Xbox/Summer Game Fest 2026
It’s been a rough stretch for XBOX, as the console has been losing the “console wars” to PlayStation for years, with the PS5 outselling the Xbox Series X by a significant margin across the world. New CEO Asha Sharma seems intent on turning those fortunes around, though.
Asha Sharma, just 37-years-old, took over as XBOX CEO in February 2026 following Phil Spencer’s retirement. Unfortunately and unfairly, given that she’s a woman in her 30s — and had a background in Microsoft’s CoreAI division rather than gaming — her critics were predictably vocal on social media. Just a few months later, however, and Sharma is being hailed for the moves she’s made since taking over the company.
New XBOX CEO Asha Sharma is being hailed for the series of shrewd moves she’s made during her first 100 days in charge
In roughly her 100 days in charge, Sharma has lowered Game Pass prices, canceled the widely-mocked Copilot for Gaming initiative, revived Xbox FanFest, and pushed a renewed focus on console exclusives under the banner of a “Return of Xbox.”
Praise for Sharma’s rehabilitation of the brand culminated over the weekend during Xbox FanFest LA in which she teased upcoming releases such as Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Halo: Campaign Evolved (a remaster of the original iconic game), Persona 6, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Spyro: A Realm Beyond, and Clockwork Revolution: The Heist.
Now this is an XBOX! pic.twitter.com/7FeE9n7u8h
— ASHA (@asha_shar) June 7, 2026
In addition to the exciting game announcements, Sharma also won over the crowd by giving away XBOX Series X25 consoles — a limited-edition console featuring a translucent OG green design inspired by the original console, along with a new controller modeled after the iconic “Duke” — to everyone in the crowd.
“If you look down and you have fan on your badge, you’ll be getting one for free later this year,” Sharma announced.
is the new xbox ceo like the Mamdani of gaming or something😭😭😭 https://t.co/JZVn37KA4i
— Salt | #Tenoi (@MostlikelySalt) June 8, 2026
> Meet Asha Sharma
> Became Xbox CEO
> Criticized for not being a gamer
> Criticized for being a woman
> Criticized for being Indian
> Killed “This Is an Xbox” brand
> Pushed “Return of Xbox” branding
> Lowered Game Pass prices
> Revived Xbox FanFest
> Focused on consoles again
>… pic.twitter.com/DwYrR2Daqh— GameVerse (@TheGameVerse) June 8, 2026
Microsoft making Asha CEO of Xbox might be the best thing they’ve done in years. This actually feels like Xbox again. The nostalgia is back, and so are the vibes. https://t.co/zON6L5uCWB
— Alim (@almmaasoglu) June 7, 2026
According to XBOX, “the XBOX Series X25 Limited Edition respects our history, with the power and performance of the XBOX Series X, including 1 TB of storage, and a design that reflects where we’ve been and the community that’s been with us along the way.”
“To celebrate 25 years of XBOX built alongside players, we’re introducing the XBOX 25th anniversary collection. Inspired by the look and feel of the original XBOX console, both the console and controller feature a translucent OG Green design, with subtle tributes to the journey we’ve been on together. You’ll also discover a few hidden surprises throughout, as a thank you to the community,” the official press release reads.
“We’re also introducing the XBOX Wireless Controller X25 Special Edition in translucent OG Green, showcasing 25 years of play inside. From the original ABXY colors, to the timeless green, every detail calls back to the beginning, including the bumpers honoring the original black and white buttons on the original ‘Duke’ controller. The back case and battery door are fully transparent, revealing the classic XBOX logo.”
The XBOX Series X25 Limited Edition is set to be released in November, with XBOX saying they’ll be sharing more information “on pricing and preorder availability at select retailers soon.”