Tag: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

  • Microsoft expands Game Pass with 60 new Stream Your Own Game titles

    Microsoft expands Game Pass with 60 new Stream Your Own Game titles

    Key Takeaway

    – Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes Stream Your Own Game, letting subscribers stream supported games they already own.
    – 60 new games have been added to the Stream Your Own Game library in June.
    – Titles like 007 First Light are now streamable, but only if you own them—they are not part of the Game Pass catalog.


    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate’s latest feature expansion

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers features, and one of the most useful is Stream Your Own Game. The feature allows subscribers to stream supported games they already own through Xbox Cloud Gaming, even if those titles are not included in the Game Pass catalog. Microsoft has been expanding the service on a regular basis, adding more supported titles every month.

    June’s massive update for cloud streaming

    And now that June has started, the latest batch of additions has arrived. In fact, this appears to be a big update for the service, with 60 new games being added to the Stream Your Own Game library. One of the biggest additions in the new lineup is 007 First Light, which was released a few days ago. However, it’s worth noting that while 007 First Light can now be streamed through Stream Your Own Game, it is not currently part of the Xbox Game Pass library itself. So, players still need to own the game to access it through the service.

    Complete list of newly supported titles

    That said, here’s a complete list of new games that have been added to the Stream Your Own Game library. The lineup includes a mix of AAA blockbusters and indie gems, offering players more choice than ever before. For those who frequently use cloud gaming, this update significantly expands what you can play without downloading anything.

    • A Plague Tale: Requiem
    • Atomic Heart
    • Back 4 Blood
    • Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
    • Batman: Arkham Knight
    • Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
    • Cyberpunk 2077
    • Dragon Age: The Veilguard
    • Elden Ring
    • Fallout 4
    • Forza Horizon 5
    • Gotham Knights
    • Halo Infinite
    • Hi-Fi Rush
    • Immortals of Aveum
    • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
    • Lies of P
    • Madden NFL 25
    • Metro Exodus
    • Minecraft Legends
    • Mortal Kombat 1
    • NBA 2K25
    • Octopath Traveler II
    • Ori and the Will of the Wisps
    • Palworld
    • Payday 3
    • Persona 5 Royal
    • Quantum Break
    • Red Dead Redemption 2
    • Resident Evil 4
    • Sea of Thieves
    • Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
    • Skull and Bones
    • South Park: The Fractured but Whole
    • Starfield
    • State of Decay 2
    • Stray
    • Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
    • Tales of Arise
    • The Callisto Protocol
    • The Elder Scrolls Online
    • The Last of Us Part I
    • Thymesia
    • Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
    • Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
    • Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition
    • Total War: Pharaoh
    • Trackmania
    • Train Sim World 5
    • Two Point Campus
    • Ultimate Chicken Horse
    • Unravel Two
    • Vampire Survivors
    • Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
    • Wolfenstein: Youngblood
    • Wreckfest
    • WWE 2K24
    • XDefiant
    • Yakuza: Like a Dragon
    • 007 First Light

    How to access the new streaming library

    To use Stream Your Own Game, you simply need a active Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a compatible device, such as a phone, tablet, or PC. From there, navigate to the cloud streaming section and look for the new “Your Games” tab. Its worth noting that some titles have region restrictions or require a strong internet connection, so check Microsoft’s support page for full compatibility details.

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  • The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Beta Set for April 22, 2027 Release

    The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Beta Set for April 22, 2027 Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Launch and Beta Details: The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is set to launch in Spring 2027, with a closed beta starting on April 22, 2026, for players who purchase specific editions.

    2. Exclusive Beta Access: Only players who buy Miller’s Pack or Collector’s Edition will gain access to the closed beta, which will include a complete mission.

    3. Combat Features: The game will feature various weapons and gadgets, along with an Exploit system for companions to execute tactical takedowns on enemies.

    4. Character Highlights: New crew members Regina and Teo were showcased, alongside previously revealed characters, emphasizing the importance of the player’s twin in the storyline.

    5. Game Pass Availability: The game will support Xbox Play Anywhere and be available on day one for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.


