Yazılar

Microsoft Preparing Xbox Gaming Handheld for 2025 Launch, Plans Next-Gen Console Release in 2027: Report

/in /tarafından

Microsoft’s Xbox division is reportedly gearing up for a significant push into the gaming handheld market, despite facing challenges in its console business. Since 2024, Microsoft has shifted its focus toward launching first-party titles on rival platforms, which has reportedly led to a record low in console sales in the US. However, Xbox chief Phil Spencer has emphasized that the company remains committed to its hardware business, and new reports suggest that the company is indeed preparing for a major hardware release in the coming years. Microsoft is planning to release an Xbox gaming handheld in 2025, alongside the launch of its next-generation consoles in 2027.

According to a report from Windows Central, Microsoft is collaborating with a major PC gaming OEM to develop the Xbox handheld device, which is expected to launch later this year. While the specific OEM has not been named, industry speculation points to well-known manufacturers like Lenovo, Asus, or MSI—each of which has already released its own gaming handhelds running Windows. The Xbox handheld, codenamed “Keenan,” is said to have a design unmistakably tied to Xbox, featuring a dedicated Xbox guide button, and will likely be built around Windows OS. This will allow users to access Microsoft’s PC Game Pass ecosystem and Microsoft Store, while also supporting other gaming platforms such as Steam and Epic Games Store.

The handheld is expected to be tailored for a seamless Windows experience on the go, addressing some of the criticisms that have been leveled at previous Windows-based handheld devices for lacking an optimized software interface. Microsoft has previously stated its intent to merge the Windows and Xbox ecosystems to improve the gaming experience for portable devices, suggesting that the handheld’s operating system will be fine-tuned for gaming rather than a standard Windows interface.

Looking further ahead, the report indicates that Microsoft is also in the process of developing a next-generation Xbox console, with the launch of the Xbox Series S/X successor targeted for 2027. While Microsoft’s console sales have faced some setbacks in recent years, these moves into new hardware markets show the company’s ongoing investment in its gaming hardware, which could set the stage for a refreshed gaming ecosystem in the years to come.

EU Proposes Ban on Video Game Sales to Russia in New Sanctions Package

/in /tarafından

Key Developments:

  • The European Commission has proposed new restrictions on video game sales to Russia as part of its 16th sanctions package against Moscow.
  • The ban would affect video game consoles and accessories, including:
    • Microsoft Xbox
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Sony PlayStation
    • Game controllers, flight simulator controllers, joysticks, and other input devices

Context & Implications:

  • The move is part of ongoing EU efforts to tighten economic pressure on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
  • The proposal aims to curtail access to Western gaming technology and entertainment systems in Russia.
  • If approved, major gaming companies could be forced to halt sales of consoles and accessories to the Russian market.

The proposal is still under review by EU member states, with further discussions expected before formal adoption.

Call of Duty: World at War and Singularity Expected to Join Game Pass in 2025

/in /tarafından

Call of Duty: World at War and Singularity Expected to Join Xbox Game Pass in May 2025

Reports suggest that Call of Duty: World at War, Treyarch’s World War II-themed first-person shooter, will soon be available on Xbox Game Pass. The 2008 title is expected to join the subscription service around May 2025, bringing the iconic military shooter to Game Pass subscribers. Alongside World at War, Singularity, a sci-fi first-person shooter developed by Raven Software, is also anticipated to be added to the service in the same month.

The leak comes from trusted tipster @eXtas1stv, who has a track record of accurately predicting Game Pass additions. The leaker shared the information on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that both titles will be available on Game Pass by May. In the same post, @eXtas1stv also hinted that another Call of Duty game could be coming to the platform in March, though the title remains unnamed at this point.

This would make Call of Duty: World at War the third Call of Duty game to be available on Xbox Game Pass. Previous entries, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, have already made their way to the service. Modern Warfare 3 joined Game Pass in July 2024, while Black Ops 6 became the first COD title to launch day one on Game Pass in October.

The inclusion of Call of Duty: World at War on Game Pass marks another significant step in expanding the reach of the Call of Duty franchise on Xbox platforms. With World at War joining the lineup, Game Pass subscribers will have access to a broader range of iconic COD games, further solidifying the service’s appeal to fans of the popular shooter series.