Latest Features
Talking Point Next Year Marks A Decade Since Xbox's Genius Backwards Compatibility Program
Launched for Xbox One in 2015
It's 2015, Microsoft has had a rough start to its most recent Xbox console generation, and it's banking on a megaton announcement to get longtime fans back onside. Fast-forward to the team's E3 Showcase in June - and it more than delivers. Xbox 360 backwards compatibility is announced for Xbox One, and the crowd goes...
Feature Xbox Game Studios: All Microsoft First-Party Developers & What They're Working On
Including Bethesda & Activision Blizzard
At this stage, Microsoft has lots of in-house development studios making Xbox games, including all those teams across Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. So, as we close in on another year of Xbox, we thought we'd gather up every Microsoft first-party developer and what they're working on...
Feature Four Xbox Games We've Given 'Outstanding' 10/10 Scores To In 2024
What would your list look like?
Each year in Xbox land, we're typically treated to a short list of titles that end up earning an 'Outstanding' 10/10 review score here at Pure Xbox - and 2024 is no different. This calendar year, we've handed out four 10/10 review scores to what we deem some of the best games to grace the platform over the past 12...
Poll What Were The Best Xbox Game Pass Additions In 2024?
There's a lot to choose from!
Although Xbox Game Pass may have slowed down a little bit in 2024, we've still seen a huge number of incredible games added to the service over the past 12 months, including some extremely notable first-party titles as well! In recent weeks alone, the likes of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Call of Duty: Black Ops...
Feature These Games Are Coming To Xbox Next Week (December 23-27)
Christmas week!
Welcome to your Xbox games roundup for December 23-27! Naturally, considering it's Christmas week, the new releases are slowing down considerably over the next few days, but we've still got a few fun launches on the way! Here's what's coming to Xbox next week: New Xbox Releases (December 23-27): 8 & 9 Ball Pocket...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 21-22)
It's a bit of Baldur's Gate 3 for us
Welcome to the weekend! Things have calmed down a lot on Xbox over the past week, but don't forget we've seen some great Xbox Game Pass titles throughout December, and the Xbox Countdown Sale 2024 remains live as well! Here's what we're playing this weekend: Fraser Gilbert, Editor: I'm so ready for a Christmas...
Poll What Do You Think Of Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled On Xbox Game Pass?
Has it lived up to expectations?
One of the final big additions to Xbox Game Pass in 2024 was Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled back on December 4th, and ultimately it ended up getting overshadowed a little bit by the arrival of Indiana Jones a few days later. This is a game we've been enjoying for years outside of Game Pass though, and some might...
Talking Point If Developer Direct Returns, Xbox Could Have A Killer 2025 Lineup
So many awesome-looking games to choose from!
If the last few years are anything to go by, we could be around a month out from Microsoft dropping another Developer Direct; its now-annual showcase that dives deep into some of the year's biggest Xbox games. Although next year's event is yet to be announced, we see no reason for Xbox not to do another...
Video 30 Must-Play Xbox Games For Under $30 This Holiday Season
Our curated list
Christmas is coming up, and if you're anything like us here at Pure Xbox HQ, this time of year always provides a nice opportunity to sit down and relax with some good old video games over the holiday season. However, despite an ever-growing backlog of Xbox titles (guilty as charged), we can't help but be tempted into picking a few...
Soapbox Paying Tribute To The Best Map In Forza Horizon History
Stick the kettle on, folks
This weekend, Forza Horizon 4 will be completely delisted from digital storefronts, as Microsoft sunsets yet another Forza title due ongoing licensing issues related to racing games. It is, unfortunately, a reality we've gotten used to at this point - every Forza game before this one has already disappeared into thin air...
Feature These 10+ Games Are Coming To Xbox Next Week (December 16-20)
A quieter few days for new Xbox releases
Welcome to your Xbox games roundup for December 16-20! Things are definitely quietening down over the next few days for new releases, but we've still got plenty of indies on the way - including a few which look particularly cool! Here's what's coming to Xbox next week: New Xbox Releases (December 16-20):...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 14-15)
How about some more Indiana Jones?
It's time for the weekend! You've got a bunch of things to play on Xbox over the next couple of days, including a heap of new Xbox Game Pass additions, five Free Play Days titles, and a few of this month's free-to-play releases! Here's what we're playing this weekend: Fraser Gilbert, Editor: I'm officially...
Poll What Is Your Xbox Game Of The Year For 2024?
Get your votes in!
