If you're not too busy taking off for the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 today, may we interrupt your flight with these games? We have a selection of day one games, game benefits, indies, and more. What can we get started for you (aka: what will you put in your download queue first)?

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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) - November 19

Microsoft has long been rumored to be working on a gaming handheld to compete with the likes of Valve's Steam Deck and the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, but all we've had to go on until now is unfounded rumors and leaks. Now, Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft Gaming, has confirmed that the software giant is actively working on a Steam Deck challenger, although details are scant, and the timeline is unclear at best.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Spencer confirmed that Microsoft is working on an Xbox handheld, although he was very careful to not overpromise or provide any firm release dates, going so far as to confirm that an Xbox handheld is still years away from release. Spencer reiterated in the review that Microsoft was still looking to grow its presence in the gaming industry, which is one of the company's motivations for getting into the gaming handheld market, in the first place. He also confirmed that Microsoft will be pursuing further mergers and acquisitions in the future as part of its gaming push—a move that might not be looked upon favorably by many gamers and regulatory bodies.

In the 40 years since its creation in 1984 by a puzzle-loving computer programmer in the Soviet Union, the Tetris game has taken over the world - and it's never slowed down. Often found topping the lists of the best games ever created, over 220 official Tetris games have been released and the game has inspired a feature film, esports tournaments, and more. Four decades later, it's the game that hundreds of millions of players still can't put down.

Today, acclaimed retro gaming studio Digital Eclipse, in partnership with The Tetris Company, is pleased to announce the launch of Tetris Forever, the latest entry in the studio's acclaimed Gold Master Series. It's a love letter to the Tetris game, to its global, multigenerational fan base, and to the amazing history behind its rise to the top.

"When we think of our farms, we think of lives well spent", a seasoned farmer tells viewers in the Launch Trailer of Farming Simulator 25. Now available on PC and consoles, publisher and developer GIANTS Software invites returning and aspiring virtual agriculturists to ignite their passion for the wholesome and rewarding life in the countryside.

"This Farm is Your Farm"
"For experienced farmers, the game marks the next step in playfully living their passion", says Christian Ammann, CEO of GIANTS Software. "For everyone else, it's a relaxing, immersive, and community-oriented opportunity to grow a new hobby, cultivate exciting knowledge, and ultimately harvest the rewarding feeling of freedom and accomplishment."

Electronic Arts Inc. and BioWare announced today that Dragon Age: The Veilguard is now available for PlayStation 5 (also enhanced for PS5 Pro), Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam (Steam Deck Verified), EA app and Epic Games Store. This bold, heroic adventure is built to deliver on what the series is best known for: rich storytelling, fantasy worldbuilding, companions & fellowship, and a world where you matter. The next installment in BioWare's beloved franchise has captivated critics worldwide, with outlets such as IGN and GamesRadar+ proclaiming it "deserves its place in the RPG pantheon" and is "A true return to RPG form for BioWare" in their 9/10 and 4.5/5 reviews.

In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Solas, the Dread Wolf, wants to tear down the Veil that separates Thedas from the world of demons, restoring his people's immortality and glory - even at the cost of countless lives. But his ritual goes awry, and his worst fears are realized, as two of his most ancient and powerful adversaries are released. Players will step into the role of Rook, a fully-customizable protagonist who must rise up and unite their companions to stop these two powerful deities on a journey that will span across Thedas' bustling cities, lush tropics, boreal forests, fettered swamps and deepest depths.

Microsoft Corp. today announced the following results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year:

• Revenue was $65.6 billion and increased 16%
• Operating income was $30.6 billion and increased 14%
• Net income was $24.7 billion and increased 11% (up 10% in constant currency)
• Diluted earnings per share was $3.30 and increased 10%

"AI-driven transformation is changing work, work artifacts, and workflow across every role, function, and business process," said Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft. "We are expanding our opportunity and winning new customers as we help them apply our AI platforms and tools to drive new growth and operating leverage."

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation today unveiled another groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind controller, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot. This new, premium smart controller works both wirelessly and in wired mode for Windows 10/11 PCs, and is Designed for Xbox and compatible with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One as an advanced wired controller. The Stealth Pivot also features Bluetooth 5.2 to connect with compatible Android devices and smart TVs.

