Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!

Bus Driving Simulator : EVO

Ovilex Soft SRL

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

Pre-order

Bus Driving Simulator: Evo – January 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Get behind the wheel and become a professional bus driver! This amazing bus simulator will allow you to transport passengers across three different cities (Rio de Janeiro, Munich and Los Angeles) using various bus models with realistic physics and graphics. Play this bus simulator in single player with career and freeride modes.

Loan Shark

Dark Product

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Loan Shark – January 13 – Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

You’re an indebted angler, trapped in a vicious cycle of borrowing and desperation. One dark, endless night at sea you haul up something unnatural: a talking fish named Cagliuso. It promises you riches — but its bargains come with terrifying strings. In Loan Shark, the nets you cast bring more than fish. They pull you toward sacrifice, secrets, and a deadline you may never meet. The “loan shark” isn’t just metaphoric — something is stalking the waters, your time is running out, and every deal you strike pushes you deeper into the unknown.

SimRail – The Railway Simulator

PlayWay S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$34.99 $31.49

Pre-order

SimRail – The Railway Simulator – January 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

SimRail is a new era of railway simulators. Realistic driving physics, the environment generated on the basis of geodetic data and an extensive multi-player mode are just some of the elements that game includes. Visit about 500 km of real routes created with all details. Choose present European high-speed, long-distance and suburban tracks, or travel back in time to 1980 and drive steam train at sand railway of Upper Silesia, Poland: the socialist land of coal and steel.

Tavern Manager Simulator

Ultimate Games S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Tavern Manager Simulator – January 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Tavern Manager Simulator is an exciting process of rebuilding, expanding and improving a tavern. Take different approaches to running an establishment and meet the challenges of the outside world to create your own unique story.

Bob The Brick Breaker

Brainium Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Bob the Brick Breaker – January 14

A game inspired by old arcade games, where waves of bricks make the climb to the top increasingly difficult. Adding to the challenge are minions and bosses, who will put us to the test. Ask your friends for help, playing as a duo, or go head-to-head to see who’s the best. If you think you’re the best of the bunch, then get ready to prove to the rest of the world that you’ve got what it takes via the online leaderboards.

Cats Around Us: Giant Cat

Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Cats Around Us: Giant Cat – January 14

A giant cat has made an (otherwise) peaceful village its napping spot! Can you find all the hidden cats scattered around the chaos? Explore four illustrated comic pages, search for hundreds of felines, and complete relaxing jigsaw puzzles. Cats Around Us: Giant Cat combines hidden-object gameplay with storybook art, offering a cozy, creative experience for cat and cartoon lovers alike!

Direction Quad

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Direction Quad – January 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Hop your way through the dangerous swamps as you face the trials of your master the Wise Toad! Direction Quad is a 2D action-adventure presented in top-down pixel art style. Take the role of young Quad as he hops through the swamp in any diagonal direction, collecting coins and bugs along the way. The objective is to get Quad from his starting lily pad to the finish line of each stage without colliding with the terrain or any treacherous traps.

DreadOut Remastered Collection

Soft Source Pte Ltd

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$29.99

Pre-order

DreadOut Remastered Collection – January 14

A collectors dream! A compilation consisting of the original DreadOut and DreadOut: Keepers of the Dark. DreadOut is a third person supernatural horror game where you play as Linda, a high school student trapped in an old, abandoned town. Equipped with her trusty smartphone and an SLR camera, she will battle against terrifying encounters and solve mysterious puzzles which will ultimately determine her fate. DreadOut: Keepers of the Dark is a new standalone horror game that takes place in the DreadOut universe. In this missing chapter, you will help Linda face the challenges of the DreadOut world with even more dangers lurking within.

God bless, or Goddess

NiuGamer

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99 $17.99

Pre-order

God Bless, or Goddess – January 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Handheld Optimized / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

They say the path to immortality is paved with hardship. But in your case, this hardship happened to take the form of seven dangerously beautiful women. You are Lin Fan, the chosen one of the Crane Illusion Sect. Born with a Pure Yang Lineage, you are destined to ascend to the heavens. However, no matter how hard you train, fate sends yet another challenge in your way…temptations in the shape of an unreliable master, a strict senior sister, or a saintess who seems far more interested in testing your heart rather than your skills. Can you survive the thousand tribulations of love, jealousy, and thunder? Or will your heart fall just before your heavenly ascension?

The Last Case of John Morley

JanduSoft

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$12.99 $11.69

Pre-order

The Last Case of John Morley – January 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

The Last Case of John Morley is a first-person narrative adventure set in the 1940s. You play as an experienced detective faced with a case long buried by time. After months in hospital, John Morley receives an unexpected visit from Lady Margarette Fordside, an aristocrat haunted by the murder of her daughter twenty years earlier. Though the police closed the case, she believes the real killer was never found. What begins as a quiet look into an old case becomes a haunting investigation into forgotten places and long-hidden truths that refuse to stay buried.

Ninja Nightfall

Old School Vibes

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Ninja Nightfall – January 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Ninja Nightfall is a fast-paced platformer where you are the last silent guardian—an elite ninja battling a city overrun by hostile AI. Conquer 10 intense stages filled with deadly robots, hidden zones, and high-security relics. Master stealth, speed, and precision as you navigate neon-lit rooftops and evade traps.

CASSETTE BOY

Forever Entertainment S. A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$12.99 $11.69

Pre-order

Cassette Boy – January 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Is the moon there when nobody looks? Einstein once asked this famous question about quantum mechanics. This game takes that idea and turns it into a mysterious puzzle RPG, where the world itself only exists when you see it.

Disco Simulator

Ultimate Games S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99 $11.99

Pre-order

Disco Simulator – January 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Disco Simulator is a tycoon game focused on managing your own nightclub. Start from scratch, build walls, arrange furniture, hire staff, plan events, and invite artists to perform on stage. Create the ultimate place for music, dance, and fun!

Dreamscapes – Nightmare's Heir

Joindots® GmbH

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Dreamscapes – Nightmare’s Heir – January 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Two years after waking from her coma, Laura believes she’s free from nightmares. But the Sandman, who once held her soul captive, is back for revenge. A relaxing trip to a snowy mountain resort turns tragic when Tim falls from a cliff and slips into a coma. Bound by her vow not to use her Power for personal gain, Laura can’t save him herself. Desperate, she turns to an old friend (the player) and enters Tim’s subconscious, now under the Sandman’s dark influence. Explore haunting dreamscapes, solve intriguing puzzles, and face the shadows before the Sandman claims his next heir.

KEJORA

Soft Source Pte Ltd

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

Pre-order

Kejora – January 15

When Kejora realizes that her peaceful village has been reliving the same day over and over, she and her friends seek out to try and uncover the origin of the mysterious time loop cursed on her village There’s a mystery hidden behind this peaceful village, unknown to its inhabitants, who carry on with their daily lives. Kejora features hand-drawn art and animation, environmental platformer puzzles, and party-based inspired gameplay with 2 supporting characters with unique skills to help Kejora in her exploration and journey.

Mel The Space Cat

Ember Box Studio

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Mel the Space Cat – January 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In Mel The Space Cat, you’ll guide Mel, a courageous cosmic cat traveling across alien planets in search of safety even if that means escaping from energy traps, laser cannons, hazardous landscapes, and the mysterious alien Theo! Across 40 handcrafted space levels, your reflexes and timing will be pushed to the limit in a journey filled with charm, danger, and zero gravity surprises.

Apartment No 129

Axyos Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$13.99

Pre-order

Apartment No 129 – January 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The story of a real event: in 2009, two young girls living in Apartment No 129 in Turkey performed satanic rituals with candles late at night. According to allegations, the girls, who lived on the top floor of the building, mysteriously lost their lives that night. Apartment No 129 is a single-player, first-person horror and thriller game.

Baking Time

QubicGames S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Baking Time – January 16
Xbox Play Anywhere

Stack all kinds of mouth-watering baked goods, from croissants to cookie hearts and everything in between! Grab your spatula, lift the baked goods out of the oven, and put them on display so that customers can buy them! With a steady stream of hungry customers waiting in line, it’s up to you to deliver their orders quickly and efficiently!

Battle Puzzle 2048 – Queens of the Abyss

EpiXR Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$6.99

Pre-order

Battle Puzzle 2048 – Queens of the Abyss – January 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Battle Puzzle 2048 – Queens of the Abyss brings a spellbinding twist to the classic 2048 puzzle game! Slide tiles to combine matching numbers, build powerful combos, and take on a colorful array of supernatural foes. Face off against crafty witches, playful vampires, and adorable girly demons, each armed with unique abilities like hexing tiles, draining health, or summoning chaos on the grid.

BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW

Serafini Productions

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

BrokenLore: Unfollow – January 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

BrokenLore: Unfollow is a first-person psychological horror game that dives into the dark side of social media and its effect on mental health. You play as Anne, a young woman haunted by the trauma of bullying, trapped in a surreal nightmare where she must confront her past and uncover a buried truth.

Grimoire of Domance

Gray Boss Game Studio

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Grimoire of Dominance – January 16
|Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In Grimoire of Domance, the natural order has been shattered. You are a high mage of a Mage Order, the only one capable of wielding the power of the legendary Grimoire to stop Bahg’Val, an ancient entity that has possessed your master and threatens to consume the world. In this 2D action-platformer, your magic comes from dominance. You are what you defeat.

Milo's Dream

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Milo’s Dream – January 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Milo is a very brave, smart, and playful dog! Only he can defeat the cruel King Big Flea and his evil henchmen who are terrorizing the fairy kingdom. Explore four magical branching locations, solve challenging puzzles, defeat dangerous enemies, and collect dog bones to earn special new abilities. Playing solo or together with local co-op multiplayer, only you can help Milo in his all-important quest!

Neural Requiem

Frostweep Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Neural Requiem – January 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The world has fallen to a ruthless artificial intelligence determined to erase mankind. Cities lie in ruins, the skies swarm with machines, and the future hangs by a thread. You are John Veyron, a soldier reborn through brutal experiments, stripped of his past but armed with unbreakable resolve. With only steel and firepower at his side, John must march through hostile strongholds, confront merciless AI champions, and take the fight straight to the heart of the machine.

Super Farming Boy

Renxo Europe Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Super Farming Boy – January 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Super Farming Boy is an exciting mix of action, puzzle, and farming sim, heavily relying on chain reactions and combos. You play as Super, whose mom and friends have been captured by your evil nemesis, KORPO®©TM, who unlawfully hires you to work on your own land, taxing all proceeds for himself! Now, with your friends and mom up for sale, you must harvest your way through challenging adventures, saving enough to buy your mom and friends back!

Zumba – Marble Candy Rush

EpiXR Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$4.99 $3.99

Pre-order

Zumba – Marble Candy Rush – January 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Zumba – Marble Candy Rush invites you into a delectable marble-shooter kingdom ruled by the Candy King! Select a level, aim your candy-cannon mouth, and fire to match three or more identical candy marbles before they spill past the sugar gate. Create explosive combos, clear waves swiftly, and earn up to three stars per level.

First and foremost, we at Stoic want to take a moment and salute our amazing community who joined us in the Towerborne early access journey. It’s no exaggeration to say that the game would not be what it is without our community. Thank you to every Ace for your valuable feedback, passion, ideas and dedication which shaped Towerborne into our full game release.

That’s right, we’re excited to announce that we will be exiting early access and Xbox Game Preview and launching our full game on February 26, 2026, on Xbox, PC, Steam and PlayStation 5. This is all tied to a major 1.0 update to the game, and a shift in how you play and access. For those who have been with us from the start, there is a lot of new content and updates for you. And for those who will experience Towerborne for the first time, welcome! Let’s jump in.

A Reimagined Launch Experience

With this full game update, Towerborne shifts from its original vision as a free-to-play, always online title into a buy once, offline game – you will own the complete experience permanently, with offline play and online co-op.

This change required deep structural rebuilding over the past year, transforming systems originally designed around constant connectivity. The result is a stronger, more accessible, and more player-friendly version of Towerborne — one we’re incredibly proud to bring to launch.

What’s Coming in the Full Game Update on February 26, 2026

• A complete story & final showdown: We have an updated and complete story, a full narrative arc featuring a major antagonist, new side quests, and an overhauled Bounty Board.
• Who’s the boss?: we’ve added two new bosses, including the big bad boss (that would be the antagonist we mentioned), lieutenants, and umbra enemies.
• Fully reworked difficulty system: we’ve added an entirely new difficulty system, a complete rebalance of the game, and a new ‘Brutal’ difficulty for those who enjoy breaking controllers and swearing at their screens.
• Map it out: we’ve reworked and reimagined the World Map and added a new coastal biome.
• New Encounters & Combat Challenges: we’ve added new gear and player abilities, a new Forge system with the ability to modify, upgrade, and re-roll stats
• Is there more? Yes, there’s more! We have new music from the man/myth/maestro Austin Wintory, a bunch of quality of life and bug fixes, no more cosmetic purchasing – you can acquire all cosmetics free through gameplay, we added a TON of new cosmetics, and we’ve included multiple save slots and the ability to import your current character and associated loot.