It's that time of year again! We're looking to crown a Pure Xbox Game of the Year for 2024, and in order to do that, we're going to need you to vote for the best Xbox games of the past 12 months — only the top ten will make the final cut! Last year's winner ended up being Starfield, closely followed by Baldur's Gate 3 and Hi-Fi...
Poll How Would You Grade The Game Awards 2024?
Give us your verdict
The dust is now beginning to settle on The Game Awards 2024! If you haven't had a chance to watch it yet, you can catch the full thing over at our live coverage page, as well as check out our recap of everything that happened as part of the show. So, all things considered, what grade would you give The Game Awards 2024? Vote...
Hands On Ibiza Returns To Test Drive Unlimited, But Solar Crown Spoils The Party
Fundamental issues remain
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown Season 2 is now live, and with it comes the return of Ibiza; the main location from 2011's Test Drive Unlimited 2. While this is a cutdown version of the party island compared to its Xbox 360 counterpart, Ibiza is still a very nice addition to the game - it's just a shame that the...
Feature Xbox Winter Demo Event Now Live, 35+ Games Available
Download all the free demos here
The Xbox Winter Demo event has returned! From now until the end of 2024, Microsoft is providing access to over 35 free demos as part of the ID@Xbox program, some of which are very early builds for games that are far from finished. As part of the selection, we've got two titles that are already confirmed for Xbox...
Talking Point Are You Enjoying Indiana Jones And The Great Circle So Far?
Or are you waiting for the Game Pass release?
After a long old wait since MachineGames' last proper release with Wolfenstein 2, the team has just dropped Indiana Jones and the Great Circle into early access this past Friday. Of course, the big Xbox Game Pass launch is still to come, but early access players - we want to know what you think of the...
Feature These 30+ Games Are Coming To Xbox Next Week (December 9-13)
Still a few big releases left in 2024
Welcome to your Xbox games roundup for December 9-13! We've got some exciting releases on the way over the next few days including Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind, as well as the final two
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 7-8)
Did you pick up Indy's early access?
Welcome to the weekend! There's a lot to enjoy on Xbox over the next couple of days, including a bunch of new Xbox Game Pass additions, six Free Play Days offerings, and of course, Indiana Jones is now available in early access! Here's what we'r
Talking Point What Are Your Overall Thoughts On Xbox Game Pass In 2024?
Has it been a good year in your opinion?
Another year is almost over for Xbox Game Pass! Next week appears to mark the final two additions to the service before the end of 2024, as Microsoft isn't planning another major roundup until we get into early January. So, this gives us a chance to look back on some major additions that have proved...
Talking Point A Year Later, What Do You Think Of Forza Motorsport?
Has it evolved in the way you'd hoped?
It's been just over a year now since the Forza Motorsport reboot finally reached the starting line on Xbox and PC, and although it received great reviews at launch, it was also suggested that the game would evolve substantially over time. And yeah... that's definitely been the case. Over the past year-or-so,...
Talking Point What Are You Expecting From Xbox At The Game Awards 2024?
The big event is just over a week away
It's definitely crept up on us, but The Game Awards 2024 is just over a week away now! The final major gaming event of the year promises to deliver plenty of fun surprises and big updates, but will Xbox have anything major to share? The biggest Game Awards moment in Xbox history undoubtedly happened back at...
Pick One What Was Your Favourite Xbox Game Pass Game In November 2024?
Spyro? Stalker 2? Starcraft?!
We've got just one month left for Xbox Game Pass in 2024, and we're coming off a month that was always expected to be a massive one for the service - after all, November gave us Stalker 2 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024! Unfortunately, both of those titles launched with issues, but it's not like there wasn't fun to...
Feature All New Xbox Games Coming Out In December 2024
Indiana Jones, Marvel Rivals & much more!
Welcome to our roundup of all new Xbox games coming out in December 2024! Below, we've listed every Xbox game with a December 2024 release date, including all confirmed Xbox Game Pass releases so far. And sure, December is always a bit quieter than the months that came before it, but we've still got some...
Feature These 30+ Games Are Coming To Xbox Next Week (December 2-6)
Including a HUGE early access release!
Welcome to your Xbox games roundup for December 2-6! The big arrival of the next few days is undoubtedly the "early access" launch of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for Premium, Premium Upgrade and Collector's Edition owners, but there's also a lot else to look forward to with the likes of Marvel Rivals,...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 30 - December 1)
How about some Aliens: Dark Descent?
