Xbox Developer Direct 2026: Teases & Big Games We Might See This January

Episode #624: What would make you upgrade to the next Xbox? This week on XoneBros, we debate whether better graphics and higher frame rates would be enough, especially with a rumored Project Helix price range raising some big questions. We’re still impressed by what our current consoles can deliver, so what would a new Xbox need to do differently to earn a place in the living room? X1TheGamer also brings his new ROG handheld into the studio, and seeing Gears running on that OLED screen gets our attention. We compare the feel, grips, and portability, then discuss what a rumored first-party Xbox handheld could offer beyond existing PC handhelds. A simpler setup, a console-like interface, and access to the games we already own are high on the wish list. The hardware conversation leads into upscaling, longer console lifespans, and whether we’re more interested in playing our games in new places than replacing the box under the TV. We also talk Final Fantasy Resonance, our interest in Valor Mortis, and an idea for an AI-run Dungeons & Dragons session that would finally let all three of us play without anyone knowing what happens next. Then we revisit Xbox’s classic dashboards, from the original 360 blades to NXE and Metro. Would we actually use them again, or do we just miss our avatars, old achievements, and the memories attached to them? Join MrMcspicey, X1TheGamer, and Jordtheman for another week with your positive gaming and Xbox community, plus a detour through custom soundtracks, iPods, and the unpredictable days of downloading music. Who are the XoneBros? We are your exclusive Xbox Series X & Game Pass weekly podcast. We are more than just a podcast though, we are a positive gaming and Xbox community. We are a group of friends who love gaming, comics, fantasizing about superpowers, and making lame jokes.

Episode #623: Xbox Labs has us imagining what comes next for the games we love. This week on XoneBros, we discuss AI-assisted development, game preservation, and the possibility of a much wilder modding scene. From bringing older favorites to modern hardware to giving talented developers more room to experiment, there’s plenty to be excited about. But what happens to original ideas when recreating someone else’s work gets easier, too? We also react to the GTA VI trailer and immediately start questioning our gaming schedules. The animation, atmosphere, and unmistakable Rockstar style have our attention, but can we squeeze in another massive adventure before diving into Grand Theft Auto? Our backlogs may have a different answer. On the hardware side, a new handheld purchase kicks off a conversation about why portable gaming makes it easier to actually play. Couch time, lunch breaks, and even gym sessions all enter the discussion. Then we take a look at the compact Xbox controller, its retro-inspired shape, and whether those smaller sticks will deliver the feel we want. Finally, we’ve been playing Gears together, and Horde Siege is giving us plenty of reasons to return. We talk progression, different play styles, and the fun of figuring it out as a squad, alongside menus that make finding almost anything a challenge. Join MrMcspicey, X1TheGamer, and Jordtheman for another week of Xbox conversation, gaming enthusiasm, and the usual detours with your positive gaming and Xbox community. Who are the XoneBros? We are your exclusive Xbox Series X & Game Pass weekly podcast. We are more than just a podcast though, we are a positive gaming and Xbox community. We are a group of friends who love gaming, comics, fantasizing about superpowers, and making lame jokes.

Episode #622: Gears of War: E-Day is here, and the XoneBros are digging into what works, what feels weird, and why this might be the best Gears has felt since the original trilogy. X1TheGamer, MrMcspicey, and Jordtheman talk through their time with the campaign, four player co-op, Horde Siege, the return of the Chainsaw Lancer, and why the game already feels like a much needed Xbox win. The crew also gets honest about the parts that slow the experience down. The linear missions feel strong, but the open zone structure creates some awkward co-op moments, strange checkpointing, and squad tethering that gets in the way of the fun. There’s also a lot of talk about the game’s pacing, forced dialogue moments, character writing, and whether the new squad members measure up to classic Gears characters. Beyond the campaign, Horde Siege gets a strong reaction for its bigger team setup, objective based waves, boss fights, class progression, and that addictive Gears loop. The conversation also gets into the online noise around the game, why the crew thinks players should judge it for themselves, and how Gears E-Day compares to other co-op shooters like Space Marine. Plus, Jordtheman gets exposed for secretly playing ahead, the crew talks Warhammer, MMOs, Game Pass backlog problems, Guild Wars nostalgia, and why every real gamer does the “can I kill this NPC?” test. It’s classic XoneBros: Xbox talk, co-op chaos, strong opinions, and way too much betrayal. Who are the XoneBros? We are your exclusive Xbox Series X & Game Pass weekly podcast. We are more than just a podcast though, we are a positive gaming and Xbox community. We are a group of friends who love gaming, comics, fantasizing about superpowers, and making lame jokes.

Gears of War: E-Day is here, and the first impressions are exactly what Xbox fans were hoping for. MrMcspicey, X1thegamer, and Jordantheman talk through the campaign opening, the updated movement, Siege mode, handheld play on the ROG Xbox Ally X, and why this feels like the kind of big Xbox moment the brand has needed for a long time.

Episode #620: Activision is reportedly taking over development on the next Halo, and honestly, this might be one of the most exciting moves Xbox has made in years. The XoneBros break down why giving Halo to a team with deep shooter experience could be the reset the franchise needs, what Activision could bring from Call of Duty without turning Halo into Call of Duty, and why a great Halo game still matters so much for Xbox.