The XboxCast

It's time to play the music

It's time to put on makeup

On the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, XboxCastational

----more----

Our final show of 2025, and as is custom, we bow out with our version of The Game Awards. But we do things differently. See, we don't judge games we've never played, we don't get paid to declare winners (but if you would like to try change our minds - get in contact!), and we don't award games just because they sold well. 

NO! Not us!

By now you know the order of awards, but those that are new, our awards are: 

--

On a more serious note, The XboxCast does this because of you. Whether you tune in every week on our live stream, or listen when you can, you guys make it all worth it. We hope you enjoyed the laughs, the rants and just the general nonsense we get up on the podcast. 

From the whole XboxCast - Kyle, Lee, Simone and Producer Paul - have a Merry Christmas, and a blessed New Years. 

See you all in 2026 as we celebrate 10 years (!!!) of The XboxCast!

--

For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit

⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

The Game Awards for 2025, have come and gone. 

And... Yeah... 

----more----

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

It's that time of year - The XboxCast Game Awards for 2025! And voting is now live.

Get voting now!

And now on with The Regular Show!

📢 The Game Awards 2025 Wrap Up

Ok, so we had the game awards! And what did we expect? Claire Obscur obviously cleaned up - winning almost every single category it was in. PlayStation was a flop with the games it put forward not coming away with anything, and as per normal - Xbox was a no show (thanks Geoff). 

But we did get some cool trailers. But at some point, we have to ask ourselves - why is our Christmas E3 interrupted with an award show? Just give us the trailers and get out of here.

Divinity, Warlock, and two new Star Wars games? Oh my! But as is the norm in this industry, a CGI trailer of a game coming in 2030 can only do so much to generate hype. Or keep the hype going. Any ways, we are promised some games, most of which will probably launch on the Asus Xbox Series X-2 With Copilot Living Room Entertainment Centre with Copilot 365. Or the Dell Alienware Xbox X TV Game System with Copilot 365. Or what about the Razer Blade Xbox Laptop 15 Advanced with Xbox Game Pass on Copilot+ PC 365? 

Either way, games were celebrated. Kyle was quizzed and Lee had fun...

--

For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit

⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

Kyle and Lee talk Linux. 

Yes, Microsoft is that bad, that the biggest Microsoft fans are now actively using Linux. 

(And hating it... But less than Windows 11!)

----more----

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

It's that time of year - The XboxCast Game Awards for 2025! And voting is now live.

Get voting now!

And now on with The Regular Show!

🕰️ Phil Spencer's 2019 'Unusual Strategy' Bombshell Still Haunts Xbox

Six years later, Phil Spencer's Kotaku chat calling Xbox's player-first, device-agnostic vibe - "Play anywhere, with anyone" hits harder than ever. Profits from software/services, not console slumps? Cross-play dreams? Check and check, as multiplat Game Pass and Play Anywhere prove he's been preaching the gospel while hardware gathers dust. Visionary or excuse-maker? Still relevant AF.

🤠 Red Dead Redemption Next-Gen Upgrade

Rockstar's free current-gen patch for RDR1 finally drops - 4K/60fps native on Series X (huge leap from 30fps back-compat hell), 1440p on S- but Xbox 360 digital owners? Stuck paying full price thanks to a botched upgrade glitch. Rockstar's "working with Microsoft" (yeah, sure), while PS5/Switch owners upgrade smooth. Classic Rockstar-Xbox drama - John Marston deserves better. Oh, and when you upgrade, you lose multiplayer... 

🔄 Xbox November 2025 Console Update

Gaming Copilot beta for real-time tips (who asked for this?), Full Screen Experience (or FSE as Microsoft calls it) on more PCs/handhelds, cloud resolutions on up to 1440p (if you're on Game Pass Ultimate), plus Cloud Gaming blitz to India/Brazil/Argentina on LG/Fire TV. So many asterixis... 

⛏️ Minecraft Swaps Version Numbers to Yearly Mess

Starting 2026 Mojang's ditching 1.21 limbo for year-based tags like 25.3 (Copper Age) or 26.1... Thanks to Apple for paving the way. And Thanks to Microsoft for taking something that should be simple and making it even more confusing.... 

🚪 Xbox Game Pass Axes 6 Games in December

Mortal Kombat 11, Paw Patrol World, Still Wakes the Deep, Wildfrost - goodbye games. We hardly knew ye...

