The sweeping layoffs announced by Microsoft this week have been especially hard on its gaming studios, but one Xbox executive has a solution to “help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss”: seek advice from AI chatbots.
Turnbull acknowledged that people have some “strong feelings” about AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, but suggested that anybody who’s feeling “overwhelmed” could use them to get advice about creating resumes, career planning, and applying for new roles.
“These are really challenging times, and if you’re navigating a layoff or even quietly preparing for one, you’re not alone and you don’t have to go it alone,” Turnbull said. “No AI tool is a replacement for your voice or your lived experience. But at a time when mental energy is scarce, these tools can help get you unstuck faster, calmer, and with more clarity.”
It’s unclear why Turnbull deleted his LinkedIn post, but if the comments on this repost made to Bluesky are any indication, creatives probably didn’t take too kindly to his suggestions.
You can read the full text of the deleted post below:
“These are really challenging times, and if you’re navigating a layoff or even quietly preparing for one, you’re not alone and you don’t have to go it alone.
I know these types of tools engender strong feelings in people, but I’d be remiss in not trying to offer the best advice I can under the circumstances. I’ve been experimenting with ways to use LLM AI tools (like ChatGPT or Copilot) to help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss.
Here are some prompt ideas and use cases that might help if you’re feeling overwhelmed:
Career Planning Prompts:
“Act as a career coach. I’ve been laid off from a [role] in the game industry. Help me build a 30-day plan to regroup, research new roles, and start applying without burning out.”
“What kinds of game industry jobs could I pivot to with experience in [Production/Narrative/LiveOps/etc.]?”
Resume & Linkedin Help
“Here’s my current resume. Give me three tailored versions: one for AAA, one for platform/publishing roles, and one for startup/small studio leadership.”
“Rewrite this resume bullet to highlight impact and metrics.”
“Draft a new LinkedIn ‘About Me’ section that focuses on my leadership style, shipped titles, and vision for game development.”
Networking & Outreach
“Draft a friendly message I can send to old coworkers letting them know I’m exploring new opportunities.”
“Write a warm intro message for reaching out to someone at [studio name] about a job posting.”
Emotional Clarity & Confidence
“I’m struggling with imposter syndrome after being laid off. Can you help me reframe this experience in a way that reminds me what I’m good at?”
No Al tool is a replacement for your voice or your lived experience. But at a time when mental energy is scarce, these tools can help get you unstuck faster, calmer, and with more clarity.
If this helps, feel free to share with others in your network.
Have you ever clicked on an image on a website expecting it to zoom in, only to realize it doesn’t? It’s a small thing, but it can be surprisingly frustrating for your visitors.
When people can click to enlarge an image—whether it’s a product photo, a blog image, or part of a portfolio—they tend to stay on your website longer and engage more.
I’ve set up this feature on several WordPress sites, and it’s always a quick win.
In this guide, I’ll show you three simple ways to allow users to click to enlarge images on your WordPress website. You don’t need any coding skills, and each method only takes a few minutes to set up.
Why Enlarge Images Upon Click in WordPress?
Letting visitors click to enlarge images on your WordPress website helps them see important details up close.
It’s a simple upgrade that adds a polished, professional feel, especially for portfolios, real estate listings, and photography galleries.
Plus, it can be handy for online stores where customers want to look closely at your products before deciding to buy them.
WordPress includes a basic “Enlarge on click” feature by default. It opens the image right on the page, without any background dimming or visual effect.
This works fine for simple blogs or internal pages, but it looks a bit plain and doesn’t offer much control.
If you want something that looks more modern and polished, then an image lightbox plugin is a better choice.
Instead of simply expanding the image, it opens in a sleek overlay that dims the background and keeps the viewer focused. You also get more control over how the image looks and functions.
Before I show you these different methods, there’s one more thing to keep in mind: image quality. When someone clicks to enlarge a photo, they expect a clear, high-resolution version. But large image files can slow down your site.
That’s where image optimization comes in. By compressing your images without lowering their visible quality, you can keep file sizes small and your site fast.
This means you can use images with large dimensions (like 1500px wide) that look great when enlarged, without hurting performance.
Method 1: Using the Default WordPress Feature (Simple)
After testing different ways to enlarge images, I’ve found that WordPress’s built-in feature is perfect for simple needs.