    Owlcat Games and Xbox recently shared exciting news during the Xbox Partner Preview event on March 26 about The Expanse: Osiris Reborn. According to Xbox Wire, this third-person action RPG is expected to launch in Spring 2027. Additionally, a closed beta for Xbox Series X|S is set to begin on April 22, 2026. The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud, and it includes support for Xbox Play Anywhere and will be available on day one for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

    Limited Access to Beta

    The beta experience will be more exclusive than a typical public demo. Owlcat’s announcement on Xbox Wire states that only those players who contribute to the game’s development by purchasing either the Miller’s Pack or the Collector’s Edition from the official site will gain access. The beta is scheduled to run from April 22, 2026, until the game’s full launch and will feature a complete mission that starts when players, along with their twin, return to Pinkwater 4 station after fleeing Eros in a hijacked ship.

    Combat and Party Dynamics

    A new trailer and the related post also shed light on the combat and party mechanics. Players will have access to various weapons, including shotguns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, pistols, and submachine guns, as well as gadgets like tactical scanners, drones, and zero-gravity grenades. Owlcat also introduced an Exploit system that allows companions to perform environmental or tactical takedowns on enemy groups.

    Crew Members and More

    Owlcat took this opportunity to highlight additional crew members. The trailer showcases Regina and Teo, along with previously revealed characters such as Zafar and Michael, while the twin of the player character continues to play a vital role in the main storyline.

    In other Xbox news, we also discussed Hades II, which will be available on Xbox Game Pass in April, featuring Xbox Play Anywhere support. Microsoft confirmed that Supergiant Games’ sequel will have a day-one Game Pass release, expanding the Xbox ecosystem.

    Readers may also check out our coverage on CookieRun: OvenSmash launching worldwide, along with a new Braverse booster set, which details Devsisters’ latest updates and the expansion in the trading-card area.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate May Include WoW, Minecraft, and More

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate May Include WoW, Minecraft, and More

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate saw a price increase in October, leading to a 5% revenue decline in Microsoft’s content and services.
    2. The value of the Ultimate tier is questioned, with suggestions to bundle more subscriptions to attract gamers.
    3. Potential additions like World of Warcraft and other subscription-based games could entice dedicated players, but implementation is uncertain.
    4. World of Warcraft’s console incompatibility poses challenges for its inclusion in Game Pass Ultimate, although future Xbox consoles may support more PC games.
    5. Microsoft needs to act quickly to improve Game Pass and prevent further subscriber losses, with potential changes to subscription tiers being a concern.


    Following the rise in price for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in October, numerous fans decided to end their subscriptions. The most recent quarterly earnings report from Microsoft showed a 5% decline in revenue from their content and services. Jez Corden from Windows Central thinks that bundling more subscriptions could help reverse this downturn.

    Questionable Value of the Ultimate Tier

    In his latest podcast, Corden mentioned that the current price of $30 for the Ultimate tier raises questions about its value. To make the subscription worthwhile, users need to invest time in various Xbox games or take advantage of other benefits, like cloud gaming. Referring back to an article by The Verge, he suggested that adding games with monthly fees could attract dedicated gamers. Titles like World of Warcraft, Fallout 1st, and Minecraft Realms could be potential candidates.

    Uncertain Moves by Microsoft

    The Editor-in-Chief has heard that Microsoft might be looking into this idea, although it’s not guaranteed. World of Warcraft could attract significant interest since players pay up to $14.99 monthly. However, it’s uncertain how the company plans to include these gamers without raising the price of Game Pass Ultimate again.

    At present, memberships for WoW cover both the retail and classic editions of the MMORPG. Microsoft might have to limit access to one version or collaborate with Blizzard to cut out less important features.

    Console Compatibility Issues

    World of Warcraft isn’t available on consoles, which could make adding it less enticing. A portion of Game Pass Ultimate’s benefits is still exclusive to the Series X|S. However, as the podcast points out, this might not be a concern when the new Xbox console is released.

    Reports indicate that the new system, which utilizes the AMD Magnus APU, will operate on Windows. Consequently, PC-exclusive games should become accessible to console owners. Blizzard’s developers have also updated the UI to make the game more suitable for couch play and controller use.

    The Race Against Time

    Corden believes Microsoft is in a “race against time” to enhance Game Pass before more subscribers drop out. Catering to fans of WoW, Minecraft, or Fallout could be one way to regain some lost ground. Nevertheless, there are other worries from critics about the evolution of the service.

