The XboxCast

TXC Media
  • 4.3 (6)
  • VIDEO GAMES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Funny first. Factual second.™ Join us every week for a hilarious and entertaining dive into the world of Xbox. Whether you’re a gamer with a job, a gamer with kids, or just a gamer with too many hobbies, we’ve got you covered. Get your Xbox news fix in #NuNews, laugh along with our latest gaming adventures in #GameFace! or keep yourself regular with our Regular Show for your weekly dose of Xbox goodness. Our podcast, community, and movement aim to bring a positive and upbeat voice to all things Xbox. And to top it all off, The XboxCast is the longest-running Xbox podcast from Down Under! So, come for the laughs, stay for the games, and become a member of our amazing community. To find out more about the podcast, the hosts, the monthly events, and links to all our social media - visit The XboxCast’s Official Website @ https://www.thexboxcast.co.nz.

  1. 1D AGO

    Checking In On Microsoft Solitaire Collection

    We know why you're here every week. To answer that one burning question...  Where does Microsoft Solitaire Collection sit on the chats?   Now on with The Regular Show   🎮 Project Saluki & “Positron” Leak Could this be a new Game Pass Tier AND a Disc‑to‑Digital Program?  A new backend leak has revealed Project Saluki, an unannounced Xbox Game Pass tier that appears to sit below Core and above the rumoured TRITON tier. But, even more interesting is “Positron,” a potential disc‑to‑digital conversion program that would let players register physical Xbox games to their digital library. The system references barcode scanning, ownership validation, and library syncing. If real, this would be one of the biggest consumer‑friendly moves Xbox has made in years. Now, if they got it working with PlayStation games and allowed you to move your library across... Project Helix will be even better value!   💸 Xbox Announces a New, Cheaper Version of Game Pass, Kinda... Discord leaked it, so Microsoft officially revealed it. A new budget Game Pass tier, designed for players who want access to a small library without cloud gaming or day‑one releases. The tier is priced lower than Game Pass Essentials and focuses on affordability during Xbox’s broader subscription restructuring. Think of it as Discord Nitro Plus. Sadly, Online Console is not included. What a missed opportunity.    🟩 Asha Sharma’s Big Xbox Reveal... Kinda... Take this one with a big grain of salt because the source is "Trust me bro". But because its news, we'll still chat about it. Asha Sharma has "confirmed" new details about Project Helix, the next‑generation Xbox designed around hybrid local/cloud play and deep Windows integration. She also revealed that Halo 2 and 3 remakes are in development, built to re‑establish Halo as a flagship franchise. Sharma emphasised a return to “big, prestige first‑party games” as a core pillar of Xbox’s future. But we all know that the only reason is because Halo lost its way, and remaking the old games is a good way to put these games on PlayStation...    🚫 Forza Horizon 6 Pirate Banned for 8,000 Years In a completely unfair move, Microsoft has issued an 8,000‑year hardware ban to a player who played Forza Horizon 6 after the game leaked early on Steam. The ban covers the user’s Xbox account, console hardware ID, and associated services. Microsoft says it is taking “strict enforcement action” against anyone accessing or distributing the leaked build. More bans are expected as the company continues its investigation. Keep in mind, though, that Microsoft themselves leaked this by uploading the pre-load to Steam completely unencrypted...    🎮 Xbox Reveals 28 Games With ROG Ally Enhancements Xbox has published a list of 28 titles that now include optimisations specifically for the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X handhelds. Improvements include better power profiles, UI scaling, performance presets, and controller‑first navigation. Games like Starfield, Forza Horizon 5, and Sea of Thieves are among the updated titles. You love to see it!   🤖 Xbox No Longer Developing Copilot for Consoles Insider Gaming reported, and Asha confirmed it - Microsoft has halted development of Copilot for Xbox consoles! And there was much rejoicing! Despite earlier announcements suggesting it would arrive in 2026, the decision reportedly stems from performance limitations and unclear use‑case value on console UI. Copilot development will continue on Windows, mobile, and cloud‑based Xbox services. Microsoft has not commented publicly on whether console support may return later, but we hope not. Now if only the Windows team took notes...    -- Did you like the intro music? Of course you did. Because who wouldn't? Now you can hear more, thanks to Made By Humans! Check it out on Spotify, Apple Music or wherever you listen to your tunes!    -- For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

    1h 42m

  2. APR 30

    Iterative? Iterative!