I’ve used this method when creating documentation or writing technical articles. It’s especially useful when you need readers to see small details in screenshots or examine specific parts of an image more closely.
The main downside is that it isn’t a true lightbox. It simply enlarges the image, and you can’t customize the look or add cool effects.
Step 1: Add Your Image in the WordPress Editor
First, you need to create or open the post where you want to add the clickable image.
Then, in the block editor, click the (+) icon to add a new block and choose ‘Image’ from the block options. Once you do, you’ll see buttons for adding an image in 3 different ways: Upload, Media Library, or Insert from URL.
At WPBeginner, we always use the ‘Media Library’ option. This makes sure that the title and alt text we add to the image are available if we reuse it in other articles.
I suggest avoiding ‘Insert from URL’. It hotlinks to an image on another website, which means the picture could break on your site if the original is ever removed.
Step 2: Set Up the ‘Enlarge on Click’ Option
After adding your image to the post or page, you can click on it to reveal the image settings.
With the image selected, click the ‘Insert link’ icon in the block toolbar. In the settings that appear, simply toggle on the option labeled ‘Enlarge on click’.
Step 3: Configure Image Settings
Now that you’ve enabled the click-to-enlarge feature, you may want to customize the original image’s settings to ensure the best display quality within your post or page.
Select your image and then check the block settings panel on the right side of your screen.
You can control how the image looks on the page by adjusting the image’s dimensions. However, this is just the display size.
When a visitor clicks the image, they will see the original, full-resolution image you uploaded to your Media Library. So, make sure you upload a high-quality image at least 1500 pixels wide.
Step 4: Preview Your Imageand Publish Your Content
Before you publish your post or page with the ‘enlarge on click’ image option enabled, you’ll want to preview it to make sure it’s working.
To do this, click on the View button in the upper right-hand corner of your editor and select ‘Preview in new tab.’
I recommend you test it in every view option, especially ‘Mobile’, since many people use smartphones these days.
With the ‘enlarge on click’ image effect applied, it should expand on the same page, as seen in the example below. How much it expands depends on the size of the original image you uploaded.
Simply click on the image to return it to normal size.
Once everything looks good, you’re ready to publish or update your content.
Method 2: Using a Lightbox Plugin (More Customization)
Unlike the basic WordPress feature, a lightbox plugin creates a much more professional experience. When a user clicks an image, it opens in a stylish overlay that dims the rest of the page, making your image pop.
I recommend the free Simple Lightbox plugin because it lets you add smooth animations, customizable themes, and slideshow features that make your images stand out. It’s lightweight and works automatically with all your images once activated.
Step 1: Install and Activate the Simple Lightbox Plugin
To get started, you need to install and activate the Simple Lightbox plugin.
After activating the plugin, it’s a good idea to head to Appearance » Lightbox and review its settings to ensure everything is set up the way you want.
Here, you’ll find Lightbox settings that let you adjust where you want to enable lightbox functionality. This can be on the home page, single posts, pages, and more.
I usually stick with the default settings since they work great for most websites.
Next, scroll down to the ‘UI’ settings. These control how the lightbox looks and feels.
By default, the plugin will use a light theme, but you can switch to dark mode if you prefer. You can also adjust the ‘Overlay Opacity,’ which controls how much the background page is dimmed when an image is open, and enable animations to change how the image opens.
Feel free to play with these settings, and don’t forget to click ‘Save Changes’ when you’re done.
Step 3: Add Your Image and Enable Lightbox
Now, let’s test out the lightbox feature. Simply create or open a post and add an image.
Once your image is in the editor, you need to add a caption. The Simple Lightbox plugin will show this text in the lightbox view.
Simply click the image and make sure the ‘Add Caption’ icon is activated in the toolbar. This allows you to type in the ‘Add caption’ text field below your image.
If you don’t add a caption, the plugin will automatically use the image title from the Media Library instead. However, I find that using the caption field gives you more direct control.
Next, with the image still selected, you need to click the ‘Link’ icon in the toolbar and select the ‘Link to Image File’ option. This is a key step that allows the Simple Lightbox plugin to work.
Once you do this, the plugin will automatically detect the link and apply its lightbox effect when a visitor clicks on the image.
💡 Note: You can also use Simple Lightbox for an entire image gallery. Simply create an image gallery using the block editor and then follow the steps described in this method to add the lightbox feature to each image.
