Technologies
I Tested a $250 Budget Phone and It Didn’t Make Me Look Like a Cheapskate
The TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G has a big, beautiful screen and enough juice to get through the day — but its e-reader mode and AI features are the real standouts.
Our Experts
Pros
- Quality display for the price
- E-reader mode extends already-solid battery life
- NxtPaper Color Ink mode is perfect for night owls
Cons
- Grainy picture quality on main camera
- Slight delay when multitasking
- Gets uncomfortably hot when gaming
The TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G is an impressive budget phone that meets or exceeds the specs of its 50 series predecessors — and in many ways outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G at a similar price.
The shiny bonus features are the eponymous NxtPaper digital ink and e-reader modes and cloud-based TCL AI. You might not use these features regularly — the NxtPaper digital ink was great for night-time reading but I’d rather write my own emails than use the AI assistant — but they’re solid value adds to a $250 phone.
This phone hits top marks for everyday use. Its screen is large, the 120Hz refresh rate is buttery smooth and the battery lasted me throughout the entire day, even with frequent use. If you take a lot of selfies, you’ll enjoy a big 32-megapixel upgrade to the front-facing camera, though the camera system is otherwise similar to TCL’s 50 series phones.
Compared to other phones in a similar price range, the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G delivers where it counts for day-to-day use, and its impressive bells and whistles sweetened my experience with the phone.
TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G’s design, screen and battery
The 60 XE NxtPaper 5G has a 6.78-inch display that’s just as big as the TCL 50 XL 5G’s screen and larger than the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G’s 6.7-inch display. The 60 XE NxtPaper 5G’s 1080p resolution panel with a 120Hz refresh rate also outperformed the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G at a similar price.
That large display makes games easier to play. I was able to take in the stunning visuals of the mobile game Sky: Children of the Light without my fat thumbs obscuring my vision, though the phone got uncomfortably warm against my hands after a 15-minute play session.
When reviewing the TCL 50 XL 5G, CNET writer Mike Sorrentino pointed out how its speakers muddied audio mixing with the volume cranked up. I found myself having a similar problem with the 60 XE NxtPaper 5G, which was a big pain point when I was using the phone on the train and couldn’t simply keep upping the volume at my leisure. You could, as I did, cup a hand around the speaker to hear it better, but it’s easier to use the 3.5mm jack — an enviable feature long abandoned by pricier phones — and plug in some headphones.
One big surprise on this budget phone was the 8GB of RAM — doubled to an effective 16GB by using part of the storage for extra memory — which made swapping between apps effortless and let me jump from streaming videos to graphically intensive games with little to no trouble.
Crucially, 8GB of memory is the sweet spot that more or less enables AI capabilities on a device, and TCL AI is enabled on the 60 XE. It’s a simple cloud-based LLM that helps with writing tasks, so don’t expect anything like Google’s Circle to Search feature. Even so, it can draft basic email templates if you struggle to find the right words for a given situation.
The 60 XE is working off of a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus processor, which is the same silicon powering the TCL 50 XL and the TCL 40 X, though it seems that TCL managed to optimize the processing power of the 60 XE to avoid the 50 XL’s relatively quick battery drain.
At the end of the day, all these specs are bundled together in an aesthetically pleasing package. The 60 XE NxtPaper 5G is 0.32 inches (8.2mm) thick and fits smoothly into any pocket (including the too-tight jeans I made the mistake of wearing) and the back of the phone has a pretty blue rippling design that’s pleasant to look at on the rare occasion that it’s set face-down. It’s a budget phone that doesn’t make you look like a cheapskate, which is always worth appreciating.
Geekbench v.6.0 and 3DMark benchmark test results
- Geekbench 6.0 Single Core
- Geekbench 6.0 Multi Core
- 3DMark Wild Life Extreme
CNET has several tests to help benchmark a phone’s battery life. In our YouTube streaming test, in which we stream videos at 100% brightness for three hours, the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G’s battery life drained to 90% at the one-hour mark, 80% at the two-hour mark and finished the test at 71% battery.
