Designed for Xbox: Your Gift Guide to Must-Have Xbox Accessories This Holiday

Designed for Xbox: Your Gift Guide to Must-Have Xbox Accessories This Holiday

Searching for the perfect gaming gifts this holiday season? Our Designed for Xbox Holiday Gift Guide is packed with a variety of accessories to power up your play, whether you’re surprising a player in your life or upgrading your own setup.

Give the gift of storage with the 4TB storage expansion card from Seagate, explore new accessories for the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, check out a variety of controllers including the Backbone Pro – Xbox Edition, and pick up audio gear to suit every style and budget. Whatever your gaming goals, you’ll find plenty of choices to take your experience to the next level.

The whole Designed for Xbox team wishes you a holiday season filled with great games, new gear, and plenty of fun.

Total Control

Gibson Les Paul Pro Edition Controller

Take center stage and rock the spotlight with the CRKD x Gibson Blueberry Burst Pro Edition Les Paul Guitar Controller, officially licensed by Xbox. From the team that developed the iconic hardware for Guitar Hero and DJ Hero, this new controller continues the revival of rhythm gaming like never before, bringing the band back together for a whole new era!

The Gibson Les Paul Pro Edition for Xbox is available in both Blueberry Burst for $134.99 USD ERP and Black Tribal Encore for $124.99 USD ERP. Visit the Rhythm Gaming section at CRKD for more information.  


Backbone Pro – Xbox Edition Mobile Controller

The Backbone Pro – Xbox Edition mobile controller lets you instantly play your favorite games across phone, tablet, PC, laptop, smart TV, and more – no pairing menus, just tap and play, with easy access to your gaming library and cloud services through the Backbone app. Built for precision and comfort, it features full-size ALPS thumbsticks, Hall Effect triggers, laser-etched grips, rear buttons, and industry-leading ergonomics, plus wireless Bluetooth or USB-C connectivity for up to 40 hours of battery life. 

Available now for $179.99 USD ERP. Visit Backbone.com for more information.


Thrustmaster T598X Racing Wheel

The T598X simracing wheel features Thrustmaster’s new Direct Axial Drive with Axial Flux motor and Harmony technology, delivering ultra-precise, high-fidelity Force Feedback and super-boosted sensations for demanding gamers. With a detachable wheel rim, mag-shift paddle shifters, the Raceline Pedals LTE set, and plug-and-play compatibility with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, it’s a high-performance package ready for any race.

Available now for $599.99 USD ERP. Visit Thrustmaster for more information.


Logitech RS System 

The RS50 System includes the RS50 Base, RS Wheel Hub, and Round Wheel so you can hit the track quickly and easily. This gaming steering wheel system features Direct Drive with 8 Nm of torque, Trueforce support, integrated quick release, customization, and more to support an authentic racing experience on Xbox and PC. 

Available now for $699.99 USD ERP. Visit Logitech for more information.  


Scuf Valor Pro Controller

The Valor Pro Wireless controller features rear paddles for faster reactions and anti-drift TMR thumbsticks for durability and precision. Its low-latency wireless connection, including 1k Hz polling on PC, customizable settings via the Scuf app on Xbox & PC, and a built-in battery offering up to 17 hours of playtime make it a great choice for competitive wireless gaming. 

Available now for $189.99 USD ERP. Visit Scuf for more information.


Hyperkin Competitor Controller

The Competitor is built for precision and reliability. Featuring drift-free Hall Effect sticks and triggers and programmable back buttons – thanks to anti-friction gates, metal glide rings, and some magic under the hood, players can enjoy some of the smoothest sticks available. With plug-and-play compatibility with Xbox and PC, a detachable USB-C cable, and an ergonomic grip, it’s ready for any gaming session.

Available in white and black this holiday season for $49.99 USD ERP. Visit the Hyperkin Store for more information.  


Nacon Revolution X Unlimited Anniversary Edition Controller

The Revolution X Unlimited Anniversary Edition from Nacon features a design inspired by the Xbox 360 and is built for competitive play with drift-free Hall Effect joysticks, instant triggers, and a dedicated PC performance mode. With a command center screen for quick adjustments and multi-mode connectivity, this precision-engineered controller is made to outlast every opponent. 

The Revolution X Unlimited Anniversary Edition is available for pre-order now for $199.99 USD ERP. Visit Nacon for more information.


Premium Sound

Logitech G Astro A20X Wireless Headset

Experience seamless gaming across all your favorite consoles with the Logitech G Astro A20 X headset – switch systems instantly and stay comfortable through every marathon session. With dazzling Lightsync RGB, immersive audio, and a 48kHz microphone, A20X lets you immerse yourself in your favorite games. 

The Logitech G Astro A20 X Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset is available now for $179.99 USD ERP. Visit Logitech for more information. 


SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds

Enjoy crystal-clear sound and ultra-low latency wireless gaming across multiple devices with SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, featuring 2.4GHz wireless for low latency audio, Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile, and Active Noise Cancellation to keep you focused on your game. With customizable audio presets, up to 10 hours of playtime (plus 30 hours of charge in the case), and a comfortable fit for long sessions, these GameBuds are built for gamers who want premium performance and convenience.  

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for Xbox are available now for $199.99 USD ERP. Visit SteelSeries for more information. 


Razer Blackshark V3 Pro Headset

Give your Xbox setup a competitive edge with the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro for Xbox headset – ultra-low latency wireless (as low as 10ms) makes hearing footsteps instant, the detachable fullband mic makes callouts crystal-clear, and hybrid Active Noise Cancellation blocks distractions so you can lock in. With plush swiveling earcups, hybrid memoryfoam cushions, and adjustable noise canceling levels in Razer Synapse or the Razer Audio app, it’s the clutch headset to gift (or grab for yourself) this holiday.

The Razer Blackshark V3 Pro for Xbox is available for $249.99 USD ERP. Visit Razer for more information.  


Expanded Storage

Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S – 4TB

Effortlessly expand your Xbox gaming library with the Seagate Storage Expansion Card, designed in partnership with Xbox for blazing fast, plug-and-play performance that matches your console’s internal SSD. With up to 4TB of sleek, dedicated storage, you can enjoy zero-lag gaming and keep all your favorite titles at your fingertips!

The Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is available for $429.99. Visit Seagate for more information. 


ROG Xbox Ally Accessories

Discover a lineup of accessories for the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. Explore accessories that help protect your Xbox Ally devices, expand your storage options, and include two versatile docks for enhanced connectivity and convenience.

ROG Xbox Ally (2-in-1) Premium Case

The ROG Xbox Ally (2-in-1) Premium Case is a hard-shell carrying case, featuring a water-repellent exterior, unique zipper design, and a soft fleece inner liner to keep your device safe from scratches and bumps. It also includes a detachable accessory pouch for the 65W charging adapter, so you can travel light or carry everything you need with confidence.

The ROG Xbox Ally (2-in-1) Premium Case is available for $69.99. Visit ASUS for more information.


Sandisk microSD Card for ROG Xbox Ally

Take your games anywhere with a high-performance microSD card engineered for Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, offering up to 2TB of storage for up to 50 games on the go. Built for speed and reliability, it delivers fast installs and quick load times, plus rugged protection and a lifetime limited warranty for peace of mind.

The Sandisk microSD cards are available starting at $69.99. Visit Sandisk for more information.


Seagate FireCuda 530R SSD

Designed for demanding gamers, creators, and professionals, the Seagate FireCuda 530R SSD leverages PCIe Gen4 NVMe technology to deliver blazing fast speeds up to 7,400MB/s for ultra-responsive performance across desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, and handheld gaming devices. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, its rugged M.2 2280 form factor and full compatibility with the Designed for Xbox program ensures seamless, reliable gaming and content creation on every platform.

