Highlights
- Microsoft's Xbox Partner Preview on March 26 features gameplay for Stranger Than Heaven and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn.
- The event focuses on third-party reveals, Xbox Game Pass day-one announcements, and 4K resolution streaming support.
- CEO Asha Sharma will lead her first major showcase highlighting AAA and indie titles like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 post-launch updates.
Microsoft is gearing up to deliver a fresh batch of gaming news with its next Xbox Partner Preview broadcast, officially set to air this Thursday, March 26, 2026. Designed as a quick, snack-sized digital showcase, the event is laser-focused on upcoming releases from third-party publishing partners. Fans can expect a fast-paced mix of world premieres, first-look gameplay, brand-new reveals, and crucial announcements regarding which of these outside projects will hit the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription service on day one.
An early glimpse of the lineup already packs a heavy punch, giving players a closer look at what global AAA studios and indie developers are bringing to the table. Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the beloved Like a Dragon and Judgment series, will provide an in-depth look at Stranger Than Heaven.
Originally codenamed "Project Century" and unveiled at the 2024 Game Awards, this mysterious action game is highly anticipated following its story trailer at Summer Game Fest 2025, as per GameRant.
Sci-Fi Gameplay and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Updates
Sci-fi fans will also be treated to fresh gameplay from The Expanse: Osiris Reborn. Announced during the June 2025 Future Games Expo, this action-RPG by Owlcat Games (known for Pathfinder and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader) brings the acclaimed James S.A. Corey universe to life.
Additionally, shooter enthusiasts can look forward to a brand-new update on the survival horror mechanics of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Following its initial Xbox and PC launch in November 2024 and its subsequent PS5 release, developer GSC Game World is continuing its strong post-launch support for the post-apocalyptic shooter after working hard to overcome early technical issues.
Because this is strictly a Partner Preview, Microsoft is carefully managing expectations by reminding fans that there will be no first-party announcements or hardware reveals from Xbox Game Studios. Major internal franchises like Halo, Fable, and Gears of War—including titles like Gears of War: E-Day and Halo: Campaign Evolved—will sit this one out so the spotlight remains purely on third-party creators.
However, players can expect the showcased games to support a strong ecosystem, with many utilizing Xbox Play Anywhere, so you can seamlessly hop between your Xbox console and PC.
Steam
Stream Start Time and How to Watch
Gamers worldwide can tune into the broadcast at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, 1 p.m. Eastern Time, or 5 p.m. GMT across all official Xbox channels. If you are looking for the highest graphical fidelity, YouTube will stream the presentation in crisp 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, while all other channels will offer a standard 1080p stream.
To ensure a truly global and inclusive experience, Microsoft is providing subtitles and accessibility options in more than 30 languages. Alternatively, you can catch the showcase and a comprehensive post-show recap through a live coverage stream.
Steam
This marks the fifth Partner Preview since Xbox debuted the format in October 2023. The most recent broadcast in November 2025 delivered world premieres for games like Vampire Crawlers, Armatus, and Raji: Kaliyuga, alongside DLC teasers for Dave the Diver and Hitman: World of Assassination.
This follows a strong legacy of past showcases that featured hits like Alan Wake 2, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and Persona 3 Reload. Serving as the first major presentation under new Microsoft Gaming Chief Executive Officer Asha Sharma, Thursday's event is a clear signal that Xbox continues to champion its platform as a welcoming, premier destination for the world's top developers.
