Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 15 – 19

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, 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!

Food Truck Simulator

UltimateGames

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Food Truck Simulator – January 16

Renovate your very own food truck with a wide range of customization options with a large catalogue of equipment options to choose from. Create your own recipes with a detailed cooking system and encounter different locations across an entire city with different types of customers within a living city with dynamic day and night cycle.

Argonauts Agency 3: Chair of Hephaestus

8floor ltd

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Argonauts Agency 3 – January 17

Join the Argonaut team in a new time management game, free Pelias from the trap, and crack the case of Hephaestus’ chair! Construct buildings, remove obstacles, repair damaged bridges, and more. Over 40 beautiful levels await you, along with a multitude of varied quests, increasing difficulty, an upbeat plot, an extraordinary magical world, and exciting gameplay for all ages.

Nephenthesys

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Nephenthesys – January 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Nephenthesys is a vertical scrolling shoot’em up presented in widescreen top-down 3D style. Blast through a huge variety of enemy ships, collect power-ups for wider shot spreads and special bombs, then face off against screen-filling bosses. This mission will take you through caverns, waterways, cityscapes and more. Do you have the skills to see it through?

Bahnsen Knights

Chorus Worldwide Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Bahnsen Knights – January 18

In a world of religious fanaticism, F5 tornadoes and Ford Sierras you are Boulder, an undercover agent. Your assignment sees you infiltrate the Bahnsen Knights, a deadly, supercharged cult with an enigmatic leader. In this murky and dangerous world, you must keep your wits about you and stay alive to unravel the mystery behind an old friend’s disappearance in this interactive adventure.

Prince of Persia The Lost Crown

UBISOFT

☆☆☆☆☆
9

★★★★★

$49.99

Pre-order

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – January 18
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate. Play as Sargon and evolve from sword-wielding prodigy to extraordinary legend as you master acrobatic combat and unlock new Time Powers and unique super abilities.

Resetail

Weakfish Studio Publishing

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Resetail – January 18
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

In this 2D platformer you must watch out for spikes, obstacles and enemies and make the right moves to find the key to the right door! You can also use the enemies you see around to your advantage to beat the level. Speedrun mode allows players to race against the clock and beat their own records.

Rising Lords

Deck13 Spotlight

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Rising Lords – January 18

Collect taxes and resources. Dictate rations and field work. Forge weapons, raise armies, and build mighty fortified cities. Help your people become knights, or dump them on a battlefield far away, but be careful: even the humblest peasants will revolt eventually, and an unlucky event card can change the fate of your realm quickly…

Turnip Boy Robs a Bank

Graffiti Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

Pre-order

Turnip Boy Robs a Bank – January 18
Game Pass / Xbox Play Anywhere

Turnip Boy is ready to commit more felonies in this comedic action-adventure game with roguelite elements. This time the career criminal is teaming up with the fearsome Pickled Gang to plan and execute the weirdest heist of all time! Shake down hostages, steal precious valuables, and explore the deep, dark depths and history of the Botanical Bank.

Kubics

RAFAEL V.F

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Kubics – January 19

Kubics is a platform puzzle game, focused on switching between 2 characters, You have control of two players using one of the players as a shield or platform to achieve your objective.

Palworld (Game Preview)

POCKET PAIR, Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Palworld (Game Preview) – January 19
Game Pass

Available day one with Game Pass! Collect all kinds of exciting Pals to fight, farm, build, and work for you in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game!

Witch Rise

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Witch Rise – January 19

Witch Rise tells the tale of a sweet, innocent young girl who was turned into a piglet by the cruel Fallen Witch. Now, our heroine must embark on a quest to overcome the curse and change back into to her old self again. During your journey you’ll need to find the four magic staffs in order defeat the Fallen Witch, and thus recover your human body.

The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 15 – 19 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2311.240110-1710)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Omega ring today.

It’s important we note that some updates made in these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

Details can be found below!

System Update Details:

OS Version: XB_FLT_2311ZN25398.2923.240110-1710
Available: 5 p.m. PT – January 11, 2024
Mandatory: 5 p.m. PT – January 12, 2024

Note: This update may not occur automatically before it has already become mandatory. You can always find the most current update as soon as it is available by opening the Guide > Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates.