That’s just a high-level look at what you can expect with the full game release of Towerborne. This major update represents a huge shift for the game and the community, and we have worked hard to incorporate as much of your feedback as we could. We could not have done this without your participation and contributions, and again, we want to thank each and every one of you.

For more details, including how your game and items will transition from early access and game preview to full release, please visit www.towerborne.com/FAQ.

Grab Towerborne’s full game Standard or Deluxe Editions on February 26, 2026, to join the fight.

Towerborne Deluxe Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 220

★★★★★

Get it now

Step into the world of Towerborne with the Deluxe Edition, a premium bundle built to jumpstart your journey and keep you looking sharp as you face the wilds beyond the Belfry. Outfit your Ace with the Numbers Cosmetic Set and the Lazurite Cosmetic Set, then further customize your progression with 6 additional Rare Aspects and major drops of crafting resources—a supply of Core crafting materials plus a trove of Advanced crafting materials. The Deluxe Edition helps you unlock customizations faster and style your adventure your way. Ideal for players who want early flexibility in builds and a distinctive look from day one. Forge, fight, and flourish—alone or alongside your crew—on your path to become a legendary Ace of Towerborne. What’s included: • Numbers Cosmetic Set • Lazurite Cosmetic Set • 6 additional Rare Aspects • Supply of Core crafting materials • Trove of advanced crafting materials Towerborne is an exciting side-scrolling Action RPG Brawler. Rise again as an Ace, an immortal warrior reborn to defend the Belfry against the darkness beyond its walls. Journey across a crumbling world, uncover the mystery of the fallen City of Numbers, and push back the corruption threatening humanity’s survival. Master the Mayhem Experience classic combo-based brawler combat combined with a modern RPG. Customize your Ace with powerful gear, experiment with diverse combat styles, and refine your skills through relentless battles. Every fight makes you stronger, every victory opens new strategies, and every weapon reshapes your journey. Fight Your Way Whether you want quick pick-up-and-play sessions or intricate systems to master, Towerborne lets you choose your play style. Its fast-paced, responsive combat rewards timing and creativity, making every encounter feel fresh and challenging as you grow stronger. Grow Stronger Together Join forces with up to three other Aces* or venture solo with Umbra lending unique abilities to your side. Teamwork amplifies the chaos and the thrill, where synergy and strategy make the difference between victory and defeat. Rally together to fight as one. Take an Unforgettable Journey Towerborne expands beyond combat with a compelling Story Campaign designed to spark excitement and fuel unstoppable action. For players who crave more than battles, Towerborne’s full story campaign brings to life the lore, characters, and stakes of the Belfry’s survival. Explore, progress, and uncover the world at your own pace and take your Ace’s journey offline then reconnect online to fight alongside friends without missing a beat.

2026 is going to be an incredible year for Xbox players – you might even call it a… fabled year. To celebrate, we’re kicking it off with the fourth installment of our Developer_Direct broadcast on January 22, bringing you news, new gameplay, and insights directly from the incredible teams working on titles coming this year.

Presented by the game creators themselves, Developer_Direct will once again give you an inside look at not just the games, but the studios working to bring them to life. Fittingly for Xbox’s 25^th anniversary year, that includes the return of some of our most legendary franchises, which rub shoulders with a brand new title from one of Japan’s most beloved studios.

The show includes not one but two titles from Playground Games, with the UK studio bringing us a first extended look at Fable, as well as the debut of gameplay for Forza Horizon 6. We’ll also be taking a trip to Tokyo to visit the legendary Game Freak, offering a first in-depth look at Beast of Reincarnation, which we revealed at Xbox Games Showcase last year.

You can tune in at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK on January 22 to see all the latest on:

Fable – Playground Games welcomes players back to the fairytale land of Albion, with the first in-depth look at Fable – one of 2026’s most anticipated titles. Devs from the Playground team will unveil the magic and mischief that awaits players in this fresh new beginning for the franchise, including a first look at some stunning new gameplay. Of course, the core themes of Fable will all be there – choice, consequence, drama, action, British humor and (of course) chickens, all reimagined for existing fans and new players alike.

Forza Horizon 6 – The Forza team from Playground Games will share a deep-dive on the much-anticipated Forza Horizon 6 as the open world racer takes players to the beautiful and contrasting landscapes of Japan. The segment will deep-dive into a very first look at gameplay, including reveals of new features – and how Japan comes to life in this stunning new installment.

Beast of Reincarnation – Join us as we delve into Game Freak’s intense one-person, one-dog action RPG. For the first time, Game Freak will reveal details of our protagonist Emma’s innovative plant manipulation actions and gameplay with her canine companion, Koo. In Beast of Reincarnation, a profound and dangerous world unfolds in post-apocalyptic Japan. Discover the development secrets behind its creation in Developer_Direct.

Stay tuned to our official social channels for more from Developer_Direct, airing on Thursday, January 22 at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK.

Every Wednesday, dive into the Indie Select Hub — your gateway to a fresh, curated indie collection plus four themed spotlights that rotate weekly! You can always find this collection hub in the Xbox Store and on Xbox.com/IndieSelects.

Our goal for 2026? Make it the best year yet for Indie Selects! Late November and early December indie releases often fly under the radar, so this month we’re giving them the spotlight they deserve. Our collection is stacked: a stylish tactics RPG, a challenging roguelite creature collector, a retro-inspired metroidvania with modern twists, a gripping text-based political sim, a mind-bending 47-minute time loop adventure, and yes—the psychic-powered baby simulator you never knew you needed. Here’s what we’ve got for you this month (in no particular order):

Demonschool

Demonschool is a joyride of a tactical RPG that follows the charismatic demon hunter Faye, on an apocalypse-preventing quest filled with gangsters, quirky teachers, classmates, and, well… demons. Players are tasked with exploring a mysterious island and college campus through various missions and minigames, managing relationships and school schedules, discovering new skills, and constantly fighting waves of enemies. While all of it was fun, I think the combat captivated me the most! It features a two-phase turn-based structure that leverages action sequencing in a way that feels like solving choreography puzzles. Each character has different abilities, and if moved to the right space and triggered in the right order, you can maximize damage during the action phase. This carries a similar depth and level of player expression to that found in its peers, but its unique presentation enhances the satisfaction when successful. Paired with various enemy types, a mission rank system, and a forgiving rewind feature, the experience felt exciting, challenging, rewarding, and approachable.

Aside from combat, I was delighted by the detail shown through interactivity and easter eggs within each environment. Pet the dog and it might give you something. Throw a coin in a fountain. Talk to an NPC at the docks and learn how their great-grandpappy died as a demon-hunting fisherman. I found myself interacting with everything I could to find another mini-game or read another hilarious one-liner, like the kid who claimed they “marked their seat” during orientation. As a gamer who doesn’t normally play RPGs, I ironically found myself glued to this. The soundtrack is FIRE, the modern-retro aesthetic is beautifully designed, and the storytelling through its varied character personalities and charm kept things fresh and entertaining.

– Deron Mann

Demonschool

Ysbryd Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 9

★★★★★

$24.99

Get it now

Demonschool is a new-style tactics RPG where motion equals action. Defeat big weirdos in between the human and demon worlds as Faye and her misfit companions, while navigating university life on a mysterious island.

Morsels

My first few runs in Morsels taught me an important lesson: getting too attached is a fast track back to the start screen. Developed by Furcula and published by Annapurna Interactive, Morsels is a roguelike action game that rewards flexibility, experimentation, and the ability to admit when your current plan isn’t working. Rather than committing to a single character, players collect multiple “Morsels,” each with its own abilities and combat style. I quickly realized that success depended less on picking the “best” creature and more on knowing when to switch. Stubbornness, it turns out, is not a viable strategy.

The game follows familiar roguelike conventions, including procedurally generated rooms, escalating difficulty, and persistent progression between runs. What helps Morsels stand out is its intentionally strange visual style. Creature designs are unsettling in the best way, and the gritty environments feel like they were designed to keep you slightly on edge—just in case the enemies weren’t already doing that. Progression is driven by unlocking new Morsels and card-based modifiers. Some of these systems took a few runs to click, but experimenting with different combinations often led to those satisfying moments where things suddenly start going your way—right before they don’t.

Morsels doesn’t reinvent the roguelike genre, but its focus on adaptability gives it a clear personality. For Xbox players who enjoy learning through trial, error, and the occasional laugh at their own expense, it’s an engaging and memorable experience.

– Steven Allen

Morsels

Annapurna Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆ 18

★★★★★

$14.99

Get it now

You are a hungry mouse, scrounging for scraps in the sewers, when you meet a magical sentient fatberg who teaches you to transform into a mighty little Morsel. With your new powers, set off to dangerous upper worlds where you battle against the cats' oppressive forces and collect new Morsels, strategically swapping as you go. From developer Furcula, Morsels is an oddball top-down, creature collector roguelite with a rotating roster of playable characters you switch between at will. Packed with frenetic action and personality, players use magical cards to transform into little monsters, collect and nurture a troop of your own monster friends to battle cat dominance, and persist at all costs to survive.

Gigasword

Let’s be honest: hauling around a giant sword is about as impractical as it gets for an adventurer—especially when vertical traversal is involved. I could write a hundred-page thesis on why that’s absurd, but honestly, GigaSword says it all. This action-puzzle Metroidvania from single-developer-led Studio Hybrid, feels like it leapt straight out of an NES classic collection, challenging your combat and strategy skills while confronting the harsh reality of our childhood dream: “the biggest sword ever.” Spoiler alert: swords are heavy, and you’re nowhere near as agile as Cloud Strife led you to believe.

Once you dive in, you’ll quickly realize the GigaSword’s weight is both a blessing and a curse. Combat feels straightforward yet fair—every swing is deliberate, and that extra wind-up means you’ll need to time attacks carefully or risk eating damage mid-swing. Things escalate when you face massive bosses that demand pattern recognition and precision.

But the sword isn’t just for fighting—it’s central to the game’s clever environmental puzzles. Detaching from it becomes essential as you navigate obstacles, using its heft to trigger pressure plates or even as a makeshift lever to shift platforms. The vibe? Think Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest meets the inventive puzzle mechanics of Legend of Zelda.

The game doesn’t pull its punches when it comes to its stiff combat, but unlike its NES predecessors, you’ve got save points to preserve your sanity. The sword’s weight constantly reminds you that speedrunning isn’t an option—but then come those moments when you tackle an entire dungeon without the blade, introducing a whole new layer of challenge. If you’re a fan of intricate puzzle platformers like Animal Well, this is a distinctive experience worth adding to your collection.

– Raymond Estrada

GIGASWORD

Akupara Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 8

★★★★★

$14.99

Get it now

Balance the weight of the GIGASWORD, battling between brain and brawn in this action-puzzle metroidvania where the might of the sword will determine all. As tensions rise in Thoenhart, a city plagued by famine and disease, the humans within set their hopes on a final solution: invade the ancient tower Nestrium, slay the Nocturne, and take the God Crystal, Gnosis, for themselves. Said to grant prosperity to those who wield it, Gnosis has been long sought after by humanity for generations. However, upon raiding its resting place, the disturbance of this ancient power awakens an evil capable of destroying the very fabric of reality. Can Ezra reach the top of the Nestrium in time to stop this cataclysm, or will humanity’s ignorance lead the world to its doom?

Goodnight Universe

Oh baby! What a game!  Not enough people are talking about this one.  Goodnight Universe is not a baby sim… it’s a supernaturally gifted baby sim. You take on the role and perspective of Isaac who’s a smart, keenly aware, and capable infant, able to tackle surprisingly complex problems.  That and the telekinesis ability, of which an evil corporation is very aware and want to use for their own purposes.

Before we even touch gameplay, the voice acting and writing are superb and captivating.  The narrator connects with the player as we both witness so many performances between fully fleshed out characters highlighting their family dynamics, their struggles, and their successes. The writing is heartwarming and fun, exploring themes of the messiness of domestic life and what it means to be human.  The overall narrative is, for me, the highlight of the game.

Gameplay starts out simple, seen through the baby’s eyes in first person. You click on objects for narration or interaction, but once powers kick in, that’s when things get interesting.  You will be able to move objects with your mind or even dive into someone’s thoughts. As the game progresses, you unlock new powers and tackle sequences where you must use your powers at the right time. 

The console version lacks the eye-tracking feature Nice Dream introduced in Before Your Eyes. I tested it on Steam, and while the mechanic adds an intimate twist to the first-person experience, albeit with occasional awkwardness, it isn’t essential here. Unlike Before Your Eyes, skipping it doesn’t compromise the core gameplay. The game took me about 4-5 hours to complete and I can’t recommend this enough, especially for anyone that loves unique, narrative-driven games… and babies.  Gamer dad approved.

