June has been a whirlwind month for video game announcements. Not wanting to be one-upped by Sony, Microsoft also held a livestream where they announced A LOT of new stuff for both PC and Xbox. Of course, I am here to share thoughts on EVERYTHING that was shown during the latest Xbox Games Showcase, so without further ado I am just going to jump into it like I always do.

 

 

 

The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X Handhelds

The first announcement of the show was not a new game but rather a new piece of hardware. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X seem to be Microsoft’s answer to handheld PCs such as the Steam Deck and other portable consoles like the Nintendo Switch. These systems are meant to combine the power of an Xbox with the freedom of Windows into a single handheld. Microsoft also announced that these handhelds will be released during the Holiday season of 2025, so they’re coming out relatively soon. They have not announced the price just yet, but they have also announced that you will be able to access your libraries from Xbox as well as third party launchers like Battle.net.

The inclusion of third party launchers in interesting because the press release deliberately kept the wording vague on which third party launchers could be used. The big one that everyone is probably wondering about is Steam, and it’s not known at this time weather or not Steam will be a part of the handheld. This will most likely also be revealed in the coming months. The ROG Xbox Ally is definitely something that I will be keeping an eye on.

 

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 

The first video game announcement of the showcase is a big one. Developers Treyarch and Raven Software announced that for the first time in franchise history, they will be releasing back to back Black Ops titles with Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7. The game is set in the year 2035 with the world on the brink of chaos thanks to the events in previous Black Ops games, and will be following the main character of David Mason once again. Of course, the game will have the iconic Multiplayer and Zombies modes that most people play COD for, but there was a bit of a surprise to me personally. That being that Treyarch also announced that the campaign will have Co-op and you can play the main story with a friend. Maybe the developers are getting tired of people not touching the single player content in these games. The showcase only gave us a tease of Black Ops 7 and Microsoft announced that more will be shown about the game this summer. We’ll probably get a release date for the game then.

 

Extended Look at Steampunk RPG, Clockwork Revolution in New Trailer

The first actual new game of the show was Clockwork Revolution, a new steampunk RPG from inXile entertainment. The trailer shows off more of the setting of the game, the steampunk city of Avalon, not an easy place to live. It seems to be your stereotypical fantasy setting with a dark underbelly. Where Clockwork Revolution becomes unique is that history has been crafted this way by the antagonist of this game, Lady Ironwood. The main player character, Morgan, has to travel back in time in order to change things. Time travel stories such as this almost never go off without a hitch so I’m curious to see where the story goes from there.

 

Gears of War: Reloaded – New Trailer Revealed, Multiplayer Beta Announced

Another surprise shown during the show is Gears of War: Reloaded. At first glance, it just seems to be another remake of the first game, but the surprise is why this one is even coming out in the first place: The game is coming out for Xbox PC and PS5.

Yes, you read that correctly. For the first time in almost 20 years PlayStation players will finally get to experience the visceral action of Gears of War. While that its the biggest announcement regarding this game, Microsoft also announced that there will be a multiplayer beta with cross-progression between platforms. All you have to do is either have Game Pass own a digital copy of Gears of War Ultimate Edition or pre-order Gears of War: Reloaded. Now, this is all very well and good, but can the other games in the trilogy get some love? I honestly feel like Gears of War is one of those trilogies where it keeps getting better as it goes on. I personally would love to see a remake of Gears 3 someday but as of right now that seems to be wishful thinking on my part.

 

Grounded 2 Heads to Game Preview and Steam Early Access July 29

Anyone remember the movie The Ant Bully, where a kid gets shrunk down to the size of an ant and has adventures? The Grounded series is basically that but as a video game. While the first game takes place in a backyard, the sequel is set in the suburban wilderness in Brookhollow Park. With the new setting comes new bugs and biomes and many quality of life improvements such as the all in one omnitool and even rideable Buggies. The game is entering Game Preview and Steam Early Access on July 29th and you are able to wishlist the game on both launchers right now.

 

Keeper: A Beautiful, Otherworldly Adventure from Lee Petty and Double Fine Productions, Arrives October 17

Keeper is the next game from Double Fine Productions and it received a brand new trailer. The trailer shows some pretty typical Double Fine hallmarks, such as psychedelic and mysterious visuals that look reminscent of the studio’s previous work. Another hallmark of Double Fine was shown during the trailer was unique gameplay unlike anything else that has been seen in other games.  Now this is something that I do not want to spoil for you, so you’re just going to have to watch the trailer yourself. If you’re the type to avoid trailers you won’t have much longer to wait as the game comes out on October 17th.