Remember: Newly enrolled users in this ring are not guaranteed to receive all early updates, but they’ll receive the update prior to the GA release. Additionally, a small subset of users may remain on their current GA build once they enroll until the next system update becomes mandatory for the public. Visit the Xbox Insider Program FAQ to learn more.

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

Games

Fixed an issue where syncing game saves would not complete.

System

Various stability and performance fixes.

Known Issues

While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

Audio

We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
  - When did the issue start?
  - Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
  - Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
  - Does rebooting resolve the issue?
  - What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
  - And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Networking

We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2311.240110-1710) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2402.240108-2200)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Beta ring today.

Details can be found below!

System Update Details:

OS Version: XB_FLT_2402ZN25398.3402.240108-2200
Available: 2 p.m. PT – January 11, 2024
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – January 12, 2024

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

Installation

Various fixes to improve unexpected issues when installing or updating various titles.

System

Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
- Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console. To learn more visit: What’s This? Learn More About Pseudo-Loc in Preview.

Known Issues

Audio

We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
  - When did the issue start?
  - Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
  - Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
  - Does rebooting resolve the issue?
  - What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
  - And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Networking

We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2402.240108-2200) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Raccoo Venture was Created by Just One Person and Teaches Valuable Lessons

The task of developing a game, from its initial idea to the final version, involves hard work and many challenges that are invisible to those who play it. The standard in a billion-dollar industry involves large teams and all kinds of tools and methods to make the process run as smoothly as possible.

Raccoo Venture is one of the cases that escapes this pattern not by choice but by necessity. Just as the raccoon hero often faces trials and challenges alone in the kingdom of Verta, his creator, independent developer Diego Ras, on the other side of the screen, faced all kinds of challenges alone for five years to get his game onto modern video game consoles.

At 39 years old and the son of a typical Brazilian family, Diego was born in the region known for being the cradle of industry around one of the largest cities in the world, the state capital of São Paulo. Due to the typical difficulties of a family formed by a metalworker Diego had late contact with games and technology. Always a few steps behind the most modern consoles, he had his first contact with games at the age of 8 and his first computer at the age of 21.

For Diego, making games for a living had until then seemed a very distant and impossible reality. He graduated from a technical school for mechatronics and went on to study design. He entered the advertising industry and worked there for years until he suffered burnout from working at a fast and chaotic pace.

He gave up what he did for a living and decided to divide his time between freelancing and starting his big project, Raccoo Venture. His entire professional history up to that point had given him a certain ease in the creative and design aspects, and even in programming due to his technical knowledge. But in making this choice, Diego had to give up some things and began to strictly control his savings in order to get the game off the ground. Even so, he used up his reserves and had to borrow money.

Even his father, his biggest supporter, ended up helping out financially as best he could. But in 2019, the bad news came: his father was diagnosed with cancer. Now it was time for Diego to help his father financially who, during his many visits to the hospital, was the one who most wanted to know if the game was ready and how the project was progressing.

The choice of genre and hero was no accident. When he started his project in 2018, he missed the more colorful and cuddly games of his childhood. The raccoon always had a bad guy stigma with its fur almost always looking like the mask of a thief or something. But that mask could also be that of a hero like Zorro, for example!

The part that took up the most of the developer’s time was the level design, not because it was exactly labor-intensive, but because Diego wanted a game balance that would make the game progressive and, of course, fun for the players.

In this whole process, Diego needed a lot of balance and determination to get Raccoo onto the screens of gamers all over the world in a game that is closely linked to his personal history. And for this very reason, the developer never thought of giving up. On the contrary, he learnt valuable lessons that he is keen to share with every developer who wants to make their first game.

He says that if someone has done it, he can do it too. Nothing is impossible to do. If you do it alone, the only difference is that it will take longer. With hard work, dedication, discipline and study, you can achieve it, or at least come close. Especially because what matters most is the journey and everything you learn along the way, not necessarily the final destination.

Diego knows that Raccoo Venture could be much better than it already is. But what he really hopes is that the adventures through the kingdom of Verta manage to put a smile on the faces of the players who decide to venture into it. And, of course, that the game brings back wonderful memories for those who, like him, spent hours as a child collecting items and jumping around a colorful fantasy kingdom. That would be his greatest reward.

