The Xbox Series S is cheaper than the Series X mainly because it lacks a disc drive, offers less storage, and uses significantly weaker hardware. The Series S has 512GB of base storage versus 1TB on the Series X, only 4 teraflops of processing power compared to 12, and caps out at 1440p resolution versus 4K on the Series X. Both consoles share similar CPU and GPU architecture but differ in clock speed, compute units, and RAM bandwidth, with the Series X outperforming across the board.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-11
Circana analyst Mat Piscatella reported that US retail sales of Xbox consoles fell 33% year-to-date through August 2026, marking an all-time low since the brand launched nearly 25 years ago. PlayStation 5 sales fell 25% over the same period, their weakest showing since 2013. Both Microsoft and Sony have raised console prices multiple times in the past two years amid chip shortages.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-10-11
Circana data shared by analyst Mat Piscatella shows US consumers bought 559,000 game consoles in August, down 15% year-over-year and the weakest August since 2013. Average selling prices climbed to $541, with Xbox console prices up 26% to $529 and PlayStation up 20% to $597 year-to-date, both all-time highs. Unit sales fell across all three manufacturers: Xbox down 31%, Nintendo down 15%, and PlayStation down 11%.
techspot.com
· 2026-10-10
Microsoft's Xbox unit announced a new division called XP that will expand its game franchises into film, television, merchandise and live events. The division includes four arms—Xbox Pictures, Xbox Products, Xbox Places and Xbox Partnerships—and will be led by Kayleen Walters, former executive producer of A Minecraft Movie. Maria Angelidou-Smith, previously of Meta and Reddit, was also named the new CEO of Mojang and Minecraft.
cnet.com
· 2026-10-08
Playground Games will bring Forza Horizon 6 to PlayStation 5 on January 26, slightly later than its originally planned 2025 window. The PS5 release will include a Premium Edition option with early access, and will launch alongside the game's first expansion.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-08
Microsoft has formed a new internal division called Xbox Experiences (XP) to oversee the expansion of its gaming franchises into movies, television shows and physical products like toys. The unit will be led by former Mojang CEO Helen Chiang, who previously worked as an executive producer on A Minecraft Movie.
gizmodo.com
· 2026-10-08
Microsoft has introduced a new division named XP dedicated to expanding Xbox's gaming franchises into television, film, and live events. Led by Kayleen Walters, the division aims to reach new audiences and strengthen existing fan engagement through storytelling and partnerships. This move aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy to transform its gaming IP into a multimedia entertainment empire.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-08
Playground Games has delayed the PS5 launch of Forza Horizon 6, originally slated for 2026, to January 26th, 2027. The PS5 debut will now align with the rollout of a new game expansion, which will also arrive on Xbox and PC that same month. A Premium Edition will offer PS5 players up to five days of early access.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-08
Microsoft's Xbox division revealed plans to establish a dedicated film and television arm aimed at adapting its gaming worlds and characters for linear storytelling formats. The initiative also includes creating authentic products for fans, hosting live events, and forming new partnerships with creators and brands. This move signals Xbox's broader strategy to diversify its entertainment presence beyond gaming.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-08
On October 13, Xbox Game Pass will add Battlefield 6 for subscribers on Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, and PC, while Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be removed a few days later. The new additions include a mix of multiplayer and single-player experiences, with other titles like Valor Mortis and Bluey’s Happy Snaps arriving mid-month.
cnet.com
· 2026-10-07
Microsoft has reportedly obtained exclusive rights to stream Grand Theft Auto VI via Xbox Cloud Gaming, making it the only cloud service offering the game at launch. The deal coincides with Microsoft's new pay-as-you-go streaming option launching next month and revised streaming-hour limits for Game Pass tiers starting in November, the same month GTA 6 is due out.
games.slashdot.org
· 2026-10-07
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma told staff at an internal all-hands meeting that Microsoft has struck a deal giving Xbox Cloud Gaming exclusive rights to stream Grand Theft Auto VI when it launches in November. Rockstar has not yet announced a PC release for the game, and the timing coincides with Microsoft's rollout of a pay-as-you-go option for Xbox Cloud Gaming alongside new limits on streaming hours for Game Pass subscribers.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-06
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