Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Beta ring today.
It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.
Details can be found below!
System Update Details
OS
Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Beta ring today.
It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.
Details can be found below!
System Update Details
OS Version: XB_FLT_2403ZN\25398.3843.240228-2000
Available: 2 p.m. PT – March 1, 2024
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – March 2, 2024
Fixes Included
Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:
Games
Fixed an issue where game saves could become inaccessible if the name was very long.
My Games & Apps
Fixed an unexpected delay that could occur when checking for recent updates for games and apps.
System
Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.
Audio
Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem when you are experiencing the issue. Use the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.
Networking
We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.
As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.
If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.
When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.
Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.
For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!
Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring today.
It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.
Details can be found below!
System Update Det
Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring today.
It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.
Details can be found below!
System Update Details
OS Version: XB_FLT_2408GE\26068.1502.240227-2200
Available: 2 p.m. PT – March 1, 2024
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – March 2, 2024
Fixes Included
Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:
Guide
Fixed an issue where the audio mixer in the guide was not adjusting the balance as expected.
System
Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.
Audio
Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.
Networking
We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.
As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.
If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.
When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.
Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.
For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!
Ufouria: The Saga 2 is the brand new sequel to a 33 year old cult classic.
This sequel keeps the original game’s humorous tone while giving it a brand new art style.
The developers used real versions of characters and objects to create the in-game models.
Ufouria: The Saga 2 is coming to Xbox Series X|S and for long-time gamers, this release is quite the event. It is not everyday that a game gets a sequel 33 years after its release after all. When our friends over at Sunsoft in Japan
Ufouria: The Saga 2 is the brand new sequel to a 33 year old cult classic.
This sequel keeps the original game’s humorous tone while giving it a brand new art style.
The developers used real versions of characters and objects to create the in-game models.
Ufouria: The Saga 2 is coming to Xbox Series X|S and for long-time gamers, this release is quite the event. It is not everyday that a game gets a sequel 33 years after its release after all. When our friends over at Sunsoft in Japan first showed us an early version of Ufouria: The Saga 2, we knew then and there that we had to bring it over to the West and allow Xbox gamers to play it. But before we get more in depth about this brand new sequel, allow us to give you a quick history lesson.
Sunsoft is a legendary Japanese games publisher that has been in operation since the 1970s. In the late 1970s, it began developing Arcade games, which led to the creation of some hits such as Arabian, Ikki, and Kangaroo. In the late 1980s, it expanded into home gaming with products for consoles like the Famicom (known in the West as the Nintendo Entertainment System). Following the growth of the home console market, Sunsoft went on to produce iconic titles such as Blaster Master, Batman, Battle Formula, Ufouria: The Saga (known in Japan as Hebereke), and Gimmick!. Despite facing various challenges along the way, Sunsoft has continued to develop games with passion and creativity thanks to a small but dedicated team that cherishes its commitment to quality and playfulness.
After making itself more discreet for a few years, Sunsoft has embarked on its « Sunsoft is back! » campaign with the goal of coming back to the forefront of the gaming world. And as part of said campaign, it decided to give a sequel to one of its most famous 8-bit titles. The original Ufouria: The Saga came out in Japan on September 20 1991 as a Famicom title. Now described as a Metroidvania, it was so ahead of its time that the word didn’t exist back it when was first released. Ufouria: The Saga features a comical and surreal world where a crew of very unique characters embark on a humorous adventure to save the planet from an alien invasion. Thirty-three years later, it’s once again up to Hebe (a mysterious snowman-like creature), O-Chan (a girl wearing a cat costume), Sukezaemon (a ghost) and Jennifer (an anglerfish) to join their very specific forces to get rid of those nasty aliens.
As old school gaming fans ourselves, we at Red Art Games wanted to support Sunsoft’s initiative and bring this new title to as many players as possible. That’s why our very own Red Art Studios created the Xbox Series X|S version of Ufouria: The Saga 2 in collaboration with the Sunsoft team. While this sequel keeps the same cast of protagonists, basic premise (the comically evil alien Utsujin has landed on Earth with ambitions to take over the planet) and open world platformer gameplay style, it also features new story, dialogue, character and even areas. But most of all, Ufouria: The Saga 2 features a brand new, and quite striking, art style.
