iBUYPOWER's RDY Trace X R01 is a great example of how great a pre-built PC can be, even with its flaws. There's no AAA game that it wouldn't be able to handle.

A new study from Counterpoint Research explains why PC market growth in Q1 2026 is not indicative of how the rest of the year will go. Here's my breakdown of the situation.

The Xbox Ally's 512GB is very limiting for storing most Xbox games. However, you can double its storage size without breaking bank by investing in the Sandisk Extreme 512GB microSD card, now on sale for a 41% discount.

Recently, a relatively new YouTuber by the handle of Dr.Semiconductor was tired of RAM getting ludicrously price-hiked by AI and other factors. So he began an ambitious science project to see if he could create RAM from scratch by himself.

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 13-inch and Apple's MacBook Neo have a lot in common, and normally it would be hard to decide. But with Surface prices going up, it's become much harder to recommend the Windows device. Here's my full comparison.

New job listings at Avalanche Studios suggest that it might be returning to the Just Cause franchise with an open-world "unannounced AAA project."

Windows 11 is adding new update controls, including skipping updates during setup, longer pause options, clearer restart choices, and fewer monthly reboots.

Microsoft has started moving Windows Insiders into the new Experimental Channel and the updated Beta Channel as part of a broader reboot of the program. The first Experimental Preview build is now available.

During the FFXIV Fanfest 2026 keynote in Anaheim, director Yoshi-P announced that the game's next expansion is called Evercold, and its release date, too.

New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma says she's reconsidering Microsoft's position on exclusive games, though won't rush because "I want to make the right decision."

WSL9X runs a modern Linux kernel inside Windows 95, 98, and ME without virtualization, letting classic Windows systems run Linux tools next to native apps.

From Ninja Cat to named owners — I learned how Microsoft is rebooting the Insider program to restore trust, but will it work?

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma just crossed sixty days in the job, and has tackled some big issues facing the platform already. But there's potentially much harder stuff on the horizon.

Microsoft has announced a collection of games that can be played for free temporarily from April 23 to April 26, 2026. These games are MLB The Show 26, Age of Mythology: Retold, Anno 117: Pax Romana, and The Survivalists.

Copilot Keyboard launches in Japan with AI‑powered text suggestions, Copilot Search, and the surprise return of Kyle the dolphin from Microsoft Office 97.

World of Warcraft is the most popular subscription based MMORPG in history owing to the absolute mountain of content it receieves in exchange for the monthly fee. Lately, though, it feels increasingly like Blizzard has spread itself thin.

Couldn't catch the ID@Xbox and IGN April 2026 Showcase live? No worries — we've got a full overview of everything announced right here.

Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred will launch in the US a day early to accomodate a worldwide simultaneous launch, and we're getting an Overwatch event to boot.

In a new memo penned by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and its CCO Matt Booty, Microsoft details its vision and plans for the future of the Xbox brand

The Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed is a PC gaming headset that won our hearts for its premium-grade sound and wireless performance, and it's pricey has taken a massive 46% discount

During Microsoft's recent ID@Xbox Showcase 2026, a new trailer for Echo Generation 2 appeared, revealing more gameplay, insane bosses, and its release date.

Microsoft is scrapping its corporate "Microsoft Gaming" brand to refocus on its core identity: the "Return of Xbox."

Ahead of an official announcement, the code for Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming suggests that a new "Starter Edition" may be imminent for reveal.

Ubisoft has revealed the Assassin's Creed Black Flag remaster — Black Flag Resynced — in full, detailing its new features and pushing preorders live.

Korn just dropped their first song since 2022, Reward the Scars, which is inspired by Diablo 4's Lord of Hatred.

Call of Duty's latest mid-season update is upon us, and alongside the new maps in Multiplayer and Zombies, new modes in Warzone, and new missions in Endgame, is a collaboration with RoboCop.

Files 4.0.39 adds a customizable toolbar that makes Windows 11’s File Explorer feel outdated. Here’s why Microsoft should copy the feature and what the update includes.

Forza Horizon 5 hits 5M sales on PS5, proving multiplayer Xbox hits thrive when they go multi-platform.

Microsoft Rewards adds a 2x birthday point bonus, but there's a process to follow to claim it.

Crimson Desert’s patch 1.04 introduces difficulty settings, expanded storage and housing systems, new content, combat adjustments, and visual improvements in one of its largest updates yet.

Microsoft explored buying Cursor before SpaceX secured a deal that gives it the rights to acquire the AI startup for $60 billion or pursue a $10 billion partnership.

The already affordable GameSir G7 SE Wired controller for Xbox just got even more inexpensive with this 15%, giving folks a chance to enjoy its rich features and responsive controls for dirt cheap.

Microsoft is removing Call of Duty from Game Pass at the absolute worst time with GTA 6 looming large, but it also shows the company still doesn't know what to do with its biggest gaming franchise.

