Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring today. It's important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you're aware when updates are coming to your device. Details can be found below!

New Features and Experiences
We have exciting news! Alpha Skip-Ahead users can expect something new coming to their Xbox Update Preview.

Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)
Xbox Insiders can preview Mouse and Keyboard support while playing via cloud gaming on supported browsers (Edge and Chrome) and the Xbox App on Windows PCs for users enrolled in the PC Gaming Preview. Note: Users on browser will need to enable Preview features on their browser to gain access to the feature. This is done by clicking on your profile picture at xbox.com/play and then select Settings and then enable "Preview features."

The Arctic Camo Special Edition controller is now making its worldwide debut! It was originally launched in the United States on May 2023 at select retailers and will now expand to international markets to reach more fans. Arctic Camo features a patchwork of rugged white and gray that all tie together into one striking visual. This monochromatic multitool, from the thumbsticks to the hybrid D-Pad and all the way to the triggers, is the perfect purchase for gamers who crave a controller that exudes both style and sophistication.

Like the rest of the Camo series, Arctic Camo comes with features which make Xbox controllers stand out. Enjoy modern sculpted surfaces and refined geometry for enhanced comfort during gameplay—with a hybrid D-Pad that allows your fingers to glide across the surface, textured grips on the bumpers, triggers, and back case for a stronger support. By using Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless, the Arctic Camo controller can connect to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, PC, mobile phones and tablets (see xbox.com/controller-compatibility for more details).

Thrustmaster is thrilled to unveil the new generation of the ESWAP X PRO CONTROLLER gamepad with the launch of ESWAP X2: an evolution three years after the launch of the iconic first version, which captured the hearts of gamers looking for exceptional performance. Thrustmaster's modular ESWAP controllers have become the gold standard in the segment of professional-grade gamepads used at the highest level in competitive gaming. ESWAP X2 represents the new generation of ESWAP X PRO CONTROLLER, maintaining all the features that gamers have come to appreciate over the years. Hot-Swap technology allows for unlimited replacement of the S5 NXG mini-sticks, recognized for their exceptional precision in the world of esports.

This new version improves the lifespan of the mini-sticks, providing players with an extended gaming experience. What's more, the D-pad's ergonomic design has been completely reworked in order to simplify and speed up activations. ESWAP X2 includes a USB-C cable for optimal connectivity, minimizing latency during gaming sessions and ensuring maximum responsiveness between pressing a button and the action in the game.

For Backbone's first-ever game collaboration, we've partnered with the legendary Kojima Productions to bring you the Backbone One - DEATH STRANDING Limited Edition controller. This collaboration commemorates the release of DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT for iOS. The Backbone One controller features custom product and packaging designs that blend the innovative design of the Backbone One with the artistic vision of Hideo Kojima and his award-winning title, DEATH STRANDING. Backbone One - DEATH STRANDING Limited Edition includes a free copy of DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT for iOS. Your complimentary copy of the game also gives you the ability to play it on iPad and Mac. The best way to experience DEATH STRANDING on your iPhone 15 is with Backbone! Tomorrow Is In Your Hands.

Designed in Partnership with Kojima Productions
Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind DEATH STRANDING and founder of Kojima Productions, is renowned for his innovative storytelling and game design approach. His collaboration with Backbone is a further testament to his vision of pushing the boundaries of gaming, blurring the lines between console and mobile experiences.

Best Buy Canada's site listed—by mistake—an entry for a Version 2.0 of Sony's venerable PlayStation 5 DualSense controller—the retailer proceeded to remove the leaked information and imagery, but several news outlets have preserved crucial details. The nixed page advertised a yet to be released "PlayStation 5 V2 DualSense Wireless Controller," that looks identical in appearance to Version 1.0—it even shares the same pricing of CA$89.99. Hooray for no price hiking, if this info is indeed accurate. A couple of internet sleuths have noticed that a Swiss retailer has listed V2 controllers (in white or camo)—these web pages became active back in December 2023.

The standout revelation from this leak appears to be much improved battery life—the Best Buy Canada website entry mentioned V2 being capable of lasting 12 hours on a single charge. Folks familiar with the current PS5 DualSense controller are accustomed to around six hours of usage, before a wired recharge session is required. The listing also outlined a Dual Sense charging station being bundled with Sony's V2 game controller. The sleuths also noted that the next iteration has an advertised weight of 280 g—CFI-ZCT1W AKA "V1" comes in at 360 g. Several online publications have contacted Sony PlayStation for a comment on the situation.

