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Source: SOPA Images / Getty / Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass is the best value in gaming, but there is an argument that is seemingly no longer the case after word of price hikes coming.
Spotted on The Verge, Microsoft is doing what many people suspected it would do after finally acquiring Activision/Blizzard/King: raising the price of Xbox Game Pass again in September.
The price of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier will increase, and a new “Standard” tier will be launched, but those subscribers will no longer have access to day-one releases.
The new Standard tier will cost $14.99, give subscribers access to the Game Pass library, and allow them to play games online.
Subscribers to Ultimate are beginning to receive emails about the price increase to $19.99 a month beginning September 12, a $3 jump from $16.99.
PC Game Pass subscribers will also see their subscription price increase from $9.99 to $11.99, but they will still have access to the beloved day-one releases.
The proposed price hikes follow Xbox finally adding Call of Duty games, like the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, to the service, a benefit the company now enjoys after acquiring ABK.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscribers Bear The Brunt of The Hikes
Once again, Ultimate subscribers, who make up more than most Game Pass subscribers, will bear the brunt of these price hikes. This follows a previous hike that raised subscriptions by $1–$2 per month.
Another victim of this change is the Xbox Game Pass for console plan. Those currently under the plan will see their subscriptions continue, but new subscribers cannot select this option.
Subscription stacking, a hack X Console tier subscribers enjoy, has also been capped at 13 months from September 18. Existing stacks will not be affected.
Of course, the news of the price hikes and Xbox pushing subscribers towards the Ultimate tier is spawning reactions on X, formerly Twitter.
You can see those in the gallery below.
3. Interesting thread
4. This breakdown is worth checking out
6. Hmmmm this is an interesting way of looking at the price hike
8. Howling
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Source: NurPhoto / Getty / Xbox Live
On Tuesday, gamers hoping to play games online via their Xbox Live accounts were greeted by a massive service outage.
Xbox Live, Microsoft’s service, which allows gamers to play multiplayer games online, suffered a major service outage, with thousands of users reporting issues logging in.
The monitoring site Downdetector noted that user-reported issues began to spike at 2:15 pm ET Tuesday, with more than 23,000 outage reports being reported to the website. Many users reported seeing the message that Xbox Live was undergoing “scheduled maintenance.”
The official Xbox Live account on X, formerly Twitter, addressed the outage at 2:55 pm ET.
Per Variety:
The official Xbox Support account on X posted at 2:55 pm. ET, “We are aware that some users have been disconnected from Xbox Live. We’re investigating!” The message directed users to the Xbox status page — which eventually was updated to say that a major outage of the “Account & profile” service was reported at 2:07 pm ET. “You may not be able to sign-in to your Xbox profile, may be disconnected while signed in, or have other related problems,” the message on the Xbox status page said. “Features that require sign-in like most games, apps and social activity won’t be available.”
At about 8:49 pm ET, Microsoft wrote on the Xbox Support account that the issues were resolved: “Users should no longer be encountering issues signing in to Xbox Live and services.”
PlayStation Is Also Having Issues With Its Rewards Program
Microsoft isn’t the only company suffering from problems. PlayStation also had its own problems with its reward program, PlayStation Stars, which has been down for about a month, eclipsing 2011’s infamous PSN outage.
On the PlayStation App, users are greeted with the message, “PlayStation Stars will be returning soon in phased regional rollouts. “Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to welcoming you back.”
We’re just glad to see the issues being resolved. We are curious to hear what caused the Xbox Live service outage and PlayStation Stars to be down.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Happy 15th birthday, Minecraft! The open-world sandbox game is bigger and more popular than ever, and it all started on May 17, 2009 — when Minecraft was simply known as “The Cave Game.”
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To celebrate the occasion, we rounded up a few gaming exclusives from Walmart that can show off your love and affection for all things Minecraft.
And since it’s from Walmart, you’ll get Minecraft 15th-anniversary merch and apparel shipped to your home for free as soon as it’s available if you’re a Walmart+ member.