Step 4: Test Your Lightbox
Now, let’s test the lightbox feature by previewing the post. Just click the View option in the upper right-hand corner and then select ‘Preview in new tab’.
Once the new tab opens, go ahead and click on the image. You should see it open smoothly in a lightbox overlay with a darkened background.
Depending on your design settings, you will see the lightbox in a light or dark theme. Here’s what the light theme looks like.
The light theme surrounds the photo with a white frame, which creates a good contrast with the darkened background.
Now here’s what the dark theme looks like.
You should also see your image caption in the bottom left corner of the lightbox.
I also recommend previewing your lightbox on other screen sizes to make sure it looks good on every device.
You can do this by returning to the View option and selecting the ‘Desktop’, ‘Tablet’, or ‘Mobile’ option. After that, click ‘Preview in new tab.’
Method 3: Using a Gallery Plugin (Best for Multiple Images)
If you’ve ever wanted to spotlight multiple images, then gallery plugins are hands down the best solution. They help organize and showcase a series of images with image enlargement functionality without slowing down your site.
These plugins can improve user interaction by making your content more engaging and visually appealing, giving visitors a seamless experience navigating through your images.
I recommend Envira Gallery because it allows you to create beautiful, customizable galleries that look great on any device. It’s also super beginner-friendly.
Plus, it includes performance features like lazy loading to make sure your galleries don’t slow down your site. And its AI tool can help you create custom images right inside WordPress.
Most importantly, the plugin offers a lightbox setting with lots of customization options. This way, you can get all the benefits of the click-to-enlarge image feature, plus some cool settings for layouts, gallery transitions, and much more.
Want to learn more about what the plugin can do? We’ve tested it extensively in the past, and you can check out our full Envira Gallery review for more information.
📝 Note: While there’s a free version of Envira Gallery available, I recommend the Pro version for advanced features like SuperSize lightbox, Envira AI, and social sharing tools.
Now, let’s go through the steps of using Envira Gallery to add a lightbox feature.
Step 1: Install and Activate the Envira Gallery Plugin
Let’s start by installing the plugin on your site. In this tutorial, I’ll use the free version, or you can purchase a Pro license from the Envira Gallery website.
Next, install and activate it by following our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin. Once you’ve activated the plugin, Envira’s setup wizard should instantly launch.
From here, click the ‘Get Started’ button to begin the process.
There are 5 steps in this wizard.
During setup, you can choose the category that describes your business or website (like photographer or business owner) and select the gallery features you wish to add.
I recommend continuing with the suggested default settings because they usually offer everything you need. However, if you have a Pro plan, you’ll be able to activate more advanced features.
Keep in mind that the ‘Lightboxes’ option should already be checked, so this feature will automatically be enabled.
Once you’ve finished the setup wizard, you’ll still need to activate your pro license if you purchased one. To do this, go to Envira Gallery » Settings and paste your license key in the field. Then, hit ‘Verify Key.’
Step 2: Create a New Gallery
To create your first gallery, go to Envira Gallery » Add New in your dashboard.
First, add a title at the top of the page. I recommend giving it a clear and descriptive name so that it’s easier to keep track of later.
Next, you’ll notice 3 options for adding images: Native Envira Gallery, Galleries from Other Sources, and Create with Envira AI.
I recommend starting with Native Envira Gallery. It’s the most straightforward way to upload your own images directly.
💡 Need original images fast? You can also create your own custom images with Envira AI. This feature makes it easy to generate unique images on demand. All you have to do is create a quick image description, pick from the results, and add it to your gallery in a single click.
Go ahead and select the images you want to include. You can add as many as you like while keeping the maximum upload file size below 256 MB.
Step 3: Configure Gallery and Lightbox Options
In the menu to the left of your gallery images, you’ll find Envira’s Gallery settings.
There are tabs for general configuration, the lightbox feature, mobile settings, and more. Let’s go through them one at a time.
You can choose your gallery layout at the top of the ‘Configuration’ section. The grid layout works great for most galleries, but feel free to experiment with other options.
Scrolling down, you can find more gallery settings options.
For example, you can enable lazy loading, set an automatic layout, and add a gallery description.
For example, you might want to set automatic layouts to ensure your gallery looks neat and organized without extra effort.
