Engadget - Technology News & Expert Reviews

The reason why your Xbox controller still uses AA batteries

staff@engadget.com (Nimrod Aldea) — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:45:00 +0000

Xbox controllers use AA batteries, which may seem like an outdated way of powering a device, but there are reasons for this intentional choice.

Xbox manager says AI is already being used in game development

staff@engadget.com (Robin Bea) — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Brandon Stirrup deleted his comments from X a day after saying that AI usage is widespread in the gaming industry.

Microsoft really wants you to sell that Xbox you're not using

staff@engadget.com (Jack Peachey) — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Microsoft wants owners to trade in their unused Xbox Series X and S consoles. Here's what's behind the push, and what to know before you take the deal.

Why your games take up way more drive space than expected (even when uninstalled)

staff@engadget.com (Nimrod Aldea) — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Even after uninstalling a game, there are often remnants of data left in your storage. Some you may want to leave, and some you should delete manually.

4 drawbacks you should know before buying an Xbox Series X

staff@engadget.com (Dave Meikleham) — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:45:00 +0000

The Xbox Series X has had some stumbles, so you should be aware of its faults before picking one up.

Xbox Game Pass could let you pick which features you pay for

staff@engadget.com (Ian Carlos Campbell) — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Microsoft is reportedly planning to let subscribers build their own Game Pass bundle rather than pay for set tiers.

The next Xbox might cost $1,800, report says

staff@engadget.com (Anna Washenko) — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 22:01:23 +0000

Microsoft is targeting a 2028 release for its next-gen Xbox, which could be incredibly expensive, according to details reported in a profile with Xbox's CEO.

An Xbox Series X can now run PlayStation 5 games, but there's a catch

staff@engadget.com (Luke James) — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 23:00:00 +0000

The idea of PS5 games running on an Xbox Series X -- made possible by how both consoles were built around closely matched hardware -- is certainly exciting.

The reason the Xbox Series S is so much cheaper than the Series X

staff@engadget.com (Deven McClure) — Sun, 11 Oct 2026 23:30:00 +0000

The Xbox Series X and S have seen the same price hikes as all other gaming hardware, but the Series S still provides a lower cost to entry.

Xbox Elite Controller 3 specs leak via Xbox's own Design Lab

staff@engadget.com (Steve Dent) — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:38:03 +0000

Xbox's long awaited Elite Controller 3 may finally offer drift-free joysticks.

How long can you expect an Xbox Series X to last?

staff@engadget.com (Antony Terence) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Strong software support and a repairable design should give Microsoft's console a long lifespan.

Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light remasters are getting free next-gen updates this month

staff@engadget.com (Ian Carlos Campbell) — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:52:37 +0000

Take a trip down memory lane with the first two games in the series.

Xbox's disc-to-digital feature is now available for everyone

staff@engadget.com (Matt Tate) — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:07:24 +0000

Many (if not all) Xbox Series X and Xbox One games are supported.

Xbox just unveiled Mythic Achievements, which are basically PlayStation platinum trophies

staff@engadget.com (Lawrence Bonk) — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 19:05:58 +0000

They signal to the world that someone has fully completed a game. And they apply retroactively to titles you've already finished.

How to get your money's worth from Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

staff@engadget.com (Kari Paul) — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 16:45:00 +0000

If you don't value day-one releases or the other perks on offer, Ultimate might not be the tier for you.

Vertical or horizontal: Does it really matter how you set up your gaming console?

staff@engadget.com (Thomas Godwin) — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 13:30:00 +0000

Your PS5 or Xbox Series console can use either setup, but you should consider what's best for your space first.

These Xbox players got GTA 6 for free the hard way

staff@engadget.com (Deven McClure) — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

GTA VI could be yours for free, or at least for a big discount, using a few tricks that Xbox offers.

How to set up 5.1 surround sound system for your Xbox

staff@engadget.com (Dave Meikleham) — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Your Xbox is surround-sound capable, and it's easy to enjoy 5.1 or even 7.1 immersive sound for your favorite titles.

Xbox 'reset' continues with 268 job cuts and Activision making the next Halo game

staff@engadget.com (Kris Holt) — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 14:57:18 +0000

Xbox's turbulent 2026 continues with more job cuts and a probable closure of Ninja Theory.

The pros and cons of using wired vs. wireless Xbox controllers

staff@engadget.com (Jack Whitcombe) — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 23:00:00 +0000

A wireless Xbox controller lets you move around freely, but you have to worry about batteries. Wired controllers can pose a hazard, but never run out of charge.