    Words are confusing...   Did you like the intro music? Of course you did. Because who wouldn't? Now you can hear more, thanks to Made By Humans! Check it out on Spotify, Apple Music or wherever you listen to your tunes!    🎮 All Games Announced At The ID@Xbox Spring Showcase The ID@Xbox Spring Showcase highlighted a huge wave of indie titles coming to Xbox and Game Pass, including new reveals, surprise shadow‑drops, and updates on previously announced projects. Microsoft emphasised creative diversity, with genres ranging from cozy life‑sims to hardcore action roguelikes. Several titles confirmed day‑one Game Pass launches, and some even caught our attention!   🟩 “I’ve Ordered a Series X, I’m Back In” A Pure Xbox community post from a returning Xbox fan went viral after they announced they’d bought a Series X again due to recent platform improvements. And Asha Sharma personally replied, welcoming them back and reinforcing her commitment to rebuilding trust with players. The exchange resonated with the community, symbolising the more open, conversational leadership style Sharma has adopted. It’s a small moment, but one that landed well with long‑time fans. Remember when Phil used to do this? And is this the Asha Affect?   💸 Game Pass Ultimate Gets New Conversion Rates After Price Drop Following the recent price reduction for Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft has updated its conversion ratios for players upgrading from Xbox Live Gold, Core, or other Game Pass tiers. The new rates are more favourable than expected, making it cheaper to convert existing time into Ultimate. Pure Xbox notes that this effectively softens the impact of previous conversion nerfs. It’s a rare case of a pricing change that players are actually happy about.   🧭 Asha Sharma: “Players Are Frustrated” In a candid interview, Asha acknowledged that players are frustrated with pricing, communication, and inconsistent first‑party output. She outlined a plan focused on affordability, predictable release cadence, and rebuilding the Xbox identity. Asha also emphasised cross‑team collaboration, saying Xbox needs to “earn back trust” through actions, not promises. It’s the clearest articulation yet of her long‑term vision for the platform.   🟦 Leak Reveals New Xbox Game Pass Tier Bundled With Discord Nitro A new leak suggests Xbox is preparing a Game Pass tier bundled with Discord Nitro, offering perks across both ecosystems. The tier appears to include PC Game Pass access, Nitro benefits, and possible cloud‑gaming time allowances. This aligns with earlier leaks referencing the “Duet” tier and Microsoft’s push for more flexible subscription options. Neither company has officially commented, but the integration would be a first for Xbox.   -- For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

    1h 58m

  3. APR 26

    Car Truck Tank!