    Tom Warren from The Verge recently reported that the company might be contemplating a merger of the Premium and PC tiers. This proposal could limit many users’ access to new Xbox games from day one.

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  • Xbox Game Pass May Combine Premium and PC Tiers, Adding More Games

    Xbox Game Pass May Combine Premium and PC Tiers, Adding More Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Potential Merging of Plans: Microsoft may merge PC Game Pass into the Premium tier, with changes likely not happening until 2026.

    2. Unifying Gaming Platforms: Microsoft is focusing on unifying platforms, moving away from device-specific tiers, and emphasizing its operating system for future gaming strategies.

    3. Affordable Gaming Options: Despite a price increase in October 2025, PC Game Pass remains an affordable way to access Xbox titles on launch day, with concerns about potential loss of this advantage.

    4. Value Additions Expected: Microsoft is likely to introduce new value through partnerships and third-party subscriptions, enhancing the offerings of different tiers.

    5. No Immediate Price Increase: The article does not mention any immediate price hikes for Game Pass, despite a slight dip in revenue from services in late 2025.


    PC Game Pass has managed to stay intact during Microsoft’s recent changes to its well-liked subscription service. Nonetheless, The Verge mentions that the company is thinking about merging this option into the Premium tier. Additional modifications may see more third-party games joining Game Pass.

    Changes Expected in 2026

    Tom Warren points out that any major alterations are probably not going to occur until 2026. However, it seems likely that Windows gamers might need to get used to a renamed plan in the future.

    Focus on Unifying Platforms

    Microsoft is working to bring platforms together, paying less attention to the Series X|S consoles. Its dominant operating system is seen as the future of its gaming strategies, with buzz about a PC/console hybrid launching by 2027. This shift means that tying tiers to certain devices is becoming less logical. Nevertheless, users on PC and handheld devices might find that they have to pay more to keep enjoying the same benefits.

    Affordable Gaming Options

    The Premium tier boasts over 200 games, yet members must wait before they can play new releases from first-party studios. Despite a price hike in October 2025, PC Game Pass remains a pretty budget-friendly option to play Xbox titles on their launch day. Most subscribers probably wouldn’t be thrilled to lose this advantage.

    Players do have the choice to go with the pricier Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. While some features are exclusive to the Series X|S consoles, it also offers cloud gaming. Currently, Ultimate costs U.S. subscribers $29.99 each month, while the PC version is priced at $16.49.

    Anticipated Value Additions

    Some gamers might lose certain perks, but Tom Warren believes Microsoft will introduce more value. Some tiers already feature third-party subscriptions like EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics. The Verge didn’t specify, but new partnerships could include Netflix Games and Amazon Luna.

    Luckily, the piece does not mention yet another increase in Game Pass pricing. Following a disappointing financial report, revenue from services saw a slight dip between October and December 2025. While Microsoft hopes to counter declining hardware sales, another price rise could push away more gamers.

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  • Xbox Cloud Gaming Might Soon Be Free, But With Limitations

    Xbox Cloud Gaming Might Soon Be Free, But With Limitations

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Cloud Gaming allows users to play games without installation, streaming directly from Microsoft’s data centers to devices like smartphones and smart TVs.

    2. Currently, Xbox Cloud Gaming is bundled with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and not available as a standalone service, but this may change soon.

    3. There are hints of a potential ad-supported feature that could allow free access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, possibly for games bought from the Microsoft Store.

    4. Cloud gaming is seen as a growth area for Xbox as it competes with Sony’s PlayStation, moving towards a model that doesn’t rely on hardware.

    5. Free cloud gaming may come with limitations, such as one-hour session times and ads, leading to mixed reactions from users regarding the impact on their gaming experience.


    Xbox Cloud Gaming lets you play games without needing to install them on your device. Instead of using your own console or computer, the games are processed in Microsoft’s data centers and streamed directly to your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. Right now, this service isn’t available as a standalone product; it’s bundled with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. However, that might be changing soon.

    Potential New Features

    Tom Warren from The Verge posted on X about a message that other users have also seen: “1 hour of ad-supported playtime per session.” Jez Corden, a Microsoft insider, thinks this message might have been turned on by mistake, but it suggests the possibility of ad-supported – and probably free – access to Xbox Cloud Gaming. Corden also hinted that this feature might not be for the Game Pass library but rather for games bought directly from the Microsoft Store, allowing them to be streamed without any subscription.

