I tried Windows 11’s new handheld gaming mode on the Xbox Ally — will this save gaming on Windows handhelds?

In Windows 11, Microsoft is introducing a new feature called the “home app” which allows users to designate an application as a “launcher” instead of the conventional Windows desktop. This customization can be made within the Gaming section of the Windows Settings. Notably, the Xbox app can be set as your default home screen that appears when you start up the system.

Xbox’s Double Fine is working on “multiple games” in addition to Keeper, says studio head Tim Schafer — but none of them are Brutal Legend 2

In another part of the production, Schafer mentioned that Keeper is a realization of Director Lee Petty’s unique vision. With years of experience under his belt at Double Fine, Petty served as the art director for Brutal Legend and Broken Age, and contributed to the artwork of numerous other projects.

Keeper was initially unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase earlier this year, with an October release date confirmed. The game centers around a sentient lighthouse that journeys through a peculiar world alongside a bird.

Schafer further shared that Petty drew a significant amount of inspiration from going on lengthy hikes during the pandemic, appreciating how nature persisted amidst the challenges facing humanity.

“Petty is an eccentric individual with eclectic preferences, who was influenced by The Dark Crystal, Cronenberg films, and surrealist painters during his upbringing,” Schafer elucidates. “He combined these elements to create something that reflects the tranquility of nature yet maintains a touch of the bizarre, and this essence can be seen in the game.

Helldivers 2 is carrying on this iconic Halo easter egg tradition with its crossover — and I’m in love with the silly spin it’s putting on it

Initially launched only on PS5 and Windows PC in early February 2024, Sony later decided to release the popular live-service game also on Xbox, an announcement made in July. Now, with its release date set for August 26th fast approaching, players can look forward to not just the main game, but also a much-anticipated collaboration between Helldivers 2 and Halo ODST when the Xbox version is released.

Surprise, surprise — A new Prince of Persia game just shadow dropped onto Xbox Game Pass (yes, I already downloaded it)

The New 2D Roguelike Game Set in Persia, titled “The Hidden Prince,” boasts swift action combat and platforming mechanics. Despite being available for over a year via early access, it managed to elude my attention entirely. Now, unexpectedly, the complete game has appeared, silently “Shadow Dropping” onto Xbox, PlayStation, Windows PC, and even Xbox Game Pass.