Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Omega ring today.

It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

Details can be found below!

System Update Details

• OS Version: XB_FLT_2402ZN25398.3491.240207-1700
• Available: 6 p.m. PT – February 8, 2024
• Mandatory: 6 p.m. PT – February 9, 2024

Note: This update may not occur automatically before it has already become mandatory. You can always find the most current update as soon as it is available by opening the Guide > Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates.

Remember: Newly enrolled users in this ring are not guaranteed to receive all early updates, but they’ll receive the update prior to the GA release. Additionally, a small subset of users may remain on their current GA build once they enroll until the next system update becomes mandatory for the public. Visit the Xbox Insider Program FAQ to learn more.

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

Apps

• Fixes to address an issue where Microsoft Edge would close unexpectedly.

Games

• Fixes to address unexpected graphical issues with some titles.
• Fixed an issue where changing the language in a game would not always download the new language as expected.

System

• Fixes to address unexpected errors navigating to home or opening the guide, or the console remaining on the boot-up animation longer than expected.
  • Note: If you’re still having trouble, restart your console from the Power Center or the guide. If the issue persists, reset your console with the ‘keep my games & apps’ option. Learn more about these options here:
    • How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console
    • How to reset your Xbox console to factory defaults
• Various stability and performance fixes.

Known Issues

While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

Audio

• We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
  • Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
    • When did the issue start?
    • Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
    • Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
    • Does rebooting resolve the issue?
    • What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
    • And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Game Card

• Some users have reported an unexpected black screen when opening the game card or selecting “Show in Microsoft Store” after it has opened, and we are investigating.

Networking

• We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
  • Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2402.240207-1700) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Plenty to play and explore this weekend with Free Play Days! NBA 2K24 and Two Point Campus are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to play from Thursday February 8 at 12:01 am PDT until Sunday, February 11 at 11:59 pm PDT. Additionally, Call of Duty Modern Warfare III (Multiplayer/Zombies Only) is free for all Xbox members Thursday February 8 at 10 am PDT until Sunday, February 11 at 10 am PDT. 

Game Pass Core will give players access to our advanced multiplayer network, a select collection of over 25 games to play with friends around the world, and exclusive member deals! Read more about Game Pass Core at Xbox Wire.

How To Start Playing

Find and install the games on each of the individual game details page on Xbox.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and navigate down to the Free Play Days collection on your Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

Keep The Fun Going

Purchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.

Free Play Days (Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate Required)

Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III – Cross-Gen Bundle

Activision Publishing Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆
1680

★★★★★

$69.99

$48.99

Get it now

Call of Duty Modern Warfare III (Multiplayer/Zombies Only) 
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery
Jump into Multiplayer of Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III and enjoy the brand-new 6v6 map Stash House and the brand-new mode Team Gun Game. This free access offering features nine 6v6 maps including fan favorites like Rust, Shipment, Terminal, and Highrise – playable across five thrilling modes. Plus, the offering includes the riveting Modern Warfare® Zombies. So no matter your preferred playstyle, there are many ways to survive and dominate in Season 2. 

NBA 2K24 for Xbox Series X|S

2K

☆☆☆☆☆
563

★★★★★

$69.99

$20.99

Get it now

Free Trial

NBA 2K24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Hit the court with NBA 2K24 on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One to experience a collection of competitive game modes and immerse yourself in a sports simulation unlike any other. The latest iteration of the NBA 2K franchise welcomes groundbreaking ProPLAY technology on Xbox Series X|S, delivering a generational leap in animations, movements, and authenticity. This new technology directly translates NBA footage into NBA 2K24 gameplay, making every step of your MyCAREER journey feel more realistic than ever before. Delve into endless lineup combinations in MyTEAM and assemble your dream team or put on your General Manager cap and build a dynasty in MyNBA Eras. NBA 2K24 boasts a variety of exciting game modes, which you can enjoy during Xbox Free Play Days.  

Two Point Campus

SEGA Europe Ltd

☆☆☆☆☆
209

★★★★★

$29.99

$10.49

Get it now

Two Point Campus
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery
Two Point Campus is a single player business management sim where you can build the University of your dreams and manage the unruly enthusiastic students, guiding them through their courses, life choices and love. All while trying to keep the staff sane and the Campus clean… Good luck. Enjoy our Valentine themed UI and in-game items during this season of love. 

Don’t miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members! Learn more about Free Play Days here and stay tuned to Xbox Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest Xbox gaming news.

The post Free Play Days – Call of Duty Modern Warfare III (Multiplayer/Zombies Only), NBA 2K24, and Two Point Campus appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Beta ring today.

It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

Details can be found below!

System Update Details

• OS Version: XB_FLT_2402ZN25398.3487.240206-2000
• Available: 5 p.m. PT – February 7, 2024
• Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – February 8, 2024

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

Apps

• Fixes to address an issue where Microsoft Edge would close unexpectedly.

