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The XboxCast

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The XboxCast
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  • The XboxCast

    Checking In On Microsoft Solitaire Collection

    15/05/2026 | 1h 42 mins.
    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... 

     

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    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! 

     

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    For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit

    ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐
  • The XboxCast

    Iterative? Iterative!

    30/04/2026 | 1h 57 mins.
    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.

     

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    For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit

    ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐
  • The XboxCast

    Car Truck Tank!

    26/04/2026 | 1h 59 mins.
    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!

     

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    For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit

    ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐
  • The XboxCast

    Cats & Good Vibes

    17/04/2026 | 1h 32 mins.
    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.

     

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    For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit

    ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐
  • The XboxCast

    April Achievement Challenge Kicks Off

    03/04/2026 | 1h 35 mins.
    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... 

     

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    For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit

    ⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐
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About The XboxCast
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.
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