Designed for Xbox Winter Gaming Guide

From games to hardware, this year has been one for the books! Between Psychonauts 2, Age of Empires IV, Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and Microsoft Flight Simulator, Xbox fans are going to have their hands full with worlds to explore this winter. And what better way to play a new title than with some new hardware from our Designed for Xbox partners to enhance the experience.


Forza Horizon 5


The next Horizon adventure is here! Tour the vibrant, open world landscapes of Mexico and experience limitless action in hundreds of the world’s greatest cars with Forza Horizon 5. If you are looking for an extra leg up in your upcoming races, our D4X partners have a few accessory options that may pique your interest.

  • Never lose a race due to dead batteries again with The Otterbox Power Swap Controller Batteries, available now. Experience uninterrupted gameplay with quick-release batteries that can be changed in the middle of the action. Compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers, The Otterbox Power Swap Controller Batteries is available now for $59.95 USD.
  • For the most immersive gaming experience, the highest quality of audio is essential. Bang & Olufsen brings its world-leading expertise in sound, design, and craft to gaming with the Beoplay Portal. This headset is packed with quick-access gaming functions, rock-solid connectivity for mobile gaming, and Dolby Atmos virtualized surround sound tuned by acclaimed acousticians, to deliver the truly incredible audio Forza Horizon is known for. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal Headset is $499 USD and available now.
  • If you have been eyeing a racing wheel, look no further than the Thrustmaster T248 for Xbox Series X|S. With a premium design and versatile wheel shape, this product features up to 25 action buttons and an interactive race dashboard on the wheel’s screen. The Thrustmaster T248 is $399.99 USD and coming soon. 

Halo Infinite


Halo Infinite Key Art

The legendary Halo series returns on December 8 with the most expansive campaign yet, and a brand new free-to-play multiplayer experience. To celebrate 20 years of Halo and ensure gamers have everything they need for their adventure, our partners have dropped new and exciting co-branded products.

  • For a bit of nostalgia and beauty, check out the Cortana 20th Anniversary Limited Edition, Hyperkin Duke Wired Controller for $89.99 USD. Featuring a gorgeous special design, this controller also boasts a Cortana montage played right inside the Xbox button!
  • If your storage needs an upgrade, take a look at the Seagate Halo Infinite Special Edition Game Drive. Tagged with exclusive artwork inspired by the iconic Halo aesthetic, and packed with customizable LEDs, the officially licensed Game Drive for Xbox is priced at $99.99 (2TB), and $159.99 (5TB). Play your favorite games and Halo Infinite directly from the drive on your Xbox One or use it to store your collection of games on Xbox Series X|S, available now.
  • Our friends at Razer have gone all out and released a full suite of Halo co-branded products, like the Kaira Pro Headset for Xbox for $169.99 USD which is fitted with Razer’s best drivers and headset mic. All of Razer’s co-branded products come with bonus in-game rewards so you can take your experience to the next level while having some fresh cosmetics to show off on the battlefield.

Microsoft Flight Simulator


Microsoft Flight Simulator GOTY Key Art

Since June, Xbox simmers have taken to the skies alongside their PC friends in Microsoft Flight Simulator. Now that Microsoft Flight Simulator: Game of The Year Edition has landed on PC and console, the Designed for Xbox team has worked to ensure a multitude of flying peripherals are available for all the bright-eyed virtual pilots out there. The sky is calling, and the world is at your fingertips, see you up there!

  • Products like the Turtle Beach Velocity One Flight! From a Realistic Yoke design to a Modular Throttle Quadrant, and many other great features, the Velocity One Flight delivers a comprehensive, flight control solution to setup your own cockpit at home. Available for $379.95 USD.
  • Another fantastic option is the Thrustmaster TCA Yoke Pack Boeing Edition. This product allows users to replicate the controls, flight kinematics, and sensations experienced by real Boeing pilots at the controls of a Dreamliner. The Thrustmaster TCA Yoke Pack: Boeing Edition will be available very soon for $499.99 USD.
  • The Victrix Gambit Dual Core Tournament Controller and Gambit Wireless Gaming Headset are the perfect companions for touring the skies.  The Gambit Controller includes 14 swappable components that transform the controller to match your play style.  The headset features a noise-canceling mic, ultra-light design, and lifetime subscription to Dolby Atmos so you can pilot in immersive comfort.  Both are available now at VictrixPro.com.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate


Xbox Game Pass Banner

And as games are added all the time, like the above titles, with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you may need some additional accessories whether you play on console, PC, or mobile with Xbox Cloud gaming. No matter where you play, the D4X team is here to steer you in the right direction.

  • This year, for the first time ever, Licensed Monitors have joined the Designed for Xbox family with the Philips Momentum. With a built-in sound bar, Ambiglow lighting and supporting 4K resolution at 120Hz, this monitor also introduces a new, dedicated Xbox picture mode. The Philips Momentum 559M1RYV 55″ is coming soon and will be available worldwide for $1599.99 USD.
  • For mobile gamers, we have plenty of options when it comes to controllers, complete with precision thumbsticks, shoulder triggers and action buttons for a console feel. Android users are going to love the Nacon MG-X, a comfortable and high-performance controller for mobile gaming. It connects to your Android smartphone via Bluetooth and provides up to 20 hours of battery life. The MG-X is available now for $79.99 USD.
  • And for the Apple fans, look no further than the Backbone One for iPhone. With Backbone One, next-level gaming has never been more effortless, no charging, no waiting for updates, no tedious setup. Just snap-in and game on! Available now for $99.99 USD.

20 years later and Xbox is still bringing some of the hottest new games to play as well as some exceptional hardware to boot. If you’re looking to try these new games, new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can get their first month for just $1. And if you primarily play on PC, new Xbox Game Pass for PC members can get their first three months for just $1 right now.

Check xbox.com or your local retailer for prices and availability