Diego’s father, Edvaldo, passed away in 2023 and, as the biggest supporter of the game, he never saw it finalized. But all the players around the world will be playing this role for him. Have fun with the game that tells two incredible stories of two beloved, likable, persistent and fun characters: Raccoo and Diego Ras.

Raccoo Venture

QUByte Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

Get it now

Defeat different enemies and challenges in this spiritual successor to the 3D platform genre. Find new ways to customize the hero, and discover new friends who will help you on your journey to retrieve the holy relics.

Discover your true destiny through a world full of magic and secret items. Save the harmony of the world and prevent chaos from returning to the land of Verta. But for that, many puzzles and the most unusual enemies will cross your path.

The post Raccoo Venture was Created by Just One Person and Teaches Valuable Lessons appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2402.240108-2200)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Alpha ring today.

Details can be found below!

System Update Details:

OS Version: XB_FLT_2402ZN25398.3402.240108-2200
Available: 2 p.m. PT – January 10, 2024
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – January 11, 2024

New Features and Experiences

We have exciting news! Alpha users can expect something new coming to their Xbox Update Preview.

Xbox Wireless Controller – Thumbstick Calibration

For users in the US who have independently replaced the circuit board on their Xbox Wireless Controller and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 or users in all regions experiencing minor thumbstick issues, we now offer a user-guided self-calibration tool for thumbsticks through the Xbox Accessories App.

Note: The support article linked at the end of the experience is currently unavailable. This will be available in the future.

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

System

Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
- Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console. To learn more visit: What’s This? Learn More About Pseudo-Loc in Preview.

Known Issues

Audio

We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
  - When did the issue start?
  - Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
  - Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
  - Does rebooting resolve the issue?
  - What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
  - And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Networking

We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2402.240108-2200) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

CES 2024: The New Windows PC Gaming Devices Coming from Our Top Partners

CES always gives us an exciting look at what’s next for hardware, and with gaming at the forefront of technological innovation, it’s no surprise that CES 2024 has revealed some truly next-generation Windows 11 gaming PCs. Microsoft and our partners are leading the way in combining traditional power with advancements in AI, and this selection of new announcements are a perfect way to future-proof your gaming experience on PC.

Every PC on this list is designed to run the latest games – including those on PC Game Pass, which will help you to jump into some of the greatest games on the platform the moment you switch on your new machine. Even better, every single computer listed below comes with at least one free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, giving players access to hundreds of high-quality PC, console and cloud games.

Acer

Acer announced the new Predator Helios 18 gaming laptop, outfitted with Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs with DLSS 3.5 technology and Nvidia Advanced Optimus, delivering a massive boost in performance features and AI-powered graphic capabilities. It also comes with one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Gamers seeking a competitive edge will appreciate the MagKey 3.0 swappable mechanical switch for shorter key travel and response time and lightning-fast network speeds with Wi-Fi 7 compatibility.

Video game realms appear as realistic as ever, powered by up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU(MGP up to 175 W) designed with the ultra-efficient Nvidia ADA Lovelace architecture to deliver breakthrough performance and AI-enhanced graphics thanks to DLSS 3.5 technology’s full ray tracing capabilities. Acer’s advanced thermal solutions keep the devices and internals running cool but at full steam, driven by dual 5th Gen AeroBlade fans combined with liquid metal thermal grease on the CPU and vector heat pipes. 

Asus ROG

Asus ROG introduced the new ROG Zephyrus G16 as one of the first Republic of Gaming laptops to feature a Nebula Display with an OLED panel. ROG collaborated with Nvidia and Samsung Display to refine the refresh rate and sync the processes of this panel. This is the first OLED panel supporting G-sync, which means it meets the ROG Nebula standard.

Thinner and lighter than ever thanks to a complete redesign, it gives players customizable lighting patterns. It also comes with an Aura Sync keyboard, an extra-large touchpad and 90Wh long-lasting battery life. It’s also bundled with three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Find out more about these and other Asus products announced at CES 2024. 

Dell

Dell’s gaming brand, Alienware, redesigned its popular m16 R2 laptop to prioritize performance, flexibility and portability. Its goal was to create a powerful notebook that could run the most demanding games yet be portable and discreet enough to take from place to place with ease. Now the 16-inch gaming notebook sports a new thermal solution that allows it to be 43% more efficient in its airflow in a footprint that is 15% smaller. Notwithstanding its smaller size, it comes with a larger palm rest and touchpad.