    Car! Truck! Tank!   Did you like the intro music? Of course you did. Because who wouldn't? Now you can hear more, thanks to Made By Humans! Check it out on Spotify, Apple Music or wherever you listen to your tunes!      🤑 Microsoft Cuts Game Pass Prices... Finally Xbox Game Pass Ultimate drops from $29.99 → $22.99, and PC Game Pass from $16.49 → $13.99. The trade‑off: no more day‑one Call of Duty releases, but you won't find us crying about that. New CoD titles will now arrive about a year later, during the “following holiday season.” Existing CoD titles remain available, so you can still get your sweat on.    🚗 Forza Horizon 6 Limited Edition Controller & Headset Microsoft unveils a Japan‑themed Limited-Edition controller and headset for Forza Horizon 6, featuring translucent shells, festival‑style colours, custom lighting, and themed audio cues. Pre‑orders ship from May 19, aligning with the game’s launch. Both accessories support Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, and full Xbox Accessories app customisation. And boy, do they look good! Warning: sunglasses required!   🎮 Three Day‑One Game Pass Titles Arriving the Same Day Xbox Game Pass adds three day‑one titles simultaneously — the biggest single‑day drop of 2026: Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era (PC only, early access), TerraTech Legion (Xbox Series X|S + PC, console exclusive), Sledding Game (Xbox Series X|S + PC, console exclusive). Premium and Core tiers do not get these day‑one releases, but they'll be coming soon enough... All three look to be bangers, so it may tempt you back onto GP Ultimate.    ☁️ Game Pass ‘TRITON’ & ‘Duet’ Tiers Hint at Cloud Time Limits Backend code reveals new subscription codenames TRITON (first‑party‑focused tier) and Duet (possibly tied to Netflix discussions). New references suggest monthly cloud gaming time limits, a first for Xbox. This aligns with CEO Asha Sharma’s push for more affordable tiers. No pricing or launch details yet, but that doesn't stop the speculation!   -- For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

    1h 60m

  4. APR 17

    Cats & Good Vibes

    Lee is playing cat games.  This is not a drill - LEE IS PLAYING CAT GAMES!    Did you like the intro music? Of course you did. Because who wouldn't? Now you can hear more, thanks to Made By Humans! Check it out on Spotify, Apple Music or wherever you listen to your tunes!      ⭐ Starfield Surges After Dual DLC Drop Remember Starfield? Well, it seems everyone else did. Starfield’s Xbox player count jumped by nearly 200% following the simultaneous release of two DLC packs, marking one of the game’s biggest post‑launch spikes to date.   📺 The Best Xbox Cloud Gaming App… Is on Apple TV A third‑party developer has built what Microsoft couldn't - the best‑looking Xbox Cloud Gaming app. But this one is not on Xbox hardware. Oh no! It’s on Apple TV. Early impressions say it “puts what Microsoft makes to shame,” with a slick UI and smoother navigation than the official experience.   🏆 Achievement System Overhaul Incoming It's about time! Xbox is rolling out new improvements to Achievements, including better progression tracking and expanded reward structures. Insider Gaming reports that the update focuses on modernizing the system and giving players more meaningful milestones. Although we're still clamouring for the Xbox version of the Platinum. But hey, at least we can now hide games from our profile. All the Barbie gamers rejoice!   💸 Xbox CEO: “Game Pass Has Become Too Expensive” In a leaked internal memo, new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma admits that Game Pass is “too expensive for players” and needs a “better value equation.” Could it be that the price hikes of up to 50% in the past 15 months are to blame? Looks like Call of Duty’s inclusion contributed to the rising costs, in a surprise to no one. Can Sharma evolve Game Pass into a more flexible system long‑term? Or will she be outdone by Amy Hood's bean-counting?    🧟 State of Decay 3 Returns From The Dead After years of silence, State of Decay 3 is back. With Alpha playtests beginning May 2026 4‑player co‑op, new base‑building systems, and expanded resource strategies. Signups via the official site are now live. But be warned - you need Discord.   -- For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