    The Growth of Cloud Gaming

    In the current competitive console market, where Microsoft is generally viewed as losing to Sony’s PlayStation, cloud gaming has become an important area for growth for the Xbox brand. This could be a significant move towards gaming that doesn’t depend on hardware. Given this context, it wouldn’t be shocking if Microsoft looked to enhance its cloud gaming options using this strategy.

    Limitations and User Reactions

    The catch with free cloud gaming is that it would not only involve ads but also come with strict time limits. The message indicates that each gaming session would last only one hour, and it remains uncertain how many sessions users can initiate each day. The feedback on X has been mixed; some users are doubtful and worried about an increase in ads within the Xbox environment, while others are more accepting, as long as the ads are short, shown only before gameplay starts, and the service is genuinely free.

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  • Backbone Pro Mobile Controller Launches Xbox Edition

    Backbone Pro Mobile Controller Launches Xbox Edition

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Backbone Pro Xbox Edition features a translucent green design that pays homage to the classic Xbox console and includes Xbox-specific buttons.
    2. It offers multiple connectivity options, allowing use as a handheld controller, wireless controller for various devices, or wired controller via USB-C.
    3. The controller comes with a free one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, enhancing access to Xbox’s cloud gaming service.
    4. Priced at $179.99, the Backbone Pro Xbox Edition is $10 more than the standard version and is available for purchase through Backbone, Amazon, and Best Buy.
    5. This limited edition controller was launched following the Backbone One Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition announcement.


    Earlier this year, Backbone revealed an Xbox version of the Backbone One. Now, it’s the premium Backbone Pro controller’s turn to shine, which was launched in May. This limited edition controller comes shortly after the announcement of the Backbone One Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition.

    Design and Features

    The Backbone Pro Xbox Edition boasts a translucent green finish, honoring the classic Xbox console. This design mirrors that of the Backbone One Xbox Edition. Since it is an Xbox controller, Backbone has integrated some buttons typically found on the Xbox Wireless Controller.

    In contrast to the regular version, which has a capture button and an ellipsis button on the left side, the Backbone Pro Xbox Edition swaps these out for an Xbox button and a View button. The other specifications and features, however, remain unchanged from the standard edition.

    Connectivity Options

    Users can operate the controller in handheld mode with their smartphones or utilize the Backbone Pro as a wireless controller by linking it to a phone, tablet, TV, or a VR headset like the Meta Quest 3s. It is also possible to use it as a wired controller by plugging a USB-C cable into the Type-C port located at the bottom and connecting the other end to your device.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Backbone Pro Xbox Edition includes a free one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (valued at $30), enabling users to access Xbox’s cloud gaming service. Additionally, there is the possibility to stream games directly from your own console using Xbox Remote Play.

    This controller is priced at $179.99, which is $10 more than the standard version. It is available for purchase now directly from Backbone or through Amazon and Best Buy. This offers an upgrade over the Backbone Pro Cozy Gaming Edition, which is exclusive to Target.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Cuts Call of Duty Add-on Discounts

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Cuts Call of Duty Add-on Discounts

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate prices have increased from $19.99 to $29.99, causing dissatisfaction among gamers.
    2. Call of Duty fans will no longer receive a 10% discount on add-ons, including Call of Duty points and BlackCell.
    3. The new Premium tier offers some first-party Xbox games but does not include Call of Duty titles.
    4. Discounts on DLC for other Xbox games, like Indiana Jones and Starfield, have also been removed.
    5. Microsoft faces criticism and user cancellations despite claims that Game Pass offers more value than before.


    Gamers are continuing to discover more downsides to the recent increase in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate prices. CharlieIntel shared on social media that Call of Duty fans will no longer get a 10% discount on add-ons. This update comes right after the beta testing for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has started.

    DLC and Add-Ons Impact

    DLC and add-ons represent a significant revenue stream for Activision’s yearly shooter franchise. Players can personalize their gaming experience through skins and cosmetic options for weapons and vehicles. The discounts that are affected include buying Call of Duty points and BlackCell, which is an enhanced battle pass.