The TCL 50 XL drained from full to 62% in the same test. The 60 XE NxtPaper shares display specs with the 50 series phone, but TCL seems to have optimized power use on the newer device. We’re still in the process of reviewing the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, so for this comparison, we used our results for the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. The A15 5G beat both phones, draining from 100% battery to 83% battery during the YouTube streaming test.
In our 45-minute battery endurance test, I put the 60 XE NxtPaper through its paces. I watched YouTube videos, ran a Google Meet call and played Sky for 10 minutes each, then browsed Bluesky for 15 minutes. In that time, the phone’s battery dropped from 100% to 91%.
I also timed how long it takes to charge the phone using the included 18W wired USB-C charger. The 60 XE NxtPaper went from 15% to 100% in 2 hours and 16 minutes, though the Samsung Galaxy A15 charges faster with its 25W charger.
When it comes to software, the 60 XE has TCL’s 50 series — and even the Samsung Galaxy A15 (for now) — beat. It runs Android 15 with a custom TCL UI and comes with TCL’s standard promise of one major software upgrade, to Android 16, plus two years of system security updates. This isn’t great, especially compared to Samsung’s promise of four years of software updates and five years of security updates for budget phones. Even if you fall in love with the 60 XE NxtPaper 5G, you’ll want to trade it in after a couple of years once TCL abandons its system security.
Fortunately, the 60 XE NxtPaper avoids the carrier-locked bloatware that TCL 50 XL users had to deal with. You’ll get only the usual Google suite of preinstalled apps, and you won’t have to worry about the obtrusive T-Mobile Play feed being an eyesore.
NxtPaper screen for easier reading and better battery life
The big selling point of the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G is its display-altering NxtPaper technology. While not brand-new — TCL brought its NxtPaper phones to the US at CES in 2024 and has used it for years in its tablets — it’s a special feature that adds extra value to a budget phone.
The NxtPaper digital ink display modes are meant to replicate the experience of reading on paper. The 60 XE has a dedicated side switch that toggles among its three modes. I tested them at night while my partner slept soundly beside me. My bright phone screen normally blasts my eyes during late-night doomscrolling, so anything that softens that glare is a welcome reprieve.
The Max Ink mode was the tool I used the least, because it limited the usage of my favorite apps, like Webtoon. Max Ink fully converts the 60 XE into an e-reader, closing most apps and turning the screen entirely black and white. Battery life in this mode is extensive — at 52% charge, the phone predicted nearly 66 hours of use.
You can still check messages, browse the web, scroll social media and more, so there’s a versatile range of apps you can reopen. Personally, the stark black-and-white color scheme still felt like a flashbang in bed, so I only used it once or twice — but it’s an excellent battery saver in a pinch.
The Ink Paper mode’s black-and-white display was gentler on the eyes, blending NxtPaper’s e-reader capabilities with TCL’s signature blue-light-dimming feature. It was admittedly easier on the eyes than Max Ink, but I still wouldn’t choose to brighten my phone primarily with a (greyed-out) light mode.
The saving grace for the NxtPaper modes is Color Paper, the third blue-light-dimming option in the suite. It keeps the screen’s colors intact while switching to a paper-like display that’s easier on the eyes. The end result is slightly washed out hues, but that didn’t get in the way of enjoying my apps. I read half of a manga in one night with the Color Paper mode on, and while I definitely noticed the lack of vibrancy, it actually made everything look a bit like a watercolor painting.
TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G cameras
The 60 XE NxtPaper’s large camera disc comes equipped with a triple-camera system: a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 5-megapixel ultrawide and a 2-megapixel depth sensor for calculating depth-of-field effects in portraits or close-up shots. The front-facing camera is 32 megapixels, which is a big step up from TCL’s 50 XL phone.