– Raymond Estrada

Goodnight Universe

Skybound Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 19

★★★★★

$19.99

Get it now

From the creators of Before Your Eyes. You are Isaac, a 6-month-old baby, developing mysterious psychic powers. What you want most is to be loved and accepted by your family, but a secretive tech corporation wants you for their own.

Suzerain

Suzerain is a critically acclaimed, narrative-driven government simulator that’s far more addictive than its niche genre suggests. At 11 p.m., I reminded myself that I was only supposed to play for a few hours. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure where you’re the newly elected president of a fictional nation, tasked with shaping its future. Will you lead with integrity and build a brighter tomorrow or plunge into corruption, spark wars, and line your own pockets? The choice is yours.

This is a text-based adventure, so expect plenty of reading as events unfold and characters speak, followed by dialogue choices that shape your path. But it’s not all dry policy.  Beyond signing bills or reviewing economic reports, you’ll navigate scandals, shady deals, and moral dilemmas. The intro alone lays out 50 years of rich lore for your homeland, and once I got into it, it felt like reading a truly great novel. Thankfully, the writing, presentation, and UI are top-notch.  Otherwise, I honestly haven’t read this much since my deep dive into Blue Prince.

Suzerain’s greatest strength is its replayability. The depth of the characters around me and detailed lore make every choice impactful, with each decision reshaping the course of my presidency. My first run focused on economic and social reforms that aligned with my actual ideology, but in this new run I’m currently going full corrupt leader, bribing my way through scandals and taking every unsavory side-deal that comes my way. With a 6-to-7-hour campaign, multiple playthroughs can easily triple your time. If you love strategic decision-making without twitch reflexes, this is for you—board gamers, I’m talking to you!

– Raymond Estrada

Suzerain Expanded Edition

Torpor Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 22

★★★★★

$31.99

Get it now

The Expanded Edition includes the award-winning political drama Suzerain, and the Suzerain: Kingdom of Rizia DLC. Suzerain As President Rayne, lead the nation of Sordland in your first term of this text-based RPG. Navigate a political drama driven by conversations with your cabinet members. With looming war, rooted corruption, economic crisis and reform needed, the choices fall on your shoulders. How will you lead? Suzerain: Kingdom of Rizia Embrace the crown as King Romus Toras, and lead the Golden Kingdom to a new era. Reclaim lost territories through diplomacy or force. Engage with noble houses and oversee the resources of Rizia. How will you reign?

Rue Valley

Rue Valley is a cozy, narrative driven mystery adventure with a dash of life sim flavor—think gentle exploration, quirky character encounters, and environmental puzzles tucked into every corner. It’s a kind of small-town mystery sitting somewhere between Night in the Woods and Oxenfree, but carrying its own soft-spoken charm. You arrive as the town’s newest resident, slowly learning the rhythms, secrets, and oddball personalities that make you feel welcome… and it’s just uncanny enough to keep you leaning in. Oh, and of course you are trapped in a strange time loop that causes you to relive exactly 47 minutes in perpetuity.

I’ve spent countless hours wandering Rue Valley’s winding streets—half exploring, half getting delightfully sidetracked by a neighbor who just had one more story to share. Somewhere between chatting up townsfolk and stitching together the town’s quiet mysteries, the game really pulls you into its world. The characters don’t behave like NPCs waiting to dispense quests; they feel like the familiar faces you always seem to bump into at your favorite café, each with quirks that make the town feel genuinely lived in.

And yes, there’s a learning curve—especially when you’re juggling exploration with dialogue choices—but it’s the kind that feels like easing into a new neighborhood. A little confusing at first, then unexpectedly rewarding once everything clicks into place.

What kept me hooked most was the atmosphere. Rue Valley is the kind of place where you sit down for “just ten minutes” and look up hours later. It’s cozy, a touch mysterious, and always ready with a gentle surprise when you least expect it. If you enjoy narrative adventures, small-town stories, or slow-burn games where the joy comes from noticing the little things—a flickering streetlight, a half-finished sentence, a lingering question—Rue Valley fits beautifully. It’s a world that invites you to slow down and let it reveal itself at its own unhurried pace.

– Jessica Ronnell

Rue Valley

Owlcat Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 14

★★★★★

$29.99

Get it now

Break free from a mysterious time loop! Embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. Delve into the enigmatic depths of the small godforsaken town: Rue Valley. Each day feels like an uphill battle against the shadows of your own mind. Along the way, you will encounter a captivating ensemble of characters, each wrestling with their own emotional complexities and revealing hidden depths as you get to know them. Can you muster the courage to unravel the secrets of this temporal anomaly? Can you discover the strength within yourself to rise above adversity and forge a brighter tomorrow? Craft your own personality in Rue Valley. You can be a cold-hearted loner who overthinks everything or a melodramatic loudmouth who always trusts their gut instinct. Whether you reflect your true personality or role-play someone entirely different, your character will shape your dialogues and interactions in the game. Store memories in a graph, unlocking intentions and mindsets as you progress uniquely through the story. Commit to quirky mindsets for unexpected and hilarious dialogues, and experience personality-altering Status Effects: become more outgoing when drunk, or extra sensitive when anxious. Experiment with different answers and timelines, because the loop will restart from the beginning anyway, won't it?

STAY TUNED: Indie Selects Anniversary is coming soon!

Mark your calendars for January 28 and get ready for our big Indie Selects Anniversary Celebration, packed with giveaways, discounts, and plenty of surprises!

Welcome to the new year, friends! Happy to be back with more games and more fun. Let’s get to it!

Available Today

Brews & Bastards (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

Brews & Bastards is an intoxicating, twin-stick shooter, overflowing with action-packed combat, potent brews and outlandish bosses. Select from a group of inebriated heroes and descend, drink, and destroy your way through hordes of drunken demons in search of the stolen Brew Stone.

Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition (Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

Rediscover the dark whimsical tale of Little Nightmares, now enhanced in stunning 4K and 60 FPS. Play as Six, a lone child trapped in The Maw, a massive vessel inhabited by monstrous, distorted versions of adults. Sneak, hide, and survive in a world where your childhood fears come to life.

Coming Soon

Atomfall (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – January 7
Now with Game Pass Premium

A survival-action game inspired by real-life events, Atomfall is set five years after the Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England. Explore the fictional quarantine zone, scavenge, craft, barter, fight and talk your way through a British countryside setting filled with bizarre characters, mysticism, cults, and rogue government agencies.

Lost in Random: The Eternal Die (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – January 7
Now with Game Pass Premium

Lost in Random: The Eternal Die blends dynamic real-time action, tactical combat, and risk-reward dice mechanics for thrilling second-to-second battles. Unravel an original stand-alone story as Queen Aleksandra, the once great ruler of Random on a mission for vengeance and redemption.

Rematch (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – January 7
Now with Game Pass Premium

Step onto the pitch in Rematch, a third-person, team-based football game where every pass, volley, and tackle matters. Designed for 5v5 online play, Rematch puts you in full control of one athlete, with no offsides, no fouls, and no downtime. Pass smart, play with purpose, and win together.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – January 7
Now with Game Pass Premium

Step into the armor of a relentless Space Marine and use a combination of lethal weaponry to crush overwhelming Ork forces. Immerse yourself in an intense and brutally violent world based on the richest science fantasy ever created. Enhanced for a new generation, this edition brings quality of life and graphical improvements.

Final Fantasy – (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – January 8
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

“Earth, fire, water, wind… The light that once shone within the four Crystals was lost. Become the Warriors of Light, restore power to the Crystals and save the world.” A remodeled 2D take on the first game in the world-renowned Final Fantasy series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics. All the magic of the original, with improved ease of play.

Star Wars Outlaws (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – January 13
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game, set between the events of “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” Explore distinct locations across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as scoundrel Kay Vess, seeking freedom and the means to start a new life, along with her companion Nix. Fight, steal, and outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.

My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – January 15
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

Take the magic of friendship to new heights in a mystery adventure for one or two ponies. Playing as Sunny, Hitch, Izzy, Pipp, Zipp, or Misty, use your special abilities to stop the unstable magic that’s sending Zephyr Heights out of control! And have tons of fun with hilarious minigames and countless pony customizations. 

Resident Evil Village (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 20
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

Resident Evil Village is the eighth main entry in the Resident Evil series. Set years after Resident Evil 7 biohazard, players follow Ethan Winters into a haunting European village, fighting for survival against brutal enemies as danger and mystery lurk around every corner.

MIO: Memories in Orbit (Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – January 20
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with Game Pass! A hand-crafted metroidvania set within a vast, decaying world reclaimed by nature and robots. Play as Mio, a nimble android exploring labyrinthine environments, battling rogue machines, and uncovering lost memories in a richly atmospheric adventure filled with secrets and danger.

Leaving January 15

The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Jump back in to tie up any loose ends, or save up to 20% off your purchase to keep the fun going!

• Flintlock The Siege of Dawn (Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
• Neon White (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)
• Road 96 (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)
• The Ascent (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)
• The Grinch Christmas Adventures (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)

I hope your last year treated you well with lots of high scores, achievements unlocked, and GGs. We’ll be back soon with even more games so keep it tuned here, or with us on social for Xbox and Xbox Game Pass. Talk soon!

Note: Games with a ‘Handheld’ designation represent those that are optimized for handheld play.

As we step into the new year, many of us are looking for fresh ways to play, connect, and explore. That’s why we’re excited to announce a new partnership with V (formerly VIDAA) that expands where your gaming adventures can happen: the Xbox app is coming to select Hisense and V homeOS-powered Smart TVs in 2026.  

This partnership is all about giving you more freedom and flexibility to play how you want. Xbox Game Pass subscribers – including Ultimate, Premium, and Essential subscribers – will be able to stream hundreds of games, from new releases to fan favorites, directly through the Xbox app on supported TVs via Xbox Cloud Gaming.  

With the Xbox app, you’ll be able to explore a variety of great games including Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and many more. As an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, you’ll also unlock unlimited cloud gaming, giving you the flexibility to play games across different devices, including select games you already own. It’s all about giving you more freedom to play your way. 

Expanding the Xbox Cloud Ecosystem 

Our vision is to make sure your games, your community, and your achievements are always within reach. Bringing the Xbox app to select Hisense and V homeOS-powered TVs is another step toward making gaming available across a broad range of devices, to meeting you wherever you want to play. We’ll share more details on the Xbox Cloud Gaming experience with Hisense TVs in the coming months. Stay tuned to Xbox Wire and follow our social channels for the latest updates.

The monstrous Metagen Remnant really had me on the ropes, crushing me repeatedly with a swipe of its tail, but that stoic, pink-haired woman just wouldn’t let me forget the power of duty, friendship, and anime.

I recently attended a closed preview event for Code Vein II, upcoming sequel to Bandai Namco’s 2019 3^rd-person action game with anime aesthetics and narrative. Hosted at a dramatic cathedral church in Los Angeles, I played several hours of a curated demo and took part in a group interview with series director Hiroshi Yoshimura and producer Keita Iizuka, both of whom are returning from the first game to make a bigger and better sequel.

One of the original Code Vein’s main mechanical hooks was the variety of NPC partner characters that you could team up with to overcome the game’s challenges, and Code Vein II has doubled down on that. Yoshimura summed it up well that what he “think[s] defines Code Vein and its identity is really traversing these difficult dungeons and encounters with your partner, and that sense of achievement you get from overcoming them together. So that’s one [piece of positive feedback] we got from Code Vein, one that we’re definitely leaning into more in Code Vein II.”

Same but Different

If, like me, you never got around to the original Code Vein, you don’t need to worry about missing the story. Code Vein II remixes much of the first game’s imagery—powerful, vampiric beings called Revenants in a post-apocalyptic world—into an original setting and story. Fans of the first will no doubt find plenty of rhymes and resonance, but new players need not worry about studying up on the lore to understand what’s going on.

That’s not to say that everyone will easily follow along with everything. A big part of Code Vein’s appeal is that it’s anime as all hell, with a plot that’s as melodramatic as it is convoluted and laden with proper nouns. This time around it’s a time travel story, no less. According to Iizuka that’s why they decided to have it be unrelated to the first game: “If we had done this as continuation of the previous world/character/game, then that could possibly mean players would affect and change events that have already happened in [the original] Code Vein. And we didn’t want to take away from that, because what players experience in Code Vein, we think, belongs to the players.”

Josée and the Pussycats

Code Vein II takes place in a world on the brink of collapse. Humans now live together with Revenants (vampiric beings that had long existed in the shadows). 100 years ago, Revenants worked together to try and defeat a cataclysmic force called The Resurgence but failed to seal it, creating a new entity known as Luna Rapacis. The result was that the Resurgence was only delayed, and Luna Rapacis is turning Revenants into mindless horrors that accelerate its progress.

You play as a Revenant Hunter tasked with saving the world. In order to do that, you have to defeat Fallen Heroes of the Resurgence—the Revenants from 100 years ago that tried and failed to seal it away, and have since been corrupted into monsters and sealed into cocoons. With the help of another Revenant with a unique time travel ability, you must first go back into the past, meet these heroes in their prime, and help them out in their personal quests before returning to the present and defeating them in their monstrous form. According to Yoshimura, “the overarching mission is going to be to defeat all of these heroes, the order of which is up to the players themselves,” so in a very real way, the gameplay and story are structured entirely around these partner characters.