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If you’re not a member, then you can sign up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of everything the retailer’s rewards program has to offer with perks, such as free and fast delivery; fuel discounts; streaming access to Paramount+; additional savings with early access to exclusive deals; and much more. Learn more about Walmart+ here.
Although it started out as a computer game, Minecraft quickly caught on with gamers when it was introduced to various platforms and consoles — such as Google Chromebook, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, iOS and iPadOS, Android and others. One of the best things about Minecraft is, no matter what you’re playing it on, everyone’s playing the same game in the same community — thanks to online multiplayer.
And in that spirit of togetherness, you’ll find our picks for the best items to shop for Minecraft’s 15th anniversary at Walmart below. Meanwhile, a number of the items listed below come with exclusive in-game DLC (downloadable content and codes) for additional skins, texture packs and more in Minecraft.
Walmart
Minecraft Lineup Crew Tee
The Minecraft Lineup Crew Tee comes in five sizes from XS to XL and features loveable and iconic characters from the game. It also comes in two colors: heather gray (pictured) and black.
Walmart
LEGO Minecraft The Pirate Ship Voyage
The LEGO Minecraft The Pirate Ship Voyage — which is only available at Walmart — comes with 166 pieces and is best for anyone who is 8 years old and up. It also comes with a buildable pirate ship, a squid, a camel, two pirate minifigures and accessories.
Walmart
Minecraft Netherite Sword
Bring the Netherite Sword into reality with this life-size model. It’s ideal for taking a piece of Minecraft into the real world.
Walmart
Minecraft Creeper Spinner
Minecraft Creeper Spinner makes for a great office or gaming accessory, while it spins between your fingers to pass the time.
Walmart
‘Minecraft Dungeons: Ultimate Edition’
Take Minecraft into the realm of role-playing adventure with Minecraft Dungeons: Ultimate Edition for the Xbox Series X (it’s also compatible with the Xbox One). The game features all six of its DLCs (downloadable content), including Jungle Awakens, Creeping Winter, Howling Peaks and others.
Walmart
Dynacraft x Minecraft BMX Bike
Best for children under 4 feet tall, the Dynacraft x Minecraft BMX Bike is an 18-inch bike that’s best for boys and girls over the age of 6. It even has a removable and plush creeper on the handlebars.
Walmart
Minecraft Red TNT Fridge
$38
$43
12% off
The Minecraft Red TNT Fridge is just over 10 inches tall, 10 inches wide and 10 inches deep in a stylish cube that sits on a desk. It’s designed to hold up to nine 12-ounce soda cans and great for a kid’s room, dorm room, office or gaming setup.
Minecraft’s 15th-anniversary merch and apparel are now available at Walmart. Shop more, below:
Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best over-ear headphones, wifi extenders, laptop deals and more.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
First announced in March 2023, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a follow up to Dragon Ball FighterZ, which was released for the PS4 and Xbox One in 2018.
Ready for pre-order for $69.99 with release on Friday, Oct. 11, at Amazon, Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero for the Sony PlayStation 5 is a new fighting game and the latest entry in the Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi series. It’s based on the very popular and long-running anime series of the same name, which started in 1989.
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In addition, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is playable for Xbox Series X.
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And if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can order now and get Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero delivered to your home in less than two days thanks to Prime Delivery.
Not a member? Sign up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of all that Amazon Prime has to offer, including access to Prime Video and Prime Gaming; fast free shipping in less than two days; in-store discounts at Whole Foods Market; access to exclusive shopping events — such as Prime Day coming July 16-17 — and more.
Meanwhile, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is also available for pre-order at Target and Walmart.
Bandai Namco
Pre-Order
‘Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero’
Releases on Oct. 11
As for the game itself, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a high-speed 3D fighting game that features attacks and combat with dazzling and frenetic visuals that rival the anime series. You can play as one of a whopping 164 fan-favorite characters (the most of any game in the series), such as Android 18, Burter, Cell, Dr. Gero, Goku, Yajirobe, Broly, Jiren, Kefla, Ribrianne and many others.
Available for pre-order at Amazon, Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero for PS5 and Xbox is priced at $69.99 and drops on Friday, Oct. 11. The game is available from Target and Walmart. The ultimate edition of the game — which features early access, more characters and unlocked locations — is ready for pre-order too, and retails for $109.99.