We are very pleased to introduce to you our brand new product: EasySMX 9124 Pro Gamepad. Knowing your love for games, we want to give you a chance to change your gaming experience.

The trigger and joystick adopt the hall design, which provides a more accurate response time while the joystick is drifting, and also increases the life of the controller by 2-4 times. Whether you are a PC, Xbox, PlayStation or Switch player, our EasySMX 9124 Pro controller can be perfectly adapted. Simple connection and convenient operation allow you to fully immerse yourself in the game world. We know that games are not only a visual enjoyment, but also a physical and mental experience. Therefore, the EasySMX 9124 Pro handle is equipped with a vibration feedback system, allowing you to feel every hit, explosion or sprint.

Secure a time machine to 2005. The Xenon is a replica of the official Xbox 360 Controller - licensed with Designed for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Windows 10|11 PCs, priced at $49.99. Pre-orders begin at MIDNIGHT PDT / May 5th via HyperkinStore.com. Announced in November of last year, the Xenon is a replica of the official Xbox 360 Controller. The Xenon is named after the codename of the Xbox 360's first console iteration. Although a replica of the official Xbox 360 controller, the Xenon will include some modern amenities for the Xbox Series X|S. It will initially come in four colors: black, white, pink and red.

Hyperkin has recreated the Xbox 360 Controller as an officially Xbox-licensed controller. The Xenon features precision analog triggers, a share button for Xbox Series X|S, vibration feedback for realistic experiences, a 3.5 mm headset jack, and a detachable 10 ft. Type-C cable. The Xenon takes you back to 2005, when you and your buds spent nights filled with fun, competition, and bonds that last to this day. You've come full circle.

The Call of Duty RICOCHET Anti-Cheat team announced earlier this month that their newly updated system was capable of detecting "third-party hardware devices that alter the Call of Duty gameplay experience" - this makes reference to a plethora of gaming input modification devices including the Cronus Zen/Max, XIM Apex and FPS Boost Strike Pack. All readily available from direct stores, Amazon and various e-tailers. These hardware modules are hooked up to a gamepad or mouse plus keyboard combination, and allow the user to bypass the legitimate control input detection on the host hardware, be it a games console or PC. Stock scripts and macros can be utilized - for example - to boost in-game aim assist to unprecedented levels, mitigate weapon recoil, and add support for mouse and keyboard in otherwise non-compatible games. Anti-cheat software suites have been unable to detect the extra layer of code, since it runs on an external device - until now.

CoD's security team elaborates on their cheat spotter: "Since our previous progress report, TeamRICOCHET has developed and tested a detection for third-party hardware devices that alter the Call of Duty gameplay experience. These devices act as a passthrough for controllers on PC and console and, when used improperly or maliciously, can provide a player with the ability to gain an unfair gameplay advantage, such as reducing or eliminating recoil. Testing is complete: This detection is deployed globally on all platforms. Users across PC or console who are detected to be using third-party hardware devices to impact the Modern Warfare II or Warzone 2.0 gameplay experience will first see a warning about the improper use of these devices..."

Who doesn't love more? Introducing the newest expansion to Xbox Elite Series 2 with Xbox Design Lab! There is an innate joy that comes with making something truly yours. Since fulfilling the top fan request last October by adding Xbox Elite Series 2 to Xbox Design Lab, we've been working hard to take things up a notch. We're thrilled to announce that a new range of colors are now available, giving you even more ways to make Xbox Elite Series 2 controllers your own.

You will now have the choice of 16 main colors for your top and back case, 12 colors for the ABXY buttons, 17 different accent colors for the paddles and D-pad, and 25 accent colors for the rest of the controller. With vibrant hues like Garnet Red, Glacier Blue, and Deep Pink, to a stealthier option like the new black-out ABXY buttons, there are literally billions of possibilities for personalizing our most advanced controller. Xbox Elite Series 2 with Xbox Design Lab includes customization options that are unique to the controller; options like adjusting the color of the thumbstick rings and base for a subtle pop of color, or metallic triggers and D-Pads that give the controller a premium feel.

