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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. FEB 6

    Highguard's High Drama

    Highguard has done the most amazing race to the bottom we've ever seen. It has managed to out-concord Concord!   But that's not all the drama for this week. Ubisoft has decided to Ubisoft all over themselves yet again, Xbox Wrapped didn't happen because apparently Microsoft ran out of money and people are still developing for the Xbox One... Welcome to the start of 2026, I suppose.    🎮Everything Announced at Xbox Developer Direct 2026 Xbox Developer Direct 2026 focused on four games, all launching in 2026: Forza Horizon 6, Fable, Beast of Reincarnation, and Double Fine’s surprise new title Kiln. The show leaned into extended gameplay and developer commentary, with Playground Games, Game Freak, and Double Fine all explaining how and why they’re building these projects. A key message was predictability and variety—no vague CG teases, just games you’ll actually play this year. How do you feel about it? Because we're not very impressed (apart from Fable of course).    And now the Ubisoft news...   🧑‍💼Ubisoft Team Lead Suspended Over RTO Comments An Assassin’s Creed level designer reported being suspended for publicly criticising Ubisoft’s newly enforced full return‑to‑office policy. The suspension was described as “unpaid disciplinary leave” for an alleged breach of loyalty. This incident sparked internal frustration over inconsistent RTO enforcement across Ubisoft studios.    🔥 Ubisoft Cancels Six Projects, Closes Two Studios, Confirms Layoffs The cancellations included the long‑troubled Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake. Ubisoft cited financial pressure and restructuring as the reason for the cuts. Global searches for “Ubisoft layoffs 2025/2026” surged as the scale of the cuts became clear.   ⚖️ Former Assassin’s Creed Boss Sues Ubisoft for CAD $1.3 Million A former Assassin’s Creed director filed a lawsuit alleging “disguised dismissal” intended to avoid severance obligations. The claim argues Ubisoft used restructuring as a pretext for termination. Ubisoft has not issued a public response.   🧨 Ubisoft Layoffs Continue — 55 Staff Cut at Massive & Stockholm Ubisoft confirmed a new wave of layoffs affecting approximately 55 roles across Massive Entertainment (Malmö) and Ubisoft Stockholm. These cuts follow a voluntary exit program from the previous year and are part of ongoing cost‑reduction efforts. The studios will continue work on The Division and Avatar projects, but fans are increasingly concerned about long‑term stability.   But let's get back to gaming... Kinda.   🕹️ Xbox One Still Getting 40+ New Games in 2026 Despite being two generations old, the Xbox One is confirmed to receive over 40 new titles in 2026. Many are cross‑gen indies, but several AA releases are included. This extends the console’s lifespan far beyond industry expectations.   📉 Xbox Wrapped 2025 Cancelled Due to Budget Cuts A new report claims Xbox Wrapped 2025 won’t happen due to marketing budget constraints. Fans are disappointed, as Wrapped has become a beloved annual tradition. Microsoft has not confirmed whether the feature will return in 2026.   🇳🇿 NZ Video Game Sector Grows 38% Despite Global Decline New Zealand’s gaming industry has grown 38% year‑over‑year, outperforming global markets. Local studios credit strong government support and increased international contracting. The sector now contributes significantly to NZ’s digital economy. NZ represent!    -- For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

    1h 58m

  5. JAN 2 ·  BONUS

    Something Special

    🎵 One more time Ooo, we gonna celebrate  One more time 🎵   It's our very special last episode of 2025!    Kyle and Lee get together in person! What?? And talk about stuff.  What stuff? All sorts of stuff! That's what stuff.    There's no plan, no prep, no topics organised - just off the cuff Xbox discussion between two friends who haven't been in the same room since 2023 (maybe?)...    Anyway, we hope you enjoy it, and we hope it's a good way to say goodbye to 2025. Even though we're typically late with publishing these things, so its probably 2026 by the time you hear it, but hey! We're trying, ok?     -- For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

    1h 33m

  6. 12/19/2025

    The XboxCast Game Awards 2025

    It's time to play the music It's time to light the lights It's time to reveal our game awards tonight It's time to put on makeup It's time to dress up right It's time to raise the curtain On the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, XboxCastational Game Awards tonight! ----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! We nominate games that we've played this year only. Our hands on experience is what sets us apart from every other game award show. And not just because we're awarding games that came in 4 years ago either.    By now you know the order of awards, but those that are new, our awards are:  The Biggest Surprise of 2025 Something that made you audibly gasp. The Make This into a Movie Award Awarded for best story. The Time Sink / Can't Stop Won't Stop Award Awarded for that game that sucked up all your time and was worth every minute. The Eye Meltingly Best-Looking Award Awarded for gorgeous graphics, good looking characters and other things that showcase 4K. The Together-At-Last Multiplayer Award Awarded for that game best played with friends, near and far.  The Music to My Ears Award From soundtracks to soundscapes, this awards games that showcase the best audio. The Edge of Your Seat Award What we're most looking forward to seeing in 2026. Hopefully it involves a future with Xbox in it.  The Ones That Didn't Quite Make It Award Honourable mentions and games that didn't quite make the cut, but were so close, it hurts.  The One Leaves Anti-Game Award Awarded for the game that almost you give up on gaming entirely. Consider this your Do-Not-Play list.  and the big one - Our Personal Game of the Year Award! Any game we've played this year that was exceptional in all regards, our very own GotY! -- 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.  Thank you for hanging out with us - on the podcast, in our Discord, near or far. 💚   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! Will that be out last season? Will there even be Xbox to talk about? Tune in next year to find out...    -- For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐

    1h 41m

  7. 12/16/2025

    Year of the Slop 2025: A Game Awards Review

    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 ⭐

    1h 58m

  8. 12/05/2025

    Theres Ga-No Remote Desktop For You!

    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 ⭐

    1h 43m
See All (484)

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

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
    484
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © This podcast is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
  • Show Website
    The XboxCast