 

The Path to Master Ninja Begins: Ninja Gaiden 4 Emerges from the Shadows October 21

Gears of War is not the only Xbox franchise to make a comeback during this showcase. Ninja Gaiden is also getting a new entry with Ninja Gaiden 4. Team Ninja is teaming up with PlatinumGames to bring the next entry in the Ninja Gaiden franchise. The trailer shows a deeper look at the new main character Yakumo who is a young ninja prodigy and the array of new weapons that he has at his disposal. The trailer also shows off new gameplay with seamless weapon switching and obliteration techiniques along with series mainstays like bloodblade ninjustu and ninpo arts. It also looks like that Team Ninja will be pulling a Like A Dragon with this installment. Although he is no longer the main character previous series protagonist, Ryu Hayabusa will be making an apperance and have a pivotal role in the story. What that role is? we will have to find out on October 21st.

 

The Outer Worlds 2 Gets a New Trailer and a Huge Deep-Dive

The Outer Worlds 2 is the game that the Showcase was meant to… well… Showcase. This is probably the game that got the most information revealed. The trailer shows off the setting of the game, which is Arcadia, a colony cut off from the rest of the system, which leads to many power-hungry factions vying for domination. As the main character, your decisions and alliances will change the whole fate of Arcadia. The trailer also shows a lot of improvements when compared to the first game as well, such as ew companions, enhanced movement and combat, science weapons and armor, and full character customization. If you are looking forward to this one, it is another game that you will not have to wait long for since its coming out on October 29th.

 

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4: Foundry Demo Out Today!

The final Microsoft game shown in the showcase was Tony Hawk’s Pro skater 3 & 4. This remake brings  legendary and new parks, skaters, tricks, and more. The game also has a robust new carrer mode along with single sessions, speedruns and free skate. If you pre-order the game, you can play the Foundry demo right now. The most interesting annoucement about this game is that if you get the deluxe edition you can play as the DOOM SLAYER. He is not only a gamer but a skater as well. The thought of that is something that just makes me giggle.

 

World Premieres from Third Parties

Aniimo Is a Beautiful New Creature Collecting Action-RPG

The first third party game shown during the showcase is a new creature collecting RPG called Aniimo. This game is the latest in new creature collecting games to come out in the shadow of Palworld. The game seems to be more Pokémon-like then Palworld is, with the player being able battle Aniimo against other players. What makes this game unique is the fact that there is a Twinning system that actually allows you to become an Aniimo yourself a la Pokémon Mystery Dungeon. The game is coming out in 2026 and there will be a closed beta later this year.

 

Aphelion Is a Sci-Fi Adventure Grounded in Real-World Science

Aphelion is the latest game from Don’t Nod, the developers of Life is Strange. The game has the main Don’t Nod hallmarks by blending exploration, traversal and tense stealth gameplay with a dramatic narrative. What makes Aphelion unique is that it is a sci-fi game grounded in real-life science. This is due to a partnership between Don’t Nod and the European Space Agency. Aphelion will also be coming out in 2026.

 

At Fate’s End Is the Captivating New Game from the Spiritfarer Team

At Fate’s End is the newest game from Thunder Lotus the developers of Spiritfarer. The game reminds me a lot of modern Metroidvania games such as Hollow Knight. The game has intricate puzzles and tight action and dramatic boss fights. This is another game that combines a rich narrative and visceral action. The art style also looks very interesting, with the game looking like a high fantasy storybook. This is also a game that is coming out in 2026.

 

Game Freak & Fictions Reveal Beast of Reincarnation

Beast of Reincarnation is a new action RPG from Fictions and Game Freak. (Yes that Game Freak, the developers of Pokémon.) This game is interesting because it is the exact opposite of Pokémon. The game takes place in post-apocalyptic Japan and the setting is mired by corruption and dangerous beasts which is typical action RPG fare. The game does take a little bit from Pokémon because you get a dog companion that follows you and helps you in combat. I hope that the game will let you pet the dog; if it does this game will be an automatic 10/10.

 

The Blood of Dawnwalker Reveals its First Gameplay Trailer

The Blood of Dawnwalker is another new RPG coming from Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco. The premise of the game is that you play as Coen, who is a Dawnwalker, which is a half man, half vampire. The game does the typical RPG trope of the player choosing whether or not to be good or evil. In this game, you choose to keep your humanity or go full-on vampire and the game changes depending on which decisions you make. You can add this to the list of games that is coming out in 2026.

 

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Is Coming to Xbox

After 5 years, Final Fantasy VII Remake is finally coming to Xbox. There is not a lot to say about this one as Final Fantasy VII is one of the highest rated games of all time, and Remake is one of the most popular RPGs in recent memory. If you somehow have not played it yet, I highly recommend playing Remake.

 

Final Fantasy XVI Comes to Xbox 

Remake is not the only Final Fantasy game that is coming to Xbox. The latest entry in the series is also coming to Xbox and it is available right now for you to buy. This release means that every mainline Final Fantasy game is now playable on Xbox. XVI is also a Xbox play anywhere title which means you can play it on console and PC with one purchase. The game is also on Game Pass as well.

