Coming to Game Pass: Gears of War: Reloaded, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Void/Breaker, and More

Coming to Game Pass: Gears of War: Reloaded, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Void/Breaker, and More

Game Pass Update for August 19 Hero Image

Hope to see you in chat for Opening Night Live tonight, and don’t forget to tune into the two days of Xbox Broadcast at gamescom starting tomorrow – we’ll have updates for you on all sorts of games including announcements, gameplay, interviews, and more (full details here on Xbox Wire)! Let’s kick off this round of announcements with the games coming soon.

Available Today

Blacksmith Master (Game Preview) (PC)
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Manage your own medieval smithy in Blacksmith Master and supervise the entire process from mining ores and gems to designing and selling finished products. Forge everything from weapons and armor to tools and cooking utensils to fund your craft and become the Blacksmith Master.

Void/Breaker (PC)
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Trapped in endless loops by a ruthless AI, you’re forced to fight, die, and repeat in this adrenaline-fueled roguelite FPS. Master lightning-fast gunplay, agile movement, and a revolutionary weapon modding system. Create devastating synergies, harnessing environmental destruction.

Coming Soon

Goat Simulator Remastered (Xbox Series X|S) – August 20
Now with Game Pass Standard

Lick, flip, and headbutt your way across a chaotic sandbox world where you make the rules. Enjoy wacky physics, upgraded graphics, and DLC classics in one neat package. It’s time to grab life by the horns and set out on an adventure!

Persona 4 Golden (Cloud, Console, and PC) – August 20
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

Experience a coming-of-age story that sets the protagonist and his friends on a journey kickstarted by a chain of serial murders. The world-renowned Persona 4 Golden promises unforgettable adventures, meaningful bonds, and heartwarming experiences shared together with friends.

Herdling  (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – August 21
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with Game Pass! Head out on a grand alpine expedition with a herd of loveable beasts, as you ascend a mountain path, encounter eerie dangers and surprising obstacles, and forge your way to the mystery at the summit.

Gears of War: Reloaded (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – August 26
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with Game Pass! Powered by Unreal Engine, Gears of War: Reloaded is a remaster of the blockbuster first Gears of War, now fully optimized for the latest generation of gaming platforms. Gears of War: Reloaded delivers all post-launch content for the original title, including a bonus campaign act, multiplayer maps, plus characters and cosmetics.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – August 28
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is coming soon to The Play List. Unite the Veilguard and defy the gods in an immersive single-player RPG. Members can save a battered world with Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and EA Play.

In Case You Missed It

Heretic + Hexen (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Available now
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Step into the definitive re-release of two dark spell-casting shooters that shaped the genre. This enhanced restoration makes Heretic + Hexen available to new audiences and long-time fans with expanded accessibility across more platforms and languages than ever before.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

Delta Force: Immortal Supplies Bundle – Available Now
Get a head start with the Immortal Supplies bundle and dominate the battlefield in style! This Perk content requires Delta Force to use.

Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis: August Member Monthly Bonus – Available Now
Game Pass Ultimate members receive a monthly bonus of useful in-game items exclusively for Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis. Get 3 N-Half Scape Dolls, 3 N-Rare Drop Rate +100% and 6 N-EXP Earned +75%. This Perk content requires Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis to use.

Leaving August 31

The following games will be leaving the Game Pass library soon, so don’t forget to jump back in before they go! Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% off your purchase to keep them in your library!

  • Ben 10 Power Trip (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Borderlands 3 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Paw Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Sea of Stars (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • This War of Mine: Final Cut (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Don’t forget that we’re continuing to add more games over time to the stream your own game collection for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members. Keep and eye on Xbox.com/Play for the current list of available cloud playable games to stream on supported devices if you own them.

We’ll have more news as the week goes on at Gamescom, so stay tuned here and on social at Xbox, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass as the announcements come. Talk soon!

The post Coming to Game Pass: Gears of War: Reloaded, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Void/Breaker, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Helldivers 2 x Halo: ODST Legendary Warbond arrives August 26

The Galactic war rages on… Countless Helldivers have laid down their lives to protect Managed Democracy. The call was put out for more recruits, and it’s been answered.

Introducing the Legendary Warbond*, Helldivers 2 x Halo: ODST.

Helldivers 2 x Halo: ODST Legendary Warbond arrives August 26

Enter The Obedient Democracy Support Troopers (ODST), AKA The Helljumpers! This new equipment set from the Ministry of Defense will give your Helldivers the look of the fabled unit every Super Earth citizen had on their school lunch box as kids. Jam-packed with iconic weaponry, armor, patterns and more.

