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Play Hades 2, the Award-Winning Sequel, on Xbox Game Pass Now

You can also celebrate the start of the NHL playoffs with EA Sports NHL 26.

Hades 2 was selected as one of CNET’s best games of 2025, but don’t take our word for it. The game won Best Action Game at the 2025 Game of the Year awards, Best Game on Steam Deck at the Steam Awards and a bevy of other accolades. If you haven’t had the chance to play this stellar sequel yet, you can play it on Xbox Game Pass now.

Xbox Game Pass, a CNET Editors’ Choice award pick, offers a wide selection of games you can play on your Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One and PC or mobile device for as little as $10 a month. And with a subscription to the higher-tiered Game Pass Ultimate ($30 a month), you can access hundreds of games, including new ones the day they’re released, each month. 

Here are the games Microsoft plans to bring to Game Pass in April. You can also check out other games the company added to the service in March, including Cyberpunk 2077, and more options in our list of the best gaming subscriptions.

DayZ

Now on PC, joining Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Essential and PC Game Pass.

This online multiplayer survival game is coming to PC. An unknown virus has turned the population of the post-Soviet country of Chernarus into zombies, and you’re one of the last few survivors. You’ll have to scavenge for supplies among the ruins while fighting off zombies and other survivors alike. But how far will you go to save yourself?

Endless Legend 2 (game preview)

New to Game Pass Premium. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Lead your faction to build a great empire that can crush your enemies in this fantasy strategy sequel, which is still in early access. You can play as warriors descended from the stars, cursed knights or hive-minded beasts, but each faction has its strengths, weaknesses and unique philosophies that can influence the rest of the game. And fending off enemies is just one challenge. You’ll have to adapt to the changing environment as well. Will you expand as the tides reveal new treasures, or focus on improving your defenses?

FBC: Firebreak

New to Game Pass Premium. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

The Federal Bureau of Control is under attack from otherworldly forces, and it’s up to you and your versatile unit to restore order. You’ll fight chaotic entities, leeches and a monster made of sticky notes using guns, grenades and other supernatural weapons. You can play this first-person shooter game on your own or take on the chaos of the FBC with friends in three-player co-op. 

Planet Coaster 2

On Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass now.

This might not be the classic RollerCoaster Tycoon, but it’s close enough. You’ll build your own roller coasters and water slides, manage your amusement park and create unforgettable experiences for your guests. It’s unclear if you can launch your coasters off the rails into waiting crowds. Will report back later.

Tiny Bookshop

On Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass now.

I have long dreamed of opening my own bookshop, and until I come into a lot of money, this game will have to do. You can stock your bookshop with different genres and items for sale, set up shop in scenic locations — like near a lighthouse — and get to know the locals in this cozy management game.

Football Manager 26 (PC and console)

New to Game Pass Premium. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Get ready for a more immersive matchday experience in the latest installment of the long-running Football Manager franchise. You can build a star-studded squad with new transfer tools, and this entry features official Premier League licenses and women’s football for the first time in the series’ history.

Hades 2

On Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass now.

Following the events of the original game, the Titan of Time Chronos has returned and laid waste to the Underworld and Earth. As the immortal princess Melinoe, you’re tasked with stopping the titan and restoring the mythic world. Each time you venture out, you’ll learn more about the world around you and discover the true cause of all the destruction and pain.

Replaced

On Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass now.

Can AI ever be human? I’m not talking about ChatGPT or Gemini, but REACH, an AI trapped in a human’s body, in this narrative platformer game. You’ll explore an alternate 1980s America that’s scarred from nuclear catastrophe as you try to uncover the secrets of the Phoenix Corps, the same group that created you. It’s a cyberpunk Frankenstein with plenty of exploration and fluid action sequences.

The Thaumaturge

On Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass now.

A thaumaturge is a miracle worker or magician, and in this roleplaying game, you’re a master of mystical arts that allow you to peer into the hearts and minds of others. After the death of your father, you returned to an alternate 1900s Warsaw to investigate his death, fight supernatural forces and uncover the truth. 

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

New to Game Pass Premium on April 16. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

A fanatical cult is trying to open gates to the demonic realm of Oblivion, and it’s up to you to stop them and seal the gates forever in the remastered version of this classic open-world RPG. You can rediscover the world of Cyrodiil (or experience it for the first time in updated glory), encounter unique characters and save the land. 

EA Sports NHL 26

Coming to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on April 16.