💡 Pro Tip: I recommend enabling the lazy loading option. This feature helps your gallery load faster by only loading images as visitors scroll down the page. It also helps optimize your site speed.
Next, switch to the ‘Lightbox’ tab. Remember, this feature should be enabled by default, but if it isn’t, check the box next to ‘Enable Lightbox?’
Then, you’ll want to select a ‘Gallery Lightbox Theme.’ This will determine the general appearance of your lightbox.
Your options will depend on your Envira plan and whether you have the Gallery Themes addon. But you should be able to select from a dark, light, or legacy theme.
Further down in the ‘Lightbox’ tab, you can choose how your enlarged images appear, select transition effects, and decide whether to show image titles.
Then, you can find more lightbox settings on the second half of the page.
For example, you can enable navigation arrows, infinite looping of images, or supersize mode. You can even add cool effects for when people open or close your gallery, and when they click through it.
For instance, for ‘Lightbox Transition Effect,’ you can pick fun options like Fade, Slide, Circular, Tube, Rotate, and more.
Next, I recommend going to the ‘Mobile’ tab to configure both the general and lightbox settings.
More people will probably view your gallery on phones than computers, so let’s make sure it looks great on small screens too.
In addition to activating the lightbox feature for mobile devices, you can customize mobile-specific settings such as lightbox dimensions, row heights, and title or caption displays.
As you scroll down, you’ll discover more options, including features like swipe-up to close, gallery navigation arrows, thumbnails, and more.
Finally, the ‘Standalone’ and ‘Misc’ tabs have a few extra settings you may find useful.
The ‘Standalone’ tab lets you give your gallery its own unique URL. This is a great feature if you want to share a direct link to a specific portfolio or photo album.
The ‘Misc’ tab includes tools for importing and exporting galleries, but you probably won’t need those right now.
To preview the gallery, click the ‘Preview’ button on the right side of your gallery settings page.
Once you’re on the preview page, click through different images to test the lightbox effect.
Here, you can see the image’s name and the rest of the gallery.
When you test the gallery, the images should open smoothly. If you chose a transition effect, it should be visible here.
For example, I set the Slide transition effect, and here’s how it looks.
To navigate between images, click on the navigation arrows on either side of the screen or use the arrow keys on your keyboard.
At this point, you may want to make sure the navigation arrows work and that your image titles appear correctly if you enabled them.
Once you’re happy with how everything works, you can publish the gallery by clicking the ‘Publish’ button on the right side of your gallery settings.
After publishing the gallery, you can move on to adding it to your website.
Step 5: Add the Gallery to Your Website
Now that your gallery is working perfectly, let’s add it to a post.
Once you are in the WordPress editor, click the (+) icon to add a new block and search for ‘Envira Gallery.’ Then drag the block onto your post.
Next, when you click the ‘Search for a gallery’ drop-down, select the gallery you just created. It will be automatically inserted into the post with all the settings you just configured.
Alternatively, you can add your gallery to pages, widgets, or custom post types by using a shortcode.
You can find this shortcode on the right sidebar of the gallery settings, just under the ‘Publish’ button.
Before clicking the ‘Publish’ button, make sure you preview your post one final time to make sure the gallery appears exactly as you want it.
Your images should now be displayed in a professional grid layout with a smooth lightbox effect when clicked.
FAQs About Enlarging Images in WordPress
Here are some frequently asked questions about enlarging images in WordPress.
How do I enlarge images in WordPress?
You can use the default ‘Enlarge on click’ feature in WordPress for basic functionality. For more control, you can use plugins like Simple Lightbox or Envira Gallery.
How do I automatically resize images in WordPress?
WordPress automatically creates several smaller versions of your images when you upload them. To have more control over image dimensions or to optimize them for speed, I recommend using an image optimization plugin like EWWW Image Optimizer.
Plugins like Envira Gallery also give you precise control over the display dimensions of images within your galleries.
How do I force image size in WordPress?
You can set custom image dimensions within your theme. For a detailed guide, check out our tutorial on how to create additional image sizes in WordPress. This is a great way to ensure a consistent layout across your galleries and site.
If you prefer using a plugin, consider options like Envira Gallery. It allows you to specify exact image dimensions efficiently, providing control over how your galleries look. This can help maintain a polished appearance across your site.