Are you ready to jump in?

Firepower

MA5C Assault Rifle

An iconic rifle; the definition of reliable and having taken down countless aliens bent on wiping out humanity, it is time to turn its sights on enemies of MANAGED DEMOCRACY. It comes equipped with the convenient ammo counter and a built-in compass – let it guide you to victory.

M6C/SOCOM Pistol

They say keep your friends close and your sidearm closer. Well, we say that. The standard-issue ODST sidearm is your silent ally in the field -equipped with a built-in laser sight, flashlight, and, for the first time in Helldivers 2, a suppressor to support stealth gameplay. Because sometimes the best way to enforce PEACE is quietly…

M90A Shotgun

This powerful shotgun carries a kick and has a handy flashlight mounted on it so you can see the fear in your enemies’ eyes before you teach them a valuable lesson about LIBERTY.

​​

M7S SMG

Silent and deadly, this SMG is the model ODST’s primary weapon. With caseless ammo and a non-removable suppressor; this weapon is ready to spread FREEDOM to every corner of the galaxy.

Armor

A-9 Helljumper Armor Set

Step into the armored boots of a legendary Lance Corporal who served the ODST with immense bravery and courage under fire. Passive boost – Feet First.

A-35 Recon Armor Set

Sleeker and stealthier than the A-9 Armor, this set is made to move and groove, with a helmet modeled after an iconic intelligence officer’s headgear. Passive boost – Feet First.

Feet First passive

  • Make less noise from movement
  • Range when finding points of interest increased by 30%
  • Immune to leg injuries

Capes

Honored Heirloom

This cape, emblazoned with the ODST logo, is passed down to a Jumper’s bravest child in the event of their untimely demise.

Eye of the Clandestine

Some soldiers fight on the front line, and some from the shadows. Wrap yourself in secrecy with this sleek, subtle cape, and slip away from the light.

You can also honor the Helljumpers with ODST-themed player cards, a new player title, and the Mean Green vehicle pattern for your hellpod, shuttle, exosuit, and FRV.

Helldivers 2 x Halo: ODST lands August 26 at 5am PT / 1pm BST

The Legendary Warbond marks a brand-new tier in the Warbond lineup, and we’ve gone all-in to make sure it lives up to the name. This one’s a tribute to a long-requested crossover, packed with details that fans will love to discover.

The Helldivers 2 x Halo: ODST Legendary Warbond lands in the Acquisitions Center for 1500 Super Credits – a step up from previous Warbond tiers, and packed with gear worthy of the legend.

A quick heads-up: Legendary Warbonds aren’t compatible with the new Premium Warbond Token launching August 26. So if you’re planning to deploy with ODST gear, make sure your Super Credits are locked and loaded.

This is the moment we’ve been waiting for. Squad up, drop in, and let’s crush every enemy of Freedom and Managed Democracy TOGETHER. Move out!

*Requires base game, paid purchase of Super Credits, and game progression to unlock.

Gulikit Launches New Budget Controllers With Switch 2 Wake-Up Support

There’s just one thing bugging us…

Accessory manufacturer Gulikit has launched a new range of budget controllers with Switch 2 wake-up support.

The ES and ES PRO Wireless Controllers are out now and priced at £24.99 / $24.99 and £29.99 / $29.99 respectively (exchange rates working wonders there, we see). Aesthetically, both models are pretty similar and seem to be based on the overall design of the Xbox controller, with off-set concave analogue sticks, a faceted d-pad, and an almost identical shape.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Nightdive Studios And Limited Run Revive System Shock 2 With A ‘Big Box Edition’

Play like it’s 1999.

Nightdive has called on physical distributor Limited Run Games to help out with its latest hard copy release. This time it’s for System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster and apart from the standard physical version, there’ll also be a classic “Big Box Edition” on offer.

This will be available for Switch, PlayStation 5 and PC and is priced at $69.99 (or your regional equivalent), with pre-orders opening on 22nd August 2025 and closing on 21st September 2025. This package comes with the game, a booklet (for console only), soundtrack, keychain and a double-sided poster. Here’s a look:

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Critically Acclaimed Text-Based RPG ‘Roadwarden’ Comes To Switch Next Week

Illustrative text-based-bangers ahoy!