As the NHL regular season winds down, the playoffs and the fight for the Stanley Cup are heating up. And with the latest installment in this EA Sports franchise, you can ensure your favorite team brings home the cup. This entry in the series introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as Ice Q 2.0 and a goalie crease control system, to add additional challenges. So if you want to see the Florida Panthers win the cup back-to-back, or you want to make absolutely sure that never happens, this game is for you.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Coming to Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass on April 17.

Modern Warfare redefined the Call of Duty series when it was released almost 20 years ago, and the rebooted version of the classic game drops you right back to where it started. You’ll control CIA and SAS special forces as they attempt to stop rebels from the fictional Republic of Urzikstan. And if the campaign’s not enough, you can hone your skills in the immersive, fast-paced multiplayer.

Little Rocket Lab

New to Game Pass Premium on April 21. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Your family’s dream project has been to build a rocket, and you’re going to fulfill their dream in this cozy, machine-building RPG. But first, you have to build clever contraptions, convert local resources and become the heart of your community before you can complete your ultimate rocket-building task.

Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato

New to Game Pass Premium on April 21. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Miho goes to the pantry to grab a potato for his grandmother’s soup when he lands in a fantastical land. Now he has to find his way back home by following in the footsteps of a mysterious traveler from long ago. You’ll meet quirky characters, gather exotic ingredients and take in vibrant environments in this world of magical realism inspired by Latin America.

Vampire Crawlers

Coming to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on Day 1 on April 21.

From the creators of the indie darling Vampire Survivors comes this turn-based, deck-building, roguelite game. You’ll explore dungeons that might look familiar to Vampire Survivors veterans, fight monsters and build chaotic, broken decks along the way. So be tactical in your choices or blast away every chance you get!

Kiln

Coming to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on Day 1 on April 23.

Kiln is about creating beautiful pottery filled with artistry and wonder… and smashing it all to pieces in the arena. This online, multiplayer party brawler pits you against others to see which pottery design can withstand the heat and which can dish out a beating.

Game Pass Essential subscribers have two more games now

Game Pass Essential costs $10 a month and offers access to a relatively small library of games compared with Game Pass Premium and Ultimate. While Microsoft doesn’t regularly add many games to Essential’s library, the company added these two on April 8.

Games leaving the service on April 15

While Microsoft is adding the above games to Game Pass, it’s also removing five games from the service on April 15, including GTA 5. That means you still have a little time left to complete your main campaign and any sidequests before you’ll have to buy these games separately.

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.

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Technologies

Your iPhone’s Maps App Could Get Ads With iOS 26.5

The upcoming iOS update could also bring end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging to your device.

Apple released the second public beta of iOS 26.5 on Tuesday, about three weeks after the company released the massive iOS 26.4 update, which included new emoji, video podcasts and more. The iOS 26.5 beta brings a few smaller — but significant — changes to the iPhones of developers and beta testers, including a screen in Maps heralding ads in the app and end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging.

Because this is a beta, I recommend downloading it only on something other than your primary device. This isn’t the final version of iOS 26.5, so the update might be buggy and battery life may be shortened, so it’s best to keep those troubles on a secondary device.

Also, since this isn’t the final version of iOS 26.5, Apple could add more features to the update before it arrives on your iPhone.

Here are some features developers and beta testers can try now, and what could land on your iPhone when Apple releases iOS 26.5.

Ads could arrive in Maps soon

If you open your Maps app after downloading the iOS 26.5 beta, you’ll see a new splash screen that announces the arrival of ads in the app. 

«Maps may show local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or view of the map while you search,» Apple says. «For your privacy, advertising information is not linked to your Apple Account.»

Apple announced Apple Business in March, allowing companies to connect with customers via some of Apple’s first-party apps, such as Mail and Wallet. Apple Business also lets companies place local ads in Maps. So you could start seeing ads in Maps for the coffee shop down the street from your home.

Suggested Places in Maps

The iOS 26.5 beta also brings a new section called Suggested Places to your Maps app. Once in the app, tap your Search bar like you’re going to look up a nearby cafe or restaurant, and the section Suggested Places will appear below Recents.

End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging returns

The iOS 26.5 beta brings back an option to enable end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging on your device. When Apple brought RCS messaging to iPhones with iOS 18, one feature the messaging protocol was missing was end-to-end encryption, and iOS 26.5 could finally bring this privacy protection to your iPhone.

To find this setting, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging and tap the slider next to End-to-End Encryption (Beta). 