Bonus Resources: Manage & Improve Your WordPress Images
I hope this article helped you add the ‘enlarge images upon click’ feature in WordPress. Here are some bonus guides if you’re interested in managing and improving your WordPress images:
Yesterday, Microsoft confirmed that it's not abandoning the home console market just yet. In a short video teaser, Xbox President Sarah Bond highlighted a "strategic multi-year partnership with AMD" that will include "our next-generation Xbox consoles in your living room and in your hands." But while we know that the "in your hands" part will include devices like the Windows-powered ROG Xbox Ally, there are still few specifics about what exactly Microsoft has planned for its future living room consoles (aside from what Bond calls "the next generation of graphics innovation").
Reading between the lines a bit, though, we wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft was getting ready to finally tear down the thinning wall separating gaming PCs and gaming consoles. A Windows-based, living room-focused Xbox capable of running generic Windows games could accentuate Microsoft's strengths in PC gaming while papering over many of the company's recent struggles in the home console market.
WindowsBox
The once-bright line separating PC gaming and TV-based console gaming has been deteriorating for years. On the hardware side, bespoke console chips and development environments long ago gave way to PC-like architectures that are simpler and easier for developers to work with. And on the PC interface side, efforts like Steam's Big Picture mode and SteamOS as a whole have strived to make playing on a PC with a handheld controller into a more console-like experience.
One weakness of Valve's Steam Deck gaming handheld and SteamOS is that, by default, they will only run Windows games from Steam that are supported by the platform's Proton compatibility layer (plus the subset of games that run natively on Linux). It's possible to install alternative game stores, and Proton's compatibility is generally impressive, but SteamOS still isn't a true drop-in replacement for Windows.
Microsoft and Asus' co-developed ROG Xbox Ally is trying to offer PC gamers a more comprehensive compatibility solution that also preserves a SteamOS-like handheld UI by putting a new Xbox-branded user interface on top of traditional Windows. And while this interface will roll out to the ROG Xbox Ally first, Microsoft told The Verge that the interface would come to other Ally handhelds next and that something "similar" would be "rolling out to other Windows handhelds starting next year."
Bringing a Steam Deck-style handheld-optimized user interface to Windows is something Microsoft has been experimenting with internally since at least 2022, when employees at an internal hackathon identified most of Windows' handheld deficiencies in a slide deck about a proposed "Windows Handheld Mode."
Seagate now offers a 4TB version of its Xbox storage expansion card. | Image: Seagate
Seagate has announced a new 4TB version of its storage expansion card for the Xbox Series X and S consoles. It’s the first time the company has introduced a new capacity since launching 2TB and 512GB versions of the expansion card in late 2021.
The 4TB card is available starting today through Seagate’s online store and Best Buy for $499.99, but is discounted to $429.99 as part of a limited-time launch promotion. For comparison, the Xbox Series S starts at $379.99, while the Xbox Series X starts at $599.99.
But, the added storage may be required by folks with large libraries of games. Depending on the options and expansions you install, games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6and Microsoft Flight Simulator can easily gobble up hundreds of gigs of storage each. You can increase the Xbox’s storage capacity using an external drive connected over USB, but to play games directly from an SSD, without having to move files around, requires the storage expansion cards.
You may want to wait for a price drop, though. The 2TB version of the card was originally priced at $399.99, but is now listed on Seagate’s online store for $249.99, with a current promotion bringing it down to $219.99.
For nearly three years, Seagate was the only company offering expandable storage cards for the Xbox Series X and S, but in mid-2023 Western Digital introduced its own. Its current pricing and capacities are comparable to Seagate’s offerings. Western Digital hasn’t yet introduced a 4TB option.
Although the added competition did help bring the price of Seagate’s expansion cards down, they’re still more expensive than storage expansions for the PlayStation 5, which allows you to use any SSD as long as it meets certain performance requirements. Not only does Western Digital already sell a PS5-compatible 4TB SSD for $339.99, it also offers an 8TB option, although that will set you back a steep $699.99.
Capping off a verybusyweek in the world of gaming is Microsoft with its annual Xbox Games Showcase, providing “a look at brand-new games and updates from across our first-party studios and our incredible partners across the globe.” It was followed by a segment focused entirely on the sci-fi RPG The Outer Worlds 2.