The new Xbox Wireless Controller - Remix Special Edition is made partly from reclaimed CDs, water jugs… and other controllers' parts. We aspire to create a future of gaming in a world that we want to play in. Earth Day is just around the corner, and it provides all of us with a special opportunity to reflect on how we can improve our impact on the planet. To celebrate this year, we've created an Xbox controller that features recovered plastics with one-third of it made from regrind and reclaimed materials.

Mixing post-consumer recycled resins with regrind consisting of previously molded colored parts creates custom, earth-tone colors with subtle variations, swirling, markings, and texturing - giving each Remix Special Edition controller its own look and feel. We aspire to create a future of gaming in a world that we want to play in. Earth Day is just around the corner, and it provides all of us with a special opportunity to reflect on how we can improve our impact on the planet. To celebrate this year, we've created an Xbox controller that features recovered plastics with one-third of it made from regrind and reclaimed materials.

Introducing the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 - Core, now in red and blue. We expanded the core version of the Xbox Elite Series 2 lineup to give gamers more options to play like a pro. Play in style with just the components you need to unleash your best game. The new, vibrant red and blue color schemes of the core version of Xbox Elite Series 2 are sure to make a statement amongst your friends while delivering key performance-focused benefits.

Turn on a dime with adjustable tension thumbsticks where inches are the difference. Make split seconds count with hair trigger locks and stay on target with wrap-around rubberized grips. Enjoy limitless customization with exclusive button mapping options to find your groove. Perfect your game day prep with assignable custom profiles so you can dominate regardless of playbook or sport.

What if you drastically changed the way that you play Forza Horizon 5? ESWAP X PRO CONTROLLER — the gold standard for professional gamepads - is heading to Mexico and sporting the colors of the game Forza Horizon 5. To celebrate the occasion, it includes a world-first feature: RACING WHEEL MODULE. Dubbed ESWAP XR PRO CONTROLLER FORZA HORIZON 5 EDITION, this gamepad provides next-level immersion and a truly exceptional racing experience. It's all about precision, speed and control!

A GAMEPAD CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FORZA HORIZON 5 DEVELOPER TURN 10
Officially licensed by both Forza Horizon 5 and Xbox, ESWAP XR PRO CONTROLLER FORZA HORIZON 5 EDITION is a true collector's-edition gamepad to be treasured. Customized with the official colors of Forza Horizon 5, you'll enjoy all of the precision and responsiveness that have made Thrustmaster's ESWAP X PRO CONTROLLER a worldwide smash hit.

Leading gaming accessory maker Turtle Beach Corporation today announced its Designed for Xbox Turtle Beach Recon Controller is now available in a new Arctic Camo colorway. Since its debut, the award-winning Recon Controller has been lauded by fans and reviewers alike for blending game-changing controls with the brand's signature audio technologies. Turtle Beach's Recon Controller has been securing awards and top marks since the moment it was revealed. Recently, IGN gave the Recon Controller a 9/10 review score plus the publication's Editors' Choice designation, while CNN Underscored included it in their Best Xbox Series X|S Accessories. The new Arctic Camo colorway is another attractive option for gamers on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs, along with the original Black and White versions. All three colors are now available from Turtle Beach and participating retailers globally for $59.95 MSRP.

"The Recon Controller was a powerful first entry for Turtle Beach into the ~$600 million third-party gamepad market, and its continued, consistent praise and strong reviews show we have done it right," said Juergen Stark, Chairman and CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. "The new Arctic Camo Recon Controller is another great option for gamers on Xbox and PC to consider, and we've got more Designed for Xbox and mobile gaming controllers coming later this year."

Gamesir, a leading provider of innovative, high quality gaming peripherals is pleased to announce the launch of the T4 Mini wireless controller, a smaller version of its hugely successful T4 series controller with a more compact and lightweight design. Ideal for travel and those with smaller hands. Featuring built-in 6-Axis gyro and asymmetric dual motors, the T4 mini is compatible with Switch, Android, iOS phones & PC. The first 500 orders on AliExpress will also receive a free carry case. After this date, the price will be $35.99. The T4 mini also available on the GameSir website with Amazon is expected to stock mid-November.

The majority of gaming controllers have one standard size which can make it slightly more uncomfortable for those with smaller hands to grip and play on for longer periods. Thankfully GameSir has addressed this issue with its latest release, the T4 Mini. Shaped in a compact and lightweight body, the wireless controller is ideal for families and travel and has big cross-platform compatibility, enabling gamers to use on Switch, Android, iOS phones & PC. In particular, it's a perfect fit for Switch in multiplayer gaming, providing an excellent gaming experience with its built-in 6-Axis gyro and asymmetric dual motors allowing for more motion inputs such as tilt and rotation for a more active and immersive experience. The asymmetric dual motors create different and non-monotonous vibration effects on the left and right grips, delivering vivid vibration feedback for racing, fighting and shooting games.

