Microsoft's gaming division has historically had a hard time with the expansion of its Xbox console userbase in Japan, due to the continued dominance of rival Sony PlayStation and Nintendo systems. The Series X and Series S have bucked past trends to some degree (maybe not all that impressive)—the higher-ups at Microsoft probably consider Japan to be an emerging/growth market, so Phil Spencer & Co. were recently dispatched to 2023 Tokyo Game Show. Xbox's Chief and Sarah Bond (Corporate Vice President) participated in an IGN-organized Q&A panel, where they were asked about reviving dormant first or third party franchises.

Bond was nudged into answering first—her choice was Blizzard Entertainment's sci-fi RTS series; StarCraft. She based this selection on fan feedback—apparently Japanese gamers have expressed plenty of interest in a potential threequel. Microsoft could have a major say in goings-on at the Californian development studio, once their acquisition of Activision Blizzard goes ahead. Spencer had more time to mull over his pick—in his opinion, MechAssault deserves a revival—with emphasis on it being a personal preference rather than any indication of an official announcement. The more action-oriented spin-off of FASA's MechWarrior series (set in the BattleTech universe) debuted exclusively on the original Xbox console back in 2002—Spencer was working as general manager of Microsoft Game Studios at the time. A sequel, Lone Wolf, was released in 2004.

Well that blew up, huh? If you follow emulation or just gaming on the whole, you've probably heard about the controversy around the Dolphin Steam release and the Wii Common Key. There's been a lot of conclusions made, and while we've wanted to defend ourselves, we thought it would be prudent to contact lawyers first to make sure that our understanding of the situation was legally sound. That took some time, which was frustrating to ourselves and to our users, but now we are educated and ready to give an informed response.

We'd like to thank Kellen Voyer of Voyer Law for providing us with legal council for this matter. And to be clear, all of the analysis below is specifically regarding US law. Without further delay, let's begin.

Designed for Xbox premiered its first collection with a variety of gaming accessories in playful pastel tones last spring. This year, it's time to sparkle and shine for Designed for Xbox's second collection! The new Designed for Xbox Summer Collection 2023 will include 7 shimmery, glimmery accessories for every Xbox player wanting to outsparkle the competition. Designed especially for you and crafted by our amazing partners, each product brings a unique flare that will surely brighten up any gaming session.

PowerA Advantage Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S - Sparkle
Add some stellar style and performance to your game with the PowerA Advantage Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S in an all-new purple sparkle design. With glittering swirls of purple and gold, this one-of-a-kind controller looks like it was sent from a deep-space nebula. Licensed by Xbox, this controller features two mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons you can program on-the-fly, and 3-Way Trigger Locks for game-specific trigger depth. Works great on Windows 10/11 too. Quality backed with a 2-year limited warranty.

We are thrilled to announce that F1 Manager 23 is available now for pre-order! Secure your copy today ahead of launch on 31 July. Frontier Developments are back this season in partnership with F1 to deliver the ultimate motorsport management experience. F1 Manager 23 brings every lap to life with stunning broadcast-style visuals and drivers going wheel-to-wheel across six F1 Sprint events. The game features all 23 circuits, including the brand-new Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Watch the dramatic action unfold across multiple on-board and trackside cameras, plot your strategy from the updated 3D map, or immerse yourself in every heart-in-mouth overtake through the new visor cam. Behind the scenes, manage your team at all levels from the financials to the development and application of cutting-edge parts for your cars.

Everyone who pre-orders will receive three exclusive Race Moments including one for the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Purchase the Deluxe Edition to get a head start with access to the game four days early and twelve unique Starting Grids and Race Moments in the Exclusive Scenarios Pack. This year's edition of F1 Manager hosts a plethora of improvements and new features based on your suggestions from F1 Manager 22. From fully simulated F2 and F3 seasons, to a whole new game mode, discover new ways to lead your team to victory.

Prepare for the hugely anticipated release of Diablo IV with these Limited Edition items from SteelSeries! One of a kind, right here. The time to face the Burning Hells is approaching. Are you ready to slay, mortal, or will you accept Lilith's blessing and worship her? Her gifts are tempting indeed.

Before you delve back into your favorite monster-slaying RPG, we have a brand new collection of Limited Edition items for you to peruse. Don't hesitate, as these usually do not last long... if stock runs out, mark that "Notify Me" on the product pages, as they may be back for a second round!

Introducing three new officially licensed keycaps - one does not simply type into Mordor. You need the right artisan keycap to make it happen. Try the new Drop + The Lord of the Rings Mordor Artisan Keycap—featuring three entrancing exclusives inspired by Mordor's most menacing icons. Three for the Elven-kings under the sky, seven for the Dwarf-lords in halls of stone, nine for Mortal Men, doomed to die—and three for Drop, on our dark throne in the Land of Mordor, where the Shadows type.

We speak not of rings, but of keycaps. Forged in secret by the skilled hands at Dwarf Factory, a new line of artisan keycaps has fallen over the free lands of our Mech Keys community. It's the Drop + The Lord of the Rings Mordor Artisan Keycap—featuring three entrancing artisan keycaps inspired by Mordor's most menacing icons. Adorn your keyboard with The Eye of Barad-dûr, Morgul Fellbeast, and Sauron The Dark Lord. Because we could all use a little more Mordor.

Secure a time machine to 2005. The Xenon is a replica of the official Xbox 360 Controller - licensed with Designed for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Windows 10|11 PCs, priced at $49.99. Pre-orders begin at MIDNIGHT PDT / May 5th via HyperkinStore.com. Announced in November of last year, the Xenon is a replica of the official Xbox 360 Controller. The Xenon is named after the codename of the Xbox 360's first console iteration. Although a replica of the official Xbox 360 controller, the Xenon will include some modern amenities for the Xbox Series X|S. It will initially come in four colors: black, white, pink and red.

Hyperkin has recreated the Xbox 360 Controller as an officially Xbox-licensed controller. The Xenon features precision analog triggers, a share button for Xbox Series X|S, vibration feedback for realistic experiences, a 3.5 mm headset jack, and a detachable 10 ft. Type-C cable. The Xenon takes you back to 2005, when you and your buds spent nights filled with fun, competition, and bonds that last to this day. You've come full circle.

PLAY ANYWHERE, CONQUER EVERYWHERE - Hear the unfair advantage, no matter where you play with the Razer Kaira HyperSpeed—a wireless gaming headset that unleashes cutting-edge immersion and untethered freedom. With 2.4 GHz gaming grade wireless and unmatched audio technology, you'll be able to play anywhere and conquer everywhere.

Gaming-grade, low-latency performance with Razer's HyperSpeed Wireless technology. Delivering an ultra-fast 2.4 GHz wireless connection via its included USB-C dongle, the headset ensures seamless, low latency audio that meets the demands of competitive gaming on numerous platforms.

Nitro Concepts' first-ever line of Special Edition gaming chairs is here and they're more than meets the eye! Inspired by the heroic Autobots, villainous Decepticons, and the legendary Optimus Prime himself, these gaming chairs really have got the touch. Innovative Design with Intense Colors! The Nitro Concepts X1000 sets itself apart from its competitors through its vibrant colors and ergonomic design.

Featuring high quality PU leather ensures that whether the X1000 is used for work or play, the user will remain comfortable over hours of use. To make the X1000 even more comfortable, there are many options to adjust it to your preference. While the cold foam upholstery ensures the X1000 is comfortable even on hot summer days, the design features a fresh and angular shape, combining for a chair fit for any situation.