Another change with this newer model is Stealth Mode, a hotkey that cloaks the m16 R2, allowing it to blend into its surroundings. This handy feature was inspired by people who found RGB lighting effects to be distracting in public spaces – such as libraries, classrooms and coffee shops. Now a quick tap of the F2 shortcut key turns the keyboard backlighting white, switches off all other AlienFX lighting zones, and shifts performance mode to Quiet to reduce fan noise.

The m16 R2 also comes with one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, giving players access to hundreds of high-quality games on PC, console and cloud.

When it’s time to game, the laptop’s Intel Core Ultra H Series processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Series mobile graphics (up to an RTX 4070) pack enough power to run the latest titles at high frame rates. Competitive gamers can also utilize Nvidia’s DLSS 3.5 AI upscaling technology and Nvidia Reflex latency reduction, which deliver faster frame rates, better image quality and the lowest latency – without demanding more power.

HP

Gamers who are looking for versatile machines that can handle the rigor of top-tier AAA games, as well as visually demanding creative endeavors, can turn to the Windows 11-powered Omen Transcend 14  and Omen Transcend 16 Gaming Laptop. The 14-inch version comes with up to an IMAX Enhanced Certified 2.8K 120Hz VRR OLED display, up to 11.5 hours of battery life and up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processorand up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPUs. HP has updated the 16-inch version with up to 4K 240Hz OLED display option as well as up to the latest Intel CPUs.

The Omen Transcend 14 is available for pre-order at HP.com for a starting price of $1,599.99. The Omen Transcend 16, which can be purchased with the latest Intel processors and an OLED display, is available for pre-order on HP.com for a starting price of $1,899.99. Both include one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Lenovo

Lenovo’s Legion series of laptops are made for gaming. Players will find the latest Intel Core 14^th Gen i9 14900HX processors on the Lenovo Legion 7i. All Lenovo Legion Series laptops are available with up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics that feature Nvidia’s RTX AI upscaling for faster framerates, AI-powered Max-Q technology to optimize performance and efficiency, supercharging gaming as well as creative and productivity tasks.

New for this year is the Lenovo Legion Coldfront: Hyper thermal solution. The fans in the thermal solution spin in opposite directions, pushing hot air out of the rear of the chassis while pulling cold air in from the back middle. The Hyperchamber in the middle, which is hermetically sealed from open air, keeps cold and hot air separate, increasing heat exchange and keeping the laptops’ hardware cooler and the framerates higher. This results in a net increase of up to 25W TDP in Extreme Mode for a max output of 175W TDP on the Lenovo Legion 7i, while keeping the keyboard cooler and more comfortable even under heavy processor loads.  All Lenovo gaming PCs come with three free months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.  

MSI

MSI introduced its Windows 11 handheld device, Claw. The Intel Core Ultra processors power this portable gaming powerhouse, which also features Intel XeSS technology that significantly enhances FPS, ensuring a smooth and immersive gameplay experience on AAA titles, while providing exceptional battery life. MSI Cooler Boost HyperFlow thermal technology redirects the airflow to cool the internal components, ensuring optimal performance even in the palm of your hand.

MSI also debuted an 18-inch gaming laptop family, led by the Titan 18 HX, equipped with Intel 14^th Gen Core i9 processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Series graphics that are capable of running at total 270W simultaneous combined load. With four sets of expansion memory slots, it can be extended to 128 GB. If that isn’t enough, it includes three M.2 SSD slots, providing a storage capacity of up to 12TB. The 18-inch family also includes the latest gaming flagship Raider 18 HX and portable Stealth 18 AI Studio. Find out more about these and other devices MSI rolled out at CES 2024. MSI’s gaming devices come with one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Razer

The latest line-up of Razer Blade gaming laptops powered by Microsoft Windows 11 leads off with the new Razer Blade 16, equipped with an Intel Core i9 processor. Tackle the most demanding gaming and creative tasks with 24 Cores and the ability to unlock overclocking through Razer Synapse. Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics and AI-powered DLSS 3 deliver faster framerates and real-time ray tracing.