For the demo session we played parts of the section for Josée Anjou, a short, fierce Revenant with a giant sword, pink hair, and an eyepatch. She’s a stoic protector, burdened by guilt from her past. In her present we were helping her cleanse polluted water from the Sunken City, a flooded urban ruin, by fighting our way down to defeat an enormous, sphinxlike beast called the Metagen Remnant. Our exploration down towards the boss was punctuated by flashback scenes in which I’d run past tableaus from Josée and her sister’s past, learning more about her personal story. Eventually I returned to the present to do battle with a monstrous (and monstrously difficult) Josée, burdened by the full pathos of knowing this creature’s tragic backstory as she pounds me into the tile over and over again.

Formae and Function

Combat is the real star of the show. Code Vein II comprises an intricate lattice of interconnected systems that I could only begin to wrap my head around in a few hours of play, but I imagine they’d be engrossing when built up over an extended game. The foundation of stamina management, light/heavy attacks, and dodging should be familiar to anyone who’s dabbled in the Soulslike genre. Code Vein II then heaps on layers and layers of customization.

Rather than committing to fixed stats, Blood Codes return from the first game, acting as hot-swappable classes to rescale your stats for different builds. In addition to a variety of one- and two-handed weapons with different base move sets, Formae (a rework and expansion of the first games Gifts) are powerful special moves that you can find over the course of the game and slot into compatible weapons. These cost a resource called Ichor to use, which you replenish by landing special drain attacks.

The resource for using your special abilities being generated by attacking adds a risk/reward dynamic to combat, and keeps it aggressive. In all ways, Code Vein II wants to empower you to experiment and play in your own style, with Formae and Blood Codes allowing you to completely rebuild your strengths and moveset at any time.

And my Greatsword!

Partners take a prominent role in that combat customization, each offering unique passive bonuses to you that improve as your relationship deepens. You can either Summon them to have them fight side by side with you as normal (and as any Elden Ring player knows, just having a summon pulling enemy aggro can make all the difference in a tough fight), or you can Assimilate them into you, absorbing additional power and stats. This enables proud players that want to Let Them Solo Her still engage with the partner system, as it’s so central to the game’s narrative.

One of the biggest benefits I drew from my partner was the Restorative Offering, where they would sacrifice themselves to bring me back when my HP hit zero, before respawning soon thereafter to continue the fight. This brought me back from the brink countless times during the two extremely challenging boss fights in the preview, and can serve as a great buffer to keep you in the fight a little bit longer.

When I asked about mitigating difficulty, Yoshimura emphasized the role partners played here too. When faced with a difficulty spike, you can explore to level up and find more equipment, Formae, and Blood Codes to experiment with. The leeway given by partners pulling attention and reviving you “increase[s] this trial and error cycle, [and] I think that will keep the difficulty balance in check in a way that the players won’t hit this wall or feel this huge level of frustration, because the partner opens up that window for different ways of exploring encounters.”

The difficulty spike between exploration and bosses was enormous, and it’s clear that they will demand a lot, but Code Vein II provides so many different tools and levers for you to tweak that it will really feel like your own victory when you finally do overcome them, even if you did have a helping hand.

You can meet and defeat Josée and all the other partner characters yourself on January 30 when Code Vein II arrives on Xbox Series X|S, available for pre-order now. A character creator demo also releases on January 23.

CODE VEIN II Pre-Order

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆ 21

★★★★★

$69.99

Pre-order

Pre-order now to receive the following bonuses: • Stylized Forma Set – Forma Face Paint: A cosmetic item which applies a forma design to the corner of your eyes. – Twin Fangs of the Lone Wolf (Weapon): Twin blades engraved with a special forma. Cut through your enemies like a wolf sinking its teeth into its prey with a powerful, lunging slice attack. In a future world where humans and Revenants coexist… Due to the sudden appearance of the Luna Rapacis, Revenants have transformed into mindless monsters called Horrors. As a Revenant hunter, the player shall halt the world's inevitable collapse by traveling to the past with a girl called Lou who possesses the power to manipulate time. An epic adventure awaits, where you and your chosen partners explore a post-apocalyptic world, face fierce battles against powerful enemies, and uncover an epic story that transcends time. • A Tale Across Time Embark on a journey that spans both the present and the past as you search for clues to prevent the world’s destruction. Alter the fates of key Revenant characters you encounter in the past, while uncovering lost histories and the hidden truths of the world. • Intense and Satisfying Combat Dive into adrenaline-fueled battles where reading enemy moves and mastering your arsenal are key to survival. Unleash powerful skills, adapt on the fly, and conquer relentless foes in fights that deliver both intensity and triumph. • Unique Battle System Experience Code Vein II’s unique gameplay mechanic, where the player drains and acquires blood from enemies to unleash a variety of skills. With the series' new build system, you can freely customize weapons and skills to suit your own battle styles. • Powerful Partner Characters Explore the world with trusted and powerful allies who can fight alongside you or enhance your abilities. Each partner brings unique abilities and deep connections that shape your journey. *Other editions are also available. Be careful of duplicate purchases.

CODE VEIN II Deluxe Edition Pre-Order

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆ 21

★★★★★

$89.99

Pre-order

Pre-order now to receive the following bonuses: • Stylized Forma Set – Forma Face Paint: A cosmetic item which applies a forma design to the corner of your eyes. – Twin Fangs of the Lone Wolf (Weapon): Twin blades engraved with a special forma. Cut through your enemies like a wolf sinking its teeth into its prey with a powerful, lunging slice attack. • Early Access (Deluxe/Ultimate Bonus) – Experience CODE VEIN II 72 hours* ahead of launch! The Deluxe Edition includes: • CODE VEIN II • Custom Outfit Pack: Contains 3 costume sets and 1 weapon • Expansion DLC: Mask of Idris In a future world where humans and Revenants coexist… Due to the sudden appearance of the Luna Rapacis, Revenants have transformed into mindless monsters called Horrors. As a Revenant hunter, the player shall halt the world's inevitable collapse by traveling to the past with a girl called Lou who possesses the power to manipulate time. An epic adventure awaits, where you and your chosen partners explore a post-apocalyptic world, face fierce battles against powerful enemies, and uncover an epic story that transcends time. • A Tale Across Time Embark on a journey that spans both the present and the past as you search for clues to prevent the world’s destruction. Alter the fates of key Revenant characters you encounter in the past, while uncovering lost histories and the hidden truths of the world. • Intense and Satisfying Combat Dive into adrenaline-fueled battles where reading enemy moves and mastering your arsenal are key to survival. Unleash powerful skills, adapt on the fly, and conquer relentless foes in fights that deliver both intensity and triumph. • Unique Battle System Experience Code Vein II’s unique gameplay mechanic, where the player drains and acquires blood from enemies to unleash a variety of skills. With the series' new build system, you can freely customize weapons and skills to suit your own battle styles. • Powerful Partner Characters Explore the world with trusted and powerful allies who can fight alongside you or enhance your abilities. Each partner brings unique abilities and deep connections that shape your journey. *Other editions are also available. Be careful of duplicate purchases. *Expansion DLC: Mask of Idris will be available by January 2027.

CODE VEIN II Ultimate Edition Pre-Order

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆ 21

★★★★★

$99.99

Pre-order

Pre-order now to receive the following bonuses: • Stylized Forma Set – Forma Face Paint: A cosmetic item which applies a forma design to the corner of your eyes. – Twin Fangs of the Lone Wolf (Weapon): Twin blades engraved with a special forma. Cut through your enemies like a wolf sinking its teeth into its prey with a powerful, lunging slice attack. • Early Access (Deluxe/Ultimate Bonus) – Experience CODE VEIN II 72 hours* ahead of launch! The Ultimate Edition includes: • CODE VEIN II • Custom Outfit Pack: Contains 3 costume sets and 1 weapon • Expansion DLC: Mask of Idris • CODE VEIN Character Costume Set: Contains 6 costumes based on characters from the original game, CODE VEIN • CODE VEIN II Digital Mini Artbook & Soundtrack In a future world where humans and Revenants coexist… Due to the sudden appearance of the Luna Rapacis, Revenants have transformed into mindless monsters called Horrors. As a Revenant hunter, the player shall halt the world's inevitable collapse by traveling to the past with a girl called Lou who possesses the power to manipulate time. An epic adventure awaits, where you and your chosen partners explore a post-apocalyptic world, face fierce battles against powerful enemies, and uncover an epic story that transcends time. • A Tale Across Time Embark on a journey that spans both the present and the past as you search for clues to prevent the world’s destruction. Alter the fates of key Revenant characters you encounter in the past, while uncovering lost histories and the hidden truths of the world. • Intense and Satisfying Combat Dive into adrenaline-fueled battles where reading enemy moves and mastering your arsenal are key to survival. Unleash powerful skills, adapt on the fly, and conquer relentless foes in fights that deliver both intensity and triumph. • Unique Battle System Experience Code Vein II’s unique gameplay mechanic, where the player drains and acquires blood from enemies to unleash a variety of skills. With the series' new build system, you can freely customize weapons and skills to suit your own battle styles. • Powerful Partner Characters Explore the world with trusted and powerful allies who can fight alongside you or enhance your abilities. Each partner brings unique abilities and deep connections that shape your journey. *Other editions are also available. Be careful of duplicate purchases. *Expansion DLC: Mask of Idris will be available by January 2027.

On the surface, Blood: Refreshed Supply may not seem all that different from 2019’s Blood: Fresh Supply. Both are remasters of the 1997 horror FPS from Monolith Productions, courtesy of the remaster specialists at Nightdive Studios.

Of the two, Blood: Refreshed Supply is the definitive version.

When players sink their teeth into this definitive remaster, they’ll be treated to a pool of small but meaningful improvements that help it feel more authentic to the original than anything previously offered.

This is in part because, unlike its predecessor, Blood: Refreshed Supply has been rebuilt from the ground up using the game’s original source code.

Sourcing the Code

Nightdive Studios had yet to obtain the original source code for Blood when it started working on its initial remaster, Fresh Supply. Without the source code, Nightdive’s developers had to reverse-engineer any missing or incomplete pieces of content from whatever materials were available to them at the time.

As meticulous and detailed as reverse engineering sounds, it’s ultimately a more tedious and less precise way to remaster a game, according to Nightdive’s lead KEX developer, Samuel “Kaiser” Villareal.

“Reverse engineering is extremely time-consuming and is prone to mistakes, leading to various aspects of gameplay feeling off or not behaving exactly like how one would remember it,” Villareal explains. “For more complex games, especially games released around the early 2000s, it is absolutely mandatory to have the full source code at hand.”

The Nightdive team spent years trying to get access to it, but only recently were they successful in tracking down the source code for Blood. “With the original [code] in hand, our developers were able to revisit the reverse-engineered code we’d previously worked on and update it to be as authentic to the original as possible.”

Keeping it Classic

One of Nightdive’s core missions outside of game preservation is releasing remasters that look and play the way you remember them, and having access to a game’s source code makes it easier for the team to deliver authentic experiences.

“Having the source code to work from not only enables us to make a faithful remaster that matches the original in terms of ‘look and feel,’ it also allows us to see how the original developers were able to design the game,” says Larry Kuperman, Nightdive VP of Business Development.

If you think about it, a game’s source code is more than lines of code, it’s like a building’s blueprints. A replica of a building can technically be made without blueprints, but it won’t be an exact copy of the original building.

As critical as having a game’s source code can be with all of these factors in mind, tracking it down can often prove challenging, especially for older or more niche titles.

“It’s often difficult to obtain the original source code for classic video games. It’s often the case that copies no longer exist, or the people who still have them are difficult to find,” says Nightdive CEO and founder Stephen Kick. He goes on to assure that, “Every time we do discover original code, we make our best efforts to preserve it.”

Refreshed Supply

Thanks to the newly acquired source code, Blood: Refreshed Supply will offer remade cutscenes along with other visual improvements, including 4K at 120 FPS on Xbox Series X. Not only will the game look better, it’ll play better too.

“Those who are familiar with the original DOS game and Fresh Supply will immediately feel the difference right off the bat, particularly with player movement,” Villareal confirms.

Blood: Refreshed Supply will also offer expanded options for improved enemy behavior, bug fixes for the game’s original levels, and a previously cut weather effects feature, among other enhancements.

“We had a chance to go back and do additional level refinements and adjustments that were not implemented in Blood: Fresh Supply,” adds Nightdive project manager and producer Grover Wimberly IV. “We’re also excited to finally bring Blood to Xbox consoles for the first time.”

On Xbox consoles, players can look forward to improved controller gamepad support and 8-player split-screen multiplayer on Xbox Series X|S. On all platforms, Blood: Refreshed Supply will offer additional content, including the aptly named Marrow and Death Wish scenarios.

