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  • Xbox Put a Working Series X Inside a Giant Fake Alligator
    Finding a place for a game console usually means clearing a shelf, not making room for a reptile. Microsoft’s Xbox Series X-BITE puts a working Series X inside an artificial alligator measuring more than five feet long. The one-off creation trades a discreet electronics box for something closer to a wildlife exhibit, complete with a controller between its teeth. The alligator rests on slim posts above a rectangular, wood-grain base, with its legs hanging below and its tail curling toward the fl
     

Xbox Put a Working Series X Inside a Giant Fake Alligator

Par : JC Torres
4 novembre 2026 à 09:20

Finding a place for a game console usually means clearing a shelf, not making room for a reptile. Microsoft’s Xbox Series X-BITE puts a working Series X inside an artificial alligator measuring more than five feet long. The one-off creation trades a discreet electronics box for something closer to a wildlife exhibit, complete with a controller between its teeth.

The alligator rests on slim posts above a rectangular, wood-grain base, with its legs hanging below and its tail curling toward the floor. Dark, ridged scales and a lighter belly give it the appearance of a mounted specimen. That familiar display format does much of the work, making the oversized enclosure feel deliberately theatrical rather than like an ordinary console wearing a novelty cover.

Designer: Microsoft (Xbox)

A raised section on its back interrupts those scales, with an illuminated Xbox Nexus symbol worked into the surface. It’s the clearest clue that the animal has supposedly swallowed something it shouldn’t. The branding stays small against the length of the body, allowing the fabrication to carry the joke before the glowing logo explains why there’s an alligator underneath your television in the first place.

The head gets a less subtle treatment. Xbox-green irises surround pupils shaped around the Nexus symbol, turning the creature’s stare into another brand reference. Between the open jaws sits a custom Xbox Wireless Controller with artificial bite marks. It gives the sculpture a little unfinished business, as though the console wasn’t quite enough of a meal and the accessories were next on the menu.

The commission went to creature-effects specialists, who used 3D modeling, sculpting, and fabrication to build the animal around the hardware. That process gives a promotional console the attention normally associated with a film prop. Florida supplied the inspiration, according to Xbox, although the animal itself is entirely artificial. No actual alligators were used or harmed in creating this unusually elaborate console enclosure.

For the person who eventually owns it, the obvious challenge is finding a suitable place to put it. More than five feet of reptile won’t disappear into the usual gap beside a television. Its long base asks for a substantial display surface, and the raised mounting makes the whole assembly something to plan a room around rather than tuck away.

There’s also a qualification behind the playable-console claim. Xbox says the Series X inside works, but its fine print recommends the finished creation for display. The announcement doesn’t explain ventilation, access to ports, or servicing inside the sculpted body. That leaves a distinction between functioning hardware and a practical replacement for the console you switch on every evening after work.

Only one Series X-BITE exists, and it’s being offered through a sweepstakes rather than a retail release. There isn’t a shelf price to weigh against a standard console or a choice of less toothy finishes. The appeal is owning the fabrication itself, with a working Xbox as its unlikely inhabitant. The controller has a home, provided you don’t mind the teeth.

The post Xbox Put a Working Series X Inside a Giant Fake Alligator first appeared on Yanko Design.

Microsoft wants to give you an Xbox Series X swallowed by a giant alligator

Microsoft has announced (via Xbox Wire) one of the strangest promotions it's done in years. It's hosting a free giveaway on social media for the Xbox Series X–Bite, a custom-made Xbox Series X trapped in a fake alligator.

This is not a gimmick display piece; there is an actual, fully functional Xbox Series X inside this fabricated beast, complete with a built-in resting place for an Xbox Series X controller rest in the alligator's jaw.

Do note that only one Xbox Series X-Bite exists and that Microsoft will only give it away to one winner. If you're interested in this monstrosity.

Here are the rules for entering this giveaway promotion:

  • Step 1 - Make an X, Instagram, or TikTok account.
  • Step 2 - Follow @XBOX on your platform of choice.
  • Step 3- Repost the designated XBOX sweepstakes post.
  • Step 4 - Manually add #XbiteSweepstakes to your repost.
  • Step 5 - Make sure to set your account's privacy settings to public so Microsoft can see your post.