🎁 Game Pass December Wave 1: 13 Fresh Drops, 4 Day-Ones

Games are coming! Woo. We have... Medieval Dynasty, Stellaris, WWZ Aftermath, Monster Train 2, Spray Paint Sim, 33 Immortals (Preview), Routine, Indiana Jones, Dome Keeper, Digging a Hole, Death Howl, MK1 and Bratz. Thats quite a few... Are you playing any? 

--

For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit

⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

Want a bundle? Have a bundle!

In fact, have a bundle of bundles! 

----more----

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

It's that time of year - The XboxCast Game Awards for 2025! And voting is now live.

Get voting now!

And now on with The Regular Show!

📢 Xbox Partner Preview November 2025: 16 Reveals, 9 Game Pass Day-Ones

The November 20 Partner Preview blitz dropped world premieres like Armatus (action-roguelike), Raji: Kaliyuga (sequel surprise), Vampire Crawlers (Poncle's chaotic FPS deckbuilder roguelike), plus trailers for 007 First Light, Reanimal, Tides of Annihilation. Nine day-one Game Pass bangers announced, shadow drops like Total Chaos and CloverPit horror hits, Dave the Diver finally on Xbox. Bonus: Every featured game is Xbox Play Anywhere - buy once, play console/PC/cloud. Microsoft flexing that cross-play muscle hard.

🏆 The Game Awards 2025 Snubs: No Xbox First-Party in GOTY As Normal

The Game Awards nominees dropped, and ouch - no Xbox Game Studios title in Game of the Year. Avowed, Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight got nods elsewhere, but GOTY lineup heavy on indies and PlayStation exclusives like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sweeping noms. Xbox's big 2025 swings missed the jury's radar - blame delays, flops, or just tough competition? Either way, Phil's probably side-eyeing the trophy case.

🔮 Next-Gen Xbox "Magnus" Rumors

Leakers claim Microsoft's stockpiling 50 million AMD chips for codename Magnus next-gen console, aiming for 50M sales with a hybrid model running full Windows, Steam support, PC peripherals, and a traditional version. Game Pass integration obvious. Sounds like the ultimate PC-console mashup to end ecosystem wars - but sourced from shady YouTube whispers, so grain of salt bigger than Satya's bonus.

🛠️ Xbox Preps Next-Gen GDK

Microsoft's rolling out a pile of new Xbox Game Development Kit goodies for devs gearing up next-gen—faster tools, better debugging, who knows what magic. After all the layoffs and chaos, at least they're pretending hardware's not dead yet.

⚔️ Solo Self-Found Mode Coming to Diablo 4

Blizzard's adding Solo Self-Found to Diablo 4, letting masochists grind everything alone without trading or partying. Perfect for purists who hate the auction house ghosts - now you can suffer in true isolation. About time, or just admitting multiplayer loot's broken?

🐧 Linux Gaming Hits Major Milestone

Linux gaming just smashed some big record (probably Proton compatibility or Steam Deck sales milestone), with distros eating into Windows handheld dominance. ROG Ally owners sideloading Bazzite- is Microsoft's Windows grip slipping, or just niche nerds flexing?

🎮 PlayStation Allegedly Gunning for Xbox's Cloud and Play Anywhere

Opinion rants claim Sony "forced" multiplat exclusives, now plotting to wreck Xbox cloud gaming and steal Play Anywhere cross-buy ideas. Classic console war paranoia - PlayStation winning hardware while Xbox pivots services. If true, Microsoft's ecosystem dreams could crumble faster than a bad live service launch.

--

For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit

⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

In what seems to be a big yolk, we now have a game where you're an egg. 

Has the game industry finally cracked? Or is this new genre ready to come out its shell? 

----more----

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The XboxCast is now doing merch! You heard that right. We have launched our very own merch that you can totally buy. Its 100% legit. We're now offering "Xbox on Cup" mugs, with our very own logo. Keen to get yours? The shop is live now on our site. Order yours today before Kyle changes the design... 

And now on with The Regular Show!

💰 Microsoft Execs Demanding 30% Xbox Profit Margins—Double the Industry Norm

Leaked Bloomberg bombshell shows who's really ruining Xbox. And the answer wont surprise you. We've spoken a lot about Amy Hood (Microsoft's CFO) recently, and with good reason. Seems like shes slapped a 30% "accountability margins" target on gaming in fall 2023, which is nearly double the 17% industry average. Cue 10k+ layoffs, studio shutdowns, and endless cancellations. Seems like Xbox is losing its soul just to please the bean counters...

