Home / Gaming / Microsoft gives XBOX mode a more handheld-friendly Gaming Task View
Microsoft gives XBOX mode a more handheld-friendly Gaming Task View
windowscentral.com Oct 16, 2026

Microsoft gives XBOX mode a more handheld-friendly Gaming Task View

Curated by · TechCapsules ·

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Sean Endicott, a veteran News Writer at Windows Central, specializes in covering Windows 11, Surface devices, Microsoft 365, AI, and the broader Windows ecosystem. Since joining the site in 2017, he has authored over a thousand articles, ranging from breaking news and analysis to feature pieces and opinion columns. His reporting portfolio includes Windows updates, Surface launches, Microsoft 365 changes, and the company’s expanding focus on AI and services. Endicott also produces the weekly “Windows Wrap” column, curating the most significant stories of the week and contextualizing them within the PC landscape. Prior to his full‑time role, he earned a First Class degree in Broadcast Journalism from Nottingham Trent University, worked in journalism and media production, and gained experience in live broadcast environments. Outside tech, he is an award‑winning youth American football coach in Nottingham, England, named BAFCA Youth Coach of the Year in 2024.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · Endicott’s deep, cross‑platform expertise ensures Windows Central delivers nuanced, reliable coverage of Microsoft’s evolving hardware and software strategy.
  • · His dual background in broadcast and sports coaching brings a disciplined, audience‑focused approach to tech journalism.
Capsules Gaming Microsoft
Read full article on windowscentral.com
More in Gaming →
Xbox 25
windowscentral.com · Oct 16

Xbox 25

Xbox is preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary, prompting Windows Central to publish a series of retrospectives, editorials, and opinion pieces that trace the brand’s evolution from the original console and Xbox Live to the Xbox 360, Game Pass, and cloud gaming. The coverage highlights Microsoft’s strategy and speculates on future directions as the platform moves toward greater platform‑agnosticism. The articles aim to contextualize Xbox’s impact on the industry and outline potential next steps for the franchise.

💡 The anniversary marks a milestone that underscores Xbox’s role in shaping modern gaming ecosystems. It offers a rare opportunity to assess how the brand’s innovations may influence upcoming industry trends.

Zelda Ocarina of Time remake has new sidequests, harder minigames, and subtle dungeon tweaks
gamesradar.com · Oct 16

Zelda Ocarina of Time remake has new sidequests, harder minigames, and subtle…

Nintendo’s upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time introduces new side quests, a harder target‑shooting minigame, and subtle dungeon layout changes. In Hyrule Castle Town, a potion shopkeeper requests Link catch a bug, offering a healing potion afterward. The target game now has tighter timing, adding fresh challenge. Minor tweaks to the Forest Temple’s layout prevent players from simply replaying the original dungeon. These adjustments aim to refresh the classic experience for veteran players.

💡 By adding new content and difficulty tweaks, Nintendo turns a beloved classic into a more engaging revisit, appealing to long‑time fans who crave fresh challenges.

‘There Should be a Game Award for Hot Dads’ — Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Devs Are Fully Aware and Loving the ‘Horny’ Fanart for Their Game
ign.com · Oct 16

‘There Should be a Game Award for Hot Dads’ — Castlevania: Belmont’s…

The Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse team welcomed the “horny” fanart that has flooded social media, explaining that they intentionally designed characters to be attractive to boost fan engagement. Released on October 15, the game features Trevor Belmont and other monsters navigating Paris, and has already earned solid reviews, including an eight‑point score from IGN. Developers Bérenger Dupré and Sandro Bordier highlighted their pride in the character designs and hinted at future “Hot Dads Edition” content, while noting the emotional response from fans.

💡 The developers’ embrace of provocative fan art signals a shift toward more open, fan‑driven marketing strategies in the gaming industry. This approach could reshape how studios gauge and respond to community reactions, potentially influencing future game design and promotional tactics.

Diablo 4 players spent weeks searching for missing armor only to find it hiding in the new update
gamesradar.com · Oct 16

Diablo 4 players spent weeks searching for missing armor only to find…

Blizzard’s Season 15 update for Diablo 4 introduced a long‑missing piece of the Bovine armor set. The Foreshanks gloves, required to complete the cow‑themed gear, were absent until patch 3.2.3 added a new cow spawn behind the Cathedral in Old Tristram. Players must pet the cow to receive the gloves. The update resolves a weeks‑long community hunt, allowing full set acquisition and confirming Blizzard’s commitment to nostalgic references.

💡 The fix demonstrates Blizzard’s responsiveness to player frustration and preserves the series’ legacy, ensuring long‑time fans can complete iconic gear.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Can Be Played Early on PS5, Here’s How
playstationlifestyle.net · Oct 16

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Can Be Played Early on PS5,…

Activision has opened early access for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on PlayStation 5 and other platforms, starting today. The title, a stand‑alone release separate from the Call of Duty launcher, will fully launch on October 23, 3036. Players who preorder receive exclusive perks, including an Inner Circuit Weapon Blueprint, a Hunter Killer Operator Skin, and a Gilded Pearl Camo Pack, as well as DMZ Early Access from October 20. The story centers on a Korean Peninsula conflict, featuring missions in Mumbai, Paris, and New York, and a grounded multiplayer mode.

💡 Early access lets players shape the game’s launch experience and secure rare cosmetic items before the full release, influencing community engagement and competitive play.

Celebrating the next generation of Latin American game creators
news.xbox.com · Oct 16

Celebrating the next generation of Latin American game creators

XBOX is launching its Game Camp in Mexico City on October 17, coinciding with the console’s 25th anniversary. The event will host a curated selection of Mexican studios for seminars, keynotes, and networking, featuring industry leaders such as Mojang’s Jens Bergensten and XBOX Game Camp founder Peter Zetterberg. The program builds on XBOX’s ID@XBOX Developer Acceleration Program, which has supported over 60 studios across Latin America, delivering more than 30 culturally distinct titles to the platform since 2023. The camp aims to deepen community ties and expand opportunities for local creators.

💡 By spotlighting Mexican developers during a milestone year, XBOX reinforces its commitment to nurturing regional talent and diversifying the global gaming landscape. The initiative offers a rare, high‑profile platform for emerging studios to connect with industry veterans, potentially accelerating the international reach of Latin American games.