Awesome Xbox

A $10/mo. video game subscription service for Xbox One. Unlike PlayStation Now and other similar services, Xbox Game Pass will let you download games so you can play offline. If you want to own a game that’s in its catalog, you can buy it at 20% off. Launches Spring 2017.

Microsoft reminds us that video game commercials don’t always need to be action packed or dramatic. They commissioned a pair of commercials for Halo Wars 2 that sees hero Capt. James Cutter engaging in silly tactical battles with the new villain Atriox.

Just like the Data Bank for the PlayStation 4, Nyko’s add-on for the Xbox One sits on top of the console and lets you plug in 3.5″ storage drives. It should work with any 3.5″ drive that has at least 256GB of space. It has a separate power plug though.

This limited edition console has features inspired by the new Ford GT, such as the on, off and eject disc car sound effects, for the same price as the new 1TB Xbox One. The controller is also available separately for $65.

Console modder Ed Zarick is now accepting orders for his Xbox One and PS4 combo laptop case mod. The PlayBox 4 One Mk. II has a 24″ 1080p Vizio display that has a remote control and apps like Netflix. The HDMI out is optional.

The Xbox One Wireless Elite Controller is all about customization. It has two d-pads, three pairs of thumbsticks of different lengths and four removable rear paddles. You’ll be able to remap all buttons and save up to two profiles.

Come Fall 2015, you’ll be able to play many Xbox 360 games – disc or digital – on the Xbox One. It will support multiplayer and preserve saves, achievements and Gamerscore. Xbox Preview members can try now, though initial list is limited.

The 1TB Xbox One has a matte finish and the updated Xbox One controller, which now has a 3.5mm audio input. A new USB dongle (sold separately) will let you use the controller wirelessly with Windows 10 devices.

Xbox talks to Ford about the 2016 Ford GT, which will be one of the drivable cars in the Xbox One exclusive Forza Motorsport 6. The video is bursting with self-congratulatory babble, but even when muted it’s still worth watching.

Microsoft offers incentives for Xbox One owners to get a Windows 10 device and vice versa. You’ll be able to stream Xbox One games to a Windows 10 PC or tablet, chat with your Xbox friends and easily record and share gameplay videos.

Console modder Ed Zarick managed to cram in the guts of both the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4 in one unit, along with a 22″ LCD. It uses just one power plug, though you can’t have both consoles on at once. More on Technabob.

Not to be outdone by its rival, Microsoft is now taking pre-orders for a white version of the Xbox One. It’s not bundled with a Kinect, but the console will come with a copy of Sunset Overdrive and a matching white controller.

For better or for worse, Microsoft has decided to offer an Xbox One edition that doesn’t come with the Kinect. The edition is $100 cheaper than the full package, and has the same price as the PS4. RIP sign out prank.

TV, TV, TV, Sports, Call of Duty, TV, TV, TV. YouTuber Darkbeatdk pokes fun at the Microsoft event where the new Xbox One console was revealed with this hyperabdridged version. Xbox fans, calm down and watch this video instead.

Microsoft’s Xbox One wants to be your all-in-one home media hub, integrating television, entertainment and gaming. It’s got a powerful 8-core CPU, 8GB RAM, 500GB HD, and an all new Kinect and precision controller.

The guys at TechRadar envision a world in which Microsoft and Sony put aside their differences to collaborate on the ultimate gaming console. One which not only plays next-gen games, but games from past-gen systems.

The Lambent is nigh: in the latest E3 trailer for Gears of War 3, a mysterious message that Marcus Fenix receives from his father sends him on a dangerous search mission to find him. Out 9/2011.

Whoa. Get ready to cut at will in the latest installment of Metal Gear Solid, entitled Rising, which looks seriously badass and deeply satisfying at the same time. Kojima rules. (Thanks Sterling!)

This trailer for The Impossible Game may look hopelessly simple, but it could also drive you insane: available on Xbox LIVE, it reduces platforming to its purest, most difficult form.

Ben Heck’s fifth Xbox 360 Portable is lookin’ good: it adds an ethernet port, flush DVD and side panels, volume buttons and more air holes; it’s totally built from scratch. Thanks, Icebone!

A long awaited reboot of a classic 80s game, Lode Runner is coming to XBLA Wednesday; you’ll have the ability to create or share levels with co-op or competitive multiplayer modes.