📱 Xbox Blames TikTok For Everything, Not PlayStation

Xbox boss Matt Booty claims Xbox's "biggest competition isn't another console... it's TikTok..." Yeah right... The fact that Xbox has tanked all good will, decided exclusives don't matter, doesn't have an answer to the PS Pro, and also put out the disastrous "This is an Xbox" ad campaign has done nothing but help the brand, of course.

🪟 Next-Gen Xbox Rumors: Full Windows, Back Compt, Free Multiplayer

Leaks whisper next Xbox runs full Windows, beefy backward compat, and free online MP forever. But also comes with a steep price tag. Is this enough to sway people towards Xbox? Only time will tell, but we can't help but feel that Microsoft is not listening to any customers (with anything really)... So we wait and see, but we're not holding our breath. 

⚔️ Ubisoft Begs Division Studio Staff to Self-Layoff

Ubisoft's nudging Massive Entertainment (The Division devs) to volunteer for cuts amid Tencent drama and flops. After AC boss ousting, now this, it looks like staff are grabbing parachutes before the axe falls. Ubisoft's imploding faster than a failed raid... 

What is going on in the gaming indutry? 

--

For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit

⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

In a world of band t-shirts, why wear anything that isn't black?

----more----

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The XboxCast is now doing merch! You heard that right. We have launched our very own merch that you can totally buy. Its 100% legit. We're now offering "Xbox on Cup" mugs, with our very own logo. Keen to get yours? The shop is live now on our site. Order yours today before Kyle changes the design... 

And now on with The Regular Show!

🎄 Halo 3's 2025 Hallmark Christmas Ornament Up for Preorder at Amazon

Its not even Halloween, and already the Christmas cheer is coming in fast and furiously. Looks like corporations have learnt that gamers have money and love nerdy things... Hallmark's new Keepsake Ornament for Halo 3 is now available for preorder at $24.99 USD, dropping in October 2025. And there's also an Xbox 360 console to match. Relive those glory days, before we got... this 

🧠 Microsoft Thinks Gamers Need AI Hand-Holding

Who ever asked for this, please raise your hand so we know who to ostracize. Seriously, what is the purpose of an AI that spoon-feeds you directions like "go right down the stairs, literally right in front of you" in Final Fantasy XVI. Oh, and it dishes out wrong advice, like fake item wheels in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle or pushing 720p on a rig that runs 1080p fine. Can we blame Reddit for this? Because we should. 

💸 Even Xbox Dev Kits Get a 33% Price Hike—Because Why Not?

Microsoft continues its streak to kill off Xbox by jacking up Xbox Series X/S developer kits from $1,500 to $2,000 overnight. Their reason? Tariffs, of course. It's all getting oh so tiresome... These beefed-up kits pack 40GB GDDR6, extra compute units, and debugging goodies, but now they're pricier than your average console bundle. Devs are probably side-eyeing this after the recent Xbox and Game Pass hikes... 

🤝 Sarah Bond Blames ASUS for ROG Ally Prices, Drops Next-Gen AMD Tease

In a Variety chat, Xbox President Sarah Bond casually throws ASUS under the bus for slapping $599.99 on the base ROG Xbox Ally and a wallet-melting $999.99 on the Ally X, saying they handled pricing like pros (or excuses). She touts quick sellouts for the top model, but hey, confirms next-gen Xbox is cooking with AMD—prototypes and all, no timeline though. So, Microsoft's playing coy while pointing fingers? Classic corporate dodgeball.

🚫 Ex-Blizzard Boss Calls Xbox Hardware a "Moron" Move

Former Microsoft exec, and ex-Blizzard president, Mike Ybarra unloads on Xbox saying Xbox is "out of HW and exclusive games," and "only a moron" keeps churning consoles when titles are fleeing to third-party shores like PS and Nintendo. He does have a point though - Microsoft seems intent of killing Xbox, and hopefully someone as high profile as Mike calling it out allows the ship to be rectified before its death. We doubt it, but we can still hope. 

At this stage, you'll have to convince us that Microsoft is not trying to kill Xbox on purpose....