For this sequel more than 30 years in the making, Sunsoft chose to give the world of Ufouria a stop motion, hand-made feltwork style. To get the idea of what they wanted the game to look like, the developers created real versions of the characters, ennemies and levels to use as reference pictures. First, they took the fabric used for needle felting and physically recreated a certain well-known stop motion character by hand to experience the texture and feel. With that information in mind, they then began the computer generated graphics (CG) creation with the mock-up as reference.
A Kerasu bird made out of chocolate was created to be used as a reference by the CG artists
The developers really tried to express the warmth and softness that wool brings to mind when creating the CG. They especially emphasized the impression that the wool seen in-game had multiple layers and to give it that fuzzy silhouette of wool. They also purposely made some parts, such as the platforms, uneven to give them that imperfect hand-made feel. And when it comes to the enemies, the development team had a very specific idea in mind: small enemy characters are all made from snack materials.
Multiple enemies are made of things like chocolate or grape jelly for example. The design was born from the idea that people wouldn’t want such snacks to stick to felt as the stains would be hard to wash off. Taking all those creative ideas and combining them with the wacky and humorous world of Ufouria made for a truly special game. We are thrilled that Xbox gamers get to experience Ufouria: The Ufouria : the Saga 2 now and we hope that they will enjoy their time with Hebe and his motley crew.
Ported to consoles by Red Art Studios, Ufouria: The Saga 2 is available now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
Upyo! How's everyone been?
SUNSOFT's Ufouria is back!
– An authentic evolution of the original ""Ufouria""!
Rampage through the fluffy feltwork arts-and-crafts recreation of the world of Ufouria, with your trusty crew from the original game in this exploration-based action side-scroller. Of course, newcomers to Ufouria are welcome too!
– Adventure in the lovingly crafted wacky world of Ufouria!
Familar characters and stages of the original game are back, transformed from their formal pixel art to charming handmade feltwork. Iron bead artwork also plays homage to the nostalgic pixelated look of the original.
Look for all the similarities and differences if you've played the original!
– Different courses each time you play!
The various stages from the original game now change randomly every time your enter, making for a fresh new challenge each time! New characters joining your crew let you reach more areas, even ones that weren't in the original game at all!
– Popoons are now a super powerful cleaning agent!
A new threat…the icky Bumyon makes an appearance! The troublesome Bumyon sticks to everything and everyone and is quite the annoyance, but Hebe and crews can counteract them perfectly with their Popoons. Clean up the Bumyons that litter the planet and thwart the Utsujin's evil plans!
*Visit the never before seen Hebe's house!
*Meet rare characters that were only ever seen before in Ufouria art books!
*A Collection feature lets you read up on enemies and their backgrounds!
SummaryExplore games featuring powerful women on Xbox Game Pass Katy Jo Wright, Xbox Senior Director, discusses the many ways women show up in the video game industryArtist Amika Cooper celebrates women as main characters through redesigned Xbox logo
To celebrate women’s contributions to gaming, we’re focusing on the main character energy that women bring every single day to the Gaming industry. Whether it be the women who develop games, test games, or market games, we’re bringing our all
Explore games featuring powerful women on Xbox Game Pass
Katy Jo Wright, Xbox Senior Director, discusses the many ways women show up in the video game industry
Artist Amika Cooper celebrates women as main characters through redesigned Xbox logo
To celebrate women’s contributions to gaming, we’re focusing on the main character energy that women bring every single day to the Gaming industry. Whether it be the women who develop games, test games, or market games, we’re bringing our all to the franchises that you all know and love to play. As the Senior Director of Gaming for Everyone & Sustainability at Xbox, I’ve worked with the entire Gaming organization to ensure we’re approaching decisions with an inclusion mindset, because, as our Gaming for Everyone Core Principle states: “When we don’t intentionally include, we unintentionally exclude.” You can see the results of this across all of Xbox, and this is how we deliver on our mission to bring the joy and community of gaming to everyone on the planet.
