Microsoft Confirms New Xbox One Hardware, Xbox One S and Project Scorpio On the Way

Microsoft has been dealing with a lot of leaks leading up to E3, but as it turns out, the two biggest seem to have become a reality. Microsoft will be releasing a sleeker version of the Xbox One, called the Xbox One S.

The Xbox One S is pretty much what you’d expect; it’s smaller, lighter, and it comes with a few minor improvements. It’s a smaller, (arguably) cheaper version of current Xbox One consoles. The version of Xbox One S that was shown off at the beginning of Microsoft’s conference will retail for $299 with a release date of August, and, apparently, not include a controller. That kind of defeats the purpose of picking up the new and better version of an existing console, no?

That wasn’t the only new piece of hardware that Microsoft announced, though. As rumored, they were in fact working on an upgrade that would allow for better compatibility with virtual reality and 4K. Even the name Project Scorpio stuck, which is odd given manufacturer’s tendencies to develop consoles under code names.

Likewise, the specifications for Scorpio matched what earlier reports had revealed. During the press conference Microsoft referred to it as “the most powerful console ever”.  It will run at 6 teraflops, and feature a new GPU with increased power and speed.

A number of developers appeared in a clip beforehand talking about Project Scorpio, including Todd Howard, who teased virtual reality support for the console.

While Xbox One S will be available in August, Project Scorpio is shooting for a Holiday 2017 release. Microsoft promises all consoles will be able to run games on equal footing, but only time will tell whether or not they’ll hold to that.

Are you thinking about picking up one of the new Xbox One consoles? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to stay tuned to SGO for more news from E3 2016.

Microsoft Confirms New Xbox One Hardware, Xbox One S and Project Scorpio On the Way

Xbox One Adds SSX To Backward Compatibility List

With Microsoft adding SSX to the Xbox One backward compatibility list today, snowboard fans have a momentary way to wet their thirst for the next great snowboarding game.

SSX added a number of new features to the SSX model, and helped reboot the series for the last generation, adding a little bit more realism to the series after colorful tiles like SSX Tricky focused more on the cartoon-y aspects of the series.

If you didn’t know, an Xbox Live Gold membership is required in order to access the backwards compatible games.

Have you been enjoying the backwards compatibility added to the Xbox One? Let us know in the comments if you plan on giving this one a spin.

Xbox One Adds SSX To Backward Compatibility List

New Rocket League Update Introduces Cross-Network Play

There’s been a lot of talk about Psyonix introducing cross-network play to their indie hit Rocket League, but now the time has finally come, and the feature is actually about to become a reality — if you’re playing on the Xbox One or PC.

Sadly, the PS4 has yet to join in on the cross-network shenanigans, but this is still a major milestone for the game, and for the Xbox One. With the update, Rocket League will become the first Xbox One game to support cross-network play with a PC game on Steam.

If you’re not interested in linking up with players on other platforms, Rocket League conveniently offers the option to disable cross-network play. All you have to do is check a box in the options menu.

The update will be released later today at 3 p.m. Pacific, and 6 p.m. Eastern. Will you be trying it out? Let us know in the comments below.

New Rocket League Update Introduces Cross-Network Play

Forza Motorsport 6 Gets Hot Wheels Pack

Turn 10 Studios released the Hot Wheels car pack today for Forza Motorsport 6. The latest DLC for Forza costs $6.99 and features seven new Hot Wheels specialty cars.

The Hot Wheels logo is also being added to the livery editor. The individual cars can be purchase ala carte.

Here’s the list of cars:

• 2011 Hot Wheels Bone Shaker


• 2005 Ford Hot Wheels Mustang


• 2017 Ford Focus RS


• 2015 McLaren P1 GTR


• 1990 Ferrari #1 Scuderia Ferrari 641


• 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Super Sport


• 2015 BMW X6M

A couple of them are pretty goofy but they all seem like they’d be fun to see on the track.

Forza Motorsport 6 Gets Hot Wheels Pack

Xbox 2016 First Quarter Earnings Report Released Today

Today, Microsoft reported the earnings for the quarter that just ended on March 31.

So, how did the Xbox division do?

Xbox One and 360 sales fell by 26 percent during the quarter. Microsoft attributed the downturn to fewer 360s sold and lower prices on the Xbox One. This past March dropped $50 off the price of the Xbox One. However, that price only lasts through April 30.