The Seagate FireCuda 530R SSDs are available starting at $109.99. Visit Seagate for more information.


WD_Black SN7100X NVMe SSD for ROG Xbox Ally X & PC

Play your Xbox games anywhere with the officially licensed WD_Black SN7100X NVMe SSD for for ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X and PC, delivering blazing fast speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write for ultra-responsive gaming. With capacities up to 4TB, improved power efficiency, and a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate trial included, you’ll be ready to conquer your biggest gaming sessions wherever you go.

The WD_Black SN7100X NVMe SSDs are available starting at $159.99. Visit Sandisk for more information.


ROG 100W Gaming Charger Dock

Power up your device, transfer data, and enjoy display output – all from a single, travel-friendly accessory that keeps your setup flexible wherever you go. The ROG 100W Gaming Charger Dock brings ultra-fast charging and seamless connectivity to your gaming experience, so you can plug in, play, and stay ready for anything.

The ROG 100W Gaming Charger Dock is available for $99.99. Visit Asus for more information.


ROG Bulwark Dock (2025) DG300

Upgrade your setup with a versatile 7-in-1 dock featuring HDMI 2.1, USB-C, three USB-A ports, Ethernet, and an audio jack – all supporting up to 4K at 144Hz or 8K at 30Hz. Enjoy 100W USB-C power delivery, ultra-fast data transfer, and Aura Sync RGB lighting for performance and style that keeps up with every player.

The ROG Bulwark Dock is available for $139.99. Visit Asus for more information.


Dbrand Killswitch  

Engineered to survive everything from drops to marathon gaming sessions, the Dbrand Killswitch is a Designed for Xbox-certified case, built for the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X. It combines impact-resistant thermoplastics, a slim 2.5mm profile, integrated kickstand, and crush-proof Travel Cover to create the holy grail of handheld gaming cases.  

The Dbrand Killswitch case for Xbox Ally & Ally X is available to pre-order for $59.95 USD ERP.  Visit Dbrand for more information 


Exciting new hardware and accessories are available now to help take your gaming to the next level – stay tuned for even more great releases ahead! From all of us at Designed for Xbox, have a wonderful holiday and a happy New Year.

The post Designed for Xbox: Your Gift Guide to Must-Have Xbox Accessories This Holiday appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 1 to 5

Marvel Cosmic Invasion

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 1 to 5

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


Xbox Play Anywhere

MARVEL Cosmic Invasion

Dotemu

Marvel Cosmic Invasion – December 1
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Tribute Games and Dotemu are teaming up again, in collaboration with Marvel Games, to craft an original, fresh beat ’em up. Featuring dynamic combat combos and dazzling pixel art, this planet-hopping adventure stands as a love letter to the Marvel Universe. Whether you’re teaming up with friends or family, Marvel Cosmic Invasion has you covered with local/online play and a drop-in/drop-out adaptive system. A cosmic battle awaits!


Xbox Play Anywhere

OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 Digital Deluxe Edition

SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.


5

$59.99

Xbox Play Anywhere

OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0

SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.


5

Octopath Traveler 0 – December 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Start from zero and discover the newest entry in the Octopath Traveler series. Experience a story of restoration and retribution over the divine rings — an epic saga that unfolds across the realm of Orsterra. Enjoy familiar features such as the series’ HD-2D graphics, a fusion of retro pixel art and 3DCG; the player’s ability to roleplay using Path Actions of their choice; and the Break and Boost system that can turn the tide of battle. Additionally, brand-new features such as character creation and town building allow you to create your own character and restore your hometown.


Blood: Refreshed Supply

Warner Bros. Games, Atari, Nightdive Studios

Blood: Refreshed Supply – December 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Blood: Refreshed Supply follows Caleb, an undead gunslinger on a quest for revenge against his former demonic master, Tchernobog. Despite his once powerful position as a fearsome Cabal commander and one of Tchernobog’s “Chosen” few, Caleb and his fellow Chosen are betrayed by the dark god and slain for reasons unknown. Seeking answers and vengeance, Caleb rises from the grave to put a stop to Tchernobog and his murderous lieutenants once and for all.


Xbox Play Anywhere

ROUTINE

Raw Fury

Routine – December 4
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Optimized for Handheld / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Routine is a first-person sci-fi horror title set on an abandoned lunar base designed around an 80s vision of the future. Curious exploration turns into a need for survival when a lunar base goes completely quiet. Searching for answers puts you face to face with an enemy who is certain the main threat is you. Discoveries lead to deeper unknowns and the only way to go is forward.


I’m on Observation Duty 8

Dreamloop Games

I’m on Observation Duty 8 – December 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Observe. Report. Survive the night. Monitor the surveillance system for anomalies and report them to survive the night. Use your sharp eyes and keen attention to detail to detect supernatural anomalies ranging from subtle environmental changes to eerie and unsettling otherworldly intruders. Can you survive the night shift, or will you succumb to paranoia…? I’m on Observation Duty 8 is the most ambitious title yet in the original viral franchise that ignited a trend in spot-the-difference horror games that have been loved by players and streamed for millions by legendary content creators.


Crime Simulator

Ultimate Games S.A.


$19.99

$15.99

Crime Simulator – December 1
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

You’re out of jail, but the debt isn’t gone. Sneak, steal, and break into houses solo or in 4-player co-op. Use lockpicks, sleeping gas, and brute force to complete jobs, outsmart security, and make enough money before time runs out. Will you pay back what you owe, or lose everything?


Seven Days Until Morning

Dishsoap Studios

Seven Days Until Morning – December 1
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Seven centuries in the future, humanity is collapsing. In an attempt to spare yourself the same fate as the rest of the system, you flee to the furthest away place you can feasibly survive: Pluto. Survive the downfall of humanity in a centuries old survival bunker, or at least the first week. You crash land on Pluto, it’s the furthest away place you could reach that was apart of the CCOT’s emergency shelter program. It had been centuries since it was last used, which has left it needing maintenance. Ride out the Plutonian night while hiding from the end.


Xbox Play Anywhere

BROK: The Brawl Bar

COWCAT

$9.99

Brok: The Bar Brawl – December 2
Xbox Play Anywhere

Brok, a former boxer turned detective, stumbles upon an underground bar hidden deep in the Slums. Old instincts kick in, and he jumps headfirst to prove he’s still top dog! (or…gator.) Solo or with a friend in co-op, take on creative challenges inspired by “Event matches” of platform fighters, taken to the next level with original addictive mechanics and variety. In this gritty-yet-humorous bar, meet unforgettable characters and uncover surprises around every corner as the story unfolds.


Cute Bonfire (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

Cute Bonfire – December 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Step into the warm world of Cute Bonfire, a charming pixel-art puzzle game set inside a fireplace. Take control of a little fire spirit that moves tile by tile, pushing charcoal pieces to light up the bonfires. With 30 levels of gradually increasing difficulty, delightful visuals, and a cozy, relaxing atmosphere, Cute Bonfire is perfect for casual players who love the satisfaction of solving puzzles.


Elon and Friends: Winter Pack – 13 Games (Xbox+XPA+PC)

DERIK D.F


23


$8.99

$7.19

Elon and Friends: Winter Pack – December 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

This winter celebration pack contains the following games: Elon and the Divine Proof, Green Soldiers Heroes, Extreme Bikers, Prison of Illusion, Super Snake Block DX, and SHMUP Mania. Windows (PC) versions are optimized for handheld PCs.