An approach I take in life is, “Live your life by design – not by default.” From a gaming perspective, we apply this with an “inclusion by design” framework to ensure women feel truly represented and experience a deep sense of belonging, across all aspects of gaming. Whether it’s about intentional, thoughtful character design where women see themselves as the main character, how people play either on console, PC, or handheld–the experiences for women gamers vary just as dramatically as any other community.
What excites me the most is seeing more women actively participating in gaming, either as a developer or a fan–or both! While we recognize International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, the work to ensure women feel represented, seen, and belong on Xbox happens every single day. It’s a journey and we’re always learning how to get better, but we’re committed and in it for the long haul. I believe that willingness to commit to every step in the journey, and get stronger with each step is main character energy.
Join me in celebrating women who have inspired you in the gaming industry by posting on LinkedIn and nominating an #XboxMainCharacter. It could be a woman who developed a game you love, a content creator whose channel you love, or simply someone who helped you feel a sense of belonging and invited you to play! We stand on the shoulders of those who have done this work before us—the many amazing people who included us–and it is our legacy to continue supporting and making gaming approachable and inclusive for the women behind us. Join Xbox in our celebration by reading about the exciting activations taking place throughout the year below:
Give
Xbox and Women in Games International Partner to Connect Women in the Industry
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Xbox is proud to announce an ongoing partnership with Women in Games International (WIGI), a nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate resources to advance economic equality and diversity in the global games industry.
WIGI was founded in 2005 and has been working to highlight, celebrate and connect women, femme-identifying, and nonbinary professionals in the games industry. Through their programs, newsletters, panels, workshops, and networking events, WIGI works to normalize diversity in the games industry by increasing representation and paving the way for the next generation of games industry professionals.
Xbox shares WIGI’s vision of a more inclusive and diverse games industry, where everyone can play, create, and enjoy games. Xbox is committed to finding more ways to elevate women in gaming and support their growth and development. As part of our partnership, Xbox and WIGI will collaborate on initiatives connecting WIGI’s audience with the talent and resources that Xbox is able to share. We’ll share more details on Xbox’s partnership with Women in Games International at a later date.
Together, WIGI and Xbox are working to uplift more of the main character energy happening among women in the games industry.
You can learn more about WIGI and their work at their website: https://www.getwigi.com/. You can also follow them on Twitter: @getwigi and Facebook: Women in Games International.
Gaming and Impact with Rewards
Microsoft Rewards members in the United States can earn and donate points to organizations supporting women with Xbox. The organizations below will be featured on console throughout March:
Women inGames International – Women in Games International works to cultivate resources such as advanced knowledge sharing, access to technology, and actionable mentorship programs to normalize diversity in the games industry through increased representation. (US only)
National Center for Transgender Equality – NCTE advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice. (US Only)
Xbox gamers can earn Rewards points in various ways, such as playing games and completing Game Pass Quests, and purchasing games and other eligible items at the Microsoft Store (exclusions apply). Earn points and redeem them for real rewards. Start earning today and donate through Xbox.
Play
Explore Games Featuring Powerful Women
Powerful can mean many things, from being able to take on a horde of enemies to being able to practice empathy for others. During March and beyond, you can play a variety of game collections featuring powerful women as protagonists and games created by women.
Examples of powerful games to play include these awesome titles and more:
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud, and Rated M) – Play as Senua, a Celtic warrior who bravely travels to the depths of Norse hell on a quest to save the soul of her dead lover. You must overcome physical challenges and those presented by Senua’s mind.
Celeste (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Follow the story of Madeline, a trans woman navigating the physical and emotional obstacles on her self-discovery quest to the top of Celeste Mountain. Written, designed, and directed by Maddy Thorson.
Rise of the Tomb Raider (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud, and Rated M) – Join one of the most classic video game heroines, Lara Croft, on her first tomb raiding expedition in a reimagined cinematic universe. Conquer a wild world of landscapes and configure Lara’s gear to suit your play style in this survival action adventure.
