In January 2026, Xbox Game Pass adds a variety of new titles including Brews & Bastards, Mio: Memories in Orbit, and Resident Evil Village, while removing games like Neon White and Road 96 on January 15. The update features both returning favorites and recent releases, with new waves of titles expected later in the month.
The article lists upcoming Xbox game releases for January 2026, including major titles like Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, Highguard, and Code Vein 2, along with a comprehensive schedule of all new games and Game Pass titles scheduled for release in that month.
The article argues that the phrase 'Xbox is dead' is outdated and inaccurate, highlighting how Xbox has transformed from a console-centric brand to a broader, more accessible gaming platform that emphasizes playing on any screen. Despite past hardware issues and industry skepticism, Xbox has achieved significant success in 2025 with a strong lineup of games and a focus on accessibility, challenging traditional notions of exclusivity and console wars.
Xbox Cloud Gaming, now out of beta and included with Xbox Game Pass plans, allows players to stream a vast library of games on various devices with a stable internet connection, offering a flexible gaming experience across consoles, PCs, mobile devices, and more.
Xbox is offering a Free Play Days event until December 21, allowing Xbox Game Pass subscribers and others to play a selection of recent and older games for free, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Fallout 76, with some titles available to all players without a subscription.
In 2025, Xbox faced a challenging year marked by increased prices, layoffs, and a focus on profit over innovation, despite launching numerous new games and expanding its presence across multiple devices. The company's strategy to maximize profits has led to higher costs for consumers and developers, a shift towards broader platform availability, and a bleak outlook for the brand's future as it becomes more integrated with Microsoft's broader corporate goals, potentially at the expense of traditional console gaming.
The Xbox Series X, originally priced at $650, is currently available at an 8% discount for $600 on Amazon, returning it to its spring/summer MSRP after previous price hikes. The console offers 4K gaming, a disc drive, fast load times, and access to streaming apps and Game Pass, making it a top choice for gamers, especially with the critically acclaimed game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 available on the platform.
The Xbox achievements for Marvel Cosmic Invasion, delayed since the game's launch on December 1, are now available, featuring 35 achievements worth 1,000 Gamerscore, with various tasks including completing the story, multiplayer, and character-specific challenges. The game is a beat 'em up from Tribute Games, available on Xbox Game Pass, with a roster of Marvel characters and a team-switching mechanic.
Five years after its launch, the Xbox Series X has become less central in gaming, overshadowed by PC hardware and shifting industry priorities. Microsoft is focusing on a new gaming identity that de-emphasizes hardware and exclusivity, with plans for a high-end, business-class console and a broader ecosystem approach through cloud gaming and Game Pass. Despite hardware sales decline and lack of major exclusives, Xbox aims to redefine its role in the gaming landscape by emphasizing game quality and platform flexibility over traditional console dominance.
Xbox's Black Friday 2025 sale is expected to feature discounts on controllers, games, and consoles, but with higher starting prices due to recent increases. Notable deals may include discounts on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate codes, controllers, and third-party games, with some retailers like Amazon and Woot offering the best chances for significant savings. However, expect modest discounts on consoles and first-party titles, and stay alert for limited-time offers from retailers.
Microsoft announced that five games, including Stalker 2 and Frostpunk, will leave Xbox Game Pass on November 15th, offering players a last chance to play these titles via the subscription service.
Microsoft's FY26 Q1 earnings show a 1% increase in Xbox content and services driven by Game Pass and third-party content, despite a 29% drop in console sales, leading to a 2% overall gaming revenue decline. The quarter featured notable game launches like Grounded 2 and Oblivion Remastered, with upcoming titles including The Outer Worlds 2 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Microsoft anticipates a slight revenue decline next quarter amid a Game Pass price hike, while aiming for a 30% profit margin, raising concerns about workforce reductions despite high profits.
Microsoft is reportedly considering removing the multiplayer paywall for its next Xbox, potentially making online multiplayer free for all games, aligning with PC gaming practices. This shift could significantly impact the company's revenue model and influence competitors like Sony and Nintendo to reconsider their online fees. The move is still in the planning stage, with no official confirmation yet.
Microsoft's upcoming Xbox will be a hybrid Windows-based console, allowing access to the full Xbox library and PC games, with a seamless experience that combines console simplicity with PC flexibility, potentially transforming gaming hardware and ecosystem integration.
Microsoft has increased the prices of Xbox Development Kits from $1,500 to $2,000 and raised the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription by 50%, citing macroeconomic factors like tariffs, as part of broader efforts to improve margins amid economic pressures.