SLEEP AWAKE

Blumhouse Games

Sleep Awake – December 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Sleep Awake is an immersive first-person psychedelic horror narrative experience that explores the realm between sleep and death.  Submitted to perpetual insomnia, the denizens of the last known city on Earth are reaching a panic crisis of reckless experiments in an effort to avoid The Hush, the inexplicable disappearance of those who sleep. Playing as Katja, you must survive the devotees of various depraved death cults and desperately try to stay awake. Solve the puzzles of this mysterious world while avoiding the grasp of the death cults in an attempt to shatter the horrors of the past. 


Xbox Play Anywhere

Slimeboo

Zakym s. r. o.

Slimeboo – December 2 – Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Optimized for Handheld / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Slimeboo is a simple and fun platformer game that is perfect for children of all ages. The game is controlled with a single button, making it accessible to even the youngest players. Boo, a small and adorable slime, has gotten lost on a tropical island. To find his way home, he must leap over all the obstacles in his path. Help him overcome them! Good luck!


Caput Mortum

INDIE GAMES STARTER

Caput Mortum – December 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Caput Mortum is a short first-person horror experience inspired by retro 3D dungeon crawlers and survival horror games. Delve into a tower of forgotten nightmares, where every step could be your last. Overcome horrors from beyond death and unlock the secrets of forbidden knowledge.


Dungeons and Ducklings

Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.

Dungeons and Ducklings – December 3

An evil Lich has tainted Mama Duck’s beloved pond and kidnapped her ducklings! Arm up and beat him once and for all in this QuackMan roguelite – storm through dungeon mazes to rescue her family! With classic arcade controls and a twist – an attack button that lets you smash walls and enemies – you’ll fight back against the Lich and his army in no time!


Malachite: Temple of the Sun

Ocean Media

Malachite: Temple of the Sun – December 3

Embark on a journey through the depths of a lost ancient jungle temple. Start your journey through the depths of a forgotten jungle temple. Match colorful balls, unlock powerful power-ups, and construct your own temple as you progress. Choose between adventure and endless modes, immersing yourself in classic match-3 gameplay!


Octo Curse

Ocean Media

Octo Curse – December 3

A pirate turned into octopus. Can you break the curse? OctoCurse is an action platformer following the story of a pirate captain who has been turned into an octopus by an evil spirit. The little octopus embarks on the quest to save the rest of his crew and reverse the curse. Experience epic pirate adventure. Explore levels, collect coins, unlock doors and climb the mysterious tower as you get closer and closer to the final showdown. Make your way through the tropical jungle, brave the harsh winter, weather the storm and endure other exciting environs. Save your friends and meet new ones along the way.


RoboHero

Xitilon

RoboHero – December 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Classic sokoban with a twist and a sci-fi theme! A scientific organization sends a robot-expeditor developed on artificial intelligence to the newly discovered exoplanet Xeran, on which, most likely, there are very valuable resources for humanity.


Winterlight – Where silence says it all

Eastasiasoft Limited

Winterlight – Where Silence Says it All – December 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Explore a heartfelt and thought-provoking tale of bittersweet homecoming! As Elias returns to the coastal town that once sheltered him, he’s pulled into a slow winter of connection, memory and quiet decisions. Take the role of this young man and guide the choices he makes, surrounded by the warmth of townspeople young and old, often holding conversations in a bookstore over shared coffee.


Xbox Play Anywhere

YAKUZA: Shadows of New York

Porting.guru

Yakuza: Shadows of New York – December 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Step into the shadows of New York City in Yakuza: Shadows of New York, a gripping action-adventure where the old codes of honor clash against the forces of modern corruption. Become Kaito Nakamura, a skilled enforcer on a mission to find his missing mentor while navigating the city’s dark and treacherous underbelly.


Baseless

First Break Labs

Baseless – December 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Baseless is a challenging planet-jumping shooter. Blast from planet to planet with 360° gravity, creatively demolishing every enemy in your path. Fire powerful weapons, rescue cute friends, and discover a galaxy worth fighting for!


Xbox Play Anywhere

DETECTIVE – Rainy Night

JanduSoft


$10.49

$9.44

Detective – Rainy Night – December 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Detective – Rainy Night puts you in the shoes of Iker Carmona, a police officer investigating a string of strange disappearances. After a long drive, Iker decides to spend the night at a small roadside motel called the Holiday. What begins as a quiet stop quickly spirals into something far more sinister.


Finding America: The Heartland Collector’s Edition

Ocean Media

Finding America: The Heartland Collector’s Edition – December 4

Strap on your seatbelts for a trip to America’s Heartland! From South Dakota’s monumental Mount Rushmore to the humble farmhouses of Kansas, this lovely slice of American pie will have something just for you. Visit jazz bars in Illinois, Wisconsin’s cheese shops, and stunning national parks, all as lovingly crafted Hidden Object Scenes and challenging Minigames! Complete each chapter, unlock tons of trivia, and enjoy everything the Heartland has to offer in this all-American Hidden Object game!


Mist: Evolution

EpiXR Games

$9.99

Mist: Evolution – December 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Your daughter is missing. The world is gone. Only the Mist remains. In Mist, a devastating crash marks the beginning of your descent into a world lost to alien terror. As a father, you search desperately for your child—but what you find instead is a crumbling world buried in fog, crawling with monsters beyond comprehension. This is no ordinary RPG. Mist fuses idle progression, visceral real-time combat, and an evolving horror narrative into a genre-defying experience. As you explore the ruins of civilization, you’ll form a pact with a mysterious alien being that grants you strength—at a cost. Level up, mutate, and unlock terrifying new abilities as you battle grotesque creatures and uncover long-buried truths.


The Phantom

Art Of Play Interactive

$26.99

The Phantom – December 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The Phantom is an arcade-style beat-em-up coming to PC and consoles. Play as the Phantom or his partner, Diana Palmer, in this 14-level adventure. The feared pirates of the Singh Brotherhood are battling for power and threatening the Phantom’s legacy, and it’s up to you to stop them. Use your hand-to-hand fighting skills and trusty weapons to dispatch this evil, and call in assistance from your animal friends Fraka the falcon and Devil the wolf. The Phantom features a brand-new story approved by King Features. Experience this canon addition through full-screen cut scenes and captivating in-game visuals, hand-illustrated and animated frame-by-frame by seasoned comic book artists and Art Of Play’s dedicated in-house 2D creative team.


ReSetna

Ocean Media

ReSetna – December 4

A warrior on a mission to rescue last human remnants. What’s left of humanity are minds trapped in circuits. You are awaken as ReSetna, a warrior on a mission to rescue last human remnants. Explore seven hostile zones, face seven brutal bosses and evolve through a unique upgrade system. Uncover horrifying truth and decide if the future is worth saving.  


Sacrifice For Sale (Xbox Series X|S)

Sometimes You


$9.99

$7.99

Sacrifice For Sale – December 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Experience interaction in a new and engaging way. Choose to respond to what the characters have to say… directly! Deal with your own hostage situation, negotiate for more than just your freedom. Learn about the people who hold you captive, deconstruct the cult, manipulate them- all to not end up as their next sacrifice.


Sophia’s Animal Clinic – Mission Wildlife Park

© 2025 Joindots® GmbH

Sophie’s Animal Clinic – Mission Wildlife Park – December 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Your veterinary adventure begins at the wildlife park! Help injured and sick animals such as horses, deer, ducks, donkeys, goats, rabbits, and many more. With a great deal of empathy, you examine symptoms, make diagnoses, and treat over 30 different diseases. Each animal has individual needs and is waiting for your expert help. Use modern instruments, accompany your patients’ recovery step by step, and experience a varied everyday life in the animal park. Intuitive controls, realistic treatments, and lovingly animated animals make this game a highlight for young animal lovers.