The Xbox Series X-Bite sweepstakes giveaway will run from 9:00 a.m. PT on November 3, 2026, to 11:59 p.m. PT on November 10, 2026.

Keep an eye out for notifications from Microsoft after you enter. If you've won, you will need to claim your prize within 48 hours of Microsoft's notification; otherwise, you'll miss your chance.

Windows Central's take

Now I've seen my fair share of bizarre gaming promotions as a gaming journalist over the years, but this one takes the cake for how random it is. I mean, how do you even put any discs in this gator (and will Xbox controllers' wireless connections be able to get through its stomach)?

I can't help but wonder if this was originally meant to be a Grand Theft Auto 6-themed Xbox Series X giveaway (considering the game takes place in a satirical version of Florida called "Leonida"), but something happened to cause Microsoft to veer away from any mention of it.

Either way, with Xbox consoles struggling for stock, I'm sure there will be plenty of people crazy enough to enter this contest to win the Xbox Series X-Bite and display it as a treasured heirloom for future generations to guard with their lives...or take the console out of the gator's stomach and toss out the reptile if it's too big to fit in their rooms.

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XBOX's 'Nano' Controller launches today for $49.99 — An ultra-compact alternative

Microsoft's tiny XBOX Nano controller is now available from Microsoft and third-party retailers like Antonline for $49.99. Just last month, Microsoft officially announced its new pocket-sized Nano, and it's on track for its targeted release, with a launch today, November 4, 2026.

It's a slim alternative, measuring slightly over 5 inches and weighing only 3.5 oz (~99 g), which makes its Cloud Gaming appeal to smartphone gamers pretty obvious, but it works on Microsoft's consoles as expected. Our own Jez Corden went hands-on with the XBOX Nano, and his initial impressions are positive, with a full review to follow.


The Nano Controller is a smaller XBOX gamepad built for portability and smaller hands, while keeping the solid form factor and intuitive button layout of traditional controllers.

👉 Also available at:
• Amazon ($49.00)
• Best Buy ($49.99)
• Walmart ($49.00)
• XBOX Store ($49.99)View Deal

What makes the XBOX Nano so special?

What makes the XBOX Nano Controller unique is that, despite its small stature, it's billed as having the same high-level quality as regular-sized XBOX controllers (though there's no rumble feature). Still, Microsoft made sure to have the Nano stand out with some unique features:

  • It fits easily in your coat or bag pocket, even when traveling.
  • An ergonomic design makes it more comfortable for gamers with small hands.
  • A rechargeable battery.
  • An 'Action Button' that can take screenshots, record gameplay, or perform other in-game shortcuts.
  • XBOX Wireless or Bluetooth support.
  • Compatibility with XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, Windows PCs, Android, iOS, smart TVs, and XBOX Cloud Gaming.

So, if you like the idea of a compact XBOX controller you can take with you without bulky carry cases, the XBOX Nano Controller might interest you. For some of us, the $49.99 retail price might feel steep for a controller without Hall Effect or TMR thumbsticks, but it certainly has its appeal elsewhere.

We'll see if the Nano can prove us wrong about cost when we review it, but judging by Jez's early impressions, it's looking solid so far.

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Arkane Lyon may have found a lifeline as Ubisoft and others reportedly bid for the Xbox studio

As Xbox tries to shed studios, there may a light at the end of the tunnel in store for Arkane Lyon. According to a new report from Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, multiple companies, including French publisher Ubisoft, have submitted offers to acquire the acclaimed studio behind Dishonored, Deathloop, and the upcoming (at least we hope so) Marvel’s Blade.

Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that at least two other gaming entities have made bids, while Microsoft has also considered management buyout options to spin the Lyon-based team out as an independent entity. Not unlike what has become of Undead Labs. While terms have not been finalized, a successful acquisition would reportedly allow Arkane Lyon to finish development on Marvel’s Blade, which was first unveiled at The Game Awards in 2023.

A critical deadline in Xbox's sweeping "reset" of studios under it's wing

Ubisoft and Xbox logos

(Image credit: Ubisoft, Microsoft)

The bidding comes after months of intense uncertainty for Arkane Lyon. Following the arrival of CEO Asha Sharma earlier this year, Xbox embarked on a sweeping "reset" across its studio portfolio aimed at reining in operational costs.

