GoKawiil
Tech News
Microsoft has begun early preorders for select fans of its translucent green 25th anniversary Xbox Series X bundle, priced at $900 and including a matching controller and a digital copy of Halo: Campaign Evolved. Wider preorders open August 27, with shipping set for November 15, close to the original console's 2001 launch date.
Microsoft is rolling out a feature that lets Xbox owners register their physical game discs so they play as digital titles tied to their account. The program will reportedly cover thousands of games, giving players disc-free access without needing to keep swapping media.
Xbox chief executive Asha Sharma told the BBC that rising hardware costs, partly fuelled by AI spending, mean the company must prioritise affordability for its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix. She also announced that owners of roughly 1,000 physical disc titles will soon be able to unlock digital entitlements for those games, with rights transferring to new owners if discs are resold.
IKEA and Microsoft revealed the complete YXSTABY collection at Gamescom, expanding on last week's teaser of an Xbox-themed D-pad cushion. The nine-item lineup includes a tilting thumbstick stool, a rollable TV stand with hidden storage, a controller-and-cable toolbox that doubles as a laptop stand, a wheeled side table, a stainless steel D-pad platter, and a two-tone controller display case. The collection launches in the US on September 30.
Microsoft has officially introduced a disc-to-digital feature that lets Xbox One and Xbox Series X owners convert physical game discs into digital copies by inserting the disc and launching the title. The feature rolls out to Xbox Insiders on August 31, supporting thousands of titles at launch, and unlocks digital perks like Xbox Play Anywhere and Cloud Gaming access.
Microsoft has confirmed a new Xbox feature that converts physical disc games into digital entitlements tied to the disc itself, allowing ownership to transfer between accounts if the disc changes hands. The feature begins testing with Xbox Insiders on August 31st before a wider rollout, and supports thousands of titles at launch with more to follow as publishers opt in.
Microsoft is expanding its Xbox 25th anniversary celebration beyond the translucent green Series X console with a matching accessory collection. Third-party partners Razer, 8BitDo, Backbone, PowerA, and GameSir are releasing limited-edition peripherals like mice, keyboards, earbuds, controller docks, and mobile controllers, mostly in the same translucent green theme, available now for pre-order at a price premium over standard versions.
Microsoft has set an $899 price for its special-edition translucent green Xbox marking the console's 25th anniversary, with preorders opening August 27th and a November 13th launch. The unit is essentially an Xbox Series X with 1TB storage, individually laser-etched and numbered, bundled with a matching 'OG Green' controller and a full download of Halo: Campaign Evolved. A separate matching controller is also available to preorder now for $79, launching October 20th.
Ikea revealed its new Yxstaby gaming furniture line at Gamescom in Cologne, developed jointly with Xbox's device design team after a chance meeting at Milan Design Week in 2024. The nine pieces include a wheeled charging side table, a cable-hiding toolbox that doubles as a laptop stand, a lounge chair with a controller pocket, and a rollable TV stand for screens up to 55 inches. Several items, like a D-pad-shaped cushion and a controller-holding platter derived from a stool design, directly reference Xbox's visual language.
Ikea has partnered with Microsoft to release Yxstaby, a nine-item collection of gaming-themed furniture marking 25 years of Xbox. The lineup includes a TV stand, laptop stand, side table, lounge chair and toolbox, alongside standout pieces like a tilting stool shaped like a thumbstick, an X-shaped cushion, a decorative platter and a mirrored display box, all designed with neutral Scandinavian tones accented by Xbox's signature green.
Ikea has unveiled a new home furnishings line designed in collaboration with Xbox, drawing visual cues from the shape and design of game controllers. The collection reimagines gaming-related furniture, aiming to integrate gaming setups more naturally into everyday living spaces.
Microsoft has partnered with Razer, 8BitDo, GameSir, Backbone and PowerA to launch a wave of Xbox 25th anniversary accessories, most featuring the translucent green look associated with the original console. The lineup includes reskinned Razer mice, keyboards and earbuds, an 8BitDo charging dock, a GameSir mobile controller, a mystery-colorway Backbone controller, and a PowerA sling bag for Xbox handhelds. All items are now available for preorder through the Xbox store and other retailers.