Connect It!

Gametry LLC

Connect It! – December 5

Connect It is a clever, visually striking puzzle game that challenges you to link matching colors scattered across a grid. Your mission? Draw connections between all the pairs—without crossing paths. It sounds simple… until it’s not. With over 200 handcrafted levels, each one more intricate than the last, Connect It constantly surprises with new layouts and clever twists. The controls are intuitive, the gameplay is smooth, and every solved puzzle delivers that satisfying “aha!” moment.


M.A.U.S

Cascadia Games LLC

$3.49

M.A.U.S – December 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

With his children away on the moon, there is no time to relax for Dr. Cavor. Once again, Victoria is under attack. The aging but brilliant scientist begins research on a new means of defense. After much work, he finds success with Mechanized Assault Unity 19 — M.A.U.S.


Pixapple Adventure

JM Neto Game Dev

Pixapple Adventures – December 5

Pixapple Adventure is a colorful pixel-art platformer starring a brave little apple with arms and legs! Run, jump, and collect all the stars to open the portal and reach the next level. Across three vibrant worlds — Forest, Snow, and the Valley of Fear — the challenge increases as you progress. Simple, fast, and fun, Pixapple brings back the joy of classic platformers with a charming twist.


Santa´s World

EntwicklerX – GbR Thomas Claus und Frank Menzel

Santa’s World – December 5

Santa’s World is a jump-‘n-run Christmas game inspired by classic platform games. The goal is to find the three lost Christmas gifts and go to the next level while collecting items. Traps, obstacles, and enemies make the quest very challenging. Find snowballs and throw them at enemies to remove them. 3D graphics packed in a nice graphics style, great 2.5D levels and proven gameplay gives you hours of fun.


Security Booth: Director’s Cut

Cloud Colony Games

Security Booth: Director’s Cut – December 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The year is 1996 and you’re employed by a science lab called Nova Nexus. You work as a security guard at the front gate to the lab, inside a guard booth. However, tonight it seems something important is happening inside of Nova Nexus and things are… well… a little strange. Your job is simple. you must make sure that only the right authorized personnel are getting into the facility. To do this, when a car arrives at the gates, it is your job to go and talk with the driver and check their license plate. Make sure that the person is on the employee register by finding the license plate on the register. If the person is not on the register you must tell them to leave. Make sure to only open the gates to employees and keep the gate closed at all times.


Speed Factor

Ratalaika Games S.L.

Speed Factor – December 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Inspired by 80s and 90s classics, Speed Factor is an old-school racing game with pixelated graphics, arcade driving style, exhilarating punk rock music, and some awesome classic cars! Customize the difficulty level and traction assist level to your personal tastes to make the game as easy or challenging as you want. Cruise through 50 different tracks spread across 5 locations! Win races and earn money to level up and improve your ride!


Xbox Play Anywhere

Stacky Dash

QubicGames S.A.

Stacky Dash – December 5
Xbox Play Anywhere

Get ready for non-stop fun in Stacky Dash! Slide to collect tiles, build paths, and race through colorful levels full of exciting surprises. Dodge blasting cannons, and zip through portals as you conquer each tricky stage! Save adorable animals to grow your own zoo and take on timed challenges to test your speed. With tons of cool skins to unlock, every level is packed with energy and fun!


Tank Mechanik Simulator – Reinforced

PlayWay S.A.

Tank Mechanic Simulator – Reinforced – December 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Fix, build and renovate highly detailed and fully interactive tanks (German, USA or Soviet), armored cars or self-propelled guns. Experience a realistic simulator game of being a Tank Mechanic. Find abandoned and destroyed tanks from battlefields of Second World War. Use special tools to find each tank, and extract it from the ground. Grow your repair service business and start your own tank museum.


The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 1 to 5 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Free Play Days – Hypnospace Outlaw, Let’s Build a Zoo, Biped 2, Hammerwatch 2 and The First Berserker: Khazan

Free Play Days – Hypnospace Outlaw, Let’s Build a Zoo, Biped 2, Hammerwatch 2 and The First Berserker: Khazan

It’s a great weekend to cozy up and discover your next favorite game with Free Play Days! Hammerwatch 2 and The First Berserker: Khazan are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members to play from Thursday November 27 until Sunday, November 30.

Hypnospace Outlaw, Let’s Build a Zoo, Biped 2 are free for all Xbox members to try during this Free Play Days. (Xbox Game Pass Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential membership not required).


How To Start Playing


Scroll down and find and install the games on each of the individual game details pages on Xbox.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and navigate down to the Free Play Days collection on your Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S.


Keep The Fun Going


Purchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.


Free Play Days (Game Pass Membership Required)


The First Berserker: Khazan

Nexon Korea Corporation


248


$59.99

$41.99

The First Berserker: Khazan
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore action role-playing game where the player becomes Khazan, the great general of the Pell Los Empire. Journey to the continent of Arad and discover the untold story. Master deep and immersive combat mechanics while you engage in strategic battles against a diverse array of foes and bosses. Overcome death and set out to reveal the incidents that led to Khazan’s downfall and seek vengeance on your enemies. The First Berserker: Khazan will be discounted 30% during 11/20 through 12/3.


Hammerwatch II

Maximum Entertainment


55


$24.99

$4.99

Hammerwatch 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Gather your heroes and journey beyond the dungeons of Castle Hammerwatch to explore a pixelated world like never before. Aid King Roland’s resistance while helping villagers along the way. Battle beasts, finish off hordes of the undead, and face the forces of evil in this epic ode to classic ARPG.


Free Play Days For All


Xbox Play Anywhere

Hypnospace Outlaw

No More Robots


235


$19.99

$5.99

Hypnospace Outlaw
Xbox Play Anywhere
Hypnospace Outlaw is a ’90s internet simulator in which you scour Hypnospace’ s wide variety of weird and wonderful websites to hunt down wrongdoers, while also keeping an eye on your inbox, avoiding viruses and adware, and downloading a plethora of apps that may or may not be useful. Grab your headband, enforcer, Hypnospace Outlaw is free now as part of Xbox Free Play Days, and you can grab the full game for 70% off!


Xbox Play Anywhere

Let’s Build a Zoo

No More Robots


201


$19.99

$6.99

Let’s Build a Zoo
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, Xbox Play Anywhere
It’s time to build your own zoo – for free! Let out your wild side, and create your own animal empire with this cute, expansive management sim. Import and breed rare creatures, hire the right staff, keep your visitors happy, and deal with plenty of weird and wonderful events. Then try your hand at DNA Splicing, and stitch together over 300,000 different types of animal, ranging from the majestic Giraffephant to the peaceful PandOwl! Let’s Build a Zoo is free now as part of Xbox Free Play Days, and you can grab the full game & DLCs for up to 65% off!!


Biped 2

META Publishing

$19.99

Biped 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery
Biped 2 is the sequel to the exciting game about two charming bipedal robots, Aku and Sila, who have each other’s backs and embark on incredible adventures side by side. Dive into this groovy co-op action-adventure game, full of puzzles, friendship, support, and fun!


Don’t miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members! Learn more about Free Play Days here and stay tuned to Xbox Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest Xbox gaming news.