The Stealth Pivot's standout feature is the unique, rotating thumbstick and button control modules that deliver simple, precise, and enhanced gameplay for any game type. One layout provides traditional PC & Xbox gamepad controls, and the modules can be easily rotated and locked back into place to produce a stick and button layout more suitable for fighting games. The Stealth Pivot is crafted from premium materials, including built-in Hall Effect sensors in the rotating control modules, and gamers can also explore an impressive and extensive list of customization options. The Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot controller launches November 26, 2024, and is available for pre-order at www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers worldwide for $129.99/£119.99/€129.99 MSRP.

The latest game to come out of the Prince of Persia series was Prince of Persia The Lost Crown, which launched in January 2024. Now, after just 10 months on the market, Ubisoft has reportedly disbanded the development team behind the project, effectively ending all future development for the game and scrapping any planned sequels and DLC that was meant to be added to the game. The news has officially been acknowledged by Ubisoft, who published and developed the Prince of Persia game, and in its response, the game studio said that most of the developers involved with The Lost Crown have already moved to "other projects that will benefit from their expertise."

Since its launch in January this year, Prince of Persia The Lost Crown has been a bit of a commercial flop, garnering a mere 1,446-player peak player count on Steam, according to SteamDB. Insider Gaming reports that The Lost Crown sold as many as 1 million units across its PS5, Xbox, and PC releases, leading Ubisoft to classify it as a commercial failure. Despite basically acknowledging that The Lost Crown wasn't profitable enough, Ubisoft seemingly wants to leave the door open for future installments in the Prince of Persia franchise, saying "We know players have a love for this brand and Ubisoft is excited to bring more Prince of Persia experiences in the future."

Capcom today gave gamers a sneak peek at Monster Hunter Wilds, the sequel to the wildly popular Monster Hunter Rise and Worlds, showing off some in-game footage and divulging details about the new ARPG. Monster Hunter Wilds is slated to launch on February 28, 2025, but eager gamers can try out the latest installment in the Monster Hunter franchise a whole three months early thanks to an open beta starting at the end of October. The open beta will be available to PS5, PC via Steam, and Xbox Series S/X, although the PS5 open beta will be available to PlayStation Plus subscribers from October 29, while everyone else will have to wait until November 1 at 3:00 AM (GMT) to participate. The open beta ends on November 4 at 2:59 AM (GMT).

The Monster Hunter Wilds showcase introduces players to another new playable area, called the Oilwell Basin, and a new base, called Azuz, the Everforge, and it looks like the new environment will be mostly in underground caves, shrouded in darkness and the occasional lava vein. Along with the new environment, of course, Wilds will also introduce new monsters, which complement their cavernous surroundings. The showcase also gave us some more information on some of the monsters we can expect to see in the Oilwell Basin, like the oil-silt-lurking Rompopolo, the highly mobile Ajarakan, and what appears to be the area's main monster, called the Black Flame, which will seemingly have a significant role to play in the game's story quest. Of course, the Oilwell Basin is only one new area in Monster Hunter Wilds, and previous promotional images from the new game have shown off plenty of wide-open spaces and grassy plains with rock outcroppings, meaning there will be a degree of diversity for players to explore in the game when it eventually launches.

Sound shapes the way we experience games, adding dimension and depth to every action, interaction, and atmosphere. From the epic swell of a battle soundtrack to the quiet tension of a stealth mission, audio plays a crucial role in creating unforgettable gaming moments. That's why we've refreshed the Xbox Wireless Headset, introducing key enhancements to elevate your audio experience to new heights.

Now featuring Dolby Atmos at no additional cost, this updated headset delivers immersive, spatial audio that brings games to life in vivid detail. We've also improved battery life, offering up to 20 hours of playtime, upgraded the microphone with enhanced auto-mute and voice isolation for crystal-clear communication, and now feature Bluetooth 5.3. Combined with its sleek, all-black design, the new Xbox Wireless Headset remains an essential addition to any gaming setup.

Audeze, the leading premium headphone manufacturer, is excited to announce the launch of its latest limited edition of their wildly popular Maxwell gaming headset, Maxwell Wasabi Edition, exclusively for Xbox. Known for its superior audio quality and class leading technology, the Maxwell headset now arrives in a vibrant new
colorway featuring an iridescent chameleon-like electroplated finish, offering gamers a new way to show off their style along with Maxwell's superior performance.