Ravenlok (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Created by Vanessa Chia, escape into a fairytale adventure inspired by her nostalgia of growing up Malaysia. Fulfill your destiny as the young girl, Ravenlok, on a whimsical journey to defeat the Caterpillar queen.
Bluey (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Fun for the whole family, experience the joy and wonder of Bluey’s world in this interactive adventure game based on the iconic children’s TV series about two sisters. Play with friends and family in story mode and in free play, create your own scenes, collect items for your sticker book, and uncover hidden references in every location.
New Forza Horizon 5 Vinyl Decal for Women’s History Month
This year’s Women’s History Month-themed Xbox art, designed by Amika Cooper, is now in Forza Horizon 5 as a vinyl: an in-game decal that you can use to customize any car. Show off this unique design on your car using #ForzaWHM on social media for a chance to be featured! (Visit the in-game Creative menu > Vinyl Groups and search for the share code: 171 005 410 .)
Discover
Artist Amika Cooper Reimagines the Xbox Logo in Celebration of Women who Bring Main Character Energy
For Women’s History Month, Xbox commissioned artist Amika Cooper, also known as blackpowerbarbie, to redesign the Xbox logo in celebration of women gamers and the way they define who gamers are by embracing main character energy. Amika used that inspiration to create an image of the Xbox sphere at the center of a lair, representing a safe place in gaming created by and celebrating the creativity of women. In her words, “The logo is presented as a gem because I think the energy women bring to gaming makes us ‘diamonds in the rough’. I wanted it to be vibrant, stimulating, and fun – a lot of my work is creating my own surreal and fantastic landscapes, so I wanted to impart that sense of whimsy here.”
Xbox Ambassadors Features New Quests for Women’s History Month
We believe that every woman deserves recognition as a main character. For this Women’s History Month, we’ve connected with women from the Xbox Ambassadors community to put a spotlight on their experience as a woman in gaming. Read along on theXbox Ambassadors Community Blog.
Taking our celebration to the next level, we’re featuring a series of Quests, all month long, for Xbox Ambassadors to complete and unlock rewards. The Women’s History Month Quests feature games made by women creators and/or feature women as the main character. Join the fun and become an Xbox Ambassador today!
WHM Dynamic Background Available Now
Amika Cooper’s Women’s History Month Xbox Sphere is available today as a dynamic background on console – follow these steps to apply it:
Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
Select Profile & system > Settings > General > Personalization > My background > Dynamic backgrounds.
You can choose between Games, Xbox, or Abstract dynamic backgrounds. Choose the background art that you want with the A button.
It’s also available as an Xbox wallpaper to personalize your devices!
We brought you our annual Nacon Connect broadcast last night, and you know what that means – new game announcements, trailers for our upcoming games, a little ’80s nostalgia, and of course, something related to Test Drive Unlimited.
Personally, I think we ticked all those boxes, but I’ll leave that up to you to decide. So, grab your Nacon Connect bingo cards and let’s dive into some of last night’s announcements. Also, some of our best games from last year are on sale, with savings on last ye
We brought you our annual Nacon Connect broadcast last night, and you know what that means – new game announcements, trailers for our upcoming games, a little ’80s nostalgia, and of course, something related to Test Drive Unlimited.
Personally, I think we ticked all those boxes, but I’ll leave that up to you to decide. So, grab your Nacon Connect bingo cards and let’s dive into some of last night’s announcements. Also, some of our best games from last year are on sale, with savings on last year’s breakout hit Robocop: Rogue City, Gangs of Sherwood, and more. So, head to the end of the article for a full list!
Terminator: Survivors
In Terminator: Survivors – which we showed off for the first time – you play a survivor in an open world set after Judgment Day where, alone or in co-op, you scavenge resources to build a base of operations for mankind. But you’re not alone. Skynet’s machines will hunt you relentlessly and rival human factions will fight for the same resources you desperately need.
Defy the machines and build the resistance in Terminator: Survivors, coming to Xbox Series X|S.
Dragonkin
The four kingdoms have been pushed to the brink, small enclaves desperately fighting for survival. But the winds of change have started to blow, and those who have done the unthinkable – to partake of a Dragon’s blood – have been given the power to change the world. These mutants have teamed up with some of humanity’s strongest heroes, forming an unlikely alliance as they take on the draconic forces.
