Microsoft's Xbox Games Showcase 2025 delivered a packed hour of announcements today, featuring everything from the surprise reveal of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 to the long-awaited Xbox handheld partnership with ASUS. The event showcased over two dozen games, major franchise returns, and significant hardware news that will shape the Xbox ecosystem through 2026.
Xbox Ally Handheld: Microsoft's Gaming Revolution
The biggest hardware announcement was the official reveal of Microsoft's collaboration with ASUS on the ROG Xbox Ally handheld series. After years of speculation, Xbox fans finally have dedicated portable gaming hardware.
Two Models, Two Performance Tiers
ROG Xbox Ally: Entry-level model featuring AMD Ryzen Z2A processor, 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 RAM, 512GB SSD, and 60Wh battery
ROG Xbox Ally X: Premium model with AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, 1TB SSD, and 80Wh battery
Shared Features: 7-inch 1080p 120Hz displays, Xbox controller-inspired ergonomics, impulse triggers (X model), and Xbox full-screen experience
Both handhelds launch Holiday 2025 with pricing details to be announced. The devices run Windows 11 with optimised Xbox integration while maintaining full PC functionality for Steam, Epic Games Store, and other platforms.
Read our full coverage of the Xbox Ally Handheld here
Major First-Party Game Announcements
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 - The Future of Warfare
In a surprise reveal, Activision announced Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, marking the first consecutive Black Ops release in the franchise's history. Set in 2035, more than 40 years after Black Ops 6, the game promises "the most mind-bending Black Ops ever."
Campaign: Features David Mason returning to lead against psychological warfare and cutting-edge technology
Multiplayer: New maps and near-future weaponry with innovative cooperative campaign support
Zombies: Next chapter in the Dark Aether storyline with round-based zombie gameplay
Gears of War: Reloaded - Iconic Franchise Goes Multiplatform
The Coalition announced Gears of War: Reloaded, a complete remaster of the 2006 original launching August 26, 2025. This marks a significant moment as the first mainline Gears title officially coming to PlayStation 5.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5, and Steam ($39.99 SRP)
Features: 4K textures, 60 FPS campaign, 120 FPS multiplayer, cross-play, cross-progression, and split-screen co-op
Beta Access: Two-weekend multiplayer beta starting June 13 for Game Pass members and pre-order customers
The Outer Worlds 2 - Obsidian's Sci-Fi Return
Obsidian Entertainment finally revealed substantial details about The Outer Worlds 2, including a concrete release date and gameplay improvements that address fan feedback from the original.
Release Date: October 29, 2025 for Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Game Pass
Improved RPG Systems: Condensed but more impactful skill system, enhanced dialogue options, and deeper character customization
Expanded Universe: Larger scope with new corporate factions and more diverse environments
Third-Party Blockbusters and Surprises
Final Fantasy Arrives on Xbox
In a long-awaited moment for Xbox fans, Square Enix finally brought the Final Fantasy franchise to Microsoft's platform with immediate availability and upcoming releases.
Final Fantasy XVI: Available immediately on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox PC as a surprise shadow drop
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade: Coming to Xbox in Winter 2025
Persona 4 Revival - Complete Remake Confirmed
After weeks of leaks and speculation, Sega officially confirmed Persona 4 Revival, a ground-up remake of the beloved JRPG. The announcement showed updated 3D visuals while maintaining the game's iconic art style and story elements.
Game Freak's Beast of Reincarnation
In perhaps the showcase's biggest surprise, Pokémon developer Game Freak announced Beast of Reincarnation, their first major non-Pokémon project. This action RPG follows Emma the Sealer and her wolf companion in a post-apocalyptic Japan setting, launching in 2026.
Exciting Sequels and New IPs
Grounded 2 - Surprise Early Access
Obsidian surprised fans with Grounded 2, expanding the ant-sized survival experience with new environments, improved building systems, and enhanced multiplayer. The game launches in Game Preview on July 29, 2025, far sooner than anyone expected.
High on Life 2 - Chaotic Comedy Returns
Squanch Games announced High on Life 2, continuing the irreverent humor and talking weapon mechanics that made the original a hit. The sequel promises even more outrageous scenarios and improved gunplay.
Ninja Gaiden 4 - October Action
After a 13-year absence, Ninja Gaiden returns with the fourth mainline entry developed by Platinum Games. Launching October 21, 2025, the game promises classic challenging action with modern polish and will be available day one on Game Pass.
Notable New Announcements
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy: New adventure from Focus Entertainment set in ancient times with mythological elements (2026)
At Fate's End: Gorgeous action-adventure from Spiritfarer developers Thunder Lotus focusing on family dynamics (2026)
Keeper: Double Fine's whimsical adventure featuring a lighthouse with legs, launching October 17, 2025
Super Meat Boy 3D: The classic platformer enters the third dimension for early 2026
Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf: Sequel to the beautiful puzzle-adventure with expanded scope (2026)
DLC and Expansions
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants: First expansion launching September 4, 2025, taking players to Rome
Age of Mythology: Heavenly Spear: New expansion for the mythological RTS launching Fall 2025
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4: Remastered collection launching July 11, 2025
Fallout 76: Gone Fission: Major expansion already available
Game Pass Integration and Availability
Microsoft emphasised Game Pass as the core of its ecosystem, with approximately 90% of showcased titles confirmed for day-one availability on the subscription service. This includes major releases like The Outer Worlds 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and most first-party titles.
Key Game Pass Day One Titles
The Outer Worlds 2 (October 29, 2025)
Grounded 2 (July 29, 2025)
Ninja Gaiden 4 (October 21, 2025)
Gears of War: Reloaded (August 26, 2025)
Beast of Reincarnation (2026)
At Fate's End (2026)
Looking Ahead: Xbox's 25th Anniversary
Phil Spencer closed the showcase by teasing Xbox's 25th anniversary celebration in 2026, promising the arrival of several major titles:
New Fable
Next Forza game
Gears of War: E-Day
"The return of a classic that's been with us since the beginning" (heavily rumoured to be a Halo remaster)
The Xbox Games Showcase 2025 successfully demonstrated Microsoft's commitment to both traditional console gaming and the expanding handheld market. With strong first-party offerings, significant third-party partnerships, and the introduction of Xbox Ally handhelds, the showcase positioned Xbox for a competitive 2025 and beyond. The emphasis on Game Pass integration and cross-platform availability shows Microsoft's strategy of meeting players wherever they choose to game.