    Access and Pricing Details

    Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate might consider themselves lucky to even have access to Call of Duty titles. Beyond PC Game Pass, it’s now the only tier that offers day one releases like Black Ops 7. The new $14.99 Premium tier will provide some first-party Xbox games within a year of their launch, but it does not include Call of Duty. Nonetheless, the price for the Ultimate plan has sharply increased from $19.99 to $29.99, as of October 1st.

    Other Games Affected

    Fans of shooter games aren’t the only ones facing full prices for extra content. TheGamer pointed out that discounts on the Order of the Giants DLC for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle have vanished. In a similar fashion, regardless of the subscription level, discounts are no longer available for other Xbox titles like Starfield and Forza Horizon 5.

    Microsoft is facing ongoing criticism after the recent price hikes for Xbox consoles. The rumored more expensive subscription options quickly became actual plans. While the company may have shifted its focus away from the Series X|S, Game Pass continues to be a significant selling point for the new ROG Xbox Ally gaming handhelds. Even though Microsoft asserts that the service provides more value than before, it hasn’t stopped a wave of cancellations from users.

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  • GameStop Mocks Microsoft as Game Pass Price Hits $30 Monthly

    GameStop Mocks Microsoft as Game Pass Price Hits $30 Monthly

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price increased from $19.99 to $29.99, causing backlash from fans.
    2. GameStop responded quickly with memes and promotions for their own $19.99 Game Pass Ultimate cards.
    3. GameStop is capitalizing on the situation to attract Xbox fans seeking affordable gaming options.
    4. Microsoft introduced new perks to soften the impact of the price hike, but many subscribers feel it’s inadequate.
    5. The price increase raises concerns about potential shifts in subscribers to competitors like Sony’s PlayStation Plus.


    Microsoft has started October with some news that has upset many Xbox fans: the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is going up from $19.99 to $29.99 each month. This 50% increase is tough for many to accept, especially with the current economic situation where inflation is already causing problems. The reaction was quick, with social media buzzing with complaints, a notable rise in cancellation requests that even crashed Microsoft’s website temporarily, and GameStop getting involved by taking jabs at Microsoft while promoting their own cheaper subscription cards.

    GameStop’s Quick Response

    GameStop’s social media team jumped in immediately, sharing memes on X that poked fun at the price increase. They cleverly highlighted that their $19.99 Game Pass Ultimate cards are still available both in their stores and online. This playful jab at Microsoft, while also advertising their own cards, has proven to be effective marketing, especially at a time when many people are vocal about the price hike.

    The Temporary Advantage

    For those interested, the $19.99 cards won’t be around forever, but they’re a fantastic opportunity for a brand that has been significantly impacted by subscription services in terms of revenue and visibility. A lot of GameStop’s profits still come from trading in games and selling pre-owned copies. Once they run out of their current stock, the new prices will apply. But right now, the retailer is taking advantage of this price change to attract unhappy Xbox fans searching for affordable gaming options.

    Microsoft Tries to Soften the Impact

    Microsoft is trying to ease the situation by promoting new perks, such as access to Ubisoft+ titles and Fortnite Crew benefits included with Game Pass. However, many long-term subscribers feel these additions don’t make up for the sudden increase to $30. The community mood is quite negative, with many fans accusing Microsoft of taking advantage of them during a time when subscription fatigue is high across the gaming and media landscape.

    Upcoming Titles and Future Implications

    The Xbox Game Pass has been seen as one of the best values for gamers thanks to its day-one releases, and the upcoming games are impressive. Titles like Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will all be available on the service. Executives may be hoping these additions will keep subscribers from leaving after the price hike.

    The bigger question remains whether this increase might drive players to competitors like Sony’s PlayStation Plus. Sony has raised its prices in the past, but now it can use this situation to compare its own subscription rates with Game Pass to attract new users. On the other hand, if Microsoft manages to keep subscriber losses minimal, it could give Sony the green light to raise their prices as well while offering little extra value.

    GameStop’s PR Win

    For now, GameStop has turned Microsoft’s struggles into a public relations success. Those $19.99 cards likely won’t be available for long, so it could be wise for users planning to stick with the service to stock up while they can.