We announced Dragonkin last night during the Nacon Connect. This top-down ARPG lets you select between 4 character classes, each with their own abilities and skills. It’s a flashy hack ’n’ slash playable solo or in co-op with up to 4 players.
Claim back your world from the dragons when Dragonkin comes to Xbox Series X|S in 2025.
Endurance Mostorsport Series
When it comes to the ultimate challenge in track racing, there’s nothing more challenging than endurance racing. Marathon multi-class races that involve multiple drivers put extreme strain on vehicles, where everything and anything can happen. Success is a perfect collaboration between drivers, mechanics and engineers.
We wanted to showcase that duality in Endurance Motorsport Series, where you’ll manage both driving and supporting from the pits. Drive licensed cars from major manufacturers, whether Hypercar, LMP2 or GT on famous circuits from across the world in Endurance Motorsport Series, coming to Xbox Series X|S.
GreedFall 2
The next instalment of GreedFall is open to everyone, regardless of whether you’re a newcomer or an expert.
Set 3 years before the events of GreedFall, you are forcibly taken to the continent of Gacane, abducted from the island waters you called home. In these strange lands, factions vie for control across a continent ravaged by war and scarred by the Malichor Plague. Regain your freedom, recruit allies, and – whether via diplomacy, cunning, or combat – put an end to one man’s ambition for conquest, protecting your home in the process.
GreedFall 2 is coming to Xbox Series X|S in 2025.
Welcome to Paradize
Turn off your CRT, grab some supplies, assemble your buddies, and set off for Paradize! Buddies didn’t survive the outbreak? Don’t worry! With the patented Zombot technology, you’ll have a veritable army of new workers friends to help you build your base, craft gear, and fight off the zombie hordes hungering for your delicious human flesh.
This quirky twin-stick, hack and slash, crafting/survival action-RPG, is out now, playable solo or with up to 4 friends in co-op. Hop into Welcome to Paradize, available on Xbox Series X|S.
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown
When you hear the words ‘Hong Kong’, what comes to mind? No doubt a city of sprawling skyscrapers, neon lights, food or maybe the people. Let’s get away from all that for just a minute, as the latest trailer for Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown takes us off-road, exploring mountain peaks, lakes, fishing villages and beaches that run alongside the South China Sea.
It’s this variety that is part of the reason that we chose Hong Kong Island as the location for the return of Test Drive Unlimited, and we’re excited to see players explore over 600km of roads (and off-roads) when Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown comes to Xbox Series X|S.
In other news from the Nacon Connect, there was a new gameplay trailer for Crown Wars: The Black Prince (arriving on March 7), a new gameplay trailer for upcoming twisted fairy tale roguelike Ravenswatch and the return of the Tour De France series for a new season later this year.
And if that’s not enough Nacon, we’ve got a few games on sale, including Robocop: Rogue City – Alex Murphy Edition at 30% off, 50% off psychological WW1 horror game Ad Infinitum, and more!
Category: Next Week on Xbox Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 4 – 8
Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor
Published
March 1, 2024
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! This weekly feature presents you with all the games that are arriving soon on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! You can see more information about these upcoming games below and click on their profiles for
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! This weekly feature presents you with all the games that are arriving soon on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! You can see more information about these upcoming games below and click on their profiles for more details (release dates may vary). Let’s begin!
Classified: France ‘44 is a new turn-based strategy game, set in World War II during the desperate months leading up to the Allied invasion of France in June 1944. Take charge of a special-ops team of Allied commandos and French resistance fighters. Recruit elite operatives to build your squad, then engage in a sweeping campaign of sabotage and destruction.
Embark on ever-rewarding scientific expeditions as you adapt to nature’s challenges and unravel the mysteries of uncharted lands. Lead research missions as you drive a variety of all-terrain vehicles through treacherous paths, using advanced technologies and high-tech tools to overcome obstacles. Build and manage your base and equip your vehicles with essential gadgets like drones or scanners to ensure your success in the wild. Hire a team of top-notch experts to improve your skills in the field, unlocking new possibilities for exploration.