If you’re already all clued up and in the know about Moral Anxiety Studio’s Roadwarden, you’ll already be in the know about how it was one of the most critically acclaimed games of 2022. And now it could be repeating success on Switch as it comes to the console on 25th August 2025.

Preorders for this one are now available on the Nintendo eShop, and it’d be remiss of us not to point out that there’s a 20% launch discount at the moment, which brings the price down to a very nice £7.91 / $8.79 until 15th September. Yessir.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Random: The Pokémon Company Is Putting This Pronunciation Debate To Bed

This is the Ray.

We Pokémon fans are no strangers to a mispronunciation or two, and at the recent World Championships, The Pokémon Company was on a mission to put one legendary debate to bed (thanks for the heads up, IGN).

If the above image wasn’t enough of a giveaway, we’re talking about Rayquaza, the Gen III legendary dragon. As it turns out, there are a few different ways that folks have been pronouncing this one, with the big split being between ‘Ray-KWAY-zuh’ and ‘Ray-KWAH-zuh’. At least, that was the big divide, because TPC laid out the official pronunciation at this week’s competition — it’s Ray-KWAY-zuh.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Five Tips to Help You Get Started with Black Myth: Wukong on Xbox Series X|S

Five Tips to Help You Get Started with Black Myth: Wukong on Xbox Series X|S

Black Myth: Wukong Key Art

This week Xbox players can take up their staffs and assume the role of the Destined One as Black Myth: Wukong launches for Xbox Series X|S on August 20! Inspired by the classic Chinese literary novel, “Journey to the West,” Wukong tells the story of the Destined One as they travel across various mythical lands, seeking to understand an ancient mystery while dispatching many challenging foes along the way.

Wukong unravels this tale by pulling from multiple genres, namely Soulslikes, but also RPGs and boss rush types to deliver an engaging, high-quality, and challenging experience. And like all good Soulslikes, Wukong follows many of the genre’s staples like resurrection at Shrines, respawning enemies, and… oh yeah… it can make you want to throw your controller through the screen at times.

So far I’ve had a chance to play about five hours of Wukong, recently wrapping up the first Chapter of the game. To help get your monkey paws ready for this wonderous and engaging world, I’ve put together five tips to help get you situated in this mythical land.

Focus on a Balanced Character Build at First

Just one look at the ability tree can be quite daunting. For Chapter 1, it’s best to focus on leveling up your base stats before you really start to experiment with a variety of advanced skills. The Foundation section is full of some of the key areas you want to invest in early on, like Stamina (Simian Agility to improve dodge), Martial Arts (grab Mobile Spin to help deflect projectiles), and Survival (putting at least three points each into Health and Stamina). After that, put Sparks into upgrading Smash Stance, your heavy attack. You can learn a few other stances, like Thrust and Pillar, but Smash was so dang effective I never went back to the others.

Stay on the Move

One of the first things I had to get my head around was that The Destined One has no block or parry abilities – pretty wild for a Soulslike to throw us out there like that. That means you need to lean into his agility abilities like dodging and sprinting. And while there are no well-timed parries you need to try and perfect, you can be rewarded with a well-timed Perfect Dodge which refills a portion of your Focus Points (used to charge up heavy attacks). As I mentioned above, as long as you’re investing Sparks into your Foundational stats, like putting points into your Stamina tree (Simian Agility, Endurance, Deft Evasion, and Everlasting Vigor), you’ll greatly increase your chances of survival here in the early phase of the game.

Search Out the Yaoguai Chiefs

Despite what your linear in-game map might imply, there are many hidden side paths for you to uncover — some of which may lead you to a Yaogui Chief, mini-bosses who you can absorb their power from once defeated. This can become super useful when you start to square off against the Yaogui Kings — being able to temporarily summon a Chief’s spirit to help unleash powerful attacks could help you turn the tide of battle. Two of my favorites were Guangzhi with his flaming dash attack, and Baw-Li-Guhh-Lang’s giant frog tongue that slaps groups enemies around a bit.

Take Some Time and Meditate

Like the Chiefs, it’s worth seeking out Meditation Spots that are just slightly off the beaten path. Not only do they play a nice cinematic that lets you appreciate how good this game looks, but it will reward you with a Spark which you can feed into your character build. There are three to find in Chapter 1: the Forest of Wolves, the Bamboo Grove, and the Black Wind Cave.