The next generation of Blade 14 is the most portable chassis in the Razer Blade line. Updated with the new AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor, this four-pound and .71-inches thin laptop features enhanced Ryzen AI performance to boost AI workloads such as Microsoft Windows Studio effects and Microsoft Copilot in Windows 11. These laptops also come with one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Find out more about these and other Razer announcements at CES.

Find out more about these and other new gaming PCs from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo that were highlighted this week on the Microsoft CES microsite.

The post CES 2024: The New Windows PC Gaming Devices Coming from Our Top Partners appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Community Update January 2024 – First Month Accounts

Hi there, Xbox Insiders!

Passages

I hope this Community Update finds you as well as all those emails, meeting invites, and “let’s start the year strong” messages you ~~marked all as read~~ have in your Inbox. We’re only a week into 2024 and so much has happened already. We saw a real-life “Getting Over It” cosplay at a New Year’s party, the Internet collectively decided that Leon Kennedy would absolutely smoke Joel, and these are the streets I grew up in.

Over here at Xbox Insider HQ, we’ve also been busy chasing the hamsters back on their wheels (read: we are the hamsters) and getting back into the swing of things. It’s going to be a bit of a lighter January before we really kick it into high gear for the 10th Anniversary in February. So, let’s take a look at some of what we’ve been working on:

Connections

You might have noticed some changes to the layout, design, and overall look/feel of our lovely Xbox Wire pages over the last few months. As part of our strategy shift, we’ve been looking at different ways we can utilize the space we have here on the Xbox Wire and we think this redesign (as well as more interesting changes coming soon!) is a great way to kick things off.

We’ve also been working to make our current content even better. It turns out, our resident Release Notes Virtuoso, Joshua, never got off his wheel. In fact, he’s been secretly whipping up some improvements and updates to Release Notes across all categories. We think you’ll agree these changes will make getting details on new builds easier and faster than ever!

Why Becomes How

I know, I know. Another one for the collage. I had hoped I wouldn’t have to use this joke for a while, but it’s taking longer than we initially thought for this process to happen. Apologies for this continued delay. I’ll take this one firmly on the chin though. I didn’t foresee the additional investments we’re now making, but I’m glad we’re making them nonetheless!

Full Tilt

That being said, we’re actually sprinting ahead with some of our other initiatives, specifically those tied to the 10th Anniversary. One thing I’m excited to share is that we’ll be publishing an absolute glut of content in February to the Xbox Wire. Interviews from past, present, (and future?!) Xbox Insider team members, an oral history of the program, and more will all be coming out to celebrate ten years of wonderful Xbox Insider Program accomplishments and highlights. This is something we’re super stoked about and we can’t wait for everyone to learn more.

Bright Future

We’ve also been working under the proverbial hood on a few items that aren’t quite ready to be fully revealed yet. These items are being worked on “in-house” within XIP, and I think it’s some of the coolest stuff we have cooking. We’ll be talking more about this in February, so stay tuned! In the meantime, please enjoy an updated/modified content roadmap.

As always, I hope everyone enjoyed this installment of the Xbox Insider Program Community Update. If you want to chat about this—and everything else XIP—hop on over to the r/XboxInsiders subreddit or throw us a follow @xboxinsider.

Wynn/

The post Community Update January 2024 – First Month Accounts appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2311.240104-1615)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview coming to the Omega ring. It’s important we note that some updates made in these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles.

We continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device. Details can be found below!

System Update Details:

OS Version: XB_FLT_2311ZN25398.2922.240104-1615
Available: 4 p.m. PT – January 9, 2024
Mandatory: 4 p.m. PT – January 10, 2024

Fixes Implemented

Thanks to the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for this build:

Capture & Share

Fixed an issue where capturing screenshots or game clips immediately after launching a title could prevent subsequent captures from completing as expected until the console was restarted.

Games

Additional fixes to address unexpected loss of saved game progress in various titles.

System

Various stability and performance fixes.

Known Issues

We understand some issues have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes. These items aren’t being ignored, but it will take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution.