The post Free Play Days – Hypnospace Outlaw, Let’s Build a Zoo, Biped 2, Hammerwatch 2 and The First Berserker: Khazan appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Housing in World of Warcraft Is Giving Players a Huge Creative Suite to Make Azeroth Their Own

Housing in World of Warcraft Is Giving Players a Huge Creative Suite to Make Azeroth Their Own

When it comes to hotly anticipated World of Warcraft updates, few have sizzled for longer than Player Housing – a feature that will bring liveable homes and dynamic neighbourhoods to the ever-evolving world of Azeroth. And the best news? It’s almost here – scheduled to land in the final patch of The War Within starting on December 2.

The WoW team is giving players a whole new way to express creativity, so we sat down with Design Lead Toby Ragaini and Lead UX Designer Laura Sardinha to find out how housing works, and how it’s offering the ultimate cosy, creative retreat for all types of WoW players.

Housing has been in development at Blizzard for a while, and the team knew that it not only had to meet expectations for such a requested feature, but also exceed them, according to Ragaini. While the update will be released as part of Midnight, WoW‘s latest expansion, the feature itself is evergreen, something that players can invest in for the long term. 

“It took years of design and engineering to get where we are today,” says Ragaini. “We wanted something that felt like a whole new part of the game, that would grow with the community.”

So how will it work? Players can obtain a plot of land (though they will have two total for their Warband, one for each faction neighborhood), and every plot contains a house. Each plot differs by style, shape and biome, built to accommodate whatever vibe you’d like. Some houses within a neighborhood are grouped for a more communal feel, allowing friends to become digital neighbors, while other spots are more isolated for the recluses and the solo settlers among you. 

No matter how isolated your plot might be, however, all player housing exists within neighborhoods, which contain approximately 50 houses each. There are Public Neighborhoods, where anyone can buy a home, and Private Neighborhoods, which can be created and managed by Guilds or larger groups of players that all want to share a space. Once you’ve chosen a house, you’ll live among those players until you decide to leave the neighborhood. It’s inherently social, a dynamic hub where you’ll be able to see what all your neighbors are up to at all times, which was important for the WoW team. 

“These neighborhoods, and the neighbors you have – they’re going to persist for as long as you live in that community,” Ragaini says. “I think that’s one of the most compelling aspects of MMOs. We’re trying to rekindle the magic of online social interaction in that way.”

Housing comes with a robust set of permissions, so you can fully customise how other players in the neighborhood can interact with you, and these can be altered at any time.

“We recognise that ‘social’ means different things to different people,” Ragaini adds. “So we want to make sure that everyone can decide how they want to interact with their neighbours. Whether you want an open house that anyone can visit, or something closed off to visitors, you can choose whatever makes you comfortable.”

Making A House A Home

Once you have a home, what’s next? You’ll need to decorate it, both internally and externally – and there is an entire library of whimsical Warcraft decor to discover. What’s more, there’s little limit to how creative you can be with how to design your home and the surrounding land, whether you’re a mage wanting to throw up a quirky wizard tower, or a rogue designing a dark den. Housing is much more than just a gameplay loop to earn rewards – it’s giving WoW players a robust suite of creative tools and UI to express creativity so your home can be truly unique, and a marvel to other players living in the neighborhood.  

“We allow players to have total freedom of how they arrange things. They can use items in unorthodox ways to make something completely different,” Sardinha says. “In addition to that, you have a room layout tool that defines rooms, but you can also play around with the pieces to create your own room with a secret door, or build puzzles for people to solve – the UI is so powerful in how it allows players to be flexible with what they want to build in their world.”

One of the most interesting parts of the Player Housing update is who the WoW team is aiming to engage – besides the long-time players, they want to see cozy gamers, design enthusiasts, and those who may not have found a reason to venture into Azeroth before, but certainly could now.

To do so, the team wanted housing to be more than a currency grind – expanding your house is a whole new mechanic in itself. With that in mind, it was also important to make housing an approachable update for lapsed or entirely new players – how can this be interesting to the uninitiated, while still introducing those players to the full scope of WoW

“We didn’t want housing to exist as a standalone activity; it needed to be integrated into the core mechanics of World of Warcraft,” Ragiani explains. “So that if someone new comes in and wants to engage with housing, they’re not just feeling isolated, they’re encouraged to participate in all aspects of the game.”

You’ll be able to earn items for your home – items, furniture, trophies and trinkets – through numerous activities, and anyone can get stuck in, no experience needed.

“There’s a lot of different ways to play WoW, and no one has the ‘right’ way,” Ragaini says. “So when you’re out doing quests, or raids, or dungeons, there will be opportunities to earn decor and other rewards for your house. You’ll be brought into the core loop of the game as part of the housing experience.”

To increase that sense of participation, neighborhoods will have semi-regular events called Endeavours, and players within these spaces can work together to complete tasks and unlock rewards for all residents within a neighborhood. These tasks range from questing and running dungeons, to activities like crafting and gathering, so that every style of player can contribute to a community-wide goal. Completing these tasks can also earn you Neighborhood Favor, a new currency used to level up your home, increase your decor limit, or buy additional items from NPCs.

Player Housing is such a fresh, inviting direction for World of Warcraft, a game that is so visually warm and entrancing, but can feel overwhelming in terms of how much content is on offer. This is a smart, interesting way to encourage different types of players to get involved, and idea of building a unique home, sharing a space with friends, and completing objectives together to craft a collaborative environment is an intensely appealing prospect that I can’t wait to get started with.

The post Housing in World of Warcraft Is Giving Players a Huge Creative Suite to Make Azeroth Their Own appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Young Suns, a Cozy New Life-sim in Space, Soars into Game Preview

Young Suns, a Cozy New Life-sim in Space, Soars into Game Preview

Young Suns

The Ko_Op team is proud to present to you our latest project: Young Suns, a narrative-rich life sim set in an optimistic alternate future of space. You play as one of the few people entrusted with their very own spaceship. The people of Jupiter have just freed themselves from predatory corporations, and it’s up to you to help the friendly citizens build a better tomorrow.

We’re launching right now as a Game Preview title, included with all tiers of Game Pass. We have a ton of updates on the way, but first, let’s talk about what we’ve got in the game already.

The game is playable and fun for its intended pattern of play: checking in for an hour or two daily, slowly building up your perfect ship-home, and making new friends.

Your Ship is Your Home

In Young Suns your ship is your home. Wherever your adventures take you, your ship is your home among the stars — a space to cultivate, make, and repair. Rearrange a messy living room, perfect a reading nook, or place knickknacks in your cockpit. During your travels, you’ll collect souvenirs, furniture, and clothing from the people, flora, and fauna you meet to remember your journey by.

The world is full of these discarded treasures to find and repair at your Workbench, restoring once-loved pieces to their former glory. Decoration is fully co-operative, so invite some friends over for a ship-warming party.

Currently the game features over 80 decoration items to discover and use, along with changing the colors and patterns of walls and floors. Co-op decoration is fully functional. We will be regularly adding new furniture sets, decoration items, and more, throughout the Game Preview period.

Fly Your Home on Adventures

Fly your ship to planetoids, ruins, and stations with a crew of up to three friends, or entirely on your own. At each of these locations you can dock your ship and set out on foot, exploring the location, harvesting alien plants, scavenging resources, and recovering lost goods.

There’s a collaborative map table for planning your journey, and extra materials you find can be stored in the ship’s cargo hold. You may even run across NPCs doing their own tasks out in the world, strike up conversations, and learn about what’s been going on around Jupiter.

Flying in space is a relaxing experience, with accessible controls and a chill, dynamic, multi-layered soundtrack.

Story & Characters

The game has 30 fully realized characters, each with their own backgrounds, unique looks, and story arcs. Jupiter is full of diverse and interesting people to meet: grumpy mechanics, fixated scientists, fussy academics, bright-eyed idealists, wise old veterans, and fresh revolutionaries keeping the flame alive.