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  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Surprises at Xbox Showcase 2025

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Surprises at Xbox Showcase 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 was revealed at the Xbox Showcase 2025 with a three-minute trailer.
    2. The game is set in 2035, forty years after Black Ops 6, featuring advanced technology and psychological warfare.
    3. It will include a cooperative campaign mode, multiplayer options, and the return of the zombie mode.
    4. The development team aims to create a seamless experience that blends the series’ history with new futuristic elements.
    5. An official release date is not yet announced, but the game will be available on multiple platforms, including Xbox and PlayStation, with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate required for access.


    The Xbox Showcase 2025 happened yesterday, and many games were shown, like High On Life 2 and Grounded 2. However, the biggest surprise came at the end of the event when a three-minute trailer unveiled Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

    A New Era Begins

    This latest title, developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, is promoted as “the next evolution of Black Ops.” The storyline for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set forty years after Black Ops 6.

    In the year 2035, the world teeters on the edge of chaos, torn apart by brutal conflicts and the psychological warfare that has been a significant part of the series. With the aid of advanced technology, David Mason and his team must engage in a fierce struggle against foes who exploit fear as their primary weapon.

    Futuristic Features

    The trailer also showcases a troop of robots with advanced features, alongside holograms, motorized machines, and a vibrant neon city. Thus, this new installment will take place in a futuristic setting, including a cooperative campaign mode, multiplayer options, and the much-loved zombie mode returning.

    Matt Cox, the General Manager of Call of Duty, shared more insights about the game: “The Black Ops universe is amazing. The creativity and imagination behind the story, the depth of the characters, and the incredible gameplay in all modes are really exceptional. As a team, we aimed from the very start to create a seamless series experience for our players, considering the uniqueness of the Black Ops sub-franchise.”

    Creative Freedom

    Tyler Bahl added, “Having two consecutive Black Ops games allows our teams to unleash their creativity, and also to integrate the transition from a 90s setting to a new 2035 context into our marketing strategy.”

    Nonetheless, an official release date has not yet been disclosed, and we will need to wait for more information to learn when Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will be ready for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation® 5, PlayStation® 4, and PC through Xbox PC, Battle.net, and Steam. If you’re eager to play the game as soon as it drops, you will need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass.

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  • Backbone One Xbox Edition Launches with Cloud Gaming Access

    Backbone One Xbox Edition Launches with Cloud Gaming Access

    Key Takeaways

    1. Product Launch: The Backbone One: Xbox Edition was launched on March 27, 2025, priced at $109.99.
    2. Design and Features: The controller features a classic Xbox translucent green design, comfortable grips, accurate thumbsticks, and a special Xbox button for various in-game functions.
    3. Game Access: It includes a one-month trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for new users, allowing access to popular games via Xbox Cloud Gaming and enabling Xbox Remote Play.
    4. Compatibility: The Backbone App supports Apple Arcade, Steam Link, and other mobile games compatible with controllers, expanding game options across platforms.
    5. Availability: The controller is available for purchase at Backbone.com and Best Buy, with limited stock and global shipping options.


    Backbone, working together with Xbox, has introduced the Backbone One: Xbox Edition. This mobile controller is made to transform smartphones into portable Xbox gaming systems. It was launched on March 27, 2025, and is sold for $109.99. You can only buy it at Backbone.com (which offers global shipping) and at Best Buy. Supplies are limited. This Xbox version costs $10 more than both the standard and PlayStation versions, specifically targeting Xbox fans who desire console-like gaming on the go.

    Features of the Backbone One: Xbox Edition

    This controller sports Xbox’s classic translucent green look, featuring comfortable grips, accurate thumbsticks, and responsive buttons. It has a special Xbox button: pressing it once opens the Xbox guide or library, double-pressing it records gameplay, and holding it down activates other in-game actions.

    The package includes a one-month trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for new users, allowing access to games like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 via Xbox Cloud Gaming. It also enables Xbox Remote Play, so players can stream directly from their console. Setting it up is easy—just connect the controller, launch the Xbox app, and choose your console.

    Expanded Game Access

    The Backbone App is also compatible with Apple Arcade, Steam Link, and various other mobile games that work with controllers, broadening the selection of games available across different platforms. The Game Pass trial lasts until March 31, 2028, and is only for new subscribers. After the trial period, regular subscription fees will apply unless you decide to cancel. Be aware that regional game and streaming restrictions may limit access.

    Costs and Availability

    The Backbone One: Xbox Edition is available for $109.99, but keep in mind its limited stock.

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