Ring the Three Bells

As you venture across the opening zone of Black Wild Mountain, you may have stumbled across a giant bell and taken the opportunity to ring one or two of them. Well, we recommend venturing out and finding all three as it unlocks a special, hidden area that once completed will award you with a Legendary Vessel, the Fireproof Mantle, which grants burn immunity (this will come in handy for the Chapter 1 boss encounter). You can find the three bells in the northeastern part of the map, the southeastern corner, and the southern area (follow the river to find this one hiding in the mist).

I hope these tips help set you up for success in the early going as you embark on your epic journey through Black Myth: Wukong, available August 20 for Xbox Series X|S.


Black Myth: Wukong Digital Deluxe Edition Pre-Order

Game Science

$69.99

Pre-order to receive the Trailblazer’s Scarlet Gourd.

※ This item can also be obtained through progressing in the game.
※ Pre-order either the Standard Edition or the Digital Deluxe Edition of Black Myth: Wukong to directly claim it at the Keeper’s Shrine (Respawn Point) during the early stages of the game.

The Black Myth: Wukong Digital Deluxe Edition includes:
– Black Myth: Wukong Full Game
– Weapon: Bronzecloud Staff
– Equipment: Folk Opera Mask, Folk Opera Almsgiving Armor, Folk Opera Leather Bracers, and Folk Opera Buskins
– Curio: Wind Chimes
– Selected Digital Soundtrack

※ The included weapon, equipment, and curio can be claimed from the Trailblazer’s Gift menu at the Keeper’s Shrine (Respawn Point) during the early stages of the game.
※ By activating “Music Library” on the game’s Title Screen, or downloading “Black Myth: Wukong Soundtrack Selection” through the platform, you can enjoy a curated list of tracks from the game. We highly recommend that you first experience these pieces as you journey through the game as the Destined One, then return here to relive them to your heart’s content.

Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology. The story is based on Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. You shall set out as the Destined One to venture into the challenges and marvels ahead, to uncover the obscured truth beneath the veil of a glorious legend from the past.

• Explore a Land of Vast Wonders
“A world unseen, where wonders gleam,
And with each stride, a new scene streams.”
Enter a fascinating realm filled with the wonders and discoveries of ancient Chinese mythology!
As the Destined One, you shall traverse an array of breathtaking and distinctive landscapes from the classic tale, composing an epic of adventure that is seen anew.

• Confront Mighty Foes, Old and New
“Heroic Monkey, might and fame,
Adversaries rise, to test his name.”
One of the major highlights of Journey to the West is its diverse cast of adversaries, each with their unique strengths.
As the Destined One, you will encounter powerful foes and worthy rivals throughout your journey. Fearlessly engage them in epic battles where surrender is not an option.

• Temper Your Mastery of Varied Spells
“Spells unbound, talents in play,
Unleashed abilities seize the day.”
Spells, transformations, and magic vessels of all manifestations, in which some counteract while others amplify, have long been iconic combat elements of Chinese mythology.
As the Destined One, aside from mastering various staff techniques, you can also freely combine different spells, abilities, weapons, and equipment to find a winning strategy that best suits your combat style.

• Discover Heartfelt Tales Behind Every Facade
“Within all souls, both wild and tame,
There thrives a tale of life’s fierce flame.”
Beneath the ferocity and craftiness of your foes lies an engaging tapestry of their origins, personalities, and motivations waiting to be revealed.
As the Destined One, you will uncover the stories behind a variety of characters, delving beyond your battles with them to taste the love, hate, greed, and fury they once held and still carry within.


Black Myth: Wukong

Game Science

Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology. The story is based on Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. You shall set out as the Destined One to venture into the challenges and marvels ahead, to uncover the obscured truth beneath the veil of a glorious legend from the past.

• Explore a Land of Vast Wonders
“A world unseen, where wonders gleam,
And with each stride, a new scene streams.”
Enter a fascinating realm filled with the wonders and discoveries of ancient Chinese mythology!
As the Destined One, you shall traverse an array of breathtaking and distinctive landscapes from the classic tale, composing an epic of adventure that is seen anew.

• Confront Mighty Foes, Old and New
“Heroic Monkey, might and fame,
Adversaries rise, to test his name.”
One of the major highlights of Journey to the West is its diverse cast of adversaries, each with their unique strengths.
As the Destined One, you will encounter powerful foes and worthy rivals throughout your journey. Fearlessly engage them in epic battles where surrender is not an option.