Full character quests and evolving relationships are coming, but right now you can start learning their stories and following them in their work, with most characters having over 2 months of unique daily chat content.

We are extremely proud of the narrative content we’ve got in store, and will be rolling out additional characters, multi-character storylines, and personal bond relationships over the next year.

The Future

Young Suns will be growing and expanding along with the community, and that’s reflected in both the story and development process. We’re excited to share an early look with Game Preview and to develop Young Suns in close collaboration with players, who’ll be able to contribute feedback and suggestions as it evolves over the next year.

Upcoming improvements include expanding the playable area of space, new tools and interaction modes, additional minigames (mining and rigging), new biomes, space wildlife, as well as additional NPCs, quests, furniture, and outfits — a lot!

You can follow our update roadmap, learn more about the game’s development, and join our community for support and feedback at www.youngsuns.com. Join us!

Xbox Play Anywhere

Young Suns (Game Preview)

KO_OP

$19.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Free Trial

This game is a work in progress. It may or may not change over time or release as a final product. Purchase only if you are comfortable with the current state of the unfinished game.

Young Suns is a 1-4 player narrative life sim set on Jupiter in an optimistic alternative future, intended for one-to-two hours of daily play, alone or with friends.

Build your home among the stars, and take it with you on adventures!

FOLLOW OUR DEVELOPMENT—A GAME THAT GROWS ALONGSIDE YOU

👷🏽 Young Suns is still in early, active development. Playing the game now is recommended only for players interested in following the game’s development, participating in the community, and contributing feedback and suggestions.

🧑🏽‍🏭 While core features are present, many you’d expect are still in development, and some content—especially quest content—is missing. Even in this state, the game is playable and fun for its intended pattern of play: checking in on a world for an hour or two a day, slowly building up your perfect ship-home, and making new friends among the stars.

🗓 To follow our update roadmap, learn more about the game’s development, and join the community for support & feedback please visit www.youngsuns.com.

BE YOURSELF AMONG THE STARS—HELP BUILD A FUTURE FOR EVERYONE

The people of Jupiter are newly free, and they’ve entrusted you with your very own ship. There’s a lot of work to be done, if we want to make this a better world! Visit planetoids, ruins, and stations with a crew of up to three friends, or entirely on your own. Take on quests from the friendly citizens of Jupiter. Decorate and customize your spaceship. Build relationships with a huge cast of lovable characters, and help rebuild & improve society, for everyone.

KEY FEATURES

◌ 30 FULLY REALIZED CHARACTERS, with unique looks, behaviors and over 2 months of unique daily chats. Learn their stories, and help with the many problems faced by the people of Jupiter.

◌ CREATE YOUR CHARACTER and alter any aspect of your look during play—character creation is only the beginning. Recolor clothing to match your style.

◌ YOUR SHIP IS YOUR HOME. Personalize your spaceship with 80+ discoverable recipes and items. Paint the walls, stack your shelves—create your perfect cozy nest.

◌ THAT’S NOT JUNK, IT’S TREASURE! Find and repair damaged furniture, clothing and tools. Use them yourself, gift them, or donate them to the common cause.

◌ GROW AND THRIVE. Upgrade your tools to perform harder jobs. Improve and expand your ship.

◌ OPEN WORLD EXPLORATION. Fly your ship to fantastical planetoids, derelict ruins, and converted space stations on your journey through a newly-reclaimed region of Jovian space.

◌ SPACE IS BEAUTIFUL. Featuring a dynamic fully-composed soundtrack, gorgeous colorful visuals, and deep, characterful writing.

Full details on the latest status of the game, how you can give feedback and report issues can be found at www.youngsuns.com.

The post Young Suns, a Cozy New Life-sim in Space, Soars into Game Preview appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Step Inside a Horror Experience That Knows Your Fears in A.I.L.A, Out Today

Step Inside a Horror Experience That Knows Your Fears in A.I.L.A, Out Today

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome A.I.L.A to Xbox Series X|S, a psychological horror experience set in a world where technology has reached unnerving new standards.

In a near-future São Paulo, A.I.L.A puts players in the shoes of Samuel, a game tester selected to try an experimental VR console powered by a sentient artificial intelligence. What begins as a routine test quickly spirals into a chilling descent as A.I.L.A absorbs Samuel’s reactions, emotions, and fears… and uses them to craft personalized terrors. Soon, the boundaries between the virtual world and Samuel’s apartment begin to erode. Household devices flicker to life under the AI’s control, environments distort, and familiar spaces become hostile.

The more A.I.L.A learns, the more dangerous she becomes. What starts as a test becomes a fight for survival against an intelligence determined to deliver the “perfect horror experience,” no matter the consequences.

Your home isn’t safe. Your senses aren’t reliable. And A.I.L.A is always watching.

A Mosaic of Horror

A.I.L.A blends multiple horror subgenres into a single, heart-pounding journey. Players will face a range of tones, threats, and mechanics, from unraveling psychological supernatural torment in The Impossible House, fighting for survival in the rural nightmare of The Woman on the Road, escaping a ritualistic cult in The Forest and more with survival, psychological, and action-horror elements woven throughout seven different scenarios, A.I.L.A. ensures there’s something to chill every horror fan to the bone.

Meet Pulsatrix Studios, The Minds Behind A.I.L.A

A.I.L.A is developed by Pulsatrix Studios, an independent Brazilian studio founded in 2019 with a mission to create atmospheric, story-driven experiences anchored in strong game design.

“We draw inspiration from everywhere. Cinema, classic horror, sci-fi, and the global indie scene,” says Fabio Martins, COO at Pulsatrix Studios. “Each game is an opportunity to experiment, explore new ideas, and push ourselves further than before.”

Best known for Fobia – St. Dinfna Hotel, Pulsatrix continues to expand its creative vision with A.I.L.A by merging cutting-edge tech themes with immersive environmental storytelling. The team believes deeply in the strength of Brazil’s growing game development community and the global impact of independent creators.

Face the AI That Knows You

A.I.L.A invites players into an immersive psy-tech horror experience where fear is personal, choices matter, and an evolving AI opponent adapts to every move you make.

Are you ready to face an intelligence built to terrify you? A.I.L.A is available today on Xbox Series X|S.

A.I.L.A

Fireshine Games


$29.99

$23.99

A.I.L.A is a first-person horror game set in a near-future filled with immersive technology. Play as the sole game tester for a revolutionary new fictional AI. Survive intense horror experiences that prey on your deepest fears as the lines between virtual and reality begin to blur…

Immerse yourself in disturbing horror experiences as a game tester. Survive dark, unsettling experiences crafted by A.I.L.A that prey on your deepest and darkest fears.

Evade and outrun a ritualistic cult, solve gruesome puzzles, engage in visceral combat against the medieval undead and more.

The post Step Inside a Horror Experience That Knows Your Fears in A.I.L.A, Out Today appeared first on Xbox Wire.

New ROG Xbox Ally Updates: Default Game Profiles Available in Preview

New ROG Xbox Ally Updates: Default Game Profiles Available in Preview

ROG Xbox Ally Hero

Handheld gaming just keeps getting better. You, our players, are shaping the future of handheld gaming by providing feedback to Xbox, Windows, and ASUS, and we’re listening and delivering updates to enhance the way you play. Since the launch of the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, we’ve been hard at work, listening to level up your experience – and today, we’re excited to share what’s new, what’s improved and what’s coming up next, as we continue to raise the bar on gaming experiences. 