Three young men in their early 20s reconnect after two years of forced isolation, hoping to rekindle their friendship; an exceptional bond that made the trio truly special! A mythological force well beyond the sum of its parts! Or so they think…
Red Barrels invites you to experience mind-numbing terror, this time with friends. Whether you go through the trials alone or in teams, if you survive long enough and complete the therapy, Murkoff will happily let you leave… but will you be the same? Pre-order now to get the Legendary Grizzly Hazmat outfit!
Take the role of an agile little blonde hero as he leaps and dashes his way to glory in 10 Seconds to Win! This is a precision platformer where you only have 10 seconds to complete each single-screen challenge. Run, jump, and air dash to avoid spikes, spinning saw blades and more as you try to reach a trophy cup on the far side of the stage.
An atmospheric point-and-click quest in which you play as a wise white cat. One day the artist saved a cat that was in trouble, and they began to live together. There were no signs of trouble until one day an evil spirit attacked the artist. After this, the artist became seriously ill and now the wise white cat must help his friend and save him from death.
Bounce over the strangely elastic heads of your opponents to advance. Swat characters clear across the map. Inspire teammates with an operatic blast from a guy with a giant speaker for a head. Command a squad of minions in this quirky turn-based strategy game for 1-4 players. Hex Gambit is a perfect game night staple: easy for new players to pick up, with tons of creative tactics to explore!
In Reveil, you’ll be immersed into a world designed with attention to detail, where the boundaries between reality and illusion become blurred. The setting is an authentically orchestrated environment inspired by the circus of the ‘60s, which soon takes on surreal features.
ABRISS is an atmospheric physics-destruction building game. Build structures from parts to let them crash into your targets. Unlock new parts, destroy more, witness entropy at its worst in digital-brutalist cityscapes.
A tactical roguelike featuring turn-based combat along with a “turn the camera” mechanic that also turns all monsters and projectiles, causing interesting outcomes like monsters walking into traps; or attacking one another.
Dr. Ralph Goodwin invented a miracle cure to heal the world from almost all types of diseases and he is going to present his elixir to the audience at a press conference the next day. But today his research laboratory was destroyed, and the elixir seems lost forever. His daughter Sara jumps into action, searching the laboratory for any clues about the whereabouts of the elixir. She was not prepared to uncover the dark events of her own past. Amid mad scientists and ruthless assassins, will you be able to find the elixir?
It’s time to dust off your overalls and hitch on your toolbelt in Manic Mechanics – a chaotic couch co-op game where you and up to three fellow grease monkeys pay a visit to the car-obsessed Octane Isle. No two games are the same as you work your way through 30 unique garage levels, each one more challenging than the last.
A retro arcade racer that puts you in the driving seat as you take control of your own motorsport team and compete at thrilling and iconic racing circuits around the world from the 1980s to the present day. Upgrade your car, choose your race perks and pit strategy, and battle a grid of CPU opponents and ever-changing weather conditions to win the championship and unlock the next decade of racing!
In Sokobalien, you take on the role of a fearless alien determined to create a farm of epic proportions. Your mission is to push cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens, ensuring that the UFO beams abduct them. Be prepared for increasingly complex challenges as you will need to use your strategic skills and problem-solving abilities to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Climb into the driver’s seat of your car and your business, transport passengers across Barcelona and grow your company! After arriving in the city with nothing but a car and a dream, drive around the busy streets and transport passengers while offering them impeccable service across 286 miles (460 km) of roads in a large area of Barcelona reproduced at 1:1 scale.
Top Racer Collection brings back the 90s classics in one incredible package, bringing together three iconic games from the renowned racing franchise. The Top Racer Collection features classic titles such as Top Racer, Top Racer 2, and Top Racer 3000.
You have been hired to solve the mystery of a missing caretaker and a scary female ghost that has been seen in the Waterfront gallery. On arrival you start searching for the ghost but slowly but surely are being pulled into her own world. Before you know it, you find yourself in a crazy world that represent the thoughts of the dead woman. However, you are determined to find her, figure out why she can’t leave the world of living and finally bring her peace. Will you be able to succeed?
