

Last month we had the PlayStation Showcase, featuring the next wave of games coming to the console, and ever quick to respond, Microsoft has its own Xbox Showcase this Sunday. We’ve already been given hints at what to expect, with a teaser suggesting a brand-new Fable game is all but certain to be announced. But here are three more things I’m desperate to see at the Xbox Showcase.
1. No more Redfalls
Arkane Studios’ vampire shooter Redfall was meant to be the killer exclusive for Xbox and Game Pass players but in reality, the game launched toothless. Millions were disappointed with a title launching full of game-breaking bugs and issues, while the game itself wasn’t much to write home about even when it did work.
This is a massive disappointment from the studio that created the likes of Dishonored and Deathloop, and it has since emerged that Arkane was desperate for more time before the release, having had multiple delays already. We need Xbox’s big exclusives to be the strongest offerings on the platform, not just another title in the library. While the PlayStation Showcase featured a surprising amount of games that are also coming to Xbox (as Microsoft were quick to point out), it did at least have Spider-Man 2 to bring the house down.
As for Redfall itself, hopefully, we will see some major updates announced on Sunday that will bring the game out of its coffin. All of this puts more pressure on Starfield, the much-hyped Bethesda title that will have its own Starfield Direct event straight after the showcase.
2. A handheld done right
This might be a case of wishful thinking but after Sony announced its Project Q handheld at its own showcase, we couldn’t help but be a little disappointed. It seems more of an accessory than its own bonafide system, as it can only stream games from a nearby PS5 console. Those hoping for a spiritual successor to the PS Vita will need to keep dreaming.
Xbox doesn’t have any handheld pedigree but the Nintendo Switch has gone unchallenged for an age, if Microsoft announced a handheld machine with more power than the ageing Switch, it would be both a dig at Sony and a popular reveal. Imagine getting access to the whole library of Game Pass on the move.
3. A massive boost to Game Pass
This is something I expect Microsoft to go hard on at the showcase. Game Pass is one of the best deals in gaming but it has gone slightly stagnant recently. Aside from Redfall, there have been a few major titles added to the service recently.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Some of the indies have been excellent (check out Cassette Beasts) but Game Pass is much better than Sony’s PlayStation Plus tiers and Microsoft needs to flaunt that. It was known as a platform where big titles would launch simultaneously with their individual release, and a return to that model would definitely liven up the service.
A recent GeForce Now update lets those without high-end gaming machines or consoles stream a handful of the best Xbox games and it would be great to see the whole Game Pass library become available on the service as part of Game Pass Ultimate. Perhaps they could be bundled together under one subscription like EA Play is already. The equation is simple, a strong Game Pass means a strong Xbox.

Andy was T3's Tech Staff Writer, covering all things technology, including his biggest passions such as gaming. If he had to save one possession from a fire it would be his PlayStation 5. He previously worked for Tom’s Guide – where he got paid to play with ChatGPT everyday. When it comes to streaming, Andy will have his headphones glued in whilst watching something that will make him laugh. He studied Creative Writing at university, but also enjoys supporting his favourite football team (Liverpool), watching F1, teaching himself guitar, and spending time with his dog.
-
New Xbox controllers could embrace tech Google ditched years ago
Rumours abound that Microsoft will launch three new controllers, one with Cloud Gaming at its heart
-
I swapped my PS5 Pro for a top-end Nvidia RTX 5070 rig – and I'm not sure I can go back
PC gaming has its claws back in me
-
3 best Xbox Series X/S games you've probably never heard of
There’s a lot more than Forza and Starfield to Xbox gaming, and we’ve picked out three absolute belters you may have missed
-
Xbox Series X/S storage space problems solved by a sneaky Xbox Game Pass update
You may never have to buy external storage again
-
One of the best villains in gaming is coming to Xbox Game Pass for free
All Game Pass subscribers are getting one of the best single-player shooters of the decade
-
The 5 luxury PS5 Pro accessories I can't live without – How to upgrade your PlayStation in style
If you want a better experience for your PS5 Pro, you need these luxury upgrades
-
Xbox Game Pass gets arguably the best game of all time for free, no strings attached
There's a real treat in store for Xbox Series X/S owners this month
-
This PS5 Pro game proves the best part of next-gen isn't what you expected
Ray-traced reflections might be a mirage