The Maxwell Wasabi Edition follows the success of last year's Maxwell Ultraviolet Edition, part of Microsoft's "Shimmer" campaign of limited edition Xbox accessories, which captivated gamers with unique eye-catching designs. This new finish on Maxwell Wasabi features shimmering hues that shift from green to gold, adding a spicy, dazzling aesthetic to Audeze's critically acclaimed gaming headset, which will only be produced one time, in limited quantities.

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation and Performance Designed Products LLC (PDP), today announced the launch of the Designed for Xbox Titan Steel REMATCH GLOW Advanced Wired Controller. This striking controller, exclusively for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11, features a distinctive glow-in-the-dark design, 2-way true hair triggers, two programmable back buttons, and customizability through the PDP Control Hub app. Dual rumble motors and impulse triggers also deliver an immersive gameplay experience, while the D-pad provides quick and easy built-in volume adjustments. The PDP Control Hub app lets gamers re-map buttons, reconfigure triggers, adjust deadzones, and more.

The Titan Steel REMATCH GLOW Advanced Wired Controller is available at www.PDP.com, www.turtlebeach.com, and at participating retailers in the U.S. for a $37.99 MSRP. The controller launches in the UK and Europe on October 25, 2024, for an £29.99/€39.99 MSRP.

Unknown Worlds has finally announced the next sequel to its popular indie survival game franchise, Subnautica, and released a teaser trailer alongside the reveal. While details are still scant, the first trailer divulges some key information about the upcoming game. For starters, and likely the biggest divergence from Subnautica and the Subnautica: Below Zero expansion, is the addition of multiplayer gameplay, supporting teams of up to four players. For now, it looks like gameplay will either be single-player or online co-op, although it's unclear whether teams will be able to mix the two, popping into four-player sessions alone or with one or two players sitting it out.

Just judging from the trailer and Steam Store page, it looks like Subnautica 2 will take many of the same game mechanics—crafting, resource management, and an open-world sandbox—as the other games in the franchise, and build on them, instead of trying to rewrite the story. Likewise, it looks to be leaning into the Lovecraftian horror themes earlier on in the game. There also seems to be a new upgrade mechanic that will allow players to augment the biology of their characters, which should add an extra layer of depth to the game. Unknown Worlds has not yet published the full retail price for Subnautica 2 or pinned an exact release date, but it will release as an Early Access game sometime in 2025. Fans of the genre and franchise can wishlist and follow the game on Steam, Epic Games, or Xbox or join the Discord community.

CORSAIR proudly presents the next generation of award-winning VIRTUOSO gaming headsets: VIRTUOSO MAX. Featuring state-of-the-art 50 mm Graphene drivers, VIRTUOSO MAX joins innovative engineering with cutting-edge audio technology, for spectacularly clear, precise audio. From the lightest footstep to the heaviest rainfall, VIRTUOSO MAX enriches every in-game sound for unbreakable immersion, on any platform. The result is a headset that sounds so good, it's worth obsessing over.

Also launching today is an officially licensed VIRTUOSO MAX for Xbox consoles. Immersive, clear gaming audio from the CORSAIR sound experts is now available on the Xbox as well as PC. In addition to seamless wireless connection between platforms, the VIRTUOSO MAX for Xbox also offers intuitive on-ear audio/chat mix controls.

We're thrilled to announce the next Xbox Partner Preview - our no-fluff, all-games broadcast - is coming this Thursday, October 17. In the latest installment, we'll feature a mix of new and upcoming games for you from incredible partners like Remedy Entertainment, Sega, 505 Games, and many more, with over a dozen new trailers over the course of around 25 minutes. During Xbox Partner Preview, you'll get a first look at gameplay from Alan Wake II's next expansion, The Lake House, an action-packed new trailer for Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, a peek at multiple bosses in dark-fantasy action game Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, multiple world premieres, and other great titles coming to Xbox consoles, Windows PC, and Game Pass.

As always, Xbox Partner Preview is all about sharing exciting games news from our talented partners across the globe: you'll get new game reveals, release date announcements, and fresh new gameplay from upcoming games. And to sweeten the deal, during the broadcast, Xbox Wire will post exclusive behind-the-scenes stories about select titles shown. This event will be broadcast digitally on Thursday, October 17, at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK across our Xbox channels on YouTube and Twitch.

MSI is thrilled to announce a new collaboration with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, introducing four limited edition products: GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER 16G GAMING SLIM STALKER 2 EDITION, CLUTCH GM41 LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS STALKER 2 EDITION, VIGOR GK41 STALKER 2 EDITION, and FORCE PRO WIRELESS STALKER 2 EDITION. These exclusive products combine cutting-edge performance and immersive S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2-themed designs to enhance your gaming experience. Additionally, customers who purchase these limited-edition products will also be eligible to redeem S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl through MSI's Member Center, granting access to the full game and enhancing their overall gaming experience.

GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER 16G GAMING SLIM STALKER 2 EDITION
Powered by the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER 16G, this slimmer variant of the GAMING series offers high performance with ray tracing and DLSS support. TRI FROZR 3 thermal design keeps it cool and quiet during intense gaming.

From the creator of the groundbreaking line of Arctis Nova headphones, SteelSeries.com, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture, today introduces Arctis GameBuds. The role that gaming plays in moving culture forward is essential and SteelSeries set out to push boundaries and solve problems for those living a "gaming lifestyle" in today's rapidly changing world. The goal was simple, reinvent the world's number one premium gaming headphones - within a pair of gaming earbuds. Whether the pain the points are related to the fact that gamers couldn't connect to a PS5 or Xbox via Bluetooth, or the status quo was poor gaming audio quality and bad microphone communications in traditional earbuds, or the inability to utilize a single pair of earbuds across multiple platforms, or fatigue and poor battery life from all-day use, the introduction of SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds solve multiple problems for gamers.

As an industry first, SteelSeries is introducing a unique feature set for gaming earbuds, including Arctis App connectivity featuring parametric EQ customizations with 100+ game-specific audio presets that can be changed on-the-fly while in-game, 360° Spatial Audio, and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a Quick-Switch Wireless System, and stable ultra-low latency wireless 2.4Ghz connectivity with a new USB-C nano dongle. The design, development, and engineering required creating a new custom next-gen wireless chipset, co-developed with a key technology partner, that allowed the brand to push the boundaries of innovation. The result is a better player experience and better audio for the games people play - in an all-new form factor.

There have been a slew of changes for the upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows launch, and the latest announcement out of Ubisoft promises some serious changes to the game's launch strategy. Not only will the game be delayed by almost four months, but it will now launch on PC via Steam at the same time as PS5 and Xbox consoles, and Ubisoft is apparently ditching the season pass model that it previously resorted to for major game launches.

In a previous article, we detailed the delays to Assassin's Creed Shadows, but further information was revealed in a Ubisoft trading update (PDF):

We are departing from the traditional Season Pass model. All players will be able to enjoy the game at the same time on February 14 and those who preorder the game will be granted the first expansion for free.

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: HEAR) today announced the global availability of its new premium wireless multiplatform gaming headset, the redesigned Turtle Beach Stealth 700. This third iteration of Turtle Beach's best-selling premium wireless gaming headset brings massive upgrades to the series, with new features like CrossPlay dual wireless transmitters that make switching between devices quick and easy, plus simultaneous Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. Massive 60 mm Eclipse dual drivers delivering powerful, unparalleled sound, and a long-lasting 80-hour rechargeable battery life are also significant upgrades. The Designed for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC editions of the Stealth 700 are all available for purchase at www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers worldwide for $199.99/£179.99/€199.99 MSRP.

"Elevating a fan-favorite gaming headset like our Stealth 700 is always a balance between true innovation and continuing to deliver the performance that's made this such a popular model generation after generation," said Cris Keirn, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. "Our new Stealth 700 delivers significant feature upgrades over earlier versions and the competition, all while retaining the original $199.99 MSRP that's made this a best-selling premium wireless gaming headset for years."

The wait is over! We're thrilled to unveil the Cipher Series for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, with Xbox Design Lab. This collection taps into the nostalgia of classic tech designs with six stunning transparent top cases, letting you relive the magic of seeing the inner workings of your favorite gadgets—while adding a modern twist. Alongside the Cipher Series, we're also introducing two vibrant chromatic D-pad and paddle designs in Sunset Chroma and Energy Chroma, bringing fresh style to the Elite Series 2 controller. And to elevate the retro-modern aesthetic, we're excited to announce the Xbox Wireless Controller Special Edition - Ghost Cipher, a follow-up to the fan-favorite Sky Cipher.

With its transparent casing and metallic silver details, the Cipher Series lets you look inside the controller, capturing the spirit of those iconic see-through devices that tech enthusiasts still fondly remember—now making a bold comeback for a new generation of players. Drawing inspiration from the iconic translucent tech of the '90s and early 2000s, the Cipher Series brings six stunning transparent top case designs to Xbox Design Lab. These vibrant, candy-colored top cases encapsulate the controller's metallic frame, showcasing both its external beauty and the advanced engineering within the Elite Series 2 controller.