Marrow and Death Wish will be the first official expansions released for Blood since Cryptic Passage and Plasma Pak back in 1997.

“The Marrow scenario will be available at launch,” Wimberly IV outlines. “We plan on adding the Death Wish scenario as a free update for all players in early 2026.”

Marrow developer Nick Palsmeier notes that in terms of content, “Marrow adds 2 new episodes, and Death Wish adds another 4. Combined, these new expansions add 72 additional levels to Blood.”

Similar to other Nightdive releases, Blood: Refreshed Supply will also feature a brand-new Vault packed with bonus materials, including dozens of playable cut-content levels, concept art, behind-the-scenes photos, unused sprites, and more!

Bloody Good Time

Whether you’re looking to experience Blood for the very first time or simply want to replay the game on consoles, Blood: Refreshed Supply is shaping up to be the ultimate way to enjoy one of the ’90s most unique and darkly atmospheric shooters.

To see if Blood: Refreshed Supply is capable of satiating your hunger for an authentic Blood-y experience, keep an eye out for the game’s release on all platforms — including Xbox One and Series X|S — on December 4!

Blood: Refreshed Supply

Warner Bros. Games, Atari, Nightdive Studios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Blood: Refreshed Supply follows Caleb, an undead gunslinger on a quest for revenge against his former demonic master, Tchernobog. Despite his once powerful position as a fearsome Cabal commander and one of Tchernobog’s “Chosen” few, Caleb and his fellow Chosen are betrayed by the dark god and slain for reasons unknown. Seeking answers and vengeance, Caleb rises from the grave to put a stop to Tchernobog and his murderous lieutenants once and for all. Grab your Pitchfork and get ready to stab your way through 42 blood-soaked levels, while unlocking even more creative and effective implements of destruction along the way. Incinerate foes with weapons like the Flare Gun, Aerosol Can, and Napalm Launcher. Blast enemies straight to hell bundles of dynamite, shoot them full of holes with the Tommy Gun and Sawed-Off Shotgun, or tap into darker methods of annihilation with the game’s powerful Voodoo Doll and Life Leech offerings. Use your arsenal of weapons to survive Tchernobog’s evil Cabal of loyal Cultists, Fanatics, Zealots, and Acolytes, along with swarms of hellish creatures from ruthless Zombies and flying Gargoyles, to water-dwelling Gill Beasts, screaming Phantasms, and firebreathing Hell Hounds. Includes the original Blood along with the Plasma Pak and Cryptic Passage add-ons.

Fresh from sweeping the Golden Joysticks and poised to do the same at The Game Awards, Sandfall Interactive’s phenomenal debut RPG is one of the most buzzed-about releases of the year, so it should surprise no one when we announce that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the biggest new third-party game launch on Xbox Game Pass of 2025. That’s based on the number of unique users in the first 30 days of its availability, which means a huge number of Xbox players joined Maelle, Gustave, Esquie, and the gang on their journey right from the beginning.

Sandfall Interactive creative director Guillaume Broche told us how grateful he is for all that love: “This year has been so far beyond what any of us could have imagined, and it’s down to how passionate and supportive our fans have been to make that a reality. It’s really nerve-wracking to be a new studio releasing our first game, but the support of everyone has really made everything feel like a dream.”

ID@Xbox Director Guy Richards explained why Expedition 33 stood out early on as a game the team wanted to put weight behind: “From the start, Sandfall’s ambition was clear and we really felt they wanted to create something truly special, something beyond expectations for the team. Once we played early builds, we experienced their gripping story, stunning visuals and the mix of JRPG mechanics with French cultural themes that felt fresh and distinctive. It’s the kind of experience we knew Xbox players would love to discover.”

For Broche, that support from Xbox was instrumental in helping the game make as big a splash as it has. “From being there to announce our game back in Summer 2024, to coming to the studio for the Developer_Direct video in January, Xbox helped us get the word out there and reach a lot of players.”

He also noted how Game Pass allowed them to reach a much wider audience, “letting a lot of people try our game when maybe they might not have before. The turn-based RPG genre has a lot of fans but sometimes it might put people who prefer more real-time action games off, but Game Pass lowered that barrier of entry. They could just try it and see how it feels. So a lot of curious players could start the game, explore Lumière and the early game, and realize there’s a lot to enjoy here, even if they weren’t expecting it at first.”

Set in a whimsical fantasia that belies dark secrets, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 follows the eponymous Expedition on a doomed mission to save their city from the mysterious Paintress, a godlike being that has obliterated the city’s eldest cohort every single year for decades following a cataclysm that rent the world asunder. It has captured hearts and minds all over the world for both its memorable characters and story as well as for its thrilling, savvy evolution of classic turn-based RPG battles.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a prime example of the innovative and diverse range of experiences that Xbox Game Pass was created to support, helping developers of all sizes reach a huge global audience while bringing unparalleled value to our players. Xbox is proud to have supported Sandfall in sharing this excellent game with the world, and we look forward to bringing many more exciting titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on day one.

If you haven’t yet joined the Expedition, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud. It’s an Xbox Play Anywhere title and available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

For those who come after!

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Kepler Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆ 989

★★★★★

$49.99 $39.99

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

“Year by year, She erases us.” Once a year, the Paintress wakes and paints upon her monolith. Paints her cursed number. And everyone past that age turns to smoke and fades away. Year by year, that number ticks down and more of us are erased. Tomorrow she’ll wake and paint “33.” And tomorrow we depart on our final mission – Destroy the Paintress, so she can never paint death again. We are Expedition 33. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a ground-breaking turn-based RPG with unique real-time mechanics, making battles more immersive and addictive than ever. Explore a fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque France in which you battle devastating enemies. Reactive Turn-based Combat In this evolution of JRPGs, real-time actions enhance the heart of turn-based combat. Craft unique builds for your Expeditioners that fit your playstyle via gear, stats, skills, and character synergies. Open an active dimension in combat – dodge, parry, and counter in real time, chain combos by mastering attack rhythms, and target enemy weak points using a free aim system. “Tomorrow Comes” With only one year left to live, join Gustave, Maelle, and their fellow Expeditioners as they embark upon a desperate quest to break the Paintress’ cycle of death. Follow the trail of previous expeditions and discover their fate. Get to know the members of Expedition 33 as they learn to work together against impossible odds. A Hauntingly Beautiful World Explore an enchanting realm populated by surreal adversaries. Wander through breathtaking landscapes, from the Island of Visages to the Forgotten Battlefield, discovering secrets and hidden quests along the way. Find allies of fortune in creatures of legend. Recruit special companions to access new travel methods and discover secret areas in the World Map. Experience the debut game from Sandfall Interactive, fully realized in Unreal Engine 5 with stunning graphics and a heartbreaking soundtrack.

Happy December, friends! There have been so many incredible games this year, and to pass the time as you’re waiting to see who makes it to the stage to snag their award, check out our collection of The Game Award nominees! While this is our only “Coming Soon” Wire post for December, we’ll be back at it as usual in the new year with more games. For now, let’s get to what’s Coming Soon (and available today)!

Available Today

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

Embark on a new narrative journey by the creators of Life is Strange. Film your summer of 1995 and create memories of a lifetime with your new friends. 27 years later, confront the dark secrets that made you all promise to never speak again after that fateful summer.

Coming Soon

Monster Train 2 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – December 3
Now with Game Pass Premium

Powerful beings known as Titans have seized control of Heaven. A makeshift alliance is formed between former angels and demons, who must learn to work together against their common foe. Now, you must command these clans aboard newly forged trains, and embark on your journey through Hell, Heaven, and the Abyss, to defeat the Titans before they destroy this world.

Spray Paint Simulator (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 3
Now with Game Pass Premium

A relaxing, satisfying game that invites you to build your own painting business from the ground up! Meet with quirky clients in Story Mode and take on each job right from the start. Paint everything: rooms, homes, cars, bridges, even giant robots! Unlock Free Spray mode and play alone or with a friend to make the entire town your canvas!

33 Immortals (Game Preview) (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 4
Now with Game Pass Premium

A co-op action-roguelike for 33 players. Play as a damned soul and rebel against God’s final judgment. Dive straight into epic, 33-player co-op battles with instant “pick-up and raid” matchmaking. Cooperate with your allies to survive against hordes of monsters and massive, challenging bosses. Expand your arsenal and equip powerful new relics to permanently upgrade your soul.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – December 4
Now with Game Pass Premium

Uncover one of history’s greatest mysteries in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, a first-person, single-player adventure set between the events of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “The Last Crusade”. The year is 1937, sinister forces are scouring the globe for the secret to an ancient power connected to the Great Circle, and only one person can stop them – Indiana Jones.

Routine (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – December 4
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with Xbox Game pass! A first-person sci-fi horror set on an abandoned lunar base designed around an 80s vision of the future. Explore and investigate your surroundings as you survive against unknown threats.

A Game About Digging A Hole (Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – December 9
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

A minimalist game about digging a hole in the garden of a newly purchased house. Collect resources, sell them, upgrade your equipment, and discover a mysterious secret.

Death Howl (Handheld & PC) – December 9
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with Game Pass! Journey through the sorrowful spirit world in a soulslike deck builder. Craft cards and claim powerful totems to defeat the woeful spirits lurking in the mystical lands. Unravel the tale of a grieving mother in her desperate attempt to defy death and bring back her son.

Dome Keeper (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – December 9
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

Defend against waves of alien monsters in this unique roguelike action miner. Dig for resources, collect useful gadgets, and upgrade equipment to increase odds of survival – just hurry back before your dome is destroyed!

Mortal Kombat 1 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – December 10
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

Discover a reborn Mortal Kombat universe created by the Fire God Liu Kang. Mortal Kombat 1 ushers in a new era of the iconic franchise with a new fighting system, game modes, and fatalities!

Bratz: Rhythm & Style (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 11
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

Rule the runway and take the stage with the Bratz Pack! Customize fierce fashions, groove to songs from the Bratz Universe like ‘So Good’, and jet off to iconic cities. Outshine mean Burdine and the Tweevil Twins in epic fashion battles – solo or with friends.

In Case You Missed It

CloverPit (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Standard, PC Game Pass

A gripping rogue-lite that traps players in a hell of their own creation. Locked in a rusty cell with a slot machine and an ATM, you must pay off your debt or fall to ruin – literally! Turn the odds with various prizes and charms that trigger big combos. Bend the rules, break the game, and pay off your captor to earn a shot at freedom

Marvel Cosmic Invasion (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – December 1
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with Game Pass! A cosmic battle awaits! Choose between 15 Marvel heroes in this frenetic action beat ‘em up to fight against the deadly Annihilation Wave threatening the galaxy. From New York City to the depths of the Negative Zone, the future of the Marvel Universe will be fought for across the stars!

Total Chaos (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with Game Pass! Descend into terror with Total Chaos, a brutal survival horror experience from Apogee Entertainment. Accompanied by a terrifying soundtrack featuring new music by Silent Hill’s Akira Yamaoka, this nightmare unfolds in a decaying isle haunted by deranged prisoners, shifting reality, and unspeakable horrors. Fight for your life with whatever you can find… or rip from your enemies.

Young Suns (Game Preview) (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with Xbox Game Pass! Nobody fends for themselves in this multiplayer narrative life-sim set around Jupiter. In an optimistic alternate future, fly your ship through the Jovian System and help the friendly citizens rebuild after a revolution. Liberation takes work! Join the developers and their community as the game evolves in Game Preview.

More Games Coming with Game Pass Essential on December 3

Game Pass Essential subscribers can look forward to three more games coming to the library on December 3! Experience a grand inter-galactic strategy in Stellaris, fight against hordes of ravenous zombies in World War Z: Aftermath, and survive the harsh Middle Ages in Medieval Dynasty.

DLC / Game Updates

Sea of Thieves: Season 18 – December 11

Return to The Devil’s Roar in Sea of Thieves: Season 18 to face devious new enemies and plunder their hidden hoards. Then take a well-earned break as the Festival of Giving returns, bringing seasonal streams, Holiday Hauls, the Legends of Giving Community Event and more!

Dead by Daylight: Bone Chill Event – Starting December 9

Dead by Daylight’s Bone Chill Event is back, offering another seasonal dose of ice-cold terror to experience.  From December 9th 11 AM to January 6th to 11 AM ET, embrace the ice in your veins and fling those Snowskulls like your life depends on it. For all you know… it does.

Palworld: Home Sweet Home Update – December 17

Palworld’s “Home Sweet Home” update arrives on December 17! Dive into the Ultrakill collab and race through the Palpagos Islands as the blood-fueled V1 and V2! Unleash your inner artist! Recolor your building materials and take base customization to the next level!

In-Game Benefits

PUBG Battlegrounds: Exclusive Survivor Pack (Console) – Available Today
Prepare for battle with the PUBG – XBOX Game Pass Exclusive Survivor Pack! Expand your item collection with the Hunter’s Chests, Keys, and Contraband Coupons, provided free for Game Pass Ultimate members.