    1h 32m

  5. APR 3

    April Achievement Challenge Kicks Off

    Let the games begin! Our biggest event of the year has begun. Will you be playing baby games, going for the ratio or getting those steps in?    A quiet week of news is just what we need to kick off our Achievement Hunting! Let's dive in.    🫂 Xbox Partner Preview Recap SEGA headlined a surprisingly strong Partner Preview, with new reveals, fresh gameplay, and multiple Game Pass confirmations. The showcase emphasized third‑party partnerships, Xbox Play Anywhere expansions, and a few standout surprises that filled in the 2026 release calendar. A tight, content‑heavy show with no fluff.   🎮 Xbox Games Showcase Announced Microsoft officially locked in dates for its big summer showcase, with a dedicated deep‑dive for Gears of War: E‑Day immediately afterward. Expect first‑party reveals, updates on long‑awaited titles, and the first extended look at E‑Day’s campaign, tech, and direction. This is Xbox’s flagship event for the year. And we can't wait to see what Xbox has planned. Will we get a Project Helix announcement? Only time will tell...    🎟️ Xbox Game Pass “TRITON” Discovered A backend leak uncovered a mysterious new Game Pass tier called TRITON, containing only Xbox Game Studios titles. Everything from DOOM Eternal and Halo 5 to Fallout 4 and Psychonauts look to be included. The discovery has sparked speculation that Microsoft is preparing a major subscription shake‑up, possibly tied to CEO Asha Sharma’s ongoing restructuring of Game Pass pricing and bundles.   🏴‍☠️ Sea of Thieves Walks Back The Plank After community backlash, Rare reversed course: Custom Seas will now be free for all players in Season 20, not locked behind a premium subscription. Players will be able to create private sandboxes, tweak world settings, run Safer Seas fleets with friends, and even use a cinematic camera, without paying extra!   🤑 PS5 Price Skyrockets Because we all enjoy a good laugh, let's have a look at the competition... Sony is rolling out a significant PS5 price hike across multiple regions, citing rising manufacturing and distribution costs. The increase affects both the standard and digital models and lands at a strategically awkward time, given Xbox’s aggressive Game Pass push and upcoming hardware refresh. The PS5 Pro will now set you back $1,000. Oh, and that's Freedom Dollars, not DollaryDoos or KiwiDollars...    -- For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

    1h 36m

  6. MAR 28

    A Solid B Out of 10

    Copilot is coming for your Xbox.  What? You thought putting an A.I. person in charge of Xbox was going to lead to different outcomes?    🪣 Copilot AI Is Coming to Xbox Microsoft has confirmed that Copilot AI will be integrated into Xbox, offering system‑level assistance for navigation, accessibility, and game discovery. The announcement comes only weeks after the new Xbox CEO said the division would avoid “soulless slop,” prompting mixed reactions. Copilot will not generate in‑game content but will assist with platform features. Microsoft says the rollout will begin later this year. Clearly, they haven't heard enough about MicroSlop, so now we're getting XboxSlop!   🎮 Xbox Games, Updates & Player Trends   Crimson Desert Becomes Second‑Biggest Xbox Launch Without Game Pass Crimson Desert has debuted as the second‑biggest Xbox launch of 2026 without Game Pass support, according to TrueAchievements’ player‑count data. Only Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero launched bigger this year outside the subscription service. The game’s strong performance highlights demand for premium open‑world RPGs. Its success also reinforces that Game Pass isn’t required for a major Xbox hit.   Starfield’s New Update Is the Game’s Best Version Yet Bethesda’s latest Starfield update delivers major improvements to performance, AI behaviour, and planetary exploration. Players are praising the overhaul as the most polished and feature‑rich version of the game to date. The update also includes new difficulty options and expanded ship‑building tools. It marks a significant turning point for the game’s long‑term reputation. Will this be enough to turn player sentiment around?    📰 Xbox Events & Reveals   New Xbox Partner Preview Announced for This Month Microsoft has confirmed a new Xbox Partner Preview showcase arriving later this month. The event will feature third‑party reveals, fresh trailers, and new Game Pass additions. Are there any surprises you're hanging out for?    IGN Fan Fest 2026 Delivers Big Xbox Reveals Did you know this was happening? Because we didn't. Anyways... IGN Fan Fest 2026 showcased multiple Xbox titles, including new gameplay for State of Decay 3, Towerborne, and South of Midnight. Several indie titles also received spotlight segments. The event reinforced Xbox’s growing third‑party partnerships.   🧩 Xbox Platform, OS & Cloud Features   Xbox Mode Rolls Out With Cloud Sync on Consoles The new Xbox Mode is rolling out to consoles, enabling cloud‑synced settings and a unified interface across devices. This update allows players to carry UI preferences, accessibility settings, and controller profiles between Xbox and Windows 11. It’s part of Microsoft’s broader effort to unify the Xbox and PC experience. Windows Central reports that the rollout is happening in waves, so you may not see it yet (or ever...)   Xbox Series X|S Receives First Dashboard Update in Years In a complete surprise move Xbox Series X|S is getting its first major dashboard update in a long time, including improvements to Quick Resume. The update enhances stability, reduces UI latency, and adds new customisation options.    Xbox Mode Coming to Windows 11 PCs Next Month For all our Xbox on PC users, or is it Xbox PC, or maybe PC Xbox, or Xbox App on Windows 11 on PC with Copilot 365? Microsoft has confirmed that Xbox Mode will arrive on Windows 11 PCs next month, offering a console‑style interface for handhelds and gaming laptops. The mode includes a simplified launcher, controller‑first navigation, and deep Game Pass integration. It mirrors the UI currently rolling out on Xbox consoles. This is part of Microsoft’s push to make Windows more handheld‑friendly. Pity its still Windows though...   Microsoft Removes “This Is an Xbox” Branding Microsoft has quietly removed the “This is an Xbox” slogan from official websites and marketing materials. Windows Central reports that the change aligns with Xbox’s broader shift toward ecosystem‑wide branding. The move reflects Microsoft’s strategy of positioning Xbox as a platform rather than a single device. It also coincides with the rollout of Xbox Mode across Windows.   🕹️ Next‑Gen Xbox Hardware   Project Helix Confirmed With Custom AMD SoC & FSR Diamond Microsoft has confirmed that the next‑gen Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, will use a custom AMD SoC and feature a new upscaling technology called FSR Diamond. The console is designed to unify Xbox and PC gaming more tightly than previous generations. Xbox Mode will be a core part of the experience on both console and Windows 11. Microsoft says more details will be shared later in 2026.   Backwards Compatibility Program Returns This Year Microsoft has announced that the Xbox Backwards Compatibility Program will return in 2026. The team is working to bring more titles from all four generations of Xbox to modern hardware. This includes licensing work, performance enhancements, and preservation efforts. It marks the first major update to the program since 2021. Could we be getting Xbox 365 games on PC eventually??    April is here! So, before you do anything else, be sure to sign up for the one, the only, April Achivement Challenge! Signups are live, and its being run through Discord, so jump in now. All Patrons get a nice shiny coin to commemorate their participation as well!    -- For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