Buoyed by the success of its modular professional gamepad, the ESWAP PRO CONTROLLER, Thrustmaster is thrilled to be adding to the product's ecosystem with the launch of the ESWAP LED CRYSTAL PACKS, available in two different eye-catching colors: orange or blue. Featuring impressive changes both in terms of the modules' outward appearance and inner workings, Thrustmaster is once again making a big impression on the industry, and doubling down on its commitment to helping all gamers in their quest toward the upper echelons of multiplayer gaming rankings.

The ESWAP LED CRYSTAL PACKS feature next-generation (NXG) analog mini-sticks: the ESWAP S5 NXG MINI-STICK MODULE. These new mini-sticks ensure enhanced precision and a longer lifespan in relation to previous Thrustmaster mini-sticks. Gamers will enjoy better physical resistance (+33%), improved re-centering precision (+66%), and double the lifespan for the built-in mini-stick buttons (+100%), compared with previous mini-sticks in Thrustmaster's range of gamepads. For gamers who don't necessarily want to buy a complete new pack of modules, Thrustmaster is pleased to also be offering the ESWAP S2 NXG MINI-STICK MODULE, available for purchase individually: a next-generation (NXG) replica of the ESWAP Classic Mini-Stick Module, for a great fit with every gamer's needs.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the Razer Tartarus Pro. The newest member of Razer's renowned Tartarus keypad family is the first keypad fitted with analog optical switches designed to provide gamers with superior control in games. The Tartarus Pro is equipped with Razer Analog Optical Switches, enabling the keypad to measure how deep each key is pressed. This allows the Tartarus Pro to emulate analog input similar to controller thumbsticks. Additionally, gamers can adjust the actuation point between 1.5 mm for a faster keystroke, or up to 3.6 mm for a deeper, and more deliberate press.

At the heart of the Razer Analog Optical Switches, an infrared light beam passes through switch stem, while a sensor measures the depth of the switch based on how much light passes through. As such, the switches can register scaling levels of input in the same keystroke. This lets advanced users take advantage of dual-function keys to bind two functions to each key - one that triggers on a partial keystroke, and another on a full keystroke. With dual-function keys, the Razer Tartarus Pro can help ease complex key presses and level up the gaming experience by adapting to the user's playstyle and requirement.

With the brand-new GP XID PRO, PC gamers will now be able to get their hands on a totally plug-and-play gamepad that lets them start playing games right away, under optimal conditions and with absolute precision in all of their actions. Thrustmaster is the specialist looked to by simulation professionals, and the most advanced sim gamers, thanks to its decades of unmatched R&D expertise. Thrustmaster is thrilled to now be able to offer all of that know-how in this next-generation PC gamepad.

Built-in XInput standard: A powerful advantage
The GP XID PRO benefits from featuring the XInput (XID) standard built right into the gamepad, allowing it to be totally plug-and-play: just plug the gamepad in and start playing - there's nothing to install! Incorporation of the XInput standard ensures that the controller is instantly recognized as an Xbox gamepad in Windows. The main advantage of this is that all buttons and axes are assigned the proper functions and actions in games, without the need to go through a long and laborious setup phase. Even better is the fact that the GP XID PRO is the long-awaited PC-compatible gamepad that's plug-and-play in Windows 7, 8 and 10.

SPEEDLINK focuses on in-house creation with its new STRIKE NX gamepad. The new gamepad will replace the very successful STRIKE FX and will be available in both wireless and non-wireless models for PC and Playstation 3. Alongside new technical developments, the gamepad has also been given a totally new look. The model for PC allows users to switch between XInput and DirectInput, meaning new and also older games can be optimally supported and played.

SPEEDLINK has left nothing to chance with the new STRIKE NX. The new gamepad is an in-house creation and fits even more snugly in gameplayers' hands than its predecessor, the STRIKE FX. To achieve this, a completely new model was created which delivers both maximal ergonomic quality and ensures that users can comfortably reach all buttons. At the same time, intuitive operation of the two highly accurate analog sticks and touch sensitive buttons mean users feel real control. And thanks to its intense rumble effect provided by the vibration function, STRIKE NX makes for thrilling gameplay.