The main camera captures functional photos with a wide range of color. In this shot of a green corner in my girlfriend’s neighborhood, the light post in the foreground is adequately separated from the background details, though it’s clear how much the elements in the rear blend together.
I also used the main camera to snap a photo of a sauce blend at a Korean hot pot restaurant. Once again, the 60 XE’s camera separates distinct colors but blends similar hues, resulting in a flatter image. Even slight zooming reveals that fine details just aren’t captured.
I also put the ultrawide camera to work during hot pot, snapping a shot of our table once the plates arrived. The foreground is rendered in great detail — you can even see the moisture on the meat — but the background detail doesn’t hold up in comparison.
The depth sensor adds a shallow depth of field to photos, making for nicely detailed shots. I used it to capture these flowers from my girlfriend’s garden, and the vibrant hues really stand out. The rich red bulbs and soft pink petals pop against the background, making the 60 XE feel like it’s punching above its weight for nature photography.
Compared with the photos CNET senior editor Mike Sorrentino took on the TCL 50 XL 5G, the TCL 60 XE’s selfie camera is definitely sharper. Here’s a shot of me at a pit stop during a multi-day trip — it captures the unshaved fuzz on my face in almost uncomfortable detail, but completely washes out the sky and blends the reds of the gas station behind me.
The camera system is a normal corner-cutting point for these budget phones. You won’t be taking any award-winning photos with the 60 XE, but at the end of the day, I wouldn’t have any reservations about posting these pictures on Instagram either.
The bottom line: What we think of the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G
TCL has put together another impressive budget device, combining some features you’d expect from pricier phones with extra bells and whistles that feel special in a $250 product. The 60 XE’s display is much like the 50 XL’s, but its standout camera upgrade is the front-facing selfie lens. And what really sets it apart from other budget phones are the NxtPaper and TCL AI features.
Unfortunately, the 60 XE’s battery life can’t match the Samsung Galaxy A15’s. It also gets uncomfortably hot during mobile gaming. But its biggest drawback is still TCL’s meager promise of just one software upgrade and two years of security updates. Both Motorola and Samsung have stronger commitments to support their budget phones, offering three years and five years of security updates, respectively.
If you have sensitive eyes or you frequently use AI writing tools, the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper is a cut above most other phones you can get for $250. If the extras here don’t matter much to you, you’re probably better off with a Samsung or Motorola phone.
TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G specs vs. TCL 50 XL 5G, Samsung Galaxy A15 5G specs
| TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G | TCL 50 XL 5G | Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | |
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 6.78-inch FHD Plus, 2,460 x 1,080 pixels, 120 Hz refresh rate | 6.78-inch, 2,460 x 1,080 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate | 6.5-inch FHD Plus Super AMOLED; 2,340 x 1,080 pixels; 90Hz refresh rate |
| Pixel density | 396 ppi | 396 ppi | 420 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6.6 x 2.97 x 0.32 in. | 6.6 x 2.9 x 0.32 in. | 6.3 x 3.02 x 0.33 in. |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 167.6 x 75.5 x 8.22mm | 167.6 x 73.6 x 8.1mm | 160 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 199.5g (6.9 oz) | 195g (6.9 oz) | 201g (7.09 oz.) |
| Mobile software | Android 15 | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Camera | 50-megapixel (main + macro camera), 5-megapixel (ultrawide), 2-megapixel (depth) | 50-megapixel (wide), 5-megapixel (ultrawide), 2-megapixel (depth) | 50-megapixel (wide), 5-megapixel (ultrawide), 2-megapixel (macro) |
| Front-facing camera | 32-megapixel | 8-megapixel | 13-megapixel |
| Video capture | 1,080p at 30 fps | 1,080p | 1,080p at 30 fps |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus | MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus | Mediatek Dimensity 6100 Plus |
| RAM/storage | 8GB RAM + 128GB | 6GB RAM + 128GB | 4GB RAM + 128GB |
| Expandable storage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 5,010 mAh | 5,010 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | Side | Side | Side |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Special features | 5G connectivity, TCL NXTPAPER e-reader mode, TCL AI functionality, 18W wired charging | NFC, 5G connectivity, TCL NxtVision, 18W wired charging | 25W wired charging, 800-nit brightness |
| US price starts at | $250 (128GB) | $160 (128GB) | $200 (128GB) |
| UK price starts at | £200 (128GB) | £128 (128GB) | £169 (128GB) |
| Australia price starts at | AU$378 (128GB) | AU$242 (128GB) | AU$329 (128GB) |
How we test phones
Every phone tested by CNET’s reviews team is actually used in the real world. We test a phone’s features, play games and take photos. We examine the display to see if it’s bright, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and build to see how it is to hold and whether it has an IP-rating for water resistance. We push the processor to its limits using standardized benchmarks like GeekBench and 3DMark, along with our own observations while navigating the interface, recording high-resolution videos and playing graphics-heavy games at high refresh rates.