    1h 52m

  7. MAR 19

    Xbox Gets a New CEO

    Welcome to new era of Xbox! (New era not included, and remains only vague promises up to now)   🎮 Xbox Leadership, Strategy & Corporate Moves   Asha Sharma Expands on Xbox’s 2026+ Strategy Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlined her long‑term plan for the platform, focusing on “great games,” a renewed emphasis on console as the reference experience, and a unified “Team Xbox” culture. She committed to re‑examining past decisions and improving internal alignment across studios, platform, and marketing. Sharma also emphasised seamless, instant experiences across devices as a core pillar of Xbox’s future. Her comments follow her February 2026 appointment as CEO, succeeding Phil Spencer.   Xbox’s New CEO Moves Fast With Major Marketing Hires New reporting highlights that Sharma has already begun restructuring Xbox’s marketing organisation. The hires suggest a shift toward lifecycle‑based marketing, stronger franchise management, and more disciplined campaign execution. Analysts believe this signals a more focused, long‑term brand strategy. The changes align with Sharma’s stated goal of “returning to Xbox” and rebuilding core identity.   🕹️ Next‑Gen Xbox Hardware & Tech    Project Helix — Microsoft’s Next Xbox Microsoft’s next‑generation console is officially codenamed Project Helix, designed as a hybrid system capable of playing both Xbox console titles and PC games. The device uses a custom AMD SoC, next‑gen DirectX features, and major advances in ray tracing and neural‑assisted rendering. Microsoft confirmed alpha dev kits will ship in 2027. Project Helix aims to unify console and PC ecosystems more tightly than any previous Xbox hardware.   Mario Kart Running at 4K60 on Xbox Series X A modder showcased Mario Kart 8 Deluxe running at 4K60 on an Xbox Series X via emulation. The footage demonstrates the console’s ability to handle Switch‑level workloads with ease. The clip went viral due to its obvious legal grey area. Nintendo has not commented, but the community reaction has been predictably chaotic.   All this and more in this week's episode of The Regular Show! Also, April is fast approaching, so don't forget to sign up for the April Achievement Challenge!   -- For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

