Microsoft’s Mysterious Xbox Plans, Switch 2 Drama, and Other Big Tech Surprises

Microsoft is keeping gamers on their toes again. In a surprise update from Xbox president Sarah Bond, we got some intriguing hints about what’s next for Xbox. Microsoft wants the Xbox experience to live “beyond one device or one store,” pushing for Windows to be the top platform for gaming.

That raised a big question — is Microsoft going all-in on PC gaming? Are we looking at a future where Xbox consoles feel more like PCs? Bond also announced a partnership with AMD to co-engineer a range of devices, including next-generation Xbox consoles, for both your living room and your hands. Does that mean dedicated Xbox handhelds? Possibly.

But what exactly is an Xbox these days? Even Microsoft’s definition seems a bit fuzzy. Some fans took this to mean native handhelds might be on the way, especially after the company reused graphics from the ROG Ally handhelds reveal. Either way, there’s some confusion about what Microsoft considers an Xbox.

And speaking of game consoles with identity issues, let’s switch gears — literally. Multiple reports are surfacing about Nintendo banning Switch 2 owners who tried to use the Mig Flash cartridge to run game backups. Mig Flash recently enabled support for Switch 1 games on the next-gen console, but Nintendo was clearly watching. Some players swear they were only using legally backed-up games, but a few even admitted they were straight-up banned after using Mig Flash.

In a wild twist, one banned player was so mad they reportedly stole 3,000 Switch 2 consoles off a truck in Texas. It’s probably a joke — but this is the internet, so who knows anymore?

Meanwhile, Nexus Mods — the biggest platform for game mods — has been bought up by a startup accelerator called Chosen. The company promises not to restrict mod access, sell downloads, or claim ownership of mods. They even plan to keep lifetime memberships intact. The modding community is still cautious, though, especially after hearing that nobody on Chosen’s team has ever created a Skyrim mod.

And if that wasn’t enough weird news for one week, Honda — yes, that Honda — just successfully tested a reusable rocket. It soared to nearly 900 feet before touching back down gently with landing legs, surprising the space industry. Turns out Honda hinted at this back in 2021, but nobody paid much attention.

Finally, an ex-Google DeepMind researcher launched a company called General that’s making robotic hands that can do some seriously impressive stuff — like assembling backpacks or tidying up small objects — all while staying super gentle.

And if all that tech still isn’t wild enough for you, Australia just approved lab-grown meat. Specifically, a startup called Forged is crafting luxury quail-based items — including a candle that melts into a dipping sauce. Robots and edible candle-wax dinner? Tech just keeps getting stranger.

That’s it for this week’s tech roundup. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!