Games

• Fixes to address unexpected graphical issues with some titles.
• Fixed an issue where changing the language in a game would not always download the new language as expected.

System

• Various stability and performance fixes.

Known Issues

While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

Audio

• We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
  • Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
    • When did the issue start?
    • Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
    • Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
    • Does rebooting resolve the issue?
    • What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
    • And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Game Card

• Some users are reporting an unexpected black screen when opening the game card or selecting “Show in Microsoft Store” after it has opened, and we are investigating.

Networking

• We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
  • Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2402.240206-2000) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring today.

It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

Details can be found below!

System Update Details

• OS Version: XB_FLT_2408GE26050.1507.240204-2200
• Available: 2 p.m. PT – February 7, 2024
• Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – February 8, 2024

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

Profile

• Fixes to address an issue where users were unable to ‘Like’ posts in the recent activity section on the welcome page when viewing the full profile.
• Fixes to improve navigation of recent activity with a keyboard.

Rewards

• Fixed an issue where the Rewards catalog was difficult to read when using Light Theme.

System

• Various stability and performance fixes.
• Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
  • Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console. To learn more visit: What’s This? Learn More About Pseudo-Loc in Preview.

Known Issues

While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

Audio

• We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
  • Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
    • When did the issue start?
    • Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
    • Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
    • Does rebooting resolve the issue?
    • What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
    • And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Game Card

• Some users are reporting an unexpected black screen when opening the game card or selecting “Show in Microsoft Store” after it has opened, and we are investigating.

Games

• We are investigating user reports of some titles experiencing unexpected display or graphical issues.

Networking

• We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
  • Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha Skip-Ahead (2408.240204-2200) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

The second season of the epic hit series Halo will premiere February 8, with two all-new episodes, on Paramount+. Starting today, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members, who are new to Paramount+, can experience all of the action with a 30-day trial to Paramount+ via Perks.* In addition to Halo, viewers can stream A Mountain of Entertainment on the service, including exclusive originals, big movies and more.

In season two, Master Chief John-117 (Pablo Schreiber) leads his team of elite Spartans against the alien threat known as the Covenant. In the wake of a shocking event on a desolate planet, John cannot shake the feeling that his war is about to change and risks everything to prove what no one else will believe – that the Covenant is preparing to attack humanity’s greatest stronghold. With the galaxy on the brink, John embarks on a journey to find the key to humankind’s salvation, or its extinction, the Halo.

Eligible Ultimate members may claim the 30-day subscription trial through the Perks gallery on their Xbox console, on the Xbox app on Windows PCs or through the Xbox Game Pass mobile app on iOS and Android. Once the Perk is claimed, members will be directed to the Paramount+ site to activate their trial. The Paramount+ app is also available to download and use on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles and Windows PCs in select regions.

*For Game Pass Ultimate members in the U.S.

Valid for new Paramount+ subscribers only. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers get a 30-day free trial when you subscribe to a Paramount+ monthly Essential or Paramount+ with Showtime plan. Claim by 4/7/24. Redeem by 5/10/24 (U.S. only). After trial, your subscription auto-renews and your payment method is charged based on selected plan’s regular price (+tax), as applicable unless canceled. Cancel any time on your account page, effective at the end of bill cycle. No refunds. 18+ T&Cs apply, see pplus.legal/subscription. Only 1 offer per account. Other restrictions may apply.

For Game Pass Ultimate members in other eligible countries

Valid for new Paramount+ subscribers only. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers get a 30-day free trial when you subscribe to a Paramount+ monthly Standard plan (available in AR, AU, AT, BR, CA, CL, CO, FR, DE, IE, IT, MX, CH, and GB only). Claim by 4/7/24. Redeem by 5/10/24. After trial, your subscription auto-renews and your payment method is charged based on selected plan’s regular price (+tax as applicable), unless canceled. Cancel any time on your account page, effective at end of bill cycle. No refunds. 18+ T&Cs apply, see pplus.legal/subscription. Only 1 offer per account. Other restrictions may apply.

The post Celebrate The Premiere of Halo Season 2 on Paramount+ with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate appeared first on Xbox Wire.

• Category: Games

February 7, 2024

Celebrating 10 Years of World of Tanks on Xbox

• Joe Skrebels, Xbox Wire Editor-in-Chief

Summary

• We’re celebrating ten years of tanks throughout the whole year.
• Enjoy a look at the Year of the Dragon season.
• Get a preview of what’s coming this year in World of Tanks Modern Armor.

World of Tanks is hitting the big ten! Since 2014, the game’s been part of the Xbox free-to-play scene, bringing you only the best tank battles on console. It’s safe to say that the game wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for its first release back in the Xbox 360 days.

