Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox ROG Ally line of gaming handhelds is set to revolutionize portable gaming when it launches on October 16. This collaboration with Asus introduces a bespoke operating system and Xbox branding to the already successful ROG handheld series, promising a seamless gaming experience for players on the go. In addition to the hardware, Microsoft has unveiled the Handheld Compatibility Program, an initiative designed to optimize thousands of games for the ROG Ally.

Hollow Knight: Silksong, the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved indie classic, will finally be playable at Gamescom 2025, marking a significant milestone for both fans and developers alike. This announcement from Microsoft and Team Cherry has reignited excitement for a game that has been in development since its initial reveal in 2019, with players eagerly awaiting its release on multiple platforms, including Xbox and PlayStation. Taking place in Cologne, Germany, from August 20 to August 24, Gamescom 2025 will provide attendees the chance to experience Silksong firsthand at the Xbox booth, alongside other major titles like Grounded 2 and Ninja Gaiden 4.

In a recent controversy, an Xbox Game Studios producer suggested that developers affected by Microsofts layoffs should utilize AI tools for career planning and emotional clarity. This comment, made by executive producer Matt Turnbull, sparked significant backlash from the gaming community, particularly given the context of the layoffs affecting thousands of employees and multiple project cancellations. Turnbull’s post, which has since been deleted, included prompts for using AI tools like ChatGPT to navigate feelings of impostor syndrome and to assist with networking and outreach.

The recent surge in Xbox game and console prices has left many gamers feeling anxious about the future of their favorite hobby. With prices climbing by over $100 in some cases, fans are questioning the sustainability of gaming as a pastime. This increase, attributed in part to tariffs on imports from China, has sparked widespread concern across the gaming community, with players fearing that the next generation of consoles may be out of reach for many.

In an intriguing development for gamers, reports have surfaced that Xbox console games are starting to appear in the Xbox PC app, sparking speculation about Microsoft’s plans for a more integrated gaming experience across platforms. While users currently can’t install these titles on their Windows PCs, the mere presence of console game libraries in the app suggests that Microsoft may be laying the groundwork for a significant shift in how gamers access and enjoy their favorite titles.