Stolen Realm features an innovative turn-based combat system where simultaneous turns allow every team to take their actions at once, creating quick combat encounters that blend the tactical depth of titles like Divinity: Original Sin with the thrill of a fast-paced action RPG. Every battle scales based on the number of players involved, so you can easily jump in and out of the game even in the same playthrough!
This ninja master is back in action and this time he’s bringing a friend along. Help them complete their missions while they take the art of the ninja to a whole new level.
WWE 2K24 boasts a star-studded roster featuring WWE Legends like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Undertaker, and Andre the Giant, alongside current WWE Superstars “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Rhea Ripley, and Roman Reigns, whose larger-than-life entrances and signature moves are heightened by ultra-realistic graphics.
A top-secret government laboratory experiment went wrong, and now invading aliens have infested the military base. Time to clean things up! Grab your weapon, recruit a friend, and start blasting wave after wave of alien scum into oblivion.
Science isn’t just done in laboratories. Some studies require the presence of experts in the field, or at least the collection of data in remote locations. And being able to transport all these elements that are essential for research to progress, it’s sometimes necessary to brave the traps and dangers of nature. To do this, as an explorer and skilled driver, you will have to travel to the remote forests of the Carpathians or the rocky hills of Arizona in the upcoming Expeditions: A Mudrunner Ga
Science isn’t just done in laboratories. Some studies require the presence of experts in the field, or at least the collection of data in remote locations. And being able to transport all these elements that are essential for research to progress, it’s sometimes necessary to brave the traps and dangers of nature. To do this, as an explorer and skilled driver, you will have to travel to the remote forests of the Carpathians or the rocky hills of Arizona in the upcoming Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game, launching March 4, 2024, for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
Getting behind the wheel of nimble scouts as well as larger, more powerful trucks, you’ll have to tackle the deepest forests and steepest slopes. But don’t expect to triumph without proper preparation — here’s how to make your way through the wilderness.
Select the Best Gadgets
Like Indiana Jones, who never set off on an adventure without his trademark whip, it’s very important to take something with you to deal with any situation. Here are just a few:
Winch: Indispensable for getting out of most difficult situations. You can cling to a tree to get out of the mud or climb slopes that are a little too steep or use a portable anchor to abseil down cliffs and save time.
Echo Sounder: Sometimes, lakes or rivers are deeper than expected and become traps that will drown your engine. To avoid this problem, use the Echo Sounder, which displays the depth of the surrounding water.
Drone: The perfect gadget to scout surroundings from the sky to detect some dangers and define the best path to follow. A good companion also for detecting equipment and goods caches in the wild.
But tools and gadgets are not your only support in organizing an expedition. The human aspect is equally important as well.
Hire a Balanced Team
Even if you’re alone at the wheel of your scout or your truck, you have a whole team at your side to help you on your adventures, like a bunch of specialists whose skills can give you some advantages in conquering wilderness.
Mechanics offer reduced fuel consumption or truck damages, Logisticians increase the range of binocular or repair parts number, and Jaegers allow the player to discover shortcuts. So you need to choose carefully before setting off to maximize your chances of success. Every one of them can be a mission savior, so don’t hesitate to use these adventurers. Of course, they are not all available in the beginning of your explorations and you have to finish certain missions to gain them.
Manage Your Vehicles
Your collection of scouts and trucks also plays a major role in emerging victorious from an expedition. Buy new vehicles with the money earned in successful missions and customize them to face every situation. Of course, you can change their colors and add some decoration in order to be the best-looking vehicle in the surrounding areas, but there are not any win or lose modifiers.
On the other hand, every piece of equipment has its significance, and you must select your scout or truck equipment strategically. Add a snorkel to cross the deepest rivers without drowning your engine, equip a roof rack to carry more fuel and repair parts, or upgrade your engine to increase the power of your vehicle or decrease its fuel consumption.
Organize Your Base Camp
Finally, setting up your base camp is an excellent way of adapting to possible changes and events happening during a mission. An extra truck may be needed, or you may run out of new wheels or spare parts.
