in Christmas by Silesia Games Sp. z o.o., releasing on February 4, optimized for Xbox Play Anywhere. - Lovish by DANGEN Entertainment, priced at .99 (on sale for .99), releasing on February 4. - New Yankee: Through the History Mirror Collector's Edition by Ocean Media, releasing on February 4. - Tiny Biomes by Eastasiasoft Limited, releasing on February 4, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, Xbox Play Anywhere, and handheld optimized. - Dragon Spira by KEMCO, priced at .99 (on sale for .99), releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, and Xbox Play Anywhere. - Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass by Electric Airship, releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery. - MENACE (Game Preview) by Hooded Horse, releasing on February 5. - Sora – Winds of the Jungle by EpiXR Games, priced at .99, releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Car Cops by QubicGames S.A., releasing on February 6, optimized for Xbox Play Anywhere and handheld optimized. - Dark Quest: Remastered by Brain Seal Ltd, releasing on February 6. - Un.Key by Rebelião Studio, releasing on February 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, Xbox Play Anywhere, and handheld optimized.

Winsage

January 27, 2026

Grounded 2 update available now

The Toxic Tangle update for Grounded 2 introduces a new garden biome filled with overgrown vines, new creatures, and challenges. It also includes innovative armor and weapons for players. This update is available in Game Preview for Xbox on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Cloud, and in early access on Steam.

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 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.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II & Death Stranding Heading to Xbox Game Pass

- Resident Evil Village is available on Cloud, Console, and PC through Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass. - MIO: Memories in Orbit is launching on day one with Game Pass for Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. - Death Stranding Director's Cut will be available on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on January 21. - RoadCraft will be available on PC on January 21. - Ninja Gaiden Ragebound will be available on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on January 21. - The Talos Principle 2 will be available on PC and Xbox Series X|S on January 27. - Anno: Mutationem will be available on Cloud, PC, and Console on January 28. - Drop Duchy will be available on Cloud, PC, and Console on January 28. - MySims: Cozy Bundle will be available on PC on January 29. - Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II will be available on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on January 29. - Indika will be available on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on February 2. - Final Fantasy II will be available on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on February 3. - Quarantine Zone: The Last Check is available now on PC. - The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle will be available on PC on January 22. - Grounded 2 Garden Update will be available on Cloud, PC, and Console on January 27. - Dead by Daylight - Stranger Things DLC will be available on January 27. - Sea of Thieves Season 18, Act 2 will be available on Cloud, PC, and Console on January 22. - Several titles will be leaving the Game Pass library on January 31, including Shady Part of Me, Cataclismo, Starbound, Lonely Mountains Snow Riders, Paw Patrol World, Citizen Sleeper 2 Starward Vector, and Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a pleasant stroll after the brutal ultramarathon of Hollow Knight: Silksong — and I’m here for it

MIO: Memories in Orbit is set to release on January 20, 2026, and will be available on PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC. The main storyline takes approximately 14 hours to complete, with 100% completion estimated to take 25 to 40 hours. The game features engaging gameplay that balances challenge and accessibility, catering to both seasoned players and newcomers.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Amazon is shutting down New World next year

Amazon will cease operations of its multiplayer online game, New World, on January 31, 2027. The game has been removed from all platforms, but current owners can still access it until the shutdown date. Purchases made with in-game currency will not be refunded. Amazon plans to release New World: Aeternum for Xbox Series X and Series S, as well as PlayStation 5, in October 2024.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Valve’s Steam Machine will have “fewer constraints” for games to be Verified than Steam Deck — plus, an explanation for that weird Steam Controller puck

Valve announced the Steam Machine, set to release in early 2026, which will be powered by SteamOS and designed for living room integration. It aims to bridge the gap between PC gaming and consoles, boasting hardware specifications that rival current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The Steam Machine will have a streamlined process for games to achieve the "Verified" badge, making it easier for developers to secure this status compared to the Steam Deck. The Steam Machine is expected to have a larger library of Verified games due to its enhanced capabilities. Additionally, the new Steam Controller will feature a puck accessory that serves as a wireless receiver and charger, designed to reduce Bluetooth interference.