All the cameras are tested in a variety of conditions, from bright sunlight to dim indoor scenes. We try out special features, such as night mode and portrait mode, and compare our findings against similarly priced competing phones. We also test battery life through daily use and a series of battery drain tests.
We consider additional features, such as 5G support, satellite connectivity, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus compatibility, charging speeds and foldable displays, among other useful tools, too. And we balance all this against the price to give you the verdict on whether that phone, whatever price it is, actually represents good value. Though these tests may not always be reflected in CNET’s initial review, we conduct follow-up and long-term testing in most circumstances.
Update, Aug. 14: The TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G costs $250.
Technologies
Made by Google 2025: The Biggest Pixel 10 Leaks We’ve Heard Ahead of Launch
Google’s Pixel 10 could get plenty of new features alongside its new processor, camera systems and magnets. Here’s what we know.
The new Pixel 10 line will debut Wednesday at the Made by Google event and it almost feels like we’ve already seen the phones revealed thanks to a combination of official glimpses of the new phones from Google alongside a plethora of rumors.
Google isn’t hiding that the Pixel 10 is coming, as the company itself has posted multiple stylized shots of the phone to promote its launch event. However, Google is still keeping detailed specs and features of the Pixel 10 line to itself so we won’t get the full picture until the official reveal — which is happening tomorrow, Aug. 20. Check out our Pixel 10 reveal liveblog for all the details.
Several recent rumors suggest a lot of new life to the phone line, though. While we do expect the Pixel line to reflect the overall lineup of the Pixel 9 — including a base Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold — rumors are pointing to significant changes to what’s inside these phones to make them more feature-packed than ever.
We’ve rounded up the biggest rumors we’ve found so far about the Pixel 10 line here and will continue updating as we hear more ahead of the Aug. 20 event.
How to watch the Made by Google event
The Made by Google event will begin at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) Wednesday and Google will be streaming the Pixel 10 reveals with a livestream on YouTube. You can also tune into CNET’s Made by Google preshow, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT). The preshow will be hosted by CNET’s Bridget Carey and PCMag’s Iyaz Akhtar, and feature the final analysis and commentary for what we know about the phones. The preshow will transition directly into Google’s event when it begins, and then afterward the postshow will dive into all of the new announcements.
Pixel 10, 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL’s release date, pricing and cameras
Starting with the three non-folding phones in the Pixel 10 line that are getting revealed Aug. 20, we expect the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL to look similar to the Pixel 9 line on the outside. This includes the same rounded camera bar on the back. The entry-level Pixel 10 will get a new third rear camera. While we can see the third camera in the photos Google posted of the Pixel 10, according to a chart posted by known leaker Evan Blass, this will be a 10.8-megapixel telephoto camera that will join a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 13-megapixel ultrawide. This will help the Pixel 10 compare better with the base Galaxy S25, which also has a telephoto camera.
