Zachary