Adding a dedicated base module in exchange for a certain sum of money (e.g. Gas Station, Tow Truck, or Repair Station) gives you access to these needs. It’s up to you to gauge the situation and use one or several of these solutions. Every choice is an adventure, every departure, an expedition.
Now that you know what to expect from an exploration and how to prepare for it, pack your bag and pre-order Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game today on the Xbox Store for exclusive content and get ready to roll out on your adventure starting March 5, 2024, on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
Embark on ever-rewarding scientific expeditions as you adapt to nature's challenges and unravel the mysteries of uncharted lands. Venture into the vast wilderness of arid deserts and rugged forests to the steepest mountains, brimming with hidden treasures and forgotten ruins.
Lead research missions as you drive a variety of all-terrain vehicles through treacherous paths, using advanced technologies and high-tech tools to overcome obstacles. Build and manage your base and equip your vehicles with essential gadgets like drones or scanners to ensure your success in the wild. Hire a team of top-notch experts to improve your skills in the field, unlocking new possibilities for exploration.
● Experience a new take on the most advanced physics-based, off-road adventure from the creators of MudRunner and SnowRunner.
● Plan your itinerary wisely by flying over the landscapes with your reconnaissance drone, use your metal detector and camera drone to locate caches of valuable equipment.
● Chart through extreme landscapes with your vehicle's arsenal of cutting-edge gadgets, like planting anchors to ascend difficult slopes or activating echo sounders to probe water depth.
● Manage your camp by building research structures and hiring experts to unlock new skills and possibilities during your expeditions.
Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Omega ring today.
It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.
Details can be found below!
System Update Details
OS
Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Omega ring today.
It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.
Details can be found below!
System Update Details
OS Version: XB_FLT_2403ZN\25398.3839.240227-0110
Available: 4 p.m. PT – February 29, 2024
Mandatory: 4 p.m. PT – March 1, 2024
Note: This update may not occur automatically before it has already become mandatory. You can always find the most current update as soon as it is available by opening the Guide > Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates.
Remember: Newly enrolled users in this ring are not guaranteed to receive all early updates, but they’ll receive the update prior to the GA release. Additionally, a small subset of users may remain on their current GA build once they enroll until the next system update becomes mandatory for the public. Visit the Xbox Insider Program FAQ to learn more.
Fixes Included
Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:
Accessibility
Fixes to improve narrator readout in the Xbox Accessories app for connected devices.
Backgrounds
Fixed an issue where dynamic backgrounds were mirrored unexpectedly when the console was set to a right-to-left language.
System
Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.
Audio
Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem when you are experiencing the issue. Use the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.
Networking
We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.
As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.
If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.
When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.
Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.
For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!
Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Delta ring today.
It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.
Details can be found below!
System Update Details
OS
Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Delta ring today.
It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.
Details can be found below!
System Update Details
OS Version: XB_FLT_2403ZN\25398.3839.240227-0110
Available: 3 p.m. PT – February 29, 2024
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – March 1, 2024
Fixes Included
Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:
Accessibility
Fixes to improve narrator readout in the Xbox Accessories app for connected devices.
Backgrounds
Fixed an issue where dynamic backgrounds were mirrored unexpectedly when the console was set to a right-to-left language.
System
Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.
Audio
Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem when you are experiencing the issue. Use the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.
Networking
We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.
As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.
If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.
When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.
Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.
For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!
Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Beta ring today.
It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.
Details can be found below!
System Update Details
OS
Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Beta ring today.
It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.
Details can be found below!
System Update Details
OS Version: XB_FLT_2403ZN\25398.3839.240227-0110
Available: 2 p.m. PT – February 29, 2024
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – March 1, 2024
Fixes Included
Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:
Accessibility
Fixes to improve narrator readout in the Xbox Accessories app for connected devices.
Backgrounds
Fixed an issue where dynamic backgrounds were mirrored unexpectedly when the console was set to a right-to-left language.
System
Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.
Audio
Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem when you are experiencing the issue. Use the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.
Networking
We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.
As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.
If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.
When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.
Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.
For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!