In July, Microsoft outlined plans to divest five internal studios. While teams like Double Fine and Compulsion Games transitioned toward independence and others secured new homes, Arkane Lyon was placed in an official consultation period under French labor laws to determine its fate.

Reports last month revealed that Arkane Lyon faced a strict mid-November deadline to secure a buyer or face complete closure, putting roughly 217 jobs and the future of Marvel’s Blade at risk.

An Xbox spokesperson confirmed the company is actively exploring options ahead of a December deadline, though Microsoft declined to elaborate on specific negotiations.

Ubisoft actually makes sense

Deathloop promo screenshot

(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

Ubisoft's bid has some geographic logic at least, they are headquartered in France and already have an extensive local infrastructure which would make it easy for them to absorb Arkane Lyon.

Interestingly, it won't be the first major asset Ubisoft has taken off Microsoft's hands. Back in 2023, Microsoft famously offloaded the cloud streaming rights for all current and future Activision Blizzard titles to Ubisoft for 15 years to appease regulators in the UK and close its merger. Securing Arkane Lyon would be the latest instance of Ubisoft swooping in to swipe up pieces of Microsoft's portfolio, if it happens!

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Warhammer Survivors, Vampire Crawlers, and more join Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft has announced the next wave of Xbox Game Pass titles coming and going during the first half of November 2026 (via Xbox Wire).

13 Xbox games are expected to join the vaunted subscription service. They include the likes of Football Manager 27 (the latest entry in SEGA's long-running series of football manager simulators) and two spin-offs of the popular indie game, Vampire Survivors.

These spin-offs are the turn-based dungeon crawler, Vampire Crawlers, and Warhammer Survivors, which is basically Vampire Survivors but with characters and enemies from Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer: Age of Sigmar franchises.

Here is the full 1st batch list of Xbox Game Pass titles for November 2026.

Game

Date Available

Available on (Game Pass versions)

Football Manager 27 (PC)

November 3, 2026

PC (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass)

Pit of Goblin

November 3, 2026

Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Premium, Ultimate and PC Game Pass)

Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors

November 4, 2026

Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC (Premium, Ultimate and PC Game Pass)

Void/Breaker

November 4, 2026

Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Premium, Ultimate and PC Game Pass)

Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School

November 5, 2026

Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC (Ultimate and PC Game Pass)

Firefighting Simulator: Ignite 

November 5, 2026

Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC (Premium, Ultimate and PC Game Pass)

MySims Cozy Bundle 

November 5, 2026

Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Ultimate and PC Game Pass)

Football Manager 2027 Console

November 10, 2026

Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Ultimate and PC Game Pass)

Warhammer Survivors

November 10, 2026

Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC (Ultimate and PC Game Pass)

Tanuki: Pon’s Summer

November 10, 2026

Cloud, Console, and PC (Ultimate and PC Game Pass)

Hope in the City 

November 11, 2026

Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC (Ultimate and PC Game Pass)

Thronefall

November 11, 2026

Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC (Ultimate and PC Game Pass)

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando

November 12, 2026

Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC (Premium, Ultimate and PC Game Pass)

Aphelion 

November 17, 2026

Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld and PC (Premium, Ultimate and PC Game Pass)

Paw Patrol: Dino World 

November 17, 2026

Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld and PC (Premium, Ultimate and PC Game Pass)

New games coming to Xbox Game Pass Essential (November 15)

  • Banjo Kazooie (Cloud and Console)
  • Banjo Tooie (Cloud and Console)
  • Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (Cloud and Console)
  • Gears of War: Judgement (Cloud and Console)
  • Halo: Spartan Assault (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Perfect Dark (Cloud and Console)
  • Viva Piñata (Cloud and Console)
  • Viva Piñata: TIP (Cloud and Console)

Games leaving Xbox Game Pass (November 15)

  • 1000xResist (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Barbie Horse Trails (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Firefighting Simulator – The Squad (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • GoldenEye 007 (Cloud and Console)
  • Great God Grove (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Moonlighter (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Pigeon Simulator (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Police Simulator: Patrol Officers (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Relic Hunters Legend (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Total Chaos (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Winter Burrow (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Wreckfest (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Windows Central's take

Out of all the games announced, the one I'm most looking forward to playing is Warhammer Survivors. It features the same addictive roguelike, "Bullet-Heaven" gameplay as Vampire Survivors but with the grim-dark aesthetics and over-the-top violence of Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer: Age of Sigmar.