Watch the game’s character trailer below:
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Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.
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Source: Xbox / Xbox Gaming x Amazon Fire TV
Amazon Fire TV devices got a significant boost thanks to Xbox Gaming.
Xbox is on a mission to get into homes everywhere, and you won’t need to purchase an Xbox Series X or Series S console to accomplish that goal.
Thursday, Xbox announced its new partnership with Amazon to bring its Xbox Gaming App to select Fire TV devices.
Beginning in July, Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) will go live on Amazon’s Fire TV 4K Max ($59.99) and Fire TV Stick 4K ($49.99) through the Xbox Gaming app. This will give users access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($16.99) and instant access to a massive library of games and the latest games like Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Starfield, and Forza Horizon 5.
To begin playing, you need only a Bluetooth wireless controller like the Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation DualSense, or DualShock 4.
Xbox Is Offering Gamers Options
“We’re committed to making it easy for customers to access their favorite entertainment experiences with Fire TV,” said Fire TV and Alexa vice president Daniel Rausch. “We’re excited to work with Microsoft to bring the Xbox app to select Fire TV devices so customers can enjoy a vast library of high-quality games, allowing them to play amazing titles without the need for a console. Now customers have even more ways to play the games they love, wherever they are, with just a compatible Fire TV Stick, Bluetooth controller, and Game Pass Ultimate membership.”
“The expansion of Xbox gaming to Fire TV devices offers players another option for enjoying their favorite games using devices they already own. For those who don’t own an Xbox console, this provides an affordable and convenient way to get started. With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, there’s something for every type of player. We look forward to having more people join the Xbox gaming community,” Xbox Experiences and Platforms Engineering corporate vice president Ashley McKissick adds.
It looks like Xbox is fully embracing a console-less future.
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Source: Orlando Ramirez / Getty / Dr Disrespect
It was all disrespect after Dr Disrespect revealed why Twitch banned him from the platform permanently.
Guy Beahm, better known as Dr Disrespect, told the world that the reason Twitch dropped an airstrike on his account two years ago was that he got caught in 4K sending private messages to a minor that he said: “sometimes leaned too much in the direction of being inappropriate.”
In a lengthy and edited post, he shared on X, formerly Twitter, the ridiculously popular YouTube streamer shared details about the banning after former Twitch employees spilled the tea on the platform on Friday, writing that he “got caught sexting a minor.”
Speaking with The Verge, another former employee said, “Beahm was banned over messages sent to a minor that discussed meeting up at TwitchCon.”
In his response, Beahm claims there were no “real intentions” behind the messages with the unnamed minor, adding, “I should have never entertained these conversations to begin with.”
A Masterclass In Fumbling Bags
We bet Dr Disrespect means it when he says he shouldn’t have never entertained these conversations because he is fumbling bags.
The first fumble came when he lost his two-year exclusivity contract to stream on Twitch. At the time, he was one of the biggest stars on the platform, with 4 million.
Twitch never spoke about the ban, and Dr Disrespect played it off as if he didn’t know why his partnership with the platform ended, but he was able to amass over 4.7 million subscribers on YouTube.
But while he still has his YouTube page, he was fired from the video game studio he co-founded, Midnight Society, on Tuesday.
In a post on X, the studio’s head, Robert Bowling, wrote, “If you inappropriately message a minor. I can not work with you.”
The Verge also reports that Dr Disrespect’s partnership with gaming peripheral company Turtle Beach is also a wrap.
Don’t be surprised if other companies he is tied to follow suit.
Despite the cracks in his streaming empire showing, Dr Disrespect vows to keep streaming after he comes back from his “vacation.”
The video game subsection of X has been clowning Dr Disrespect and anyone who fixed their lips to defend him; you can see those reactions in the gallery below.
2. Lol, interesting how the energy changed so swiftly.
3. Smart move
4. Howling
5. Another bag bites the dust
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More than 10 years after its release, Nintendo re-mastered the classic Nintendo 3DS game, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD (aka Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon).