Logitech G, a brand of Logitech and leading innovator of gaming technologies and gear, introduced today at Logi Play the Logitech G ASTRO A50 5th Generation Wireless Gaming Headset and Base Station. It joins its bigger brother, the A50 X, to form the new A50 family of high-performance gaming headsets with advanced feature sets for multi-platform gamers.

The A50 Generation 5, now with PLAYSYNC AUDIO, is based on the same architecture as our award-winning A50 X, offering a streamlined and versatile feature set tailored for multiplatform gamers. The new PLAYSYNC AUDIO feature is designed specifically for players who want to use USB for seamless audio switching between console and PC platforms and don't require HDMI video switching.

Logitech G, a brand of Logitech and leading innovator of gaming technologies and gear, announced today at Logi Play the new Racing Series, marking an important milestone in Logitech G's simulation racing heritage. The Racing Series brings unprecedented innovation and customization to drivers, letting them fine-tune their gear setup and equipment levels to match their driving style.

"We've heard from numerous sim racers that their setup should mirror the car they're driving, whether it's tackling gravel in a rally car, drifting with burning rubber, or navigating an open-wheeler with precision," said Richard Neville, head of SIM product engineering, Logitech G. "Each of these disciplines requires distinct steering input styles to achieve peak performance and the best feel, which is why the steering wheel shapes in these vehicles vary greatly. We developed the RS system specifically for motorsport enthusiasts who want to play their way."

PowerA, a division of ACCO Brands and a global leader in enhancing interactive entertainment with officially licensed gaming accessories, proudly announces the expansion of its renowned FUSION Line with two new controllers designed for gamers seeking an edge: the FUSION Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox Series X|S with Lumectra and the FUSION Pro 4 Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S. These controllers offer pro-level gameplay, combining cutting-edge features with PowerA's signature design and functionality, starting at just $69.99.

The first ever FUSION Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox and PC delivers an unparalleled gaming experience, featuring stunning Ghost RGB LED lighting, intuitive customization options, and pro-grade enhancements like Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers, low-latency wireless connectivity, and four advanced mappable buttons. Meanwhile, the FUSION Pro 4 Wired Controller offers a premium build with highly anticipated features such as Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers, and Dual Rumble Motors, all at a budget-friendly price. Both controllers include the new patent pending Quick-Twist adjustable height thumbsticks allowing gamers to adjust the height of either thumbstick with a simple twist. No need to manage removable parts. Both controllers are available now at PowerA.com, Amazon, and major retailers where gaming accessories are sold, with MSRPs of $149.99 and $69.99, respectively.

GameSir, a leading brand in gaming peripherals, proudly introduces its T7 wired controller. Featuring Hall Effect sticks and triggers, the T7 controller guarantees durability and precise handling for gamers. Compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X|S, Windows 10/11 and Steam, the T7 blends functionality and style with its three colour choices too.

Equipped with GameSir non-contact magnetic Hall Effect technology, the controller's sticks are designed to remain wear-free throughout their lifetime. This advanced technology ensures an impressive lifespan of up to 5 million cycles, effectively preventing stick drift and guaranteeing reliable, durable performance for gaming on Xbox, PC, and Steam. Precision-tuned Hall Effect analogue triggers are also built-in, which offer a consistent, smooth pull. This feature is particularly beneficial for racing games, providing the confidence needed to enjoy a seamless and responsive gaming experience. The precision of these triggers ensures that every input is accurate, enhancing overall gameplay.

Black Myth: Wukong is undoubtedly 2024's best-selling game, so far. Released in August 2024 and gaining 18M sales within two weeks, PC and PS5 users have been enjoying this game since its release, and Xbox gamers have just been sitting at the back seat missing out on all the fun. Now, GameStop has taken advantage of the situation, offering two options to the Series S users.

GameStop posted on X, offering Series S users a trade in price of $272.50 in exchange for their Xbox S, which is not far off from the price of a new Xbox Series S, $289.99. With no release date for the game on Xbox, players on the Series S might be tempted to jump ship. Either the gamers remain patient and wait for the game to come to the console, or they trade in their Series S, and perhaps use credit to purchase a PS5 and enjoy the game that has been making waves in the gaming community recently.