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz") announced today a new range of products featuring the Company's new GameSmart technology. Initial products in the range include the R.A.T.M mobile gaming mouse, the F.R.E.Q.M headset, the M.O.U.S.9 wireless mouse, and the C.T.R.L.R wireless gamepad.

In addition to delivering leading edge gaming performance on PC, Mac and in some instances consoles, GameSmart products are designed to extend the core gaming experience to supporting smart devices. GameSmart offers mobile game developers and publishers standardization, ease of implementation and scalability when enabling controller and console-like accessory functionality in mobile games. GameSmart control products will function through the Bluetooth Smart stack, will be game and hardware independent, and will feature simplified setup, longer battery life and universal compatibility.

For all those put off with the ergonomics of Nintendo's standard Wii U controller, the console giant is planning a new ergonomic gamepad for games that can make do with just common controls (D-pad, axes, four buttons, triggers). Called the Wii U Pro Controller, the gamepad dons a similar shape to that of the Xbox 360 controller, but with both its analog sticks located in the same row of controls. The controller appears to be designed to work both wired and wireless. More details will be released at this year's E3 event, scheduled for this week.

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. announced today a new range of licensed Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier products, due for release to coincide with the upcoming Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier videogame from Ubisoft, expected to launch in May 2012.

Due for release on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system from Sony, the new range of licensed products includes the Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Pro GamePad and the Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier 7.1 Surround Sound Headset.

Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. stated, "We're excited to be a part of the Tom Clancy's franchise and look forward to the release of our range of licensed Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier products."

ARCTIC launches its new gaming accessory - The USB Wireless Gamepad. In order to completely fulfill the need of every gamer to extend his/her play time, this gamepad is designed with a high-capacity rechargeable 1000 mAH lithium-ion battery. You can also recharge your gamepad while you play.

Thanks to its 2.4 GHz wireless technology, this wireless gamepad gives you quicker responses and the freedom to move up to 10 m away from your PC. Its dual vibration motors let you feel every hit, every explosion and every crash right in your very own hands - offering you a much more realistic and interactive gaming experience.

It looks like Roccat Studios' marketing department has sought to bring up the topic of the future of PC gaming, something Razer did, before going on to launch a $2,800 gaming laptop. Alienware asked the same question, but in contrast to Razer, went on to launch a much more sensible product that actually seeks to do something about the ailing PC gaming industry (a nice, cheap gaming PC that woos the console crowd). Roccat is known neither for fancy overpriced laptops, or desktops, but is a sizable player in the gaming peripherals industry.

Roccat's latest marketing campaign revolves around the question "Isn't PC gaming dead?", a cleverly worded question that asks why PC gaming isn't dead already, instead of a more inquisitive "Is PC gaming dead?", or an exclamatory "PC gaming isn't dead!". Roccat is seeking answers to this burning question on a specially set-up microsite. Roccat's campaign isn't just market research, but also leading up to something, a product launch, perhaps. The question site goes on to state "soon we'll tell you what we think is the smartest way forward." By 'soon', they mean about 13 days from now. The shoutbox in the microsite is nested in a frame shaped like an iPhone. Could this mean something? A gamepad-dock for iPhone that enhances gaming? Time will tell if Roccat does a Razer or an Alienware.

Microsoft's next-generation Xbox game console, which has been unofficially referred to as "Xbox 720", has been reportedly given a codename by Microsoft so industry partners could use it, instead. It is now codenamed "Durango". The working-name "Xbox 720" has been received negatively by some quarters, that felt it implied 720p (1280 x 720) display resolution, which is not a big departure from the present-generation. 1080p (1920 x 1080) is expected of this console, as it's also reported to feature Blu-ray disc support. Durango will focus on improving human-interface, by creating a combination of Kinect and a newer gamepad with a touchscreen.

Shogun Bros. created two new Chameleon X1 mouse-gamepad combo device variants, inspired from the hit game Assassins Creed Revelations. Available in "Altair White" and "Ezio grey," these mice make use of leather and metal buttons on the mouse's two main buttons, complete with some classy engraving and seam. Apart from these, the Chameleon X-1 is the usual unusual combo of a 1600 dpi gaming mouse and gamepad that the original is. Shogun Bros. plans to show these new mice off at the upcoming CES event.