The weekend starts here! There's plenty to discover on Xbox over the next few days including some new Xbox Game Pass additions and your final chance to snap up some Black Friday Xbox Store deals! Say goodbye to November... Here's what we're playing this weekend: Fraser Gilbert, Editor: There are two games I'm...
Talking Point When You're Low On Time, What Do You Play On Xbox?
Anything in particular?
Growing up sucks, huh? It feels like the older you get, the more responsibilities are placed upon you, and suddenly it becomes difficult to find time for your favourite hobby. Xbox is that hobby of course, at least for the team here at PX! What the lack of time does do, is change how you think about your backlog. Suddenly,...
Feature Best Stalker 2 PC Mods We'd Love To See On Xbox Series X|S
Hone your zone
We've had our issues with the launch version of Stalker 2, as our recent 4/10 review made clear. However, we know the long-term way of things with these games, and are in no doubt that GSC Game World has got big plans for the future of this enormous and atmospheric experience. For now though, the PC version — available via PC Game...
Poll Which Is Your Favourite Xbox Title From Bethesda Developer MachineGames?
The team is about to release Indiana Jones
Earlier today, we caught wind of the fact that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be MachineGames' longest experience yet, and that's got us thinking about the Bethesda developer - and what they've accomplished so far on Xbox. Up to this point, the Swedish studio has been solely in charge of the
Talking Point What Other Xbox Games Do You Want Patched To 60FPS?
Assassin's Creed Syndicate got us wishin'
Last week, a nine year old Xbox One game got patched to 60FPS on Xbox Series X|S in the form of Assassin's Creed Syndicate - and the surprise move from Ubisoft has us thinking and wishing and dreaming about what other Xbox titles could still get the 60FPS treatment. The first game that immediately comes to...
Talking Point What Do You Want To See From Xbox In 2025?
As Microsoft redefines the meaning of Xbox
As we near Xbox's final major release of 2024 with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, we've started to look back on the year in general - and think about what we hope to see from the team in 2025. It's been a bumpy old ride being an Xbox fan at times this year, and we're wondering what you think next year...
Preview Sniper Elite: Resistance Preview - Rebellion's Rock Solid Shooter Returns To Xbox Game Pass
We had a ballin' time
Earlier this month, the team at Rebellion invited us to try out Sniper Elite: Resistance - and after the success of 2022's Sniper Elite 5, we just couldn't say no to some more stealthy sniping action. Moving to a more familiar World War 2 location in Nazi-occupied France, this upcoming Sniper Elite sequel feels like another...
Talking Point How Are You Getting On With Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
Extreme turbulence, or a smooth journey?
There's no getting away from the fact that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 suffered a disastrous start last week. Server overloads meant that players couldn't even get into the game for 24 hours, and the problems continued after that. Sure, the loading screens might have subsided, but certain aircraft still...
Poll What Do You Think Of Stalker 2 On Xbox Game Pass So Far?
It's a divisive title
Well, our Stalker 2 review is now out in the wild, and as you may have seen, we've struggled with quite a few aspects of GSC Game World's new shooter. We reckon there's a proper game buried in here, but we're still waiting on quite a few issues getting sorted to properly discover it. We will say though, here at the Pure Xbox...
Feature These 10+ Games Are Coming To Xbox Next Week (November 25-29)
Including another two Game Pass titles
Welcome to your Xbox games roundup for November 25-29! Things are quietening down a bit over the next few days, but we've still got some interesting games on the way, along with two highly-rated Xbox Game Pass additions! Here's what's coming to Xbox next week: New Xbox Releases (November 25-29):
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 23-24)
It's probably Stalker 2, right?
Welcome to the weekend! The next couple of days mark your first weekend to check out the likes of Stalker 2, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Genshin Impact, while we also have a few Free Play Days titles along with hundreds and hundreds of
Talking Point Looking Back, What Are Your Fondest Memories Of The Xbox One Era?
The console turns 11 today!
Not only is the Xbox 360 celebrating its 19th birthday today, but the Xbox One is celebrating its 11th birthday as well! The launch took place back on November 22nd of 2013, following a controversial few months for the Xbox brand. Yes, we all know how much of a disaster the Xbox One was facing exactly 11 years ago. An...
Feature It Might Be Old, But The Xbox 360 Is Still An Amazing Console In 2024
Happy 19th Birthday!
