Microsoft said in a statement Monday it remains committed to developing first-party Xbox consoles. The reassurance came after rumors circulated suggesting the gaming division might abandon hardware manufacturing. The speculation gained traction following a 50% price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and retailers including Costco removing Xbox products from their shelves. Microsoft said it is "actively investing in our future first-party consoles and devices designed, engineered and built by Xbox." The company's multi-year partnership with AMD for next-generation hardware also continues. Devices in development include the Xbox Ally range under codenames Omni and Horseman, according to Windows Central. Xbox Series X and Series S production has also not stopped, the report added.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Smartphone Android, vieil iPhone, ordinateur portable, AirPods, Nintendo Switch, iPad ou PS5… L'accessoiriste Dbrand, que l'on connaît pour ses excentricités, lance des autocollants oranges pour divers appareils électroniques. Le but : surfer sur le lancement des iPhone 17 Pro d'Apple.

Le week-end après l'annonce de la refonte du Xbox Game Pass a été le théâtre de rumeurs présageant la fin des consoles de Microsoft. La firme de Redmond s'est empressée de réagir, mais le problème est ailleurs.

An anonymous reader shares a report from The Verge: Microsoft is getting ready to announce an ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming. Sources familiar with Microsoft's plans tell The Verge that the software maker has started testing ad-supported games streaming internally, allowing employees to play select titles free without a Game Pass subscription. I understand that the free ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming will include the ability to stream some games you own, as well as eligible Free Play Days titles, which let Xbox players try games over a weekend. You'll also be able to stream Xbox Retro Classics games. Sources tell me the internal testing includes around two minutes of preroll ads before a game is available to stream for free through Xbox Cloud Gaming. [...] The ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming version will be available on PC, Xbox consoles, handheld devices, and via the web.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Microsoft a revu en profondeur son Xbox Game Pass : nouvelles formules, nouveaux avantages… et un prix qui explose, désormais facturé 26,99 € par mois. Mais il reste encore un moyen simple de continuer à jouer au tarif d’avant.

Microsoft a lancé sa grande refonte du Game Pass, avec une hausse salée pour l’Ultimate : 26,99 € par mois. Heureusement, il existe encore une astuce toute simple pour profiter du service… sans payer plein tarif.

[Précommande] Les premières consoles sous l’écosystème Xbox sont officielles depuis un moment, mais aucune date précise de commercialisation n’avait été donnée. Elles ont finalement été lancées en précommande en marge du Tokyo Game Show. Voici où acheter les ROG Xbox Ally.

PlayStation a annoncé le 24 septembre 2025 lors de la conférence State of Play l'arrivée de Flight Simulator 2024 sur PS5 le 8 décembre. Microsoft cède - une nouvelle fois - l'une de ses exclusivités phares à la concurrence.

Microsoft will increase Xbox Series X and Series S console prices in the United States on October 3. The Series X rises to $649.99 from $599.99 and the 512GB Series S increases to $399.99 from $379.99. The 1TB Series S moves to $449.99 from $429.99. The Series X Digital Edition reaches $599.99 from $549.99 and the 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition climbs to $799.99 from $729.99. Microsoft cited macroeconomic changes for the increases. Console prices outside the US and controller and headset prices domestically remain unchanged. The company raised console prices globally in May.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Microsoft is testing new Xbox Game Pass features with Insiders, letting Core and Standard subscribers stream cloud-enabled titles they own or access via subscription across more devices, including supported TVs and browsers. These tiers will also gain access to select PC game versions for the first time. From a Xbox blog post: We're always exploring more ways to make your Xbox experience centered around you -- your content, benefits, and playstyle. That's why we're making it easier to enjoy the games you love, wherever you are, and on any device. Starting today, Xbox Insiders are invited to try out new updates in Xbox Game Pass that make it easier to stream and play across more devices. Xbox Insiders subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Core or Standard now have even more freedom to play wherever they are with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). As part of this Insider experience, Xbox Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers will be able to stream cloud playable games included with their subscription or select cloud playable games they own, making it easier to jump in from any supported device. [...] We're expanding the ways players can experience PC gaming through Xbox Game Pass. As part of testing, Xbox Insiders subscribed to Game Pass Core or Standard will for the first time gain access to PC versions of select titles, giving you even more flexibility and the choice to play on a PC or Windows handheld."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Gaming handhelds are becoming the industry's new battleground as Microsoft launches its ROG Xbox Ally devices October 16, chasing Nintendo Switch 2's record-breaking 5.8 million units sold in seven weeks. The ASUS-manufactured handhelds run full Windows 11 with a gaming-optimized interface, accessing Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Battle.net, and other PC storefronts without platform lockdown. Two models arrive at launch: the standard Xbox Ally with AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor and the premium Xbox Ally X featuring Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, 24GB RAM, 1TB storage, and 80Wh battery. Microsoft's Handheld Compatibility Program pre-verifies thousands of PC games for portable play. Pricing remains unannounced.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.