The 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL will continue to be differentiated from the standard Pixel 10 with a higher-specced camera system, which includes a 50-megapixel wide-angle, 48-megapixel ultrawide and a 48-megapixel telephoto, according to the same chart posted by Blass.
The colors for the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro phones also appear to have leaked, with Android Headlines reporting that the base Pixel 10 will come in obsidian, indigo, frost and lemonade editions. These names would roughly correspond to a black, blueish purple, light blue and yellow, respectively. The Pro models will also come in four colors, with Android Headlines reporting models named obsidian, porcelain, moonstone and jade. Those should roughly match up to black, white, gray and a light green. More photos of these phones were posted by Blass, purporting to be the Pixel 10 lineup from the front, back and side profiles
Despite the concerns with tariffs, the Pixel 10 line is rumored to keep the same starting prices as the Pixel 9 line.
Pixel 10 line rumored prices
| Phone | Storage | US Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 10 | 128GB | $799 |
| Pixel 10 | 256GB | $899 |
| Pixel 10 Pro | 128GB | $999 |
| Pixel 10 Pro | 256GB | $1,099 |
| Pixel 10 Pro | 512GB | $1,219 |
| Pixel 10 Pro | 1TB | $1,449 |
| Pixel 10 Pro XL | 256GB | $1,199 |
| Pixel 10 Pro XL | 512GB | $1,319 |
| Pixel 10 Pro XL | 1TB | $1,549 |
Pixel 10 could support Qi2 magnetic charging
The Pixel 10 series could support magnetic accessories, making it one of the few Android phones that would work with many of the MagSafe accessories that were first built to work with Apple’s iPhone. That’s because the Pixel 10 is rumored to fully support Qi2 wireless charging, which supports magnetic alignment and has magnets built into the phone without needing a case.
An image posted by Blass appears to show a Pixel 10 with a circular wireless charger attached to the back, likely using magnets similar to how MagSafe works with the iPhone. If this is the case, it’s a huge step for the Qi2 wireless standard, as the only other Android phone so far that supports magnetic accessories is the HMD Skyline.
This would allow the Pixel 10 series to natively work with magnetic phone chargers, wallets, mounts and other accessories. Google might also create its own branding for this feature, as an Android Authority report claims that official Pixel 10 accessories that magnetically attach would be called PixelSnap.
If this comes to be, it would also make it easier to swap accessories between the iPhone and the Pixel. In addition to the iPhone’s support for charging over USB-C, this would mean that MagSafe accessories first purchased to use with an iPhone should work just as well when swapping over to a Pixel 10 phone.
Google’s Tensor G5 chip
Following last year’s Tensor G4 chip in the Pixel 9 lineup, we presume that the Pixel 10 phones will be powered by a (supposedly named) Tensor G5 chip. We’ve heard a few Tensor G5 rumors, including that it will be made on an industry-standard 3nm process by chip fabricator TSMC, according to an Android Authority March report.
Other rumors are less promising, like a July report from WCCFTech suggesting that while the Tensor G5 is a significant upgrade on last year’s Tensor G4, a leaked benchmark test claims it will run slower than the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor that’s used in Samsung’s Galaxy S25 line and the OnePlus 13. That Qualcomm processor might also soon be surpassed by the next Qualcomm silicon coming at Snapdragon Summit in September. That’s not to imply the phone itself will perform slowly, as the same report says it will run faster than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor that powers
Whether the Tensor G5 trails other mobile chips isn’t as worrying as it might seem as the Tensor chips are built for Google’s Pixel devices — and those don’t seem to be underperforming in daily use. As CNET Editor-at-Large Andy Lanxon said about the Tensor G4 powering the Pixel 9 Pro XL, «On the one hand, it’s disappointing not to see more of a tangible improvement over the predecessor. On the other hand, it doesn’t feel like it’s lacking in power in any major way.»
Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Google on Aug. 12 released a video that shows off what the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will look like. This peek only provides a look at the phone’s design — which seems to be similar to last year’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold — saving a more detailed look at its specs and cameras for the Aug. 20 event.
The more iterative design makes sense, as last year’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold already debuted a larger overhaul that altered its design from the wider passport-size original Pixel Fold to a taller, narrower format similar to other foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
One Pixel 10 Pro Fold rumor from WCCFTech only shared details about the supposed Tensor chip powering it. But a recent rumor from Blass suggests we could expect the usual upgrades: a new Tensor G5 chip, perhaps slight spec upgrades and maybe even similar camera or battery upgrades if they are announced for the Pixel 10 lineup.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold would presumably get Android 16 out of the box, but as that software upgrade has been released early (mere weeks after Google I/O 2025), last year’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold already has that update.
We’ll keep updating this roundup as we get closer to Google’s Aug. 20 event for the Pixel 10 series.
Technologies
Gears of War, Dragon Age and Herdling Coming to Xbox Game Pass in August
Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play Gears of War: Reloaded soon.
Gears of War is one of the most iconic Xbox series, spawning sequels, spinoffs and books. I fell in love with the series almost 20 years ago when the original landed on the Xbox 360. So I can’t wait to play the remastered edition of the game, called Gears of War: Reloaded, when it launches on Xbox Game Pass on Aug. 26.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a CNET Editors’ Choice award pick, offers hundreds of games you can play on your Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, smart TV and PC or mobile device for $20 a month. A subscription gives you access to a large library of games, with new ones, like Doom: The Dark Ages, added monthly, plus other benefits such as online multiplayer and deals on non-Game Pass titles.
Here are the games Microsoft is adding to Game Pass soon. You can also check out other games the company added to the service recently, like Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
Blacksmith Master (game preview)
Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play now.
Adventuring in a medieval world can be fun and challenging but it can also be difficult work. If you’d rather run and manage a shop in a medieval setting, give Blacksmith Master a try. You run your own forge and have to manage resource acquisition, production and sale of goods. You’ll build your own forge, craft everything from utensils to weapons and become one of the most skilled craftsmen in the kingdom — all without fighting dragons or other dangerous creatures.
Void/Breaker (PC)
Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play now.
You’re trapped by a ruthless AI in an endless loop where you’re forced to fight hostile enemies, die and then repeat. In this roguelite game, each time you die, you’ll face new challenges. Fast gunplay, quick movements and all-out destruction are your friends in this adrenaline-filled adventure. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get out one day.
Goat Simulator Remastered
New for Game Pass Standard subscribers on Aug. 20.
Chaos. That’s the best way to describe this game. You play as a goat and your mission is the total destruction of everything in sight. Can’t stand the look of that car? Run it off the road. Don’t like the town hall’s placement? Demolish it. Want that kid’s ice cream? Eat it. Do what you want in this sandbox-style game where anything is possible.
Game Pass Ultimate subscribers got access to this game in November and Game Pass Standard subscribers can get in on the fun soon, too.
Persona 4 Golden
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Game Pass Standard subscribers can play on Aug. 20.
A string of serial murders set this game in motion, where you’ll travel between the real world and the world within TVs as you try and find out who — or what — is behind the murders. You’ll explore your town and carry on daily activities, as well as travel to the TV World to explore different dungeons and battle monsters in this RPG.
Herdling
Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Aug. 21.
Get ready for a grand alpine adventure as you shepherd some giant Calicorns — which look like Appa from Avatar: The Last Airbender — up into a mountain pass. You’ll encounter eerie dangers, puzzles and more on your adventure. And before you ask, yes, you can pet these wonderful creatures.
Gears of War: Reloaded
Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Aug. 26.
The iconic Gears series is back with a new, remastered edition of the original game. This game maintains the original story of Marcus Fenix and his squad as they take on the alien Locust hordes and it includes a bonus campaign act, every multiplayer map and mode, plus characters and cosmetics unlocked through progression.
