The Xbox community has plenty to look forward to this week, from Bungie’s highly anticipated Marathon release date announcement to updates on the delayed Xbox Spring Sale, a lineup of exciting game launches, and and Xbox Series X|S exclusive Contraband. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest developments in the world of Xbox.
Xbox News and Updates Roundup
1. Bungie’s Marathon Set to Launch on September 23, 2025
Bungie has officially announced that its upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, will launch on Xbox Series X|S on September 23, 2025. The reveal came during an exclusive showcase that featured gameplay footage and a cinematic short directed by Alberto Mielgo (Love, Death & Robots).
In Marathon, players take on the role of Runners—cybernetic mercenaries equipped with unique abilities and customizable implants. Teams of up to three players will battle rival Runner squads and AI security forces in a bid to scavenge resources and extract safely. For solo players seeking an extra challenge, Marathon offers the option to go it alone against all odds.
The game promises a dynamic FPS experience combined with seasonal content that unravels mysteries surrounding Tau Ceti IV and the abandoned Marathon ship orbiting above. Fans can sign up for the Closed Alpha Test starting April 23 via the official Marathon Discord server.
Add Marathon to your Wishlist on Xbox
2. Xbox Spring Sale 2025 Delayed Until Mid-April
As reported by Pure Xbox, the highly anticipated Xbox Spring Sale 2025 has been delayed, with its full launch now expected between April 15 and April 18. While this delay is unusual for Xbox’s promotional schedule, gamers can still explore the ongoing “Sneak Preview” deals available in the Xbox Store. These offers include discounts on popular titles like Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition and Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition.
Xbox insiders speculate that the delay may be tied to logistical challenges or an effort to align with weekly deal refreshes. Regardless of the reason, fans are eagerly awaiting the full list of discounted games when the sale officially kicks off.
3. Exciting New Games Launching This Week: April 14 to 18
Between April 14th and April 18th, Xbox Series X|S owners can enjoy a diverse lineup of game releases spanning multiple genres. Highlights include:
- Crime Scene Cleaner: an immersive simulation game where players step into the shoes of Kovalsky, a desperate father turned crime scene cleaner for the mob.
- Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate: an enhanced remake of the beloved 2D side-scrolling beat ’em up game developed by Rocket Panda Games and rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5.
- Crystal Ball of Firmament: an action-packed and visually stunning platformer adventure coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC.
Additionally, Grand Theft Auto V returns to Game Pass on April 15th alongside other notable titles like Hunt: Showdown 1896. With such a diverse selection, April is shaping up to be a standout month for Xbox gamers.
4. Contraband: Back from the Shadows
After years of silence, Avalanche Studios has confirmed that Contraband, the Xbox Series X|S exclusive co-op smuggler’s paradise set in the fictional 1970s world of Bayan, is still in active development. Originally announced during Microsoft’s E3 2021 showcase, the game had left fans wondering about its fate due to a lack of updates.
As reported by DualSHOCKERS, recent job postings have reignited excitement, indicating that development is progressing on what the studio describes as its “most ambitious and spectacular game to date.” While no release date has been announced yet, but based on a report by DualSHOCKERS, we may hear more at the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase on June 8th. With its promise of vehicular combat and a richly detailed open world, Contraband remains one of the most anticipated Xbox exclusives.
Looking at Xbox News Next Week
From Bungie’s groundbreaking Marathon announcement to exciting new game launches and updates on the delayed Spring Sale, there’s no shortage of Xbox news for fans this week. Whether you’re gearing up for Marathon’s September release or exploring Game Pass additions, April 2025 is packed with opportunities to dive into new adventures.
About The Author
Discover more from Microsoft News Now
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