On the flipside, Xbox Live revenue went up by 22 percent. The growth was attributed to more Live subscribers and a rise in money spent per transaction and more digital purchases overall.

Microsoft also reported that overall gaming revenue had risen by $64 million, a 4 percent rise over the same period last year.

Xbox 2016 First Quarter Earnings Report Released Today

108 Million Current Gen Consoles To Be Sold By 2019 - Report

A presentation by World of Tanks developer Wargaming’s creative director and executive producer TJ Wagner was recently made public.

There a number of interesting tidbits in the presentation, click above for the whole thing, but one point that stands out is Wagner’s assertion of the number of current gen consoles that will be in consumers’ hands by 2019.

Based on numbers from Superdata, IDG Consulting, and IHS, Wagner says that there will be nearly 108 million combined PlayStation 4 and Xbox One systems in the market. Sony will have the lions share of the market with 69 million sold. Microsoft is well-behind Sony at 39 million.

Another slide in the presentation claims that there about 36 million PS4s currently in the market. Xbox One is estimated to have sold about 19 million.

These numbers aren’t official, but they appear to be close. Sony reported in January that nearly 36 million consoles had been sold worldwide. Microsoft doesn’t share Xbox One numbers, but it was reported last year that there were 18 million active Xbox Ones in the market.

Last year, Xbox head, Phil Spencer, said that Sony’s lead was so large that he didn’t think the Xbox One could ever fill the gap. Spencer did go on to say, “We’re not motivated by beating Sony, we’re motivated by gaining as many customers as we can.”

108 Million Current Gen Consoles To Be Sold By 2019 - Report

Rocket League to Get Cross-Network Play

Microsoft announced this week that Xbox One and certain Windows 10 games would be getting cross-network play this coming spring.

The company didn’t name any specific games, but we now know that Rocket League will be one of the first games to support cross-network play on the Xbox One and PC.

In a blog post, Psyonix spokesman Jeremy Dunham stated that cross-network play has been the number one most requested feature by the Rocket League community.

Dunham even hinted that cross-network might be possible on PS4 down the line.

Unfortunately, a hard date hasn’t been set by either Microsoft or Psyonix. For now, we know that the feature will be available at some point this spring.

Rocket League to Get Cross-Network Play

Lamborghini Centenario Lands Spot as Forza Motorsport Cover Car

Lamborghini and Turn 10 Studios have partnered up with plans to feature the new Lamborghini Centenario as the cover car for the next iteration of Forza Motorsport.

The Centenario will be available to Xbox One users via a program called “First in Forza”, which means they’ll be virtually driving the super car before it hits real pavement.

Lamborghini’s latest super sports car will feature a V12 naturally aspirated engine that is supposed to produce 770 horsepower and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, or 0 to 300 km/h in 23.5 seconds, with a top speed of more than 350 km/h.

The studio didn’t release many details, hinting that much more would be revealed during this year’s E3 at the Xbox briefing.

In a press release, head of Xbox Phil Spencer stated:

“We’re excited to continue our long history of working with Lamborghini and to be part of their 100-year anniversary by celebrating the Centenario as the featured cover car of the next Forza game. It’s an honor to announce our partnership at one of the world’s biggest automotive shows, and we look forward to unveiling the game at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo.”

For Forza Motorsport 6, Turn 10 Studios is introducing the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series, starting today.

The Trofeo series will have racers compete in “Rivals” time trial events as well as ranked multiplayer leagues using the 2014 Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo.

Leaderboard and division performance in Rivals can earn players a 2015 Huracan Super Trofeo. They will also be invited to participate in the second season.

Lamborghini Centenario Lands Spot as Forza Motorsport Cover Car

Forza Motorsport 6: Apex Free For Windows 10 Users

This spring Turn 10 Studios will be releasing Forza Motorsport 6: Apex for PC users. Players who have Windows 10 are eligible to get the slimmed down version of Forza Motorsports 6 for free.

There’s no official date for release though, just the vague “this spring”.

Apex is designed for gamers that are new to the Forza franchise, and delivers a “curated experience.”

The career mode will be anchored by a new 12-event “Showcase Tour” that introduces players to various cars and automative matchups. Showcase Tour will include vidoes narrated by James May and Richard Hammond.

