Skip to main content

Here’s what Xbox will be bringing to E3 2015

xbox e3 2015 plans xboxe32015plansheader
Image used with permission by copyright holder
E3 2015 is absolutely packed with press conferences from both console manufacturers and third-party publishers, including dedicated events from Bethesda and Square Enix. This year, Microsoft is hoping to win over audiences with not just its traditional show, but also some special incentives for a select group of fans.

The Xbox press conference, “Xbox: Game On,” begins on June 15 at 12:30 EST, and will be available for viewing on Spike TV, as well as the official Xbox website and through Xbox consoles and Windows Phone.

Recommended Videos

While details of the show are understandably limited so far, Xbox chief Phil Spencer promised last month that the focus would be more on first-party releases than in the past. Activision has typically partnered with Microsoft for exclusive Call of Duty reveals during E3, so it’s a reasonably safe bet that there will still be some third-party games shown off this year. Developers from Crystal Dynamics are also expected to join Larry Hryb’s “Xbox Daily: LIVE @ E3” show, so there is a very good chance that we will see new footage from Rise of the Tomb Raider, which is launching later this year as an Xbox exclusive.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Some Xbox fans in or near Los Angeles will also get a chance to win a ticket to the Xbox FanFest, a 500-person event running from Sunday, June 14 until Thursday, June 18. A ticket not only includes access to the Xbox press conference, but also a chance to play upcoming Xbox games and meet developers. To be invited to the event, you must be 21 or older and have an Xbox Live account. Tickets will be distributed in person on Sunday, June 14 on a first come, first serve basis, so don’t plan your trip around it unless you’re willing to show up early and camp out. The exact time and location has not yet been announced.

Xbox FanFest is much bigger than events from Microsoft’s past E3 shows, but the company did host a Sunset Overdrive event last year at the Century City Microsoft store, which included a chance to meet members of Insomniac Games and even grab a can of the mutant-creating Overcharge Delirium XT energy drink. If you’re curious enough to try it, individual cans of the stuff are still being sold as collector’s items (possible side effects include fourth-wall-breaking witticisms and zombification)

Gabe Gurwin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
3 new Xbox Game Pass games to play this weekend (November 22-24)
A cockpit view in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

While November has been a quieter month for Xbox Game Pass, this week saw three games launch on Xbox to the benefit of Game Pass subscribers. One is the latest entry in Microsoft's longest-running video game series, another is the long-awaited sequel to a supernatural horror cult classic, and the last one is a popular fantasy MMO that has finally made its way to Xbox Series X/S with bonuses for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. If you have an Xbox Game Pass subscription, but aren't sure what you should be playing this weekend, these are the three most obvious choices.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Xbox Games Showcase 2024

Before Microsoft started releasing video game consoles, it made flight simulators. This storied hardcore flying simulation franchise is getting a new entry this year, aptly named Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The latest entry in the Microsoft Flight Simulator series builds upon the strong foundation of its revival in 2020. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 not only sees improved environmental simulation, visuals, and physics, but lots of new content as well. There are now missions where players can participate in aerial firefighting, search and research, and more. While the appeal of simulators like this one is someone niche, those looking for a new flight simulator will adore this game.

Read more
Xbox is finally letting you cloud stream games you own, with some limits
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty's new character. She's in a security uniform leaning against a railing with a fiery cityscape in the background.

Years after Xbox promised that users could stream games they own through the cloud, the company is finally launching that functionality, albeit with some restrictions.

Starting Wednesday, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to use Xbox Cloud Gaming to stream games they already own, even if they're not in the Game Pass catalog. However, they can only stream from a list of 50 supported games right now. You can view the full list on Xbox's website, but it's a good mix of titles, ranging from AAA releases like Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Outlaws, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 to recent indies like Animal Well, Fear the Spotlight, and Dredge. This applies to any version of the game you own, like if you have Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition.

Read more
PS5 vs. Xbox Series S
ps5 vs xbox series s release date 710x400

Between the regular PlayStation 5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, buying a current-gen console is not as simple as it once was. However, you do need to make the right choice if you want to play the best PS5 games or best Xbox Series games, which is the most important factor in a gaming machine. Sure, many games are now cross-platform, but not all of them. We compared the PS5 to the Xbox Series X already, but what about the S? Let's pit Sony's console against the smaller Xbox and see which one is worth it for you.
PlayStation 5 vs. Xbox Series S: specs
Right off the bat, we need to point out that the PS5 and Xbox Series S are aimed toward slightly different audiences, and their specs do differ a considerable amount. The PS5 is aimed toward a "premium" audience looking for high-end visuals and performance, while the Series S is presented as more of an affordable option to get as many players on board as possible. You'll notice the PS5 is a more powerful system in many ways than the Series S, but that doesn't necessarily mean deciding between the two is easy. When it comes to specs, both offer custom SSDs (solid-state drives), meaning games and apps will load incredibly fast. This is a huge upgrade from the current generation's HDDs (hard disk drives), which are starting to show their age as games become much larger in scope.

The main difference between the two on the surface is that the Series S lacks a disc drive, while the standard PS5 will accept 4K UHD Blu-Ray discs. This could be a major factor for some, especially those with less reliable internet connections. The standard PS5 will cost more than the Xbox Series S, and a lower price point could prove to be the most enticing factor when choosing one over the other.

Read more