What’s New 

Default Game Profiles (Preview) 

Spend more time playing and less time fine-tuning. Default Game Profiles, available in preview starting today, automatically balance frame rate (FPS) and power consumption for 40 supported games at launch, including Fortnite, Gears of War: ReloadedHollow Knight: Silksong, and otherswith more coming soon. This means smoother, more enjoyable gameplay and extended battery life, without requiring manual adjustments. For example, in Hollow Knight: Silksong, the Default Game Profile can add nearly an hour of battery life compared to Performance mode while still delivering smooth 120 FPS gameplay. 

Default Game Profiles are hand-crafted per-game and only apply when on battery. When you launch a supported game, the system automatically applies a tailored game profile, which sets recommended power (TDP) and a FPS limit specific to the game.  

  • If the game falls short of its target FPS, the game profile is designed to boost power to help reach the target FPS, trading a bit of battery life for a smoother gameplay experience. 
  • If a game is performing above the target FPS, the game profile is designed to limit FPS at the target rate to save power. 

Players can turn these settings on or off in the game using the Armoury Crate Command Center Gare Bar widget, where Game Profiles appear at the top of the widget with an ON/OFF toggle. 

You can experience Default Game Profiles in preview mode for supported games, including these first party games, and more: 

  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
  • Call of Duty: Warzone
  • DOOM Eternal
  • DOOM: The Dark Ages
  • Forza Horizon 5
  • Gears 5
  • Gears of War: Reloaded
  • Gears Tactics
  • Halo: The Master Chief Collection
  • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
  • Minecraft
  • Sea of Thieves
  • Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4

Additional Improvements  

We’ve also made several updates to deliver a smoother, faster, and more reliable experience on the Xbox ROG Ally based on your feedback.  This includes:

  • Improved Gamepad response after login 
  • Quicker Library loading, especially for players with large game libraries 
  • Improved Cloud Gaming page performance, loading more quickly and more responsive 
  • New Game Gallery filter by Performance Fit, helping you see how well games will run on your device 
  • Bug fixes and performance enhancements for improved stability and responsiveness 

To experience Default Game Profiles (Preview), and all the latest improvements, make sure you’ve installed the latest updates for Armoury Crate SE, the Xbox PC app, and Windows 11. Check out our essential tips for getting started to learn how to stay up to date. 

Xbox Game Pass Benefits 

As we shared at launch, players in select markets will also receive three months of Xbox Game Pass Premium* (where available) with the purchase of an ROG Xbox Ally or ROG Xbox Ally X handheld. Game Pass Premium offers unlimited Xbox Cloud Gaming, access to PC titles, and a library of over 200 great games like Forza Horizon 5, Hogwarts Legacy, Minecraft, and more, to jump into anytime, anywhere. Learn more at Xbox.com. 

Looking Ahead 

Based on early feedback from players, we’re actively investing in enhancements like sleep and wake reliability, improved formatting options for microSD cards, and more. Early next year, ROG Xbox Ally X will also introduce exciting AI-powered features such as Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) and highlight reels, giving players more ways to enjoy and share their gaming moments.  

Game Save Sync Indicator Coming Next Week

We’re rolling out the Game Save Sync Indicator next week, a feature designed to give you peace of mind when switching between devices. With clear status updates, you’ll know exactly when your progress has synced to the cloud, whether you’re wrapping up on your PC or powering down your handheld. No more guessing or lost progress, just seamless, stress-free play across devices.  

Full Screen Experience Expands 

Last month, we launched full screen experience on the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X—a feature optimized specifically for handheld gaming—which is now available on Windows 11 handhelds and is also expanding in preview to more Windows 11 form factors, such as desktops, laptops, and tablets, for Xbox and Windows Insiders.   

Powered by Windows 11 and inspired by the streamlined console experience, the Xbox full screen experience is purpose-built for gaming. On handhelds, it minimizes background activity and defers non-essential tasks, so more system resources are dedicated to gameplay. 

This is just the beginning. We’re continuing to listen to your feedback, and excited to deliver even more new features and options that elevate the handheld experience. We’re building a new way to make sharing your input with us even easier, and we’ll have more to share on that soon. In the meantime, we’d love to hear from you directly in the feedback hub. 

Thanks for being part of the Xbox community. We’re excited to keep building the future of gaming together. Stay tuned for more updates. 

* Claim within 30 days of device activation. Valid payment method required. Subscription continues automatically at regular monthly price unless cancelled. Subject to xbox.com/subscriptionterms. Eligible existing Essential membership(s) will upgrade to Premium. For existing Ultimate members, the code will convert at a ratio. See xbox.com/code-conversion. Terms and exclusions apply. Game catalog varies over time, by region, device, and plan. xbox.com/gamepass. 

The post New ROG Xbox Ally Updates: Default Game Profiles Available in Preview appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Cat God Ranch: Deck-Building Meets Animal Ranch Management

Cat God Ranch: Deck-Building Meets Animal Ranch Management

Cat God Ranch key art

Summary

  • Out now on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere.
  • Unique blend of deckbuilding and ranch management with over 100 animals, including prehistoric creatures.
  • Our favorite genre combining animals, terrains, and props to create powerful synergies.

Hello everyone, we’re CrazyPotato Studio, and we’re thrilled to introduce our passion project — Cat God Ranch — to the Xbox community. Launching on November 20, 2025, for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC (with Xbox Play Anywhere support), this game is a fresh take on the roguelite genre, combining strategic deckbuilding with the charm of animal ranch management.

Standing on the Shoulders of Great Roguelite Games

When we formed our studio, we knew we wanted to create a roguelike game. Not only is the genre more manageable for a small team, but it’s also one we deeply love. We’ve spent countless hours playing roguelikes like Brotato, Balatro, and Slay the Spire.

Cat God Ranch draws significant inspiration from Luck be a Landlord, and while the core mechanics share similarities, we’ve added our own twists and improvements

For example, we allow players to freely choose three families to bring into the game, primarily to prevent the card pool from expanding excessively and to facilitate future updates. We currently have eight families, and even if we increase this to ten families in the future, it won’t affect the spawn probability of individual animals. Furthermore, placing all animals into one large pool would limit both playability and creative freedom. We want you to be able to mix and match families according to your own ideas, further enhancing the game’s replayability.

Highlight Moments of Extinct Animals and Powerful Builds

For every type of extinct animal, we designed highlight moments for them to heighten the game’s excitement to deliver a uniquely thrilling experience. Take the Phorusrhacos, for instance. Its design aims to instil a sense of dread, so we made it capable of removing all other small animals upon entering the field and absorbing their contributions. This mechanic transforms it into a pivotal moment that drives the game’s pace and amplifies the emotional intensity.

Another example is Smilodon. It’s like an upgraded version of a tiger, but it leaves leftover meat after eating. While it looks less formidable than Phorusrhacos, when paired with mice, it can ignore distance and devour every animal on the field—a true highlight moment.

Besides the highlight moments, there are many more different builds to explore. For example, you can get an army of expensive Peacocks to get rich, allow Chimpunks to breed unchecked, or even discover more fun with prehistoric creatures in the latest DLC.

A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Players

Our goal was simple: create a fun roguelike game filled with adorable animals. Since launching on PC, more than 100,000 players have supported us—and we can’t thank you enough. Now, we’re thrilled to bring Cat God Ranch to Xbox players. Thank you all for joining us on this wild, animal-filled adventure!

Xbox Play Anywhere

Cat God Ranch

E-Home Entertainment Development Company Ltd


1


$12.99

$10.39

Cat God Ranch is an animal-themed casual strategy roguelite game. Manage hundreds of animals to pay tribute to the Cat God! 8 animal families, 100+ animals, 10+ Cat Gods, 100+ items, and various animal combinations waiting for you to explore!