Delta Force: Craft Your Precision (Xbox Series X|S) – Available Today
Perks for the new season now arrives! Define the combat in style and craft the precision with multiple firearm appearances and more!

The Crew Motorfest: Toyota Supra LBWK Edition Pack (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Available Today
Master every driving challenge at Motorfest with this pack! Contains the Toyota GR Supra Special Edition, an avatar outfit pack (body and hat) and two customization vanities (underglow and tire).

Leaving Soon

The following games are leaving the Game Pass library in December. Check the dates below and be sure to check them out before they go. As always, you can save up to 20% off your purchase to keep them in your library and keep the fun going!

December 15

• Mortal Kombat 11 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Still Wakes the Deep (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Wildfrost (Cloud, Console, and PC)

December 31

• Carrion (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Hell Let Loose (Cloud, Console, and PC)

We hope you have a chill rest of your December. May your batteries be always charged, your sessions always end in GG’s, and you always have the perfect game queued up next. We’ll be back to talk about what’s coming soon in early 2026! Cheers!

Note: Games with a ‘Handheld’ designation represent those that are optimized for handheld play.

Xbox Design Lab is a one-stop shop that allows you to create your very own controller. From the controller itself to every external component, Xbox Design Lab is a hugely customizable platform that lets you create controllers for yourself, or as a truly personal gift for the Xbox player in your life.

But before you get started, There are a lot of options to choose from – let us break down every single one, to help you create the perfect Xbox controller:

Choose Your Controller

The key question before you begin using Xbox Design Lab is: which Xbox controller do you want to design?

• Xbox Wireless Controller – Starting at $79.99 USD, the Xbox Wireless Controller is our standard model, bringing you high performance at an affordable price. With textured triggers and grips, a hybrid D-Pad, and Bluetooth technology that allows you to connect it to multiple devices. Click here to start creating an Xbox Wireless Controller.
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Starting at $169.99 USD, the Elite Series 2 makes our premium controller better than ever. With refined components, paddle slots offering extra options, adaptable elements like adjustable thumbsticks and hair trigger locks, and rubberized grips as standard, this controller delivers pro-level performance. Click here to start creating an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.

Customize Components

Once you’ve chosen your controller, Xbox Design Lab gives you 10 different customization options, allowing you to make a controller that’s uniquely yours. And if you can’t quite decide as you go, Xbox Design Lab allows you to preview your controller at any time, as well as save designs to your own personal gallery, allowing you to create multiple options to compare before you pick the final one.

Body

Applied to the entire front case, your choice of Body makes a statement. With the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from a variety of matte finishes, or from a selection of gorgeous patterns, including the swirling Vapor designs, the multi-toned Shift patterns, bold Camo looks, our vibrant Pride design, or special, game-inspired designs like the Fallout top case. With the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, choose from matte finishes, our Cipher series – which adds a transparent case that allows you to see through the case to the components inside, or game-inspired designs.

Back

Your choice of Back encompasses everything behind the grips on your controller. With all the standard colors available in the Body category, you can choose to match the front of the controller, or create a two-tone pop of color.

Grips

For a small extra cost, you can add rubberized back and side grips to your Xbox Wireless Controller, offering an extra level of control in the hand. Rubberized grips come as standard on the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.

Bumpers

Your choice of Bumper color encompasses the two buttons on the top of the controller, and the case in between them. On the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from all the standard colors available for the Body and Back. For the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, choose from an array of metallic finishes.

Triggers

The Triggers are key to controlling many games, and come with multiple options. With the Xbox Wireless Controller, all the standard colors are available, but Xbox Design Lab also offers a variety of metallic options, allowing you to add a stately point of difference from the rest of the design. On the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, choose from a series of metallic designs that can blend in with your bumpers, or choose a different tone to create a standout design.

D-Pad

On the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from all the standard colors available in other categories, or pick a metallic hue. On the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, pick from the classic four-direction D-Pad, or our unique Faceted design for extra control. Both D-Pad choices offer a variety of single-tone metallic finishes, or pick our multi-toned Chroma designs for a truly standout look.

Thumbsticks

On the Xbox Wireless Controller, thumbsticks can take on any of the standard colors available on the rest of the controller. Take more control with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – pick the color of the metal base, as well as separate colors for both the thumbstick ring and topper.

ABXY Buttons

On the Xbox Wireless Controller, pick from seven different designs for the iconic Xbox buttons, from classic colored looks to different two-tone treatments. With the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, get even more choice with 20 different treatments, including colored variants that allow you to create even more specific looks.

View, Menu, Share Buttons

On the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from 5 different designs for the central buttons on your controller. With the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, pick from 24 color options to help bring your design to life.

Engraving

For that final touch, both controller types allow you to add a 16-character engraving. Add a name, a Gamertag, or a personal message to make the controller truly theirs.

Pick a Pre-Made Design

If you’re looking to create a controller to celebrate a particular game, we may already have what you need. Check out the Xbox Design Lab Collection for customizable special edition controllers based on the likes of The Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and more. 

Design Lab also offers ‘Inspired By’ designs that celebrate games on Xbox – pick a pre-configured design, make any changes you see fit, and show your fandom. From Hollow Knight: Silksong to Silent Hill F, Design Lab can help to create the perfect companion for your favorite titles. 

Choose Some Elite Extras

If you’re opting for an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, Xbox Design Lab offers a number of extra adjustable elements for the premium controller, all of which can be customized to fit your design. The Carrying Case and Charging Pack helps you take your controller anywhere in safety. The Paddle Pack adds a number of easily added extra paddles for the back of your controller, which can be used by adjusting options on your console. The Thumbsticks and D-pad Pack offers both D-Pad options and multiple interchangeable thumbsticks to let you swap how you want to play, game-by-game. And the Everything Pack includes all of the above in a single package. If you already own an Elite Series 2 controller, you can also opt to purchase the additional accessories packs by themselves.

Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers

We collaborated with community members, charity organizations, and a hospital involved in adaptive gaming and 3D printing to design complimentary 3D printable files for adaptive thumbstick toppers with Xbox Design Lab. Available to download, these designs can be 3D printed to create thumbsticks that meet multiple accessibility needs – and are available for both the Xbox Wireless Controller and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Xbox Design Lab also offers thumbstick topper designs for the Xbox Adaptive Joystick. 

You now have everything you need to start creating a unique Xbox controller – head over to Xbox Design Lab to start experimenting!

This article was originally published in 2024, and has been updated for 2025. 

Searching for the perfect gaming gifts this holiday season? Our Designed for Xbox Holiday Gift Guide is packed with a variety of accessories to power up your play, whether you’re surprising a player in your life or upgrading your own setup.

Give the gift of storage with the 4TB storage expansion card from Seagate, explore new accessories for the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, check out a variety of controllers including the Backbone Pro – Xbox Edition, and pick up audio gear to suit every style and budget. Whatever your gaming goals, you’ll find plenty of choices to take your experience to the next level.

The whole Designed for Xbox team wishes you a holiday season filled with great games, new gear, and plenty of fun.

Total Control

Gibson Les Paul Pro Edition Controller

Take center stage and rock the spotlight with the CRKD x Gibson Blueberry Burst Pro Edition Les Paul Guitar Controller, officially licensed by Xbox. From the team that developed the iconic hardware for Guitar Hero and DJ Hero, this new controller continues the revival of rhythm gaming like never before, bringing the band back together for a whole new era!

The Gibson Les Paul Pro Edition for Xbox is available in both Blueberry Burst for $134.99 USD ERP and Black Tribal Encore for $124.99 USD ERP. Visit the Rhythm Gaming section at CRKD for more information.  

Backbone Pro – Xbox Edition Mobile Controller

The Backbone Pro – Xbox Edition mobile controller lets you instantly play your favorite games across phone, tablet, PC, laptop, smart TV, and more – no pairing menus, just tap and play, with easy access to your gaming library and cloud services through the Backbone app. Built for precision and comfort, it features full-size ALPS thumbsticks, Hall Effect triggers, laser-etched grips, rear buttons, and industry-leading ergonomics, plus wireless Bluetooth or USB-C connectivity for up to 40 hours of battery life. 

Available now for $179.99 USD ERP. Visit Backbone.com for more information.

Thrustmaster T598X Racing Wheel

The T598X simracing wheel features Thrustmaster’s new Direct Axial Drive with Axial Flux motor and Harmony technology, delivering ultra-precise, high-fidelity Force Feedback and super-boosted sensations for demanding gamers. With a detachable wheel rim, mag-shift paddle shifters, the Raceline Pedals LTE set, and plug-and-play compatibility with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, it’s a high-performance package ready for any race.

Available now for $599.99 USD ERP. Visit Thrustmaster for more information.

Logitech RS System 

The RS50 System includes the RS50 Base, RS Wheel Hub, and Round Wheel so you can hit the track quickly and easily. This gaming steering wheel system features Direct Drive with 8 Nm of torque, Trueforce support, integrated quick release, customization, and more to support an authentic racing experience on Xbox and PC. 

Available now for $699.99 USD ERP. Visit Logitech for more information.  

Scuf Valor Pro Controller

The Valor Pro Wireless controller features rear paddles for faster reactions and anti-drift TMR thumbsticks for durability and precision. Its low-latency wireless connection, including 1k Hz polling on PC, customizable settings via the Scuf app on Xbox & PC, and a built-in battery offering up to 17 hours of playtime make it a great choice for competitive wireless gaming. 

Available now for $189.99 USD ERP. Visit Scuf for more information.

Hyperkin Competitor Controller

The Competitor is built for precision and reliability. Featuring drift-free Hall Effect sticks and triggers and programmable back buttons – thanks to anti-friction gates, metal glide rings, and some magic under the hood, players can enjoy some of the smoothest sticks available. With plug-and-play compatibility with Xbox and PC, a detachable USB-C cable, and an ergonomic grip, it’s ready for any gaming session.

Available in white and black this holiday season for $49.99 USD ERP. Visit the Hyperkin Store for more information.  

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited Anniversary Edition Controller

The Revolution X Unlimited Anniversary Edition from Nacon features a design inspired by the Xbox 360 and is built for competitive play with drift-free Hall Effect joysticks, instant triggers, and a dedicated PC performance mode. With a command center screen for quick adjustments and multi-mode connectivity, this precision-engineered controller is made to outlast every opponent. 

The Revolution X Unlimited Anniversary Edition is available for pre-order now for $199.99 USD ERP. Visit Nacon for more information.

Premium Sound

Logitech G Astro A20X Wireless Headset

Experience seamless gaming across all your favorite consoles with the Logitech G Astro A20 X headset – switch systems instantly and stay comfortable through every marathon session. With dazzling Lightsync RGB, immersive audio, and a 48kHz microphone, A20X lets you immerse yourself in your favorite games. 

The Logitech G Astro A20 X Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset is available now for $179.99 USD ERP. Visit Logitech for more information. 

SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds

Enjoy crystal-clear sound and ultra-low latency wireless gaming across multiple devices with SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, featuring 2.4GHz wireless for low latency audio, Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile, and Active Noise Cancellation to keep you focused on your game. With customizable audio presets, up to 10 hours of playtime (plus 30 hours of charge in the case), and a comfortable fit for long sessions, these GameBuds are built for gamers who want premium performance and convenience.  

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for Xbox are available now for $199.99 USD ERP. Visit SteelSeries for more information. 

Razer Blackshark V3 Pro Headset

Give your Xbox setup a competitive edge with the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro for Xbox headset – ultra-low latency wireless (as low as 10ms) makes hearing footsteps instant, the detachable fullband mic makes callouts crystal-clear, and hybrid Active Noise Cancellation blocks distractions so you can lock in. With plush swiveling earcups, hybrid memoryfoam cushions, and adjustable noise canceling levels in Razer Synapse or the Razer Audio app, it’s the clutch headset to gift (or grab for yourself) this holiday.

The Razer Blackshark V3 Pro for Xbox is available for $249.99 USD ERP. Visit Razer for more information.  

Expanded Storage

Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S – 4TB

Effortlessly expand your Xbox gaming library with the Seagate Storage Expansion Card, designed in partnership with Xbox for blazing fast, plug-and-play performance that matches your console’s internal SSD. With up to 4TB of sleek, dedicated storage, you can enjoy zero-lag gaming and keep all your favorite titles at your fingertips!

The Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is available for $429.99. Visit Seagate for more information. 

ROG Xbox Ally Accessories

Discover a lineup of accessories for the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. Explore accessories that help protect your Xbox Ally devices, expand your storage options, and include two versatile docks for enhanced connectivity and convenience.

ROG Xbox Ally (2-in-1) Premium Case

The ROG Xbox Ally (2-in-1) Premium Case is a hard-shell carrying case, featuring a water-repellent exterior, unique zipper design, and a soft fleece inner liner to keep your device safe from scratches and bumps. It also includes a detachable accessory pouch for the 65W charging adapter, so you can travel light or carry everything you need with confidence.

