Vue normale

From The Editor's Desk — new Windows Central community features, we'd like to hear from you!

From the editor's desk? In 2025? In this economy? We have some cool news to share about the future of Windows Central, and we want to hear from you.

WPCentral on Windows Phone

Backbone Pro review: This is one of the most expensive Xbox Cloud and NVIDIA GFN controllers you can buy right now — is it worth it?

The Backbone Pro adds Hall Effect inputs, a sleeker ergonomic profile, and big compatibility for maximum play. But is it worth the hefty price of admission?

Backbone Pro

Xbox Showcase 2025 preview: What I expect to see from Microsoft's big annual games blowout

It's that time again. The Xbox Showcase is upon us, set for sail on June 8th. What can we expect to see? I have some ideas — without hard spoilers.

Xbox Games Showcase 2024

In an embarrassment for Microsoft, SteamOS seems to destroy Windows 11 on gaming performance and battery life, as well as usability

The first direct and natively supported comparison between identical Windows 11 and SteamOS gaming hardware is here. And it's pretty much a bloodbath for Microsoft.

A white Lenovo Legion Go S (Windows) next to a black Legion Go S (SteamOS).

Xbox Game Pass is having its most insane quarter ever — with more games and variety than ever — and gamers are starting to notice

Xbox Game Pass is having an absolutely insane quarter, and it'll be interesting to see if Microsoft shares stats when the next quarterly earning report drops.

Xbox Game Pass with "Why can't I hold all these limes" meme guy.

"It's literally tens ofmillions of hours." Xbox CEO Phil Spencer celebrates Xbox Cloud Gaming's "dramatic growth," now with per-device usage charts.

Recently, Microsoft shared a full breakdown of Xbox Cloud Gaming's usage distribution by platform, and mobile is a lot lower than you might think.

Xbox Cloud Gaming distribution, December 2024, Xbox One: 21.9% (79°)Smart TV: 21.1% (76°)Windows PC: 20.8% (75°)Xbox Series: 19.4% (70°)Mobile: 6.7% (24°)Other Desktops: 5.3% (19°)Other Devices: 4.7% (17°)

Xbox Studios head Craig Duncan confirms 'Fable' is delayed to 2026, "I know that's not maybe the news people want to hear."

We have been investigating some rumors that Fable was eyeing a delay to next year. Today on the Official Xbox Podcast, Microsoft's games studio lead confirmed Fable it.

Fable combat featuring a sword fight

The director for one of 2025's best games was a Windows Phone fan, says Microsoft was "shocked" that he was voluntarily using it — I experienced similar

Daniel Vávra of Warhorse Studios fame was a Windows Phone fan, showcasing good taste. He also had a similar experience that I did upon visiting Microsoft HQ.

Lumia 950 XL

This Xbox analysis chart shows how only 7% of games launched with "Play Anywhere" support in 2024 — a decline year-over-year

A recent analysis showcases Microsoft's uphill battle with one of its key differentiators against PlayStation.

Xbox Play Anywhere logo

Until Xbox can get AAA studios and exciting indies to organically support 'Xbox Play Anywhere,' Microsoft's current gaming strategy will not pay off

Without exclusive games, Xbox needs to bank on exclusive features. So far, those features aren't the best.

Xbox Play Anywhere with a thinking emoji

"We want our Xbox hardware to win," Xbox CEO Phil Spencer talks moving games to PlayStation and the future of Xbox consoles

In a new interview, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer described Microsoft's efforts to bring in more success to Xbox, even if it includes PlayStation.

Phil Spencer on Gamertag Radio in Jan 2025

'Ninja Gaiden 2 Black' highlights a major on-going issue with Xbox / PC Game Pass

Yesterday's Xbox Developer_Direct was awesome, but players grabbing the shadow-dropped remaster of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black on PC Game Pass are in for an annoying shock.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

Review: 'Final Fantasy VII Rebirth' returns on PC to help define another generation in what is again one of the best RPGs of its era

FF7 Rebirth review: Certain "open world" issues aside, the game successfully threads the needle of delivering for nostalgic fans while charting a new course to the future.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

❌