--

For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit

⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

In another tumultuous week for Xbox, it seems nothing is certain.

Except certain things. 

----more----

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The XboxCast is now doing merch! You heard that right. We have launched our very own merch that you can totally buy. Its 100% legit. We're now offering "Xbox on Cup" mugs, with our very own logo. Keen to get yours? The shop is live now on our site. Order yours today before Kyle changes the design... 

And now on with The Regular Show!

🎥 Glen Powell Wants in on 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33' Movie

Glen Powell, the Top Gun: Maverick heartthrob, is itching to star in a Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 movie! The RPG, which sold a whopping 5 million copies since its April 2025 launch, has Hollywood buzzing. But seriously, another video game movie? Are we getting a cinematic masterpiece or another forgettable cash grab? Maybe a Netflix series would do it justice—or maybe we don’t need it at all.

👋 Is It Time To Say Goodbye to Halo?

An opinion piece is calling for Microsoft to pull the plug on Halo, claiming 343 Industries (now Halo Studios) fumbled the ball after Bungie’s exit. With recent staff shake-ups like art director Glenn Israel’s departure, which sounds like hes not on great terms with the direction of the franchise, it may be time to move on. From our point of view, its time to let Master Chief rest... At least for a while.

🎮 ROG Xbox Ally X: TIME’s Best Invention of 2025

To prove we live in bazzaro world, the yet unreleased handheld wins an award for the best invention of 2025. How much did Microsoft pay for this level of advertising? Or was this all ASUS's influence? Either way, its a handheld computer with the Xbox logo slapped on. Hardly worth the title at all, and makes TIME Magazine look like more of a joke than it already it is. 

🛒 Target and Walmart Ditch Xbox Stock?

Alleged employees on Reddit (also known as the cesspool of the internet, so take this with a giant grain of salt) claim Target and Walmart are yanking Xbox Series X/S consoles, games, and accessories from shelves due to sluggish sales. Following Costco’s lead, this move has us raising eyebrows—are retailers giving up on Xbox? With stock vanishing online, is this a supply hiccup or a sign of bigger trouble?

❓ Next-Gen Xbox Plans “Up in the Air”?

Insider leaks suggest Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox plans are a mess after 9,000+ layoffs and canceled projects like Perfect Dark. With a 2026 launch looking shaky and retailers like Costco reportedly dropping Xbox, Microsoft’s doubling down on Game Pass and cloud gaming. Is Xbox pivoting to software, or is this just corporate chaos? 

📈 Next-Gen Xbox Name and Specs Leak Online

From Xbox hard being canceled to leaks spilling the tea on Microsoft’s next Xbox console, it seems like not even Microsoft know what they are doing! Which is hardly surprising at this stage. Rumored names and specs are swirling, hinting at a 2027 launch with beefy hardware to rival the best. These leaks even suggest a 100% performance lead over the leaked PS6 specs... If Xbox deliver this, then goodbye to the Performance / Quality mode switches in console games. At lest on Xbox. Poor PS players will still have to choose between 60FPS and 4K... 

All this and more in this episode of The Regular Show. 

--

For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit

⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

Xbox seems intent on driving away all its fans. 

And the worst part, it seems to be working... 

----more----

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The XboxCast is now doing merch! You heard that right. We have launched our very own merch that you can totally buy. Its 100% legit. We're now offering "Xbox on Cup" mugs, with our very own logo. Keen to get yours? The shop is live now on our site. Order yours today before Kyle changes the design... 

And now on with The Regular Show!

📦 Game Pass Changes — The Good, the Bad, and the Weird

Xbox's Game Pass overhaul is here, and it’s… Well, very Microsoft of them... 

We would try break it down for you, but honestly, just cancel your Ultimate Subscription, drop down to the mid-tier - Premium - and you'll be saving money while missing out on Day One releases only. Or do what hundreds of others have done and just cancel your subscription all together. To say we're angry with the sudden price jump would be an understatement. 

💸 Xbox Series X|S Prices Go Up 📈

Further to driving fans away, Microsoft has announced a price increase for both Xbox Series X and Series S consoles. If you were to sell your secondhand Series X, you could be looking to make money. Thats how much the price of new consoles have gone up by. The company cites “market conditions”. Yeah right... 