The big reveal was portable gaming news, as Microsoft announced the Xbox app, Game Bar, and Windows OS updates that will arrive on two new ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. They’ll have a full-screen Xbox experience that’s supposed to make Windows more friendly to handhelds, and help them compete with the Steam Deck and other SteamOS-powered devices.
You can play the latest entry in the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy XVI, on Xbox right now. Shadow dropped during today’s Xbox Games Showcase, players will be able to experience FFXVI’s slick-ass kaiju monster battles, incredible voice acting, and ho-hum story (because, hey, you can’t expect Square Enix to be perfect at everything). In addition to the base game, players will also get access to FFXVI’s two story DLCs The Rising Tide and Echoes of the Fallen which adds more story and a new Eikon (the game’s version of summons) Leviathan.
But that’s not all as the partnership between Xbox and Square Enix continues apace. Last year, Xbox brought the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV to the system. Later it was rumored, due to Square Enix’s stated desire to expand their games beyond the PlayStation ecosystem, that it would bring the Final Fantasy VII remake project to Xbox as well. That rumor has been proven true. The absurdly titled Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, which is the first entry in the FF7 reimagination project combined with the Yuffie-centric DLC, is coming to Xbox this winter.
Psychonauts developer Double Fine just announced a new game — and you’ll be able to play it soon. Keeper, a game where you play as a walking lighthouse with a seabird as a buddy, is launching on October 17th, 2025 on Xbox and PC.
Here’s a description from an Xbox Wire post about what you can expect from the game:
It has stood alone for countless years, but now the Lighthouse finds companionship in a curious and spirited seabird, who encounters the Lighthouse while seeking refuge from a creeping malevolent presence spreading throughout the isle. The Lighthouse discovers that its bright beam of light is able to affect the flora and fauna, and even seems to ward off the withering tendrils spreading throughout the world around it.
Meanwhile the bird proves to be a useful and dextrous ally, able to interact with strange and ancient mechanisms. Together, these two unlikely friends set off together on an epic adventure, an odyssey of mystifying metamorphosis, and a journey that will take them into realms beyond understanding.
The art in the trailer is absolutely gorgeous, and it looks like the world will be a beautiful one to explore. The game will be a “story told without words” and is a “strange, otherworldly tale,” according to the post. I’m looking forward to it.
Microsoft first revealed Gears of War: E-Day during its Xbox Games Showcase last year, and at today’s showcase it’s now putting a 2026 release window on the latest entry in the sci-fi shooter series. Developed by The Coalition, E-Day will release in a year that marks 20 years since the original Gears of War game debuted on the Xbox 360, and 25 years of Xbox.
E-Day is set 14 years before the first Gears game, and “tells the story of the first Locust emergence on Sera.” It’s being billed as an origin story, and once again stars Marcus Fenix. E-Day is the first title in the series since Gears 5 debuted in 2019.
Last month, Microsoft also announced a Gears of War remaster that also brings the franchise to PlayStation for the first time. Gears of War: Reloaded is launching on August 26th for Xbox Series X / S, PlayStation, and PC for $39.99. The remaster features 4K resolution, 120fps support, and cross-progression and cross-play for all platforms. Gears of War: Reloaded will also have two-player co-op for the campaign and 8-player multiplayer.
Xbox chief Phil Spencer confirmed the E-Day release window during the Xbox Games Showcase earlier today, and also revealed “the next Forza” is coming in 2026 too, as well as “the return of a classic that’s been with us since the beginning.” That classic may well be the Halo CE remaster I wrote about last year.
The Windows-11-powered Xbox Ally devices promise access to "all of the games available on Windows," including "games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other leading PC storefronts [read: Steam, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, etc]." But instead of having to install and boot up those games through the stock Windows interface, as you often do on handhelds like the original ROG Ally line, all these games will be available through what Microsoft is calling an "aggregated gaming library."
Microsoft promises an "integrated library" can be used to access Windows games across a variety of launchers.
Credit:
Microsoft
A tap of the Xbox button brings up the Game Bar for quick access to many functions and settings.
Credit:
Microsoft
Asus and Microsoft are stressing how that integrated experience can be used with games across multiple different Windows-based launchers, promising "access to games you can't get elsewhere." That could be seen as a subtle dig at SteamOS-powered devices like the Steam Deck, which can have significant trouble with certain titles that don't play well with Steam and/or Linux for one reason or another. Microsoft also highlights how support apps like Discord, Twitch, and downloadable game mods will also be directly available via the Xbox Ally's Windows backbone.