Another new mode is the new “Spotlight Series, which features Showcase-style events that are supposed to be updated on a regular basis.

Despite being a toned down version, Apex will feature the Drivatar and 63 Forzavista-enabled cars.

The full roster isn’t available yet, but we do know that Apex will have cars like the 2017 Ford GT, 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans AM SD-455, and the 2014 Audi #2 Audi Team Joest R18 e-tron quattro.

There will be 20 track configurations across six locations; Brands Hatch, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Rio de Janeiro, Sebring International Raceway, Top Gear, and Yas Marina. The tracks will have night and wet-weather variants.

Forza Motorsport 6: Apex Free For Windows 10 Users

This Christmas, GameStop is Offering All Three Consoles in One Bundle

If you’re still playing your last-generation console and you’re looking for an upgrade, you no longer have to pick a side thanks to a bundle that GameStop is offering this Christmas. The bundle, which is available online exclusively, offers a refurbished PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Wii U for one low price of $569.98. Not bad if you consider that these consoles would typically run you closer to $900 if you were to buy them separately!

Here are the consoles you’ll get with this bundle:

Xbox One

• Xbox One 500GB Console


• Xbox One Wireless Controller


• HDMI Cable


• Power Supply

PlayStation 4

• PlayStation 4 500GB Console


• DualShock 4 Wireless Controller


• HDMI Cable


• Power Cord

Wii U

• Wii U Console Black 32GB


• GamePad


• GamePad AC Adapter


• Sensor Bar


• HDMI Cable


• Power Cord

Not a bad deal if you don’t mind buying refurbished. The only downside is that they don’t come bundled with any games, but with the savings on this bundle that shouldn’t be too much of a problem. If you or someone you know is in need of an upgrade this Christmas and wants to experience all 3 consoles, this is a great deal. Will you be picking it up?

This Christmas, GameStop is Offering All Three Consoles in One Bundle

NPD Sales Results for November 2015: Black Ops III Tops Fallout 4

In the latest NPD Sales Call of Duty: Black Ops III topped the software sales charts and impressively was higher than Advanced Warfare making the title it’s highest selling game since 2013. Led by the Sony PS4 taking the sales lead overall retail sales were up 2% year over year. Retail hardware sales were up 11% year over year. Retail software sales were down 7% year over year. Madden NFL 16 and NBA 2K16 held strong at #4 and #5 on the software sales charts.

Software:

1.) Call of Duty: Black Ops III – (Xbox One, PS4, 360, PS3, PC | Activision Blizzard)

2.) Fallout 4 (PS4, Xbox One, PC | Bethesda Softworks)

3.) Star Wars: Battlefront (PS4, Xbox One, PC | Electronic Arts)

4.) Madden NFL 16 (PS4, Xbox One, 360, PS3 | Electronic Arts)

5.) NBA 2K16 (PS4, Xbox One, 360, PS3 | Take-Two)

6.) FIFA 16 (PS4, Xbox One, 360, PS3 | Electronic Arts)

7.) Need For Speed (PS4, Xbox One | Electronic Arts)

8.) Halo 5: Guardians (Xbox One | Microsoft)

9.) Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate (PS4, Xbox One, PC | Ubisoft)

10.) Just Dance 2016 (Wii, Wii U, 360, Xbox One, PS4, PS3 | Ubisoft)

Software Notes

• “November 2015 was the best month for Xbox One, PS4, and Wii U software ever, exceeding the second-best month December 2014, by 34 percent,” said Callahan.


• “Call of Duty: Black Ops III was the top title in November 2015 with sales exceeding that of its predecessor, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare,” said Callahan.


• “Fallout 4 performed extremely well. Adjusting for days within the data month, this was the best Fallout launch in the history of the franchise having sold over 70 percent more units than Fallout: New Vegas and 9 percent more units than Fallout 3. In fact, Fallout 4’s launch is more comparable to Bethesda Softworks’ other successful launch of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.”


• “EA’s Star Wars: Battlefront had the best first month sales for any Star Wars game, exceeding Star Wars: Force Unleashed by 21 percent,” said Callahan.


• November was the biggest month ever for the PlayStation Store, and this year’s Black Friday was the best Black Friday in PlayStation history.


• Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is the best selling game since 2013

 

NPD Sales Results for November 2015: Black Ops III Tops Fallout 4