The ChatGPT maker indicated that its new partnership with Amazon will help enhance its enterprise market share while highlighting key constraints in its Microsoft tie-up.

Halo Archive has restored over 1.9 billion Halo 3 matches and hundreds of millions of Halo 2 records, bringing Bungie era stats back online through a dedicated community effort.

Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam have gradually stepped back from building and maintaining their own social features, leaving Discord to become the default platform for player communication.

Manage a bookshop or break out as a hit content creator in these newly released games brought to you by ID@Xbox.

I recently alluded to this idea that World of Warcraft is losing control of its quality ... well, control. And this concept really came to ahead this week with Midnight's 12.0.5 patch, which introduced a mountain of new bugs.

Following Xbox's Game Pass price cut and the loss of Call of Duty on day one, it's said more games in the series are coming to the service this year.

A new report claims Halo’s planned battle royale mode, Tatanka, was scrapped after failing to meet expectations, later evolving into an extraction shooter that may now be part of the next mainline Halo title.

Poncle, the developer behind the acclaimed Xbox Game Pass hit Vampire Survivors, is working on 15 projects and expanding with two new studios.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has hinted at a renewed partnership with Discord, potentially tied to increased flexibility in Game Pass. While details remain unclear, the move follows recent pricing changes and ongoing speculation around new subscription tiers and features.

A new developer interview reveals how Double Fine shaped Kiln’s gameplay, detailing its origins, long development cycle, and the design decisions behind its unique collision system.

The Geekom A6 Mini-PC is a premium-grade portable PC with strong performance rates for workflow tasks, a stylish yet durable build, tons of power for creative applications, and plenty more features that are now on sale for a 15% discount.

Several retailers are hosting big-time deals for the Geekom A7 MAX Mini-PC, a decently reviewed desktop on Amazon that's equipped with high-performing hardware for productivity efficiency and mid-level gaming on the side.

Dmitry Glukhovsky, author of the Metro franchise, has confirmed that Metro 2039's protagonist main character, The Stranger, is fully voiced.

Microsoft will retire Clipchamp for iOS on June 9, 2026, leaving the video editor without any mobile app.

Copilot Checkout now works in the Copilot mobile app, and Microsoft has deepened catalog data from over half a million merchants to improve AI‑powered shopping.

Maingear has revealed a refreshed MG-1 Mk. II custom gaming PC that builds on what made the original model so great. It's more powerful, it runs cooler, and its cables are hidden. Here's how it works.

The latest Windows 11 preview build mentions a fix for File Explorer that should stop it from flash banging you in dark mode. I feel like we've seen this before...

Microsoft is rolling out a built‑in Speedtest tool for Windows 11 through a new partnership with Ookla. But a press image shared by Ookla appears to show a macOS-style window inside a Windows 11 taskbar.

Xbox has removed Social Clubs, prompting questions about the future of its social features. I'm exploring what could be next, and whether Xbox is moving away from its social roots.

Previously announced for launch in July 2024, the ill-fated Xbox Mobile Store seems to be dead, with all test URLs relating to it now hitting a 404 error.

The KYY Portable Monitor is a pretty popular display on Amazon that's loved for its above-average performance rates and FHD resolutions, and it's now back on sale with a 34% discount.

Microsoft recently indicated that its Microsoft Defender antivirus is enough for Windows 11 users, dismissing the need to install additional software for that extra layer of protection.

Microsoft could be forced to reimburse $2.8 billion to 60,000 UK-based businesses for overcharging customers for its Windows Server software on competing cloud platforms at higher rates than its own Azure service.

Kiki Wolfkill spent almost three decades leading various initiatives across the Xbox platform, from art leadership, to transmedia initiatives, and video game production.

Due to Microsoft's new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price drop, Call of Duty games won't come to it day one anymore — something that may benefit the series.

Microsoft recently opened up a new Xbox brand senior manager position, and a comment from ex-director Major Nelson has many wondering if he's going for it.

One of the big frustrations in Windows 11 is the Taskbar, be it how it looks or the fact you can't move it. But this free, lightweight app is a simple way to do that while also giving it a nostalgic look.

Xbox has officially revealed the Forza Horizon 6 Limited Edition controller and wireless headset, now available for pre-order ahead of the game’s launch on May 19

A Surface fan designed a 3D‑printed dock that improves lapability and pairs the Surface Pro with Lenovo’s TrackPoint keyboard.

A 10% discount has been spotted for the GameSir Kaleid, making this budget-friendly Xbox controller with Hall Effect sticks/joysticks, RGB lighting, and tight ergonomics more valuable than ever.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 11 is our go-to laptop for everyday tasks, creative artistry, and casual browsing, and its Snapdragon X Elite CPU and 13" OLED screen configuration is now 36% cheaper to help folks skip out on the recently announced price hikes.