Something strange is going on with Microsoft’s Xbox app on Windows. Over the past few days, the Xbox PC app has started showing Xbox console games inside the library. While you can’t install games like the original Alan Wake for Xbox 360, it shows up if you own it as part of the “My PC Games” list inside the Xbox PC app.
I don’t believe this is a simple bug, but more the result of Microsoft’s plans to more closely combine its Xbox and Windows stores. I wrote about this effort in March, when I revealed in Notepadthat Microsoft is working with Asus on a Project Kennan handheld. “It’s part of a larger effort from Microsoft to unify Windows and Xbox towards a universal library of Xbox and PC games,” I wrote at the time.
This effort also involves enabling Steam and Epic Games Store games to be visible in the Xbox PC app library. Microsoft accidentally revealed mockup images showing Steam games in the Xbox PC library earlier this year, and at the time sources familiar with the company’s plans told me Microsoft was working on an Xbox app update that will show every game you have installed on your PC.
Microsoft has also been working on making the Xbox app the home of PC gaming over the past year, and it has recently started referring to its Xbox PC app as simply “Xbox PC.” This new branding first showed up in Microsoft’s announcement of Gears of War: Reloaded, and a new gameplay trailer for MIO: Memories In Orbit also shows off the Xbox PC branding and logo that we’re going to see whenever Microsoft wants to let PC players know the game is available on its Microsoft Store.
All of these Xbox PC changes and the handheld work means we’re probably close to seeing exactly how Microsoft lists additional games in the Xbox PC app. The big question will be whether Xbox console games will actually be playable on PC, and Microsoft may need to leverage its cloud infrastructure for that unless it has an emulation breakthrough ready to finally make the dream of playing old Xbox games on PC a reality.
Imagine playing Fortnite, but instead of fighting other players, all you want to do is break into houses to look for caches of slurp juice. Yes, the storm is closing in on you, and there's a bunch of enemies waiting to kill you, but all you want to do is take a walking tour of Tilted Towers. Then when the match is over, instead of queueing again, you start reading the in-game lore for Peely and Sabrina Carpenter. You can count your number of player kills on one hand meanwhile your number of deaths is in the hundreds. You've never achieved a victory royale, but you've never had more fun.
Nightreign is FromSoftware's first Elden Ring spinoff, and it's unlike any Souls game that the developer has done before. Nightreign has the conceit of so many battle royale games - multiplayer combat focused on acquiring resources across a large map that slowly shrinks over time - wrapped in the narrative, visual aesthetics, and combat of Elden Ring. Instead of the Tarnished, you are a Nightfarer. Instead of the expansive Lands Between, you are sent to Limveld, an island with an ever-shifting landscape. And instead of becoming the Elden Lord, your goal is …
Shares of Box(NYSE: BOX) surged as much as 19.7% higher on Wednesday, peaking around 1:30 p.m. ET. The cloud-based data storage and content management veteran reported robust first-quarter fiscal-year 2026 results on Tuesday evening. By 3:10 p.m. ET, the stock was up about 18% from the previous day's close.
Image source: Getty Images.
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Foreign exchange, taxes, and shrinking earnings
Box's Q1 2026 sales rose 4% year over year to $276.3 million. Adjusted earnings fell from $0.39 to $0.30 per diluted share, including a $0.01 headwind from changing foreign currency exchange rates. Your average Wall Street analyst would have settled for earnings near $0.26 per share on revenue in the neighborhood of $275.1 million.
Looking ahead, Box's management projects second-quarter revenue of approximately $290 million with roughly $0.30 of adjusted earnings per share. These numbers will compare to $270 million and $0.44 per share, respectively, in the year-ago period.
Box's next big leap: Feeding the robots
Non-cash tax charges are weighing on Box's bottom-line results this year. The company recently turned profitable and is now recognizing $248 million of deferred tax credits, little by little. This item reduced Box's first-quarter adjusted earnings by $0.12 per share.
The company recently unveiled a brand-new artificial intelligence (AI) platform that will help enterprise-scale clients feed data to their AI agents. Box's stock is trading at an all-time high today, boosted by a promising AI strategy and five straight quarters of analyst-stumping financial results. Even so, Box shares trade at a fairly modest valuation. In that context, today's significant price jump looks reasonable.
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