Microsoft took to YouTube today with an official next-generation Xbox Series X walkthrough. The lengthy video highlights “faster load times, higher frame rates, and more dynamic game worlds,” with the main focus being on the user experience of booting up an Xbox Series X or S on launch day. While this isn’t a full-on teardown video like we got from Sony recently, today’s presentation showcases the Xbox Series X and Series S redesigned user interface, sharing features, quick resume access, and more. Head below for more details and to see it for yourself. 

The PlayStation 5 arrived yesterday to much fanfare, including early pre-orders. Microsoft, on the other hand, decided to give gamers a week or so to prepare for the pre-orders. Well, today, Microsoft outlined what time its pre-orders will take place and what stores to purchase it at. So, without further ado, let’s dive into when, where, and how to pre-order the Xbox Series X and Series S.

Developer 343 Industries has announced a major Halo Infinite delay. Just as excitement for the next generation of gaming has begun to ramp up, the Xbox Series X release lineup is taking a big-time hit and will have to launch without its flagship shooter. 343 Industries took to Twitter this afternoon to issue an official statement to its fan base regarding the disappointing news. While this just gives the team more time to make the game even better, it’s a tough pill to swallow nonetheless. Head below for more details.

After getting our first taste of the single-player action on Xbox Series X, we now have surprising new details on Halo Infinite multiplayer. According to a retailer leak, the upcoming iteration of Microsoft’s sci-fi shooter saga could be taking a very different approach to its multiplayer suite this time around. Head below for more details on what could be a new free-to-play setup and developer 343 Industries’ response to recent criticism on the game’s visuals.

The big-time, first-party Xbox Series X game showcase starts now with brand new Halo Infinite gameplay. After getting a closer look at Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and some other light gameplay demos on Series X back in May, Microsoft is now ready to open the flood gate on Halo Infinite. Today’s livestream event is expected to focus on major first-party titles like the upcoming Halo Infinite, but we are also expecting to see more Microsoft Studios titles in action and maybe even more about the Xbox Series S “Lockhart.” Head below for today’s Xbox Series X game showcase.

Microsoft’s Flight Simulator 2020 comes out next month, and it’s going to be awesome. I’m stoked to play it. Many think this gorgeous game needs high-end specs to run, and while PC games always prefer expensive hardware, due to extra processing power, you won’t need a $3,000 desktop to enjoy Flight Simulator 2020. Head below for a list of the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 minimum, recommended, and ideal specs, along with the best custom-built and pre-built computers to run the game.

The latest entry in Microsoft’s long-running Flight Simulator now has an official date to go alongside today’s launch trailer. Now scheduled for launch this summer, the upcoming Flight Simulator will have players soaring over more than 2 million cities, new day/night technology, and a sort of scalable difficulty to support beginner pilots. Head below for more details and closer look at today’s trailer.

Microsoft has now taken to Twitter to announce the official date of the upcoming Xbox Series X showcase. We already had a good idea another big-time Series X showcase was in the works after Microsoft launched its initial showing in early May, and we now know exactly when that will be. Much like previous pandemic-era presentations over the last couple of months, the livestream will take place via the usual channels at the end of July. Head below for more details and what we expect from the upcoming Xbox Series X games showcase.

It looks like new development documents are adding even more validity to Xbox Series S, a more affordable Xbox Series X code-named Lockhart. Rumors have been in the air for quite sometime regarding the existence of a second version of Xbox Series X and it’s starting to look more and more like a reality. Head below for all the details.

Minecraft, the blocky game that just won’t go away, is having a big year and is one of the highest-selling video games of the last decade. Over the last couple months, as more gamers flock to virtual worlds in the wake of COVID-19, Minecraft has logged a 25% player increase as well as a 40% jump in multiplayer sessions on top of clocking in with hundreds of millions of copies sold since its release. More details below.

Well, this is it, the very first Xbox Series X gameplay footage is here. After E3 2020 was canceled due to current events, Microsoft decided it would take matters into its own hands with an all-digital showcase. We already knew it was holding its first-party Series X games off until July, Microsoft promised some new titles that have “never been seen in an Xbox show before” as well as our first look at the new Assassin’s Creed Valhalla in action. Today’s Inside Xbox reveal is actually the start of monthly content drops for Xbox Series X, according to Xbox games marketing general manager Aaron Greenberg. Head below for a closer look.

After being announced for PC and Google Stadia late last year, Red Dead Redemption 2 is now coming to Xbox Game Pass. Announced via the official Xbox news wire this morning, Rockstar’s hit wild West open-world adventure will be coming to Game Pass (for console only) in just two weeks’ time. But that does mean another Rockstar gem will be getting bumped out on the same day. All the details are down below.

Minecraft may very well be one of the most instantly recognizable games out there right now, with a blocky, pixel art-centered design to thank. Now over a decade after first hitting the scene, Microsoft is looking to change that a bit by bringing more life-like lighting, lighting, reflections, shadows, and other visual enhancements into the mix. Collaborating with NVIDIA, ray tracing is finally coming to Minecraft for those with a GeForce RTX GPU. Head below for all the details.

If you game on PlayStation, you may be aware of some things Xbox offers that have no direct competition from Sony. Xbox Game Pass is one of those things. The closest Sony gets is with PlayStation Now, which relies solely on streaming. For those unfamiliar, this Xbox offering allows users to download and play games on their console as if they own them with no streaming required. Now Microsoft has taken this service even further with its announcement of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks. It doesn’t cost extra and will give subscribers DLC, in-game content, and more. Continue reading for further details.

Microsoft is unveiling loads of Xbox Series X hardware details today via Xbox Wire. We previously had a pretty good idea what this thing was packing when Microsoft revealed features like Quick Resume and Smart Delivery at the end of last month, but we now have plenty of details — including specific numbers —  on what’s under the hood. Head below for a closer look.