Wargaming CEO, Victor Kislyi himself reflects on his time at the Microsoft E3 2013 Press Conference. “As I look back, it was incredible to be on stage 10 years ago during the 2013 Microsoft press conference announcing World of Tanks for Xbox.  Wargaming was thrilled to bring World of Tanks, the game that has been my life, to a platform with millions of players. We were the vanguard of F2P on console, providing a new way to both play and discover games. This was only possible with the support and belief of our trusted partner, Microsoft, with whom we have continuously achieved significant results. It has been an amazing decade for World of Tanks on Xbox and here is to many more!”

Since then, it was full speed ahead to keep Victor’s vision alive. And Director of Live Operations Valerie MacCracken will vouch that it was quite the ride. “At the time, there weren’t many free-to-play games on Xbox 360… It felt like unchartered territory.” The hard work would eventually pay off. “The game has evolved tremendously since its release, from having only three tank nations to now having a full tech tree across two game modes, a ton of new features, with more coming up this year!”

From the World War II theaters to the high-paced Cold War battlefields, we’ve traveled across history with a roster of tough-as-nails vehicles of all shapes, sizes, and nations.

As a thank-you for ten incredible years of tanking, get ready for a yearlong celebration unlike any other with monthly gifts, special events and sales, and the opportunity to earn two end-of-the-year tanks with the year-long Celebrations event.

Firstly, enjoy your first gift by logging in on February 13 and unlocking the American Tier X MBT-B Heavy Tank (plus its exclusive Raider Skin) for free, or in discounted bundles. Your discount is based on the number of years you’ve been playing the game.

Leading into our tenth anniversary festivities, our January 30 update brought important updates to the game, particularly to Cold War mode. We’re calibrating the Silver and XP research costs for your Cold War vehicles, so you grind less, collect faster, and enjoy your time on the battlefield even more.

The latest update also brought the new Azure Coast community map, a fresh batch of War Chests, and limited-time Chinese New Year-themed bundles to the game. It also marked the end of the Resolutions event. Commanders who participated in it (by completing seasons throughout 2023) and finished at least five seasons will find the one-of-a-kind T34 Calliope waiting for them in their garage. This unique vehicle is the only World War II tank with rockets, making it a real collector’s item exclusive to console. And if you’ve completed six seasons, you’re getting the tank plus a side of bonus rewards!

And now, let’s dive into the Year of the Dragon season details. As in previous seasons, you have 100 levels where themed rewards are ready to be earned. In this season, inspired by the Chinese zodiac for 2024, there are three reward paths to choose from. All tank commanders automatically start on the Free path, where you can earn rewards every few levels ranging from the reliable Type 59-II Premium tank, the season Medal, a 2D Dragon Commander, Gold, War Chests, and more! Then you have the Season Pass, where you receive rewards at every level (in addition to the Free rewards), more tanks, and the new WZ-1224 premium tank once you complete level 100.

And for your third option, the Ultimate Season Pass will immediately give you everything in the Season and Free pass, plus the new Highlander 116-F3 Premium tank for World War II mode, a themed 3D Hero Commander, and 25 completed levels.

It’s World of Tanks Modern Armor’s anniversary, but it’s you who’s getting the gifts. New affiliations for Cold War mode, a new World War II Tech Tree line, and specials for D-Day’s 80th anniversary, Tankfest, and Halloween are among some of the highlights for 2024.

Also, going back to Cold War and researching just for a bit, this February, you’ll be able to start a new Tech Tree line of German light tanks, from the Post-War Era (Era 1) all the way to the Détente Era (Era 3), and tank destroyers, from the Post-War Era (Era 1) to the Escalation Era (Era 2). If you’re new to the game, Cold War mode’s light tanks may look “light” at first, but they pack some serious firepower and are crucial for suppressing and ambushing the enemy thanks to their maneuverability. As for the tank destroyers, their name says it all.

There’s so much to look forward to with the release of Year of the Dragon and World of Tanks Modern Armor’s tenth anniversary’s yearlong celebrations.

Here’s to ten more epic years to come. Keep on tanking!

World of Tanks

Wargaming.net

☆☆☆☆☆
1590

★★★★★

Get it now

Xbox One X Enhanced

World of Tanks is a global online multiplayer free-to-play game dedicated to tank warfare in the mid-20th century. Custom built for Xbox, World of Tanks features realistic vehicles and environments, enabling players to command history’s most powerful tanks and experience combat on Xbox like never before.

Features:
• Strategic, fast-paced 15 vs 15 online action.
• Over 700 authentic tanks to choose from among 12 nations.
• Battle across a variety of environments with varying terrain and weather effects
• Built-in support for Xbox One X pushing the boundaries of graphic fidelity.
• Regular updates offer new content and frequent special events.

The post Celebrating 10 Years of World of Tanks on Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.