This game is also coming to PlayStation 5 and PC, and thanks to cross-play functionality, you’ll be able to play with and against your friends on those platforms.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Aug. 28.
Step into the enchanted world of Thedas, a land full of untamed wilderness, glittering cities and strife. A pair of corrupt ancient gods has broken out of their hold and is wreaking havoc across the globe. It’s up to you to gather a team and stop them, but that’s just the main quest. You can also embark on side quests and companion quests that shed light on who they are and how the world is changing around you. Veilguard changes the Dragon Age formula with a more action-oriented approach, though it retains familiar aspects like branching dialog choices and skill trees. So get ready to dive into a wild adventure, make new friends and become a legend.
Games leaving Game Pass on Aug. 31
While Microsoft is adding those games to Game Pass soon, the company is also removing five others from the service on Aug. 31. So you still have some time to finish up your campaign or any side quests before you have to buy these games separately.
Borderlands 3
Paw Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay
Sea of Stars
This War of Mine: Final Cut
For more on Xbox, discover other games available on Game Pass now, read our hands-on review of the gaming service and learn which Game Pass plan is right for you. You can also check out what to know about upcoming Xbox game price hikes.
Technologies
Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Beta Dates Have Been Revealed. Here’s How to Join
There are separate Game Pass subscription and preorder requirements to join the closed and open betas for the next Call of Duty game.
Clear your calendars for early October: The Black Ops 7 beta dates have been revealed on the game’s Xbox store listing, and they’re only a couple months away.
The next Call of Duty game is a collaboration between developers Treyarch and Raven Software, and it takes place after Black Ops 2 in the series’ chronology. While the Black Ops games jump around a confusing timeline, Black Ops 7 is a direct sequel to a 13-year-old game.
The game’s beta will focus on classic Call of Duty multiplayer modes and feature a mix of six-versus-six and 20-versus-20 maps. This larger-scale action is reminiscent of the Battlefield series — a longtime competitor that just finished hosting a successful beta of its own.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Call of Duty Black Ops 7 beta, including key dates and how to join the early access period.
Black Ops 7 closed beta date and requirements
If you want to jump into the Black Ops 7 closed beta and try the game before anyone else, you’ll need to shell out some cash. The early access beta begins on Oct. 2.
While access to the closed beta is limited, it’s still more widely available than previous Call of Duty closed betas. Usually, people who preorder the game get special access to the closed beta — this is still true with Call of Duty Black Ops 7. This time around, though, Microsoft is adding another way to play during the early-access beta period.
If you have an active Game Pass subscription, you’ll also be able to join the Black Ops 7 closed beta. Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Console plans are all valid subscriptions to gain access to the early Black Ops 7 beta.
Game Pass is already the best value gaming subscription plan available, so the Black Ops 7 closed beta access is just another way to sweeten the deal.
Black Ops 7 open beta access
Maybe you don’t want to preorder. Maybe you don’t like gaming subscription services and don’t want to grab Game Pass just for the Black Ops 7 beta. Whatever your reasoning for missing the closed beta may be, you’re not locked out of trying the next Call of Duty game forever.
The Black Ops 7 closed beta rolls directly into the game’s open beta period, during which anyone will be able to try out the new Call of Duty multiplayer experience. Black Ops 7’s open beta begins on Oct. 5. We don’t yet know when the beta period will end, although the minimum duration is two days long, according to the store listing.
The open beta period will allow any interested gamer to try out Black Ops 7 on their console of choice. Call of Duty Black Ops 7 will launch on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S and PC, and will feature cross-platform gameplay. While no official release date has been revealed, leaks point to a mid-November launch.
If you’re still playing the most recent Call of Duty game, Black Ops 6, check out our guide on how to make the most of the game’s double XP. If you’re looking to pick up the game after a long hiatus, learn how The Armory can help you catch up on the content you’ve missed.
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