• Temper Your Mastery of Varied Spells
“Spells unbound, talents in play,
Unleashed abilities seize the day.”
Spells, transformations, and magic vessels of all manifestations, in which some counteract while others amplify, have long been iconic combat elements of Chinese mythology.
As the Destined One, aside from mastering various staff techniques, you can also freely combine different spells, abilities, weapons, and equipment to find a winning strategy that best suits your combat style.

• Discover Heartfelt Tales Behind Every Facade
“Within all souls, both wild and tame,
There thrives a tale of life’s fierce flame.”
Beneath the ferocity and craftiness of your foes lies an engaging tapestry of their origins, personalities, and motivations waiting to be revealed.
As the Destined One, you will uncover the stories behind a variety of characters, delving beyond your battles with them to taste the love, hate, greed, and fury they once held and still carry within.


The post Five Tips to Help You Get Started with Black Myth: Wukong on Xbox Series X|S appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Get a Brand New Nintendo Switch 2 Console for a Discounted Price With This Rare Deal at Aliexpress

If you’re still on the hunt for a Switch 2 console, here’s a rare opportunity to get one at a discounted price. In fact, this may very well be the only Switch 2 deal we’ll see for 2025. AliExpress is offering a genuine Nintendo Switch 2 console for just $428.99 after you apply a $100 off coupon code “AEUS100” or “USAFF100” during checkout. Alternatively you can bundle it with the Mario Kart World game for just $452.11 after the same coupon. Both consoles ship free locally from the United States and arrives within 1 to 2 weeks, however you will still have to pay local sales tax.

The catch? Although these are genuine Switch consoles, they are Hong Kong imports. Like all Switch consoles, they are region unlocked, meaning you can play them in the US without any problems. You’ll also be able to select English as your default language just like any console you buy here. They’ll come with a Hong Kong style plug, but a US adapter is included. Imported consoles do not get a US-based Nintendo warranty. AliExpress does include a 90-day free returns window for the Switch 2 console and a 15-day free returns window for the Mario Kart bundle.

Nintendo Switch 2 Is on Sale at AliExpress

Brand new, genuine, imported, region unlocked units

The Switch 2 console was released on June 5. It is backwards compatible with nearly all Switch 2 games as well as the original Joy-Cons and Switch Pro controller, although the new Switch 2 controllers offer more functionality. In his Nintendo Switch 2 review, Tom Marks sums up the Switch 2 as “a vital but unexciting upgrade to a console I already love.”

Two major Switch 2 video games have been released: Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. Logan Plant reviewed Mario Kart World and wrote that “Mario Kart World may not make the most convincing case that going open-world was the boost the series needed, but excellent multiplayer racing, incredible polish, and the thrilling new Knockout Tour mode still more than live up to its legacy.” Mario Kart World currently sells for $79 if purchased separately, so it makes a lot of sense to buy it as a combo with the console for only about $23 more ($57 in savings), even if it means going through the workaround process mentioned above.

Donkey Kong Bananza is the Only 10/10 Masterpiece of 2025

Not only did we rate Donkey Kong a 10/10, it’s the only game we’ve given a Masterpiece rating so far this year. In his Donkey Kong Bananza review, Logan Plant writes that The leader of the bunch is finally back to kick some tail in Donkey Kong Bananza, a brilliant successor to Super Mario Odyssey and a smashing return for a classic Nintendo character. Granted there isn’t too much competition in the way of Switch exclusive games for 2025, this has been a fantastic year so far for console gaming in general. We’ve seen some of the best games released in recent history, including Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, Death Stranding 2, and Doom: The Dark Ages, all of which got close to a Masterpiece rating but didn’t quite hit the mark. That’s not to say that Donkey Kong Bananza is necessarily better than those other games since, after all, different people have reviewed each of these games, but it’s a testament to just how outstanding Donkey Kong Bananza is on its own merits to have achieved that score.

Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn’t hunting for deals for other people at work, he’s hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

Bandai Namco To Announce New ‘Tales’ Remaster Tomorrow

Update: After previously leaking it ahead of time.

After months of teasing for Tales fans, Bandai Namco may have slipped up and revealed its hand a little too early and shown us what the next Tales series remaster is.

As reported on Push Square, it looks like Tales of Xillia will be the next title getting the remaster treatment. Originally released on the PS3 in 2011 and 2013, the game has been stuck on the older console since, so fans should be pretty happy about this

Read the full article on nintendolife.com