The ROG Xbox Ally (2-in-1) Premium Case is available for $69.99. Visit ASUS for more information.

Sandisk microSD Card for ROG Xbox Ally

Take your games anywhere with a high-performance microSD card engineered for Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, offering up to 2TB of storage for up to 50 games on the go. Built for speed and reliability, it delivers fast installs and quick load times, plus rugged protection and a lifetime limited warranty for peace of mind.

The Sandisk microSD cards are available starting at $69.99. Visit Sandisk for more information.

Seagate FireCuda 530R SSD

Designed for demanding gamers, creators, and professionals, the Seagate FireCuda 530R SSD leverages PCIe Gen4 NVMe technology to deliver blazing fast speeds up to 7,400MB/s for ultra-responsive performance across desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, and handheld gaming devices. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, its rugged M.2 2280 form factor and full compatibility with the Designed for Xbox program ensures seamless, reliable gaming and content creation on every platform.

The Seagate FireCuda 530R SSDs are available starting at $109.99. Visit Seagate for more information.

WD_Black SN7100X NVMe SSD for ROG Xbox Ally X & PC

Play your Xbox games anywhere with the officially licensed WD_Black SN7100X NVMe SSD for for ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X and PC, delivering blazing fast speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write for ultra-responsive gaming. With capacities up to 4TB, improved power efficiency, and a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate trial included, you’ll be ready to conquer your biggest gaming sessions wherever you go.

The WD_Black SN7100X NVMe SSDs are available starting at $159.99. Visit Sandisk for more information.

ROG 100W Gaming Charger Dock

Power up your device, transfer data, and enjoy display output – all from a single, travel-friendly accessory that keeps your setup flexible wherever you go. The ROG 100W Gaming Charger Dock brings ultra-fast charging and seamless connectivity to your gaming experience, so you can plug in, play, and stay ready for anything.

The ROG 100W Gaming Charger Dock is available for $99.99. Visit Asus for more information.

ROG Bulwark Dock (2025) DG300

Upgrade your setup with a versatile 7-in-1 dock featuring HDMI 2.1, USB-C, three USB-A ports, Ethernet, and an audio jack – all supporting up to 4K at 144Hz or 8K at 30Hz. Enjoy 100W USB-C power delivery, ultra-fast data transfer, and Aura Sync RGB lighting for performance and style that keeps up with every player.

The ROG Bulwark Dock is available for $139.99. Visit Asus for more information.

Dbrand Killswitch  

Engineered to survive everything from drops to marathon gaming sessions, the Dbrand Killswitch is a Designed for Xbox-certified case, built for the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X. It combines impact-resistant thermoplastics, a slim 2.5mm profile, integrated kickstand, and crush-proof Travel Cover to create the holy grail of handheld gaming cases.  

The Dbrand Killswitch case for Xbox Ally & Ally X is available to pre-order for $59.95 USD ERP.  Visit Dbrand for more information 

Exciting new hardware and accessories are available now to help take your gaming to the next level – stay tuned for even more great releases ahead! From all of us at Designed for Xbox, have a wonderful holiday and a happy New Year.

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!

MARVEL Cosmic Invasion

Dotemu

☆☆☆☆☆ 211

★★★★★

$29.99 $26.99

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Marvel Cosmic Invasion – December 1
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Tribute Games and Dotemu are teaming up again, in collaboration with Marvel Games, to craft an original, fresh beat ’em up. Featuring dynamic combat combos and dazzling pixel art, this planet-hopping adventure stands as a love letter to the Marvel Universe. Whether you’re teaming up with friends or family, Marvel Cosmic Invasion has you covered with local/online play and a drop-in/drop-out adaptive system. A cosmic battle awaits!

OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 Digital Deluxe Edition

SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.

☆☆☆☆☆ 5

★★★★★

$59.99

Pre-order

OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0

SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.

☆☆☆☆☆ 5

★★★★★

Get it now

Octopath Traveler 0 – December 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Start from zero and discover the newest entry in the Octopath Traveler series. Experience a story of restoration and retribution over the divine rings — an epic saga that unfolds across the realm of Orsterra. Enjoy familiar features such as the series’ HD-2D graphics, a fusion of retro pixel art and 3DCG; the player’s ability to roleplay using Path Actions of their choice; and the Break and Boost system that can turn the tide of battle. Additionally, brand-new features such as character creation and town building allow you to create your own character and restore your hometown.

Blood: Refreshed Supply

Warner Bros. Games, Atari, Nightdive Studios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Blood: Refreshed Supply – December 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Blood: Refreshed Supply follows Caleb, an undead gunslinger on a quest for revenge against his former demonic master, Tchernobog. Despite his once powerful position as a fearsome Cabal commander and one of Tchernobog’s “Chosen” few, Caleb and his fellow Chosen are betrayed by the dark god and slain for reasons unknown. Seeking answers and vengeance, Caleb rises from the grave to put a stop to Tchernobog and his murderous lieutenants once and for all.

ROUTINE

Raw Fury

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Routine – December 4
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Optimized for Handheld / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Routine is a first-person sci-fi horror title set on an abandoned lunar base designed around an 80s vision of the future. Curious exploration turns into a need for survival when a lunar base goes completely quiet. Searching for answers puts you face to face with an enemy who is certain the main threat is you. Discoveries lead to deeper unknowns and the only way to go is forward.

I'm on Observation Duty 8

Dreamloop Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

I’m on Observation Duty 8 – December 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Observe. Report. Survive the night. Monitor the surveillance system for anomalies and report them to survive the night. Use your sharp eyes and keen attention to detail to detect supernatural anomalies ranging from subtle environmental changes to eerie and unsettling otherworldly intruders. Can you survive the night shift, or will you succumb to paranoia…? I’m on Observation Duty 8 is the most ambitious title yet in the original viral franchise that ignited a trend in spot-the-difference horror games that have been loved by players and streamed for millions by legendary content creators.

Crime Simulator

Ultimate Games S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆ 28

★★★★★

$19.99 $17.99

Get it now

Crime Simulator – December 1
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

You’re out of jail, but the debt isn’t gone. Sneak, steal, and break into houses solo or in 4-player co-op. Use lockpicks, sleeping gas, and brute force to complete jobs, outsmart security, and make enough money before time runs out. Will you pay back what you owe, or lose everything?

Seven Days Until Morning

Dishsoap Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 2

★★★★★

$5.99

Get it now

Seven Days Until Morning – December 1
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Seven centuries in the future, humanity is collapsing. In an attempt to spare yourself the same fate as the rest of the system, you flee to the furthest away place you can feasibly survive: Pluto. Survive the downfall of humanity in a centuries old survival bunker, or at least the first week. You crash land on Pluto, it’s the furthest away place you could reach that was apart of the CCOT’s emergency shelter program. It had been centuries since it was last used, which has left it needing maintenance. Ride out the Plutonian night while hiding from the end.

BROK: The Brawl Bar

COWCAT

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Get it now

Brok: The Bar Brawl – December 2
Xbox Play Anywhere

Brok, a former boxer turned detective, stumbles upon an underground bar hidden deep in the Slums. Old instincts kick in, and he jumps headfirst to prove he’s still top dog! (or…gator.) Solo or with a friend in co-op, take on creative challenges inspired by “Event matches” of platform fighters, taken to the next level with original addictive mechanics and variety. In this gritty-yet-humorous bar, meet unforgettable characters and uncover surprises around every corner as the story unfolds.

Cute Bonfire (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 1

★★★★★

$4.99 $3.99

Get it now

Cute Bonfire – December 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Step into the warm world of Cute Bonfire, a charming pixel-art puzzle game set inside a fireplace. Take control of a little fire spirit that moves tile by tile, pushing charcoal pieces to light up the bonfires. With 30 levels of gradually increasing difficulty, delightful visuals, and a cozy, relaxing atmosphere, Cute Bonfire is perfect for casual players who love the satisfaction of solving puzzles.

Elon and Friends: Winter Pack – 13 Games (Xbox+XPA+PC)

DERIK D.F

☆☆☆☆☆ 23

★★★★★

$8.99 $7.19

Get it now

Elon and Friends: Winter Pack – December 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

This winter celebration pack contains the following games: Elon and the Divine Proof, Green Soldiers Heroes, Extreme Bikers, Prison of Illusion, Super Snake Block DX, and SHMUP Mania. Windows (PC) versions are optimized for handheld PCs.

SLEEP AWAKE

Blumhouse Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 1

★★★★★

$29.99

Get it now

Sleep Awake – December 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Sleep Awake is an immersive first-person psychedelic horror narrative experience that explores the realm between sleep and death.  Submitted to perpetual insomnia, the denizens of the last known city on Earth are reaching a panic crisis of reckless experiments in an effort to avoid The Hush, the inexplicable disappearance of those who sleep. Playing as Katja, you must survive the devotees of various depraved death cults and desperately try to stay awake. Solve the puzzles of this mysterious world while avoiding the grasp of the death cults in an attempt to shatter the horrors of the past. 

Slimeboo

Zakym s. r. o.

☆☆☆☆☆ 1

★★★★★

$2.99 $2.39

Get it now

Slimeboo – December 2 – Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Optimized for Handheld / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Slimeboo is a simple and fun platformer game that is perfect for children of all ages. The game is controlled with a single button, making it accessible to even the youngest players. Boo, a small and adorable slime, has gotten lost on a tropical island. To find his way home, he must leap over all the obstacles in his path. Help him overcome them! Good luck!

Caput Mortum

Black Lantern Collective

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Caput Mortum – December 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Caput Mortum is a short first-person horror experience inspired by retro 3D dungeon crawlers and survival horror games. Delve into a tower of forgotten nightmares, where every step could be your last. Overcome horrors from beyond death and unlock the secrets of forbidden knowledge.

Dungeons and Ducklings

Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$4.99 $3.99

Get it now

Dungeons and Ducklings – December 3

An evil Lich has tainted Mama Duck’s beloved pond and kidnapped her ducklings! Arm up and beat him once and for all in this QuackMan roguelite – storm through dungeon mazes to rescue her family! With classic arcade controls and a twist – an attack button that lets you smash walls and enemies – you’ll fight back against the Lich and his army in no time!

Malachite: Temple of the Sun

Ocean Media

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Get it now

Malachite: Temple of the Sun – December 3

Embark on a journey through the depths of a lost ancient jungle temple. Start your journey through the depths of a forgotten jungle temple. Match colorful balls, unlock powerful power-ups, and construct your own temple as you progress. Choose between adventure and endless modes, immersing yourself in classic match-3 gameplay!

Octo Curse

Ocean Media

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$6.99

Get it now

Octo Curse – December 3

A pirate turned into octopus. Can you break the curse? OctoCurse is an action platformer following the story of a pirate captain who has been turned into an octopus by an evil spirit. The little octopus embarks on the quest to save the rest of his crew and reverse the curse. Experience epic pirate adventure. Explore levels, collect coins, unlock doors and climb the mysterious tower as you get closer and closer to the final showdown. Make your way through the tropical jungle, brave the harsh winter, weather the storm and endure other exciting environs. Save your friends and meet new ones along the way.

RoboHero

Xitilon

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$4.99 $3.99

Get it now

RoboHero – December 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Classic sokoban with a twist and a sci-fi theme! A scientific organization sends a robot-expeditor developed on artificial intelligence to the newly discovered exoplanet Xeran, on which, most likely, there are very valuable resources for humanity.

Winterlight – Where silence says it all

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$4.99 $3.99

Get it now

Winterlight – Where Silence Says it All – December 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Explore a heartfelt and thought-provoking tale of bittersweet homecoming! As Elias returns to the coastal town that once sheltered him, he’s pulled into a slow winter of connection, memory and quiet decisions. Take the role of this young man and guide the choices he makes, surrounded by the warmth of townspeople young and old, often holding conversations in a bookstore over shared coffee.

YAKUZA: Shadows of New York

Porting.guru

☆☆☆☆☆ 2

★★★★★

$14.99

Get it now

Yakuza: Shadows of New York – December 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Step into the shadows of New York City in Yakuza: Shadows of New York, a gripping action-adventure where the old codes of honor clash against the forces of modern corruption. Become Kaito Nakamura, a skilled enforcer on a mission to find his missing mentor while navigating the city’s dark and treacherous underbelly.

Baseless

First Break Labs

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Baseless – December 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Baseless is a challenging planet-jumping shooter. Blast from planet to planet with 360° gravity, creatively demolishing every enemy in your path. Fire powerful weapons, rescue cute friends, and discover a galaxy worth fighting for!

DETECTIVE – Rainy Night

JanduSoft

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$10.49 $9.44

Pre-order

Detective – Rainy Night – December 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Detective – Rainy Night puts you in the shoes of Iker Carmona, a police officer investigating a string of strange disappearances. After a long drive, Iker decides to spend the night at a small roadside motel called the Holiday. What begins as a quiet stop quickly spirals into something far more sinister.