Apple writes in the feature’s description that it’s still in beta, and it works only on certain carriers and devices. Apple also writes that these encrypted messages will be labeled as such, so you should know when your messages do and don’t have this level of protection.

Apple included end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in beta versions of iOS 26.4, but the tech giant didn’t include the feature in the final release.

Those are a few of the new features developers and public beta testers can try now with the second public beta of iOS 26.5. There will likely be more betas before the OS is released to the public, so there’s plenty of time for Apple to change these features and add others. Apple has not said when it will release iOS 26.5 to the general public.

For more iOS news, here’s everything you should know about iOS 26.4 and iOS 26.3. You can also check out our iOS 26 cheat sheet.

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Technologies

Amazon Leo Boosts Its Race With Starlink, With a Deal to Connect iPhones

Amazon has acquired satellite service provider Globalstar in its plan to provide connectivity services in 2028.

Amazon keeps reaching for the skies, literally. The commerce giant is acquiring satellite service provider Globalstar to enhance Leo — its own satellite operation — when it eventually provides direct-to-device service.

In the deal, reportedly valued at $11.6 billion, Amazon will get Globalstar’s satellite operations, infrastructure and assets. Globalstar, based in Louisiana, has 24 satellites and plans to expand to 32 later this year, according to its website. The company provides «critical and emergency communications to customers around the world,» Tuesday’s announcement said.

The transaction also involves Apple. Globalstar provides emergency satellite connectivity for iPhones from the iPhone 14 and up, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 3, for texting emergency services, requesting roadside assistance, sharing locations and messaging friends and families during natural disasters. Apple bought a 20% stake in Globalstar in November 2024.

Amazon said in Tuesday’s announcement that Leo would «power satellite services for iPhone and Apple Watch, including Emergency SOS via satellite.»

Amazon Leo — the «Leo» stands for «low Earth orbit,» which is where its satellites are positioned in space — is trying to become a major competitor to Starlink, the global satellite service leader owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Starlink has more than 10,000 satellites in orbit, providing connectivity to smartphones, devices, vehicles and appliances as an alternative to cellphone towers.

Formerly known as Project Kuiper, Leo aims to start providing satellite connectivity services in early 2028, but there have been hiccups. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy told shareholders last week that Leo would not begin providing Wi-Fi service to governments, airlines and other businesses until mid-2026. One of the issues is that Amazon must have 1,600 satellites in orbit by July, per a Federal Communications Commission deadline, but it currently has only 250.

Amazon asked the FCC for an extension on the mandate, but the agency has not ruled yet.

Delta Air Lines and JetBlue have deals with Amazon to use Leo for in-flight connectivity for passengers in the future.

Panos Panay, senior vice president of Devices & Services at Amazon, said Tuesday’s deal with Globalstar will help deliver internet to «billions of customers» who are «beyond the reach of existing networks.»

Amazon said that Leo, whenever it does begin delivering satellite service, «will offer substantially higher spectrum use and efficiency than legacy direct-to-cell systems.»

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Technologies

It’s Game On With This Xbox Core Controller at an Impressive 42% Off

Normally $65, you can get it for under $40 while supplies last at Woot.

For a limited time, you can add a new controller to your gaming necessities for a nice, low price. Normally $65, the Xbox Core controller is now 42% off. That means you’ll pay a more reasonable $38. If you’re interested, you should hurry. Quantities are currently low at Woot, and the black color option is already sold out. Don’t miss your chance to take your gaming to the next level at a nice discount.

This Xbox controller features an ergonomic design. It has sculpted surfaces that make long gaming sessions more comfortable. It also has a hybrid directional pad and textured grips on the triggers and bumpers, giving you better control and precision no matter what game you’re playing. 

This is a wireless controller, either through Bluetooth or Xbox Wireless. If you prefer, you can plug it in with USB-C for a lag-free wired connection. It works easily across Xbox consoles, Windows PCs and mobile devices. Through the Xbox app, you can even customize things like button mapping. This is truly an all-around solid controller.

Not an Xbox fan? Take a look at the best Nintendo Switch deals you can shop right now.

CHEAP GAMING LAPTOP DEALS OF THE WEEK

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why this deal matters

This is a pretty impressive discount of $27 on an Xbox controller, saving you almost 50% off the regular price. Woot claims you have 10 more days to pick up this deal but we disagree. Quantities are already limited, and once it’s sold out, it won’t be back. The black color option is sold out and the white probably isn’t too far behind. 

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