Microsoft is moving the Raise Hand and Leave buttons in Teams meetings to reduce accidental clicks. The update, scheduled for June 2026, also adds a customizable meeting toolbar with pin, unpin, and reorder options.

Microsoft is expanding its Rewards program with a new feature that will allow Xbox users to spend points directly on console.

Xbox is hiring a senior brand and reputation lead, suggesting a renewed focus on messaging, consistency, and how the platform presents itself across media, partners, and its community.

Podcast: Daniel and Zac discuss the leaks around Microsoft's upcoming wave of Surface hardware.

OpenAI’s Codex gets a memory upgrade, improving developer workflows by boosting effectiveness and efficiency.

While OEM devices are not ruled out, the company remains committed to building and selling its own hardware, offering clearer direction amid ongoing speculation.

A proposed US law could force operating systems to verify your age and share it with apps, sparking a heated debate over privacy and safety.

During the Steam Medieval Fest, buying Kingdom Come: Deliverance will contribute $1 towards the preservation of its iconic Pirkštejn Castle in real life.

The Xbox Ally is currently one of the most affordable ways to play Xbox PC games on the go, with an above-average display and additional gameplay-enhancing features, all for 20% off.

Starfield was the best-selling game in the US during the same week that the Xbox RPG came to PS5 and got some sizable content updates from Bethesda.

If there's one thing I think Xbox should change under new CEO Asha Sharma — it's in how Xbox presents itself to the public. Xbox needs to stop hiding.

The 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller for Xbox is a relatively new gamepad armed with Hall Effect Sensors, 1000Hz polling on PC, and a generous price considering the premium-level tech it features, and it's on sale for 37% off.

Lenovo’s ThinkPad T14 Gen 7 earned a perfect 10/10 repairability score from iFixit, exposing how far Microsoft’s Surface Laptop lineup still trails behind.

The ID@Xbox and IGN April 2026 Showcase has been announced, and will bring Xbox and PC gamers a closer look at new indie games on the way later this week.

The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro and its wired-only Tournament Edition are having a 25% discount to help Xbox and PC players achieve smoother gameplay inputs and comfort for cheaper prices.

Some Windows 11 PCs hit BitLocker recovery after the April 2026 update. Here's what's causing it and how to fix this problem before or after installing the system update.

ExplorerPatcher has now been downloaded more than 42 million times as of a couple of weeks ago, so I thought I'd see how it can transform my Windows 11 PC. Here's why it's not mainstream despite being quite useful.

Vampire Crawlers, Final Fantasy V, Aphelion, KILN, and more games are coming to Xbox Game Pass during the second half of April 2026.

The United Kingdom has acquired a special, one-day-only 20% discount for the 2TB Seagate Expansion Card, an invaluable upgrade component that will fix your Xbox Series X|S's limited storage problem.

Surface prices are going up while the hardware lineup gets simpler and less ambitious. Here is why Microsoft’s premium strategy feels out of step.

Poncle has done it again. Vampire Crawlers is a quirky, tactical evolution of the Survivors formula. A must-play on Xbox Game Pass.

Former PlayStation CEO Shawn Layden questions Xbox’s Game Pass strategy, calling its outlook grim, as new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma responds publicly and signals openness to discussion.

A security researcher's TotalRecall Reloaded tool finds a way to sidestep Windows 11's security features for Windows Recall, granting it access to sensitive data even without Windows Hello authentication.

Support for AI agents on the Taskbar and Search Box are coming to Windows 11 next month, Microsoft has confirmed.

A new Microsoft Edge promotion highlights a sweepstakes with a staggering $2 million prize pool, including a $1 million cash grand prize, three Mercedes-Benz cars, and thousands of instant-win prizes.

It wasn't just about money. Turtle WoW and other "Classic+" servers were trying to deliver an MMORPG fantasy that is lost in modern World of Warcraft.

Windows 11 isn't perfect out of the box. These 14 default settings can slow your computer, reduce privacy, and add clutter. Here's how to fix them.

ASUS and Qualcomm created a stellar Windows laptop in the Zenbook A16, but can it handle any PC gaming? I tested a few favorites to find out.

With modern hardware costs exploding and modern games leaving a lot to be desired, many PC gamers are returning to retro games. The barrier to entry is quite low, and I'm here to help you get started with a retro gaming PC of your own.

Giant Squid has confirmed it is beginning to explore port options for Sword of the Sea, raising the possibility of a future Xbox release for the critically acclaimed indie title.

The HP Omnibook X Flip 14" laptop is a well-made laptop that's a safe bet for work with dependable performance rates, a durable build, long-lasting batteries, and multiple configurations to suit your needs, which are now on sale.

Zorin OS 18.1 surpasses 3.3M downloads, offering smart native alternatives to Windows apps and posing a real threat to Microsoft’s market share.