It will feature over 40 playable characters, over 75 weapons that you can combine into new ones, mountains of funny fan-service Easter eggs, and tons of enemies and challenging bosses to fight across multiple stages.

I had a blast playing the demo on Steam, so I can't wait to try the whole thing when Warhammer Survivors drops onto Xbox and Xbox Game Pass on November 10, 2026.

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Microsoft’s Xbox 25th anniversary gift is 25 free games for new Windows 11 PC buyers

We're quickly approaching XBOX's 25th anniversary. Many companies are celebrating the event with special accessories and gear, but you can also build your game library as part of the festivities. If you purchase an eligible Windows 11 PC, you can claim 25 XBOX games that have a total value of over $500.

When Microsoft announced the promotion, it highlighted The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, Minecraft Dungeons, and Gears of War: Reloaded as games you can claim after buying a PC. We now have a full list of what you'll receive.

  • The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
  • Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
  • Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
  • Minecraft Dungeons
  • Gears of War: Reloaded
  • Call of Duty: WWII
  • The Elder Scrolls Online
  • Fallout 76
  • DOOM
  • DOOM II
  • The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition
  • Age of Mythology: Retold
  • Quake
  • Quake II
  • Wolfenstein: The New Order
  • The Outer Worlds
  • Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
  • As Dusk Falls
  • Battletoads
  • Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
  • Zoo Tycoon: Ultimate Animal Collection
  • Fuzion Frenzy
  • Gears Tactics
  • Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
  • BLINX: The Time Sweeper

That collection of games includes old classics like Fuzion Frenzy and recent AAA games. The bundle is a great way to grow your library or to help a friend or family member get started if you grab them a PC or gaming handheld as a gift.

Gaming handhelds are eligible

Xbox Ally X on a desk with Xbox PC app open

(Image credit: Windows Central)

The X25 bundle can be claimed after purchasing any eligible PC running Windows 11, but I'd argue that it's best paired with a gaming handheld PC. Those types of devices are going to be popular gifts over the coming months. They allow you to take many of your favorite games on the go and are also a comfortable way to enjoy your favorite titles around your home.

Many of the games included in the bundle support XBOX Play Anywhere, meaning you can play them on your Windows PC and XBOX consoles. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, Gears of War: Reloaded, and The Elder Scrolls Online all support XBOX Play Anywhere.

There are some notable games that do not support XBOX Play Anywhere, meaning their Windows and XBOX versions are treated separately. Call of Duty: WWII, Fallout 76, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, and Minecraft Dungeons are the biggest games from the bundle to not support XBOX Play Anywhere.

Our Managing Editor Jez Corden just re-reviewed the XBOX Ally X after using the gaming handheld for the past year. He called the gaming handheld "a fantastic device, a perfect companion for any XBOX player with a big Xbox Play Anywhere library."

That praise makes the XBOX Ally X arguably the best Windows PC to pick up when looking to claim the X25 bundle.

Terms and conditions

To get the free games, you need to purchase an eligible PC. Microsoft outlines the requirements:

"Eligible PCs include new Windows PCs and handhelds pre-installed with Windows Home and new Windows PCs pre-installed with Windows Pro running on NVIDIA RTX Spark silicon. Refurbished Windows PCs, and PCs purchased from unauthorized resellers, online marketplaces, liquidators, or auction websites, are not eligible."

The promotion runs from November 2, 2026 until December 31, 2026. You have to be in the United States to claim the games.

To claim the games, you'll have to open the Microsoft Store app on Windows 11. No later than November 30, 2026, the bundle will appear on eligible PCs and give you a chance to claim all 25 games.

Before you make any plans to purchase a PC to claim the free games then return the computer, Microsoft notes that it may revoke promotional benefits if a purchase is returned, canceled, or incomplete for other reasons.

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