

Last month we had the PlayStation Showcase, featuring the next wave of games coming to the console, and ever quick to respond, Microsoft has its own Xbox Showcase this Sunday. We’ve already been given hints at what to expect, with a teaser suggesting a brand-new Fable game is all but certain to be announced. But here are three more things I’m desperate to see at the Xbox Showcase.
1. No more Redfalls
Arkane Studios’ vampire shooter Redfall was meant to be the killer exclusive for Xbox and Game Pass players but in reality, the game launched toothless. Millions were disappointed with a title launching full of game-breaking bugs and issues, while the game itself wasn’t much to write home about even when it did work.
This is a massive disappointment from the studio that created the likes of Dishonored and Deathloop, and it has since emerged that Arkane was desperate for more time before the release, having had multiple delays already. We need Xbox’s big exclusives to be the strongest offerings on the platform, not just another title in the library. While the PlayStation Showcase featured a surprising amount of games that are also coming to Xbox (as Microsoft were quick to point out), it did at least have Spider-Man 2 to bring the house down.
As for Redfall itself, hopefully, we will see some major updates announced on Sunday that will bring the game out of its coffin. All of this puts more pressure on Starfield, the much-hyped Bethesda title that will have its own Starfield Direct event straight after the showcase.
2. A handheld done right
This might be a case of wishful thinking but after Sony announced its Project Q handheld at its own showcase, we couldn’t help but be a little disappointed. It seems more of an accessory than its own bonafide system, as it can only stream games from a nearby PS5 console. Those hoping for a spiritual successor to the PS Vita will need to keep dreaming.
Xbox doesn’t have any handheld pedigree but the Nintendo Switch has gone unchallenged for an age, if Microsoft announced a handheld machine with more power than the ageing Switch, it would be both a dig at Sony and a popular reveal. Imagine getting access to the whole library of Game Pass on the move.
3. A massive boost to Game Pass
This is something I expect Microsoft to go hard on at the showcase. Game Pass is one of the best deals in gaming but it has gone slightly stagnant recently. Aside from Redfall, there have been a few major titles added to the service recently.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Some of the indies have been excellent (check out Cassette Beasts) but Game Pass is much better than Sony’s PlayStation Plus tiers and Microsoft needs to flaunt that. It was known as a platform where big titles would launch simultaneously with their individual release, and a return to that model would definitely liven up the service.
A recent GeForce Now update lets those without high-end gaming machines or consoles stream a handful of the best Xbox games and it would be great to see the whole Game Pass library become available on the service as part of Game Pass Ultimate. Perhaps they could be bundled together under one subscription like EA Play is already. The equation is simple, a strong Game Pass means a strong Xbox.
Andy was T3's Tech Staff Writer, covering all things technology, including his biggest passions such as gaming. If he had to save one possession from a fire it would be his PlayStation 5. He previously worked for Tom’s Guide – where he got paid to play with ChatGPT everyday. When it comes to streaming, Andy will have his headphones glued in whilst watching something that will make him laugh. He studied Creative Writing at university, but also enjoys supporting his favourite football team (Liverpool), watching F1, teaching himself guitar, and spending time with his dog.
-
Always on the move? This smart backpack makes travelling light a complete breeze
Say hello to the Mous Optimal Travel Backpack...
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
No stupid questions: which direction should you pitch a tent?
An outdoor expert reveals all so you can have a better night's rest
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Xbox Next could introduce a secret weapon to bring it back to the fight
The next-gen Xbox console is tipped for a major, unexpected change
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Xbox Game Pass getting the mega remake I've waited two decades for
PlayStation and Nintendo console owners will have to pay for it
By Rik Henderson Last updated
-
The death of Skype: when it closes and what you need to do
And how to move everything to Teams
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Xbox Game Pass gets one of the best games of 2024 for free
A multi-award winner has just surprisingly dropped on Xbox Game Pass
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Next-gen Xbox controller pops up again – this time in an unlikely source
The Xbox Sebile controller has been spotted in official Microsoft code
By Rik Henderson Published
-
This huge new game is stretching even my PS5 Pro to its limit
Monster Hunter Wilds is a beast in all senses
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
3 PS5 Pro mistakes that everyone makes – and how to avoid them
Streamline your PS5 Pro experience
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Xbox Game Pass getting one of the most underrated sci-fi adventures of all time
This open-world action-adventure is a must-play, in our opinion
By Rik Henderson Published