Audio

We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
  - When did the issue start?
  - Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
  - Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
  - Does rebooting resolve the issue?
  - What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
  - And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Networking

We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

Make sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of your issue. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please reach out to the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to threads with the same issue before posting a brand new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Don’t forget to use “Report a problem” before posting—the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today. We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2311.240104-1615) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox to Present Developer_Direct, Returning on January 18

You’re about to get an exciting look at some of the incredible games ahead with Xbox, as we present a new edition of Developer_Direct. On Thursday, January 18 at 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm UK, fans will get an inside look at a selection of highly anticipated games coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass. Shortly after, ZeniMax Online Studios will host The Elder Scrolls Online 2024 Global Reveal at 1pm PT / 4pm ET / 9pm UK to preview 2024’s biggest update.

Presented by the game creators themselves, Developer_Direct offers an in-depth look at upcoming titles, how they’re being created, and who’s creating them. We’ll visit MachineGames in Sweden to check in on their Indiana Jones game, swing by Obsidian’s Irvine offices to see more from Avowed, head to Oxide Games’ Maryland home to learn about Ara: History Untold, and take a trip to Cambridge, England to see Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II from Ninja Theory. Please note that while this show won’t have updates on games from Activision Blizzard, you can look forward to news from those teams later this year.

The show will be a celebration of just a selection of our slate of upcoming games from Xbox. It’s also another part of our commitment to consistently bringing Xbox players can’t-miss experiences. 2024 kicked off with a bang for Game Pass members, and you can expect that line-up to include more incredible games from Xbox and our partners as the year goes on.

Fans should tune in on Xbox channels at 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm UK, January 18 to see all the latest on:

Indiana Jones game: MachineGames, the award-winning studio behind the recent Wolfenstein series, will reveal their upcoming Indiana Jones game, an action-adventure that puts players in the leather jacket of the legendary archaeologist. Developer_Direct will showcase more than 10 minutes of game and developer insights, including details about the game’s setting and story, how fans will actually play as Indy, additional details from his next globe-trotting adventure, and the premiere of the first gameplay trailer.

Avowed: The team at Obsidian will share the first deep dive into the gameplay experience fans can expect in Avowed, their upcoming fantasy action RPG, set in the fantastical, vibrant Living Lands. Learn more about how Obsidian’s expertise in building worlds with deep themes, dynamic gameplay, and thoughtful reactivity come to life in Avowed where players will have agency to make choices to shape every step of their adventure.

Ara: History Untold: Hear from the leads at Oxide Games – a studio founded by veterans of the strategy genre and the creators behind classic strategy titles including Civilization V – as they unveil exclusive new gameplay and share more details about the inspiration, key features, and road ahead for their upcoming historical grand strategy game.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II: Ninja Theory take us behind the scenes at their studio in Cambridge to give us some insight on how they are crafting Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. The team will speak to the ambition and meticulous care involved in creating Senua’s journey of survival.

Shortly after Developer_Direct has concluded, ZeniMax Online Studios will host The Elder Scrolls Online 2024 Global Reveal at 1pm PT / 4pm ET / 9pm UK, a standalone presentation where the development team will unveil the game’s next major Chapter, including the new zone, storyline, and other major features coming in the game’s biggest update this year.

Stay tuned to Xbox and Bethesda’s official social channels for more on Developer_Direct, coming on Thursday, January 18 at 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm UK.

The post Xbox to Present Developer_Direct, Returning on January 18 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2311.240104-1615)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview coming to the Beta ring. It’s important we note that some updates made in these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles.

We continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device. Details can be found below!

System Update Details:

OS Version: XB_FLT_2311ZN25398.2922.240104-1615
Available: 2 p.m. PT – January 8, 2024
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – January 9, 2024

Fixes Implemented

Thanks to the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for this build:

Capture & Share

Fixed an issue where capturing screenshots or game clips immediately after launching a title could prevent subsequent captures from completing as expected until the console was restarted.

Games

Additional fixes to address unexpected loss of saved game progress in various titles.

System

Various stability and performance fixes.

Known Issues

We understand some issues have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes. These items aren’t being ignored, but it will take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution.

Audio

We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
  - When did the issue start?
  - Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
  - Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
  - Does rebooting resolve the issue?
  - What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
  - And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Networking

We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

Make sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of your issue. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please reach out to the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today. We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2311.240104-1615) appeared first on Xbox Wire.