Happy 19th birthday to the Xbox 360! Yes, the console originally launched on November 22nd, 2005, and it's been a crazy ride since then - incredible new features, an amazing library of games, the Red Ring of Death saga, the console's marketplace being turned off last year... it goes on and on. There have been highs and lows, but...
Talking Point Is The GTA Trilogy Definitive Edition Finally Worth Buying In 2024?
This new update makes a lot of improvements
Rockstar Games surprised everyone last week by revealing a new update for Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition out of the blue - nearly two years since the previous one arrived on Xbox consoles. Although the patch notes were very minimal, the update itself was anything but, adding in a...
Poll What Do You Think Of The Spyro Reignited Trilogy On Xbox Game Pass?
A blast from the past
It's been a very quiet week when it comes to Xbox Game Pass, but we did get a major surprise a few days ago in the form of the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, which marks the latest addition to the library courtesy of Activision Blizzard. We waxed lyrical about Spyro's remastered adventure when we saw the Game Pass announce
Feature These 10+ Games Are Coming To Xbox Next Week (November 18-22)
Including two MASSIVE Game Pass titles!
Welcome to your Xbox games roundup for November 18-22! We've got a bunch of major releases on the way over the next couple of days, two of which are launching day one on Xbox Game Pass in the form of Stalker 2 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Don't forget about the free-to-play launch of the popular
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 16-17)
Maybe some Infinite Wealth with Free Play Days?
It's time for the weekend! Now might be the perfect time to check out Spyro Reignited Trilogy on Xbox Game Pass, and we've also got a bunch of Free Play Days titles (including the incredible Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth) alongside a who
Feature The Original Xbox Is Now 23 Years Old, But It's Still Relevant In So Many Ways
Has it really been that long?!
This week, we've heard Microsoft talking about this whole idea of every gaming device being an Xbox, which in some ways marks the end of an era that began with the original Xbox in 2001 - the era of the console being the core focus of Microsoft's gaming division. Realistically it's been that way for some time, but...
Reaction Like It Or Not, Xbox Has Gone Full Throttle On Multiplatform
It's much bigger than Series X and S
We've known for a good while now that Microsoft wants Xbox to be more than a console, but up to this point in time, its messaging around that pursuit has been quite vague. It's always felt like the company wants to keep its loyal fans happy, while also adapting and growing Xbox as a business, which hasn't always...
Talking Point 10 Years On, It's Been A Mighty Turnaround For Halo: Master Chief Collection
Xbox eventually finished the fight
All the way back in 2014, Microsoft had a killer lineup planned for the second year of Xbox One. The team had the likes of Forza Horizon 2 and Sunset Overdrive bringing brand-new experiences to players at the start of the last generation, but it was one title in particular that led the charge for Xbox that year -...
Generation game
A couple of years ago now, we took at look at the Gen 2 'Turtle Beach Stealth 600' headset here at Pure Xbox - and at the time, we were impressed with the results. Excellent battery life and a comfy overall setup meant that the Stealth 600 was definitely something we could recommend, even if the build quality felt a little lacking...
Talking Point Spyro Reignited Trilogy Will Be A True Nostalgia Trip On Xbox Game Pass
Gather round, 3D platformer fans
Well, there we have it. After ranting about the slow trickle of ActiBlizz games coming to Game Pass right at the end of last week, the team goes ahead and announces another one - Spyro Reignited Trilogy is coming to the service tomorrow, November 12th. Following on from the addition of
Talking Point How Much Do You Care About 'Creation' Features In Your Xbox Games?
Do you spend hours on them, or barely any time at all?
When it comes to character customisation in games, there are people who spend absolutely hours trying to create the perfect protagonist (and indeed, side-characters), while others tend to skip through and get to the main game ASAP. Personally, I tend to fall into the latter category, although...
Talking Point What's Your Favourite Memory Of The Xbox Series X|S Generation So Far?
Both consoles turn FOUR this Sunday!
As we mentioned earlier this week, this Sunday marks the fourth anniversary of the Xbox Series X and Series S, with both consoles having launched on November 10th, 2020. And once again, we're using this opportunity to reminisce! This time around, we're keen to find out your favourite memory (or memories!) of the...
Feature These 20+ Games Are Coming To Xbox Next Week (November 11-15)
Dragon Quest, Tetris Forever & much more!
Welcome to your Xbox games roundup for November 11-15! It's somewhat the quiet before the storm over the next few days as we await Stalker 2 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 later in the month, but don't forget we've got the big release of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake coming up, as well as the likes of
