Hardware Sales Drop, AI Anxiety & Highguard’s Launch Reality Check | XEP 307 episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 1, 2026 · 1H 33M

Hardware Sales Drop, AI Anxiety & Highguard’s Launch Reality Check | XEP 307

from The Expansion Pass · host Xbox Expansion Pass

Hardware sales are down across the gaming industry, developers are pushing back on generative AI, and we take a clear-eyed look at Highguard’s launch — from its strong debut to its rapid drop-off. On this episode of Xbox Expansion Pass, we break down what a late-generation slowdown actually means for consoles, why Xbox is increasingly judged by ecosystem reach rather than boxes sold, how tools like Project Genie are reshaping (and worrying) developers, and whether Highguard launched too early after its big-stage reveal. We also share what we’ve been playing, including Dead by Daylight’s Stranger Things crossover. 👉 Clear takes. No console-war noise. 🔊 iTunes: apple.co/2OL6SSV | Spotify: spoti.fi/33gSiXa 🎧 Join us live Saturdays on YouTube 💬 Share your thoughts — we read them all. Support XEP: Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass Follow & Contact: BlueSky (Luke): @InsipidGhost BlueSky (Logun): @CaptLogun Contact: https://captlogun.podbean.com Review the show: If you enjoy XEP, please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify — it’s one of the best ways to support the show. Thank you! 

Hardware sales are slowing across the gaming industry, developers are pushing back on generative AI, and we take a clear-eyed look at Highguard’s launch and early reception. Clear takes on Xbox, the broader console market, and where the industry may be heading next — without the console-war noise.

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Hardware Sales Drop, AI Anxiety & Highguard’s Launch Reality Check | XEP 307

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This episode was published on February 1, 2026.

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Hardware sales are down across the gaming industry, developers are pushing back on generative AI, and we take a clear-eyed look at Highguard’s launch — from its strong debut to its rapid drop-off. On this episode of Xbox Expansion Pass, we break...

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