Finding America: The Heartland Collector's Edition

Ocean Media

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Finding America: The Heartland Collector’s Edition – December 4

Strap on your seatbelts for a trip to America’s Heartland! From South Dakota’s monumental Mount Rushmore to the humble farmhouses of Kansas, this lovely slice of American pie will have something just for you. Visit jazz bars in Illinois, Wisconsin’s cheese shops, and stunning national parks, all as lovingly crafted Hidden Object Scenes and challenging Minigames! Complete each chapter, unlock tons of trivia, and enjoy everything the Heartland has to offer in this all-American Hidden Object game!

Mist: Evolution

EpiXR Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

Mist: Evolution – December 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Your daughter is missing. The world is gone. Only the Mist remains. In Mist, a devastating crash marks the beginning of your descent into a world lost to alien terror. As a father, you search desperately for your child—but what you find instead is a crumbling world buried in fog, crawling with monsters beyond comprehension. This is no ordinary RPG. Mist fuses idle progression, visceral real-time combat, and an evolving horror narrative into a genre-defying experience. As you explore the ruins of civilization, you’ll form a pact with a mysterious alien being that grants you strength—at a cost. Level up, mutate, and unlock terrifying new abilities as you battle grotesque creatures and uncover long-buried truths.

The Phantom

Art Of Play Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$26.99

Pre-order

The Phantom – December 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The Phantom is an arcade-style beat-em-up coming to PC and consoles. Play as the Phantom or his partner, Diana Palmer, in this 14-level adventure. The feared pirates of the Singh Brotherhood are battling for power and threatening the Phantom’s legacy, and it’s up to you to stop them. Use your hand-to-hand fighting skills and trusty weapons to dispatch this evil, and call in assistance from your animal friends Fraka the falcon and Devil the wolf. The Phantom features a brand-new story approved by King Features. Experience this canon addition through full-screen cut scenes and captivating in-game visuals, hand-illustrated and animated frame-by-frame by seasoned comic book artists and Art Of Play’s dedicated in-house 2D creative team.

ReSetna

Ocean Media

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

ReSetna – December 4

A warrior on a mission to rescue last human remnants. What’s left of humanity are minds trapped in circuits. You are awaken as ReSetna, a warrior on a mission to rescue last human remnants. Explore seven hostile zones, face seven brutal bosses and evolve through a unique upgrade system. Uncover horrifying truth and decide if the future is worth saving.  

Sacrifice For Sale (Xbox Series X|S)

Sometimes You

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99 $7.99

Pre-order

Sacrifice For Sale – December 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Experience interaction in a new and engaging way. Choose to respond to what the characters have to say… directly! Deal with your own hostage situation, negotiate for more than just your freedom. Learn about the people who hold you captive, deconstruct the cult, manipulate them- all to not end up as their next sacrifice.

Sophia’s Animal Clinic – Mission Wildlife Park

© 2025 Joindots® GmbH

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Sophie’s Animal Clinic – Mission Wildlife Park – December 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Your veterinary adventure begins at the wildlife park! Help injured and sick animals such as horses, deer, ducks, donkeys, goats, rabbits, and many more. With a great deal of empathy, you examine symptoms, make diagnoses, and treat over 30 different diseases. Each animal has individual needs and is waiting for your expert help. Use modern instruments, accompany your patients’ recovery step by step, and experience a varied everyday life in the animal park. Intuitive controls, realistic treatments, and lovingly animated animals make this game a highlight for young animal lovers.

Connect It!

Gametry LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Connect It! – December 5

Connect It is a clever, visually striking puzzle game that challenges you to link matching colors scattered across a grid. Your mission? Draw connections between all the pairs—without crossing paths. It sounds simple… until it’s not. With over 200 handcrafted levels, each one more intricate than the last, Connect It constantly surprises with new layouts and clever twists. The controls are intuitive, the gameplay is smooth, and every solved puzzle delivers that satisfying “aha!” moment.

M.A.U.S

Cascadia Games LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$3.49

Pre-order

M.A.U.S – December 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

With his children away on the moon, there is no time to relax for Dr. Cavor. Once again, Victoria is under attack. The aging but brilliant scientist begins research on a new means of defense. After much work, he finds success with Mechanized Assault Unity 19 — M.A.U.S.

Pixapple Adventure

JM Neto Game Dev

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Pixapple Adventures – December 5

Pixapple Adventure is a colorful pixel-art platformer starring a brave little apple with arms and legs! Run, jump, and collect all the stars to open the portal and reach the next level. Across three vibrant worlds — Forest, Snow, and the Valley of Fear — the challenge increases as you progress. Simple, fast, and fun, Pixapple brings back the joy of classic platformers with a charming twist.

Santa´s World

EntwicklerX – GbR Thomas Claus und Frank Menzel

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Santa’s World – December 5

Santa’s World is a jump-‘n-run Christmas game inspired by classic platform games. The goal is to find the three lost Christmas gifts and go to the next level while collecting items. Traps, obstacles, and enemies make the quest very challenging. Find snowballs and throw them at enemies to remove them. 3D graphics packed in a nice graphics style, great 2.5D levels and proven gameplay gives you hours of fun.

Security Booth: Director's Cut

Cloud Colony Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Security Booth: Director’s Cut – December 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The year is 1996 and you’re employed by a science lab called Nova Nexus. You work as a security guard at the front gate to the lab, inside a guard booth. However, tonight it seems something important is happening inside of Nova Nexus and things are… well… a little strange. Your job is simple. you must make sure that only the right authorized personnel are getting into the facility. To do this, when a car arrives at the gates, it is your job to go and talk with the driver and check their license plate. Make sure that the person is on the employee register by finding the license plate on the register. If the person is not on the register you must tell them to leave. Make sure to only open the gates to employees and keep the gate closed at all times.

Speed Factor

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Speed Factor – December 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Inspired by 80s and 90s classics, Speed Factor is an old-school racing game with pixelated graphics, arcade driving style, exhilarating punk rock music, and some awesome classic cars! Customize the difficulty level and traction assist level to your personal tastes to make the game as easy or challenging as you want. Cruise through 50 different tracks spread across 5 locations! Win races and earn money to level up and improve your ride!

Stacky Dash

QubicGames S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Stacky Dash – December 5
Xbox Play Anywhere

Get ready for non-stop fun in Stacky Dash! Slide to collect tiles, build paths, and race through colorful levels full of exciting surprises. Dodge blasting cannons, and zip through portals as you conquer each tricky stage! Save adorable animals to grow your own zoo and take on timed challenges to test your speed. With tons of cool skins to unlock, every level is packed with energy and fun!

Tank Mechanic Simulator – Reinforced

PlayWay S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Tank Mechanic Simulator – Reinforced – December 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Fix, build and renovate highly detailed and fully interactive tanks (German, USA or Soviet), armored cars or self-propelled guns. Experience a realistic simulator game of being a Tank Mechanic. Find abandoned and destroyed tanks from battlefields of Second World War. Use special tools to find each tank, and extract it from the ground. Grow your repair service business and start your own tank museum.

Game-mode: enabled. Xbox and Crocs have teamed up to release an exclusive collection. 

Ready up with this controller-meets-clog design that reimagines the iconic Xbox controller with fixed buttons and joysticks into the perfect shoe for couch co-op and kicking back – complete with cushioned footbeds adorned with Player Left and Player Right, which give expert-level comfort to support your next session. 

Available on the Crocs website starting tomorrow, the limited-edition Xbox collection includes a 5-pack of Xbox + Jibbitz charms featuring fan-favorite characters and icons from Halo, Fallout, DOOM, World of Warcraft, and Sea of Thieves. 

No matter how you choose to play, or where your holiday plans take you – the iconic Xbox controller-inspired clog will be with you along every step of the fun. 

In the ’90s, over a decade before the release of epic Western adventures like Red Dead Redemption, LucasArts introduced the world to Outlaws. Originally released in 1997, Outlaws was a truly groundbreaking entry in what was widely considered a niche genre at the time.

It was also LucasArts’ first venture into the creation of an original first-person shooter.

From Star Wars to Outlaws

To help set it apart from previous Star Wars-related releases, LucasArts modified the Jedi game engine they’d previously utilized for Star Wars: Dark Forces and enhanced the INSANE animation engine to better optimize it for Outlaws’ cutscenes.

LucasArts also created a compelling Western-style plot and cast of characters for the game, including protagonist James Anderson, a retired U.S. Marshal who sets off on a quest for vengeance after his wife is murdered and his daughter kidnapped by outlaws.

Drawing inspiration from Sergio Leone’s spaghetti Westerns, the outlaws who murder Anderson’s wife aren’t rogue agents wreaking havoc at random. Instead, they’re employed by a corrupt railroad baron, Bob Graham, who seeks to intimidate Anderson into selling his farm so he can build his railroad through it.

Departing from the colder sci-fi settings of titles like Star Wars: Dark Forces, even the grimmest moments in Outlaws are bathed in warmth thanks to its colorful, hand-painted backgrounds and fully animated, voice-acted cutscenes.

A great example of this can be found right at the beginning of the game, with cutscenes showing the happy home life Anderson will soon be robbed of, along with his wife and daughter.

Beyond its visuals and story, a key way in which Outlaws proved itself noteworthy was with its soundtrack.

LucasArts understood music to be an essential part of the Western genre, with Outlaws becoming the first FPS of its kind to feature a fully orchestrated score created by legendary composer Clint Bajakian.

Working with the Original Team

In Nightdive’s recently released Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster, you’ll be able to revisit the game’s iconic soundtrack in its Vault. In addition to behind-the-scenes documents and concept art, the Vault features commentary from Clint Bajakian for each of the score’s 15 tracks.

“The style was to be an original homage to the great spaghetti Western soundtracks of the late Ennio Morricone,” Bajakian explains in his exclusive Vault commentary. “Most all of the score is live recording, making possible the achievement of something real, something truly spaghetti.”

Not only will fans be able to enjoy Clint Bajakian’s insight into the creation of the game’s soundtrack, but Nightdive also conducted a special Deep Dive podcast interview for Outlaws with original level designer Kevin Schmitt.

“I textured most of the levels in Outlaws — you know, the texture artist created it and I put it on the walls,” Schmitt recounts in his Deep Dive interview. “I placed the props, I placed the enemies, I did the scripting, I placed the audio. We wrote a lot of the dialogue; we did everything back then.”

As nice as it is to have these as bonus items with Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster, for Nightdive including members of a game’s original development team wherever possible is considered a key part of the remaster process.

“Involving members of the original development team is important because it’s vital for authenticity, accuracy, and respect for the artists and developers who brought their vision to life,” Kick explains. “Their insight into mechanics, limitations they faced, and design helps our team keep the remasters we develop faithful to the original, not just in look, but in spirit as well.”

Modernizing a Timeless Classic

For Nightdive, maintaining the authenticity of a game’s original experience is one of the studio’s primary goals. The team wants the game to play the way you remember it, with options included in Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster that emphasize this, including the ability to toggle between the game’s original and remastered graphics.

While originally a PC release, Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster will be available on consoles for the first time ever, including Xbox One and Series X|S. On consoles, Outlaws will offer improved gamepad support, including a weapon selection wheel, aim assist, and rumble.

No matter how or where you choose to play it, nearly three decades after its original release, Outlaws continues to remain a defining entry in the Western genre — one that’s well worth revisiting or checking out for the very first time.

When asked why Outlaws continues to resonate with gamers to this day, Kick explains:

“Where most FPS games of its era were about shock and spectacle, Outlaws told a simple, emotional story underscored by a music composition that treated the material with genuine gravity. There simply weren’t many Western-themed games during this time.”

If you’re wondering whether physical editions of Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster will be available for purchase in the future, the answer is almost certainly yes.

“Fans are always asking about a physical edition,” Kuperman notes. “We think that physical editions are important to game preservation.  We know that our fans always appreciate that option, so we hope to release physical editions of the game, including the game cart, for our fans to enjoy in the future.”

If you want to saddle up and play the game right here and now, Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster is available digitally on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!

Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster

Lucasfilm, Disney, Atari, Nightdive Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 21

★★★★★

$29.99

Get it now

From the team that brought you STAR WARS: Dark Forces Remaster comes the return of the 1997 western FPS classic, Outlaws! Saddle up and ride back into the Wild West with the gunslinging ex-Marshal, James Anderson, and face off against the good, the bad, and the even worse this side of the Mississippi as you work to uncover a twisted plot of greed and corruption. With your trusty six-shooting .45 Revolver, Scoped .44 Rifle, 10-Gauge Shotgun, and good ol' Sawed-Off 12-Gauge Shotgun, you'll be packin' plenty of firepower to take out all manner of outlaw varmints. Outlaws + Handful of Missions features high-resolution, uncompressed cutscenes and updated visuals for weapons, characters, and enemies, all fully recreated from archived art and stylized to match the original look with full color palettes. Outlaws + Handful of Missions also offers Cross-Play Multiplayer with game modes including Deathmatch, Team Play, Capture the Flag, and Kill The Fool With The Chicken! It's Payback Time.