Microsoft killed Xbox One (and we're not remotely surprised)

Microsoft quietly discontinued Xbox One at the end of 2020 to focus on production of Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Microsoft is brutal when it comes to moving on, so we're not surprised its maligned console is killed to give Xbox Series X/S a clear run. This comes a day after Sony said it will produce 1 million PlayStation 4 consoles this year.

The difference in approaches could be due to the short supply of PlayStation 5 consoles, compared to Microsoft's ability to produce its next-gen console, the Xbox Series X/S, in greater numbers. If you're looking to replace your Xbox One, Microsoft has more stock coming, and you can pre-order an Xbox Series X to guarantee a console. Or you could checkout the best Xbox deals with our tracker.

Is it sad news Xbox One is dead? Kinda. The console may have been a big ugly box that always played catch-up to PlayStation 4 and its eye-catching optical illusion design, but it had some killer games of its own. Thanks to Microsoft's commitment to backwards compatibility – the ability to play all old Microsoft games on Xbox Series X/S – we can mourn Xbox One's death but celebrate and still play its best games.

Below we've compiled a definitive list of the five best Xbox One exclusive games you can still play, on your shiny new Xbox Series X/S.

Xbox One's 5 best games

Drive and race the roads, beaches and tracks of a fictionalised Mexico in Xbox's exclusive open world racer. Forza Horizon 5 looks fantastic, and saw over 10 million players take to its race ways in its first week. Even if you don't like racing games you should boot up Forza 5 to marvel at its graphics.

This console-exclusive may leave newcomers floundering trying to work out its story and lore (luckily every Gears of war game is on Game Pass so you can catch up) but it's a visual powerhouse. Playing on Xbox Series X/S cover-shooter Gears 5 gets a 4K Ultra HD upgrade and 120fps increase. It's one of the old console's best.

Iconic developer Rare's emergent pirate adventure offers fully-realised cartoon oceans to sail, hunting for treasures, battling rivals, and teaming up with other players. With all the talk of the metaverse, it's games like Sea of Thieves that are showing where the future of interaction is going; live your best pirate life in one of video games' best adventures to share with friends.

Over 16 years after the original Psychonauts released on Xbox this sequel landed in the summer of 2021, and its was worth the wait. Playable on Xbox Series X/S this platform adventure takes you inside character's minds to play through levels inspired by their id. It's Tim Burton-like visual direction is great, but it's Psychonauts 2's constant invention that keeps you playing.

One of video games greatest series can be played in its entirety on Xbox Series X/S. The Halo: Master Chief Collection released on Xbox One but can now be played on the latest console, via Game Pass or bought phyisically. This collection contains the original Halo up until Halo 4 (Halo 5 is separate) and its spin-offs. All get visual upgrades as they're remasters, as well as frame rate improvements on Xbox Series X/S.

Read more

• Xbox Series X/S nail varnish is random
• The Microsoft Xbox fridge is real
• Microsoft's weird Xbox poster