🛒 Costco Drops Xbox Consoles

In a surprise move, Costco confirmed it will no longer sell Xbox consoles. The decision appears to be internal rather than supply-driven, and it’s raising eyebrows across retail and gaming circles. Is this a one-off, or the start of a broader shift in how Xbox reaches consumers?

All this and more in this episode of The Regular Show. 

--

For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit

⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

The Tokyo Game Show has come and gone.

But the question on everyone's lips is "Will EA Survive?"

----more----

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The XboxCast is now doing merch! You heard that right. We have launched our very own merch that you can totally buy. Its 100% legit. We're now offering "Xbox on Cup" mugs, with our very own logo. Keen to get yours? The shop is live now on our site. Order yours today before Kyle changes the design... 

And now on with The Regular Show!

💰 EA Goes Private in $55 Billion Mega-Deal

In a move that stunned the industry, Electronic Arts is being taken private in a record-breaking $55 billion buyout.

The deal, led by a consortium of tech and investment firms, will delist EA from public trading and reshape its leadership structure. What does this mean for players? Fewer shareholder-driven decisions, potentially more creative freedom—and maybe a future where Madden isn’t monetized like a mobile game.

Either way, it’s the biggest acquisition since Microsoft bought Activision Blizzard, and it’s sending shockwaves through the publishing world.

🗼 Xbox at Tokyo Game Show — Japan Gets Its Game On

Xbox was at the Tokyo Game Show and we have all the coverage. But if you're interested in the best parts... 

🚗 Forza Horizon 6 confirmed its setting: Japan. Expect drifting through Kyoto, racing past cherry blossoms, and dodging vending machines in Tokyo alleys. It’s the most requested location in franchise history, and it’s finally happening.

🛩️ Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 showed off new aerial tours of Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Tower, with real-time weather and cultural overlays. It’s not just flying—it’s sightseeing at 30,000 feet. And in a move surprising no-one, its coming to PlayStation... 

All this and more in this episode of The Regular Show. 

--

For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit

⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

We're now vibe podcasting!

----more----

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The XboxCast is now doing merch! You heard that right. We have launched our very own merch that you can totally buy. Its 100% legit. We're now offering "Xbox on Cup" mugs, with our very own logo. Keen to get yours? The shop is live now on our site. Order yours today before Kyle changes the design... 

And now on with The Regular Show!

🖥️ Xbox App Becomes the PC Gaming Hub

Windows 11’s Xbox app now supports Steam, GOG, Epic, and more—letting you launch and track all your games from one place. It’s a huge win for PC players and a clear sign that Xbox is serious about being the home for all things gaming, no matter where you bought it.

☁️ Cloud Gaming Gets a Resolution Boost

Xbox Cloud Gaming is testing 1440p resolution for Ultimate subscribers. That’s a major upgrade from the current 1080p cap, and it could make streaming games look sharper than ever—especially on high-res monitors and handhelds.

🪖 Battlefield 6 Optimized for Series S

DICE says optimizing Battlefield 6 for Xbox Series S made the entire game more stable. The devs focused on memory management and performance parity, proving that the “budget box” can still punch above its weight.

🌪️ Final Fantasy 7 Remake Gets Xbox Date

After years of waiting, Final Fantasy 7 Remake is finally coming to Xbox Series XS on December 5. It includes all DLC and performance upgrades, and yes—Cloud still broods beautifully in 4K.

🕹️ Acclaim Returns With 9 New Games

The legendary publisher behind Mortal Kombat ports and Turok is back, announcing nine new titles across genres. Highlights include a spiritual successor to Shadow Man and a new arcade racer. It’s retro revival season, and Acclaim’s bringing the heat.

🧠 Cyberpunk 2077 Gets Slick New Release

CD Projekt Red unveiled Cyberpunk 2077: Neon Reign, a standalone expansion set in a new district with fresh storylines, vehicles, and mechanics. It’s launching in early 2026 and promises to build on Phantom Liberty’s momentum.

🎨 Witcher 3 Controllers Hit Xbox Design Lab

You can now customize your own Witcher 3-themed Xbox controller, complete with sigils, silver accents, and monster-slaying vibes. Toss a coin to your thumbsticks.

⚽ Football Manager 26 Joins Game Pass

Coming in November, Football Manager 2026 will be a day-one Game Pass title. It’s the deepest management sim yet, with revamped scouting, dynamic rivalries, and a new match engine.

All this and more in this episode of The Regular Show. 

--

For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit

⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