New Content – Age of Dinosaurs
New Content is included in this version! New rainforest scenario, 20+ dinosaurs, 20+ items, 2 cat gods, 10+ achievements, and more.

Manage Your Ranch
Take on the role of ranch manager and grow your fledgling herd of animals into one worthy of pleasing the Cat God! There are many different paths to choose from, but only one hurdle to overcome at the end of each week. Pay tribute to the Cat God or face his wrath and have your ranch shut down.

100+ Animals with Unique Abilities of 8 Families
Whether it’s alpacas, crocodiles, hyenas, larks, or a combination of all, you choose the kind of ranch you want to build. Feed your barnyard buddies to the carnivores, or watch an army of penguins and pandas propagate across your ranch.

Utilize Different Terrains and Watch Your Animals Thrive
Combine grasslands, caves, puddles, and other tile cards to create endless possibilities and combos.

Tango with 100+ Prop Cards to Make Tribute in Time!
As you improve on your ranch, the Cat God will bestow you with prop cards. Add these modifiers to your daily earnings and watch them grow!

With 10+ cat gods, 100+ animals, 100+ props, 20+ toys, and 10+ tiles, it’s time to build your own unique deck and appease the Cat God!

The post Cat God Ranch: Deck-Building Meets Animal Ranch Management appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Level Up Your Look: Xbox and Crocs Launch Exclusive Gaming-Inspired Classic Clogs

Level Up Your Look: Xbox and Crocs Launch Exclusive Gaming-Inspired Classic Clogs

Xbox Crocs

Game-mode: enabled. Xbox and Crocs have teamed up to release an exclusive collection. 

Ready up with this controller-meets-clog design that reimagines the iconic Xbox controller with fixed buttons and joysticks into the perfect shoe for couch co-op and kicking back – complete with cushioned footbeds adorned with Player Left and Player Right, which give expert-level comfort to support your next session. 

Available on the Crocs website starting tomorrow, the limited-edition Xbox collection includes a 5-pack of Xbox + Jibbitz charms featuring fan-favorite characters and icons from Halo, Fallout, DOOM, World of Warcraft, and Sea of Thieves

No matter how you choose to play, or where your holiday plans take you – the iconic Xbox controller-inspired clog will be with you along every step of the fun. 

The post Level Up Your Look: Xbox and Crocs Launch Exclusive Gaming-Inspired Classic Clogs appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Everything you Need to Know about Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury

Everything you Need to Know about Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury

Samurai Paws of Fury key art

Hello Xbox fans! Thanks for reading. I am thrilled to announce that our game Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury, which is based on the “Paws of Fury” movie, is out now on Xbox Series X|S, just in time for the holidays. Whether you’re playing solo or teaming up in local co-op with your friends and family, we wanted the game to feel fun-packed, wacky, and full of surprises. So, let me tell you a little bit about our game.

A Story That Picks up Right After the Movie Ends

Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury continues the story of Hank, our unlikely hero, right after the events of the “Paws of Fury” movie. Just when they thought the fighting was over, Hank and Jimbo are thrown back into combat, this time pitted against the mighty Shogun himself. Something’s changed, and the once-respected leader now commands an army of cats with one goal: to wipe out our heroes and the villages they’ve sworn to protect. As the chaos unfolds, it’s up to you to sharpen your samurai skills, defend Kakamucho, rescue Hank’s allies, and uncover the truth behind this evil plot.

During development, we had access to exclusive concept art from the animation studio, including never-before-seen environments and weapons. For us, huge fans of the universe, this was an absolute treat – and a huge dose of inspiration. If you’re a fan as well, we hope you’ll love what we created.

Discover Kakamucho Through Core Challenges and Quests

 We’ve kept things simple and joyful: no micro-transactions, just fun gear to help you become the wackiest hero around.

In our game, you’ll face two core challenges on your path to becoming a true Samurai:

Village Raid: A tower defense-style mode where you’ll protect villages from waves of ninjas and samurai. Use your surroundings wisely, samurai. Exploding barrels and hidden tools might just turn the tide in your favour!

Samurai Trial: A fast-paced 2.5D runner-platformer mode. Dash, dodge, and leap through obstacles as you race to the finish line. Every second matters!

Along the way, you’ll unlock powerful skills and two additional playable characters, Emiko and Sumo, each with their own unique abilities.

Beyond the main story, each hub offers optional quests, and if you’re paying close attention, you might spot something… odd. Rumors swirl of red-furred creatures sneaking around and listening at doors. You might even catch a glimpse of their tails in strange places! What are they up to? We’re not sure. But we definitely should be investigating.

Key Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks that will be useful to read before jumping into the adventure:

  • Optional quests will be useful before returning to the main quest, making the game easier.
  • Persistence is the key to succeeding in the Samurai Trials — don’t hesitate to retry to achieve the best time possible!
  • Take advantage of background elements during Village Raids — you’ll find plenty of items to help you face the Shogun’s armies. And who knows? A red barrel exploding at the right moment could be the key to victory! Sometimes, your katana alone won’t be enough.
  • Pay attention to your HUD for visual indicators that quickly show where threats are coming from.
  • Communication is key! Share important information with your teammate and ask for help or assistance to overcome the cats.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope that our game Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury has sparked your interest. Good luck Samurai! 

Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury

Maximum Entertainment France SAS


1


$24.99

$19.99

The village of Kakamucho is under attack by the Shogun’s cat armies! Join Hank, a dog samurai in a world of cats, and his friends as they reveal a sinister plot and save the day, samurai-style. Slash, dash, and laugh through this wacky third-person action adventure.

The Story
Just when they thought the fighting was over, Hank and Jimbo are thrown back into combat, this time pitting against the mighty Shogun himself. That’s right—the leader of the Paws of Fury world has had a mysterious change of heart. He aims to crush the blazing duo and the villages under their protection with his cat armies. It’s up to you to master samurai skills, protect Kakamucho, rescue Hank’s friends, and discover who is behind this evil plot.

Become a True Samurai
• Prove your skills and hone your lightning reflexes in progressively difficult samurai trials
• Learn mystical skills to quickly traverse the scenery or ambush unsuspecting hordes
• Wield an arsenal of gadgets and weapons to put an end to ever-rising enemy waves

Protect the Humble Settlements
• Defend the temples of Kakamucho, Dookiehill, and Pippishore against raids of powerful enemies, including Ninja ambushers, Viking warriors, and Jetpack elites
• Use creative traps to cause massive damage and bring the fight to the shogun’s minions
• Team up with beloved Paws of Fury characters and use their unique powers to assist in grandiose battles

Explore a Wacky, Colorful World
• Adventure to villages beyond Kakamucho in a vibrant, animated world packed with surprises
• Unlock new areas, items, and playable characters to expand the realm as you progress
• Discover and complete sidequests from quirky locals and friends both old and new, gaining fame, awards, and treasure

Uncover the Evil Plot
• Play through a lengthy story campaign, following the events of Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank
• Follow the tale through animated cutscenes, featuring both old pals and new characters
• Rescue your friends, unite the villages, and rally your allies to put an end to an evil conspiracy that threatens the empire and become a legendary hero!

Samurai Shenanigans for All
• Fun and accessible gameplay for players of all ages
• Challenging Samurai Trials to compete with your friends
• Local multiplayer mischief with split screen co-op: Play through the complete campaign with two players

The post Everything you Need to Know about Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury appeared first on Xbox Wire.