    1h 45m

  8. FEB 14

    Relooted Gets Booted

    Relooted launched.  Apparently.   That's right, another game for "the modern audience" launched to great applause amongst the 160 people who played it. Whereas last week Highguard peaked at almost 100,000 players before catering from the stratosphere, it seems this game never even left the ground. Will game studios ever learn, or are we stuck playing Asian games forever?   🎮 Xbox Play Anywhere Boosts The First Descendant by 167% The First Descendant saw a 167% increase in Xbox player activity after gaining Xbox Play Anywhere support, according to TrueAchievements and Windows Central. This surge is tied to cross‑progression and the ability to switch seamlessly between Xbox and PC. The game previously dropped support for Xbox One and PS4, making the new feature even more impactful. The boost highlights how Play Anywhere can revive engagement for free‑to‑play shooters. It also helps that this game leans into the escapism of games in a big way.   🎬 Netflix Values WB Games As Worthless? Netflix is acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, including NetherRealm, Rocksteady, Monolith, Avalanche, and the entire WB Games division. The deal marks one of the largest entertainment acquisitions in history. A follow‑up report claims Netflix internally values WB Games as “worthless” financially, despite its massive IP catalogue. Analysts believe this signals Netflix prioritising film/TV rights over game development, especially after Netflix's failed foray into adding on games to their subscriptions...    💾 GoG Sold to New Owner, Plans Classic Game “Rescue Missions” Good Ole Games (GoG) has been sold by CD Projekt RED to the cofounder of GoG! The new leadership plans “ambitious” preservation‑focused initiatives, including restoring and re‑licensing classic PC games starting next year. GoG will continue operating independently under its new structure. The move aims to stabilise the platform after years of financial struggles, and now that it's out from CD Projekt RED, who knows what direction it will take!   👹 Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred Expansion Details Blizzard has confirmed the Lord of Hatred expansion will introduce the Skovos region, two new classes, and a late‑2025 release window. The expansion continues the story of Mephisto and expands endgame systems. Skovos marks the first major new zone since launch. Pre‑orders include early access and cosmetic bonuses.   ⭕ Halo Infinite Enters Maintenance Mode RIP to what could have been... 343 Industries has confirmed that Halo Infinite will no longer receive major content updates and is now in long‑term maintenance mode. The game will continue receiving security patches and small fixes. This marks the end of active development for the title. Fans are left looking toward the future of the Halo franchise, as it prepares to launch on PlayStation. Is this the end of Halo as we know it?    -- For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

    1h 46m
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4.3
out of 5
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About

Funny first. Factual second.™ Join us every week for a hilarious and entertaining dive into the world of Xbox. Whether you’re a gamer with a job, a gamer with kids, or just a gamer with too many hobbies, we’ve got you covered. Get your Xbox news fix in #NuNews, laugh along with our latest gaming adventures in #GameFace! or keep yourself regular with our Regular Show for your weekly dose of Xbox goodness. Our podcast, community, and movement aim to bring a positive and upbeat voice to all things Xbox. And to top it all off, The XboxCast is the longest-running Xbox podcast from Down Under! So, come for the laughs, stay for the games, and become a member of our amazing community. To find out more about the podcast, the hosts, the monthly events, and links to all our social media - visit The XboxCast’s Official Website @ https://www.thexboxcast.co.nz.

Information

  • Creator
    TXC Media
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    489
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © This podcast is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
  • Show Website
    The XboxCast