For Nintendo Switch, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is priced at $59.99 at Target and drops on Thursday, June 27.
And if you’re a Target Circle member, you can order now and get Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD delivered straight to your home in two days (with orders over $35).
Not a member? Sign up for a free membership to take advantage of all that Target Circle has to offer, including access to “deal of the day” products, instant savings on select items, three months of Apple TV+ to watch hit originals, access to exclusive shopping events — such as Target’s Deal Days — and other perks.
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If you want to take it a step further, you can sign up for the Target Circle Card (with no annual fee), which offers an extra 5% discount on all purchases, two-day free shipping with no order minimums and more. Learn more about the Target Circle Card here
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In addition, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is available at Amazon.
Nintendo
‘Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD’
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is a horror adventure game that follows Luigi exploring and capturing ghosts in mansions throughout Evershade Valley. He must overcome his fears to restore peace by collecting the pieces of the Dark Moon and capturing King Boo.
Priced at $59.99 and available for purchase at Target and Amazon, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD drops on Thursday, June 27. In the meantime, watch the overview trailer for the game, below:
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Want more deals? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Post Malone has more in store for fans even after announcing his F1-Trillion tour. As an avid gamer, he’s partnered with […]
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Although it was released for the Sony PlayStation VR2 and Meta Quest in Dec. 2023, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 gets a non-virtual reality version release for the PlayStation 5.
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Priced at $39.99, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 is available to purchase at Target.
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And if you’re a Target Circle member, you can order now and get Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 delivered straight to your home in two days (with orders over $35).
Not a member? Sign up for a free membership to take advantage of all that Target Circle has to offer, including access to “deal of the day” products, instant savings on select items, three months of Apple TV+ to watch hit originals, access to exclusive shopping events — like Target’s Deal Days and early Black Friday deals — and other perks.
If you want to take it a step further, you can sign up for the Target Circle Card (with no annual fee), which offers an extra 5% discount on all purchases, two-day free shipping with no order minimums and more. Learn more about the Target Circle Card here.
Below, you’ll find all the different retailers, including Walmart, Amazon and others, to buy Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 for PS5.
Steel Wool Games/Scott Cawthon
‘Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2’
In addition, even though it’s made for the PS5, the game is also compatible with PSVR2, as well.
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 is a survival horror game that follows a new employee at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, a Chuck E. Cheese-like family entertainment center with pizza, games and prizes. You navigate 40 minigames to survive the night from killer animatronic characters.
Available at Target, Walmart, Amazon Best Buy, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 is priced at $39.99.
In the meantime, watch the game’s trailer, below:
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Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.
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Source: Activision / Activision
The new Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was officially announced by Activision just after the Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday, June 9, and it’s going back to the 1990’s. While the nostalgia might be in effect right now, the game is dropping October 25.
Source: Activision / Activision
Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 campaign is being touted as a “spy action thriller” and will be set during the Gulf War.
Per Activision:
In true Black Ops fashion, the fictional story builds on the history of the time, thrusting you into a strange and clandestine conspiracy where a shadowy force has infiltrated the U.S. government. Anyone who resists is branded as a traitor, forcing players to go rogue for the first time to fight the very machine that created them. Nothing is what it seems, and the truth may be hard to fathom, drawing you ever deeper into intrigue, distrust, and mind-bending psychological revelations. This is true, signature Black Ops style.
While we’re sure the campaign will be cool, those into COD strictly for the multiplayer action should be pleased. Some of the multiplayer content that will be available at launch includes 16 brand-new Multiplayer maps on and new “innovations” that include Omnimovement (which lets you sprint, slide and dive in any direction) and Intelligent Movement and larger enemy hit zones as well as new HUD optimizations and a plethora of new weapons and accessories. And for those that know, the return of Theater Mode and Classic Prestige.
You can check for more details about the multiplayer in the clip below via Black Ops 6 Direct.
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Watch the reveal trailer, featuring the OG President George Bush, President Bill Clinton, Saddam Hussein and more below. And yes, you can get your early access in order over at the Black Ops 6 pre-order editions and benefits blog.
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