 

High On Life 2 Comes to Game Pass This Winter!

High on Life was one of Xbox’s sleeper hits in the last few years and the game will be receiving a sequel coming this winter. The game is  unlike any other shooter out right now, with a bright and colorful art style and a wacky premise at its core. The levels are wacky as well with such shining examples of the galaxy’s biggest conventions or futuristic cruise liner. This game reminds me a lot of Sunset Overdrive, another Xbox exclusive shooter with a bright art-style and similar premise. If you are a fan of games like that I highly reccomend the High on Life series.

 

Invincible VS: Quarter Up Reveals 3v3 Tag Fighting Game – Coming in 2026

Here is another surprise shown during the showcase. While it was only a matter of time until Invincible got its own video game, the surprise is what kind of game this title will be. The game will be a 3V3 Tag fighting game a la Marvel vs Capcom. The trailer also showed some of the fighters in the game, Mark (Invincible), Thula, Bulletproof and Atom Eve as well as various arenas and an authentic depiction of battle damage and bloody combat that fans of Invincible know and love. The game will come out in 2026 and it is looking to be for both fans of fighting games and fans of Invincible.

 

Mudang: Two Hearts Is a Cinematic Tactical Action-Adventure Arriving in 2026

Mudange Two Hearts is a tactical third person action adventure game a la Gears of War. The game takes place in the Korean Penisula after re-unification, which is a premise that I am honestly surprised more works of fiction do not do. The game blends stealth close quarters combat and emotional storytelling into a seamless experince. The story is interesting because it has characters from both sides of Korea having to work together for the greater good. The game is built in Unreal Engine 5 and is also set to launch in 2026.

 

Persona 4 Revival Officially Announced

This is another one of the worst kept secrets in recent memory. After the Persona 3 remake came out, it was only a matter of time until Persona 4 got the same treatment, and lo and behold, Persona 4 Revival is doing that exact thing. The trailer shows off the new updated visuals and the game looks as great as ever. If you have never played Persona 4 before this is looking to be the definite version of it. The showcase only showed off a teaser trailer, so there will be more information shown in the coming months.

 

Planet of Lana II Revealed – Double the Size, and Deeper than Ever

Planet of Lana II is a puzzle action adventure game that is double the size of the original game. The game is coming out in 2026 and will be a day one Game Pass release. The game has improved mechanics and brand new abilities such as controlling the creatures around you to solve puzzles. The game picks up where the last game left off, and the characters bond are put to the test as they navigate the changed world as a result of the last game.

 

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Expands the Universe in New Ways

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is a new game from Asobo Studio and Focus Entertainment and it is a prequel to the last game in the series. The story is set fifteen years before the last entry and it has a new action-adventure approach to gameplay. The game also has mythological undertones with the setting being the Minotaur’s Island which seems rife with potential for an action-adventure game. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy will be released in 2026 – you can wishlist the game today on the Xbox Store.

 

Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive Transforms the Hit Webtoon into an Action-RPG

Solo Leveling is the latest hit Anime series to come out of Japan and its finally receiving its first Video Game adaption with Arise Overdrive. The game is another Action RPG with gameplay similar to games such as Sekiro and Stellar Blade. Parrying plays a big part in the combat and you can use it to dominate the battlefield. You will also be able to play the game with friends. The Xbox PC version arrives fall 2025, with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Cloud versions to follow in 2026.

 

Super Meat Boy 3D Revealed with a New Trailer

Now this is a blast from the past! If you were around during the Xbox 360 era chances are you heard of Super Meat Boy. A very stylized 2D platformer that was known for being very difficult. Now Team Meat has teamed up with Sluggerfly and Headup Games to bring Super Meat Boy to the third dimension. The game seems to be just like its predecessor but in 3D, it will be interesting to see how this affects the game.

 

There Are No Ghosts at The Grand: Become Decorator by Day and Ghost Hunter by Night in a Cozy, Spooky Musical Mystery

The final game shown in the showcase is probably the most unique game of the whole lot. There Are No Ghosts at The Grand is a supernatural Sims-like game. You inherit a crumbling English hotel and restore it to its former glory by day and battle ghosts haunting the hotel at night. This is an interesting take on the Sims-like simulator type game since you have exactly one month to restore the hotel and figure out what exactly is going on with all the ghosts. The game has a release date of 2026 and is also coming to Game Pass.

 

There you have it all the games shown during the Xbox summer showcase. This shows that Xbox fans have a lot to look forward to in the next year. I personally am looking forward to the Invincible fighting game and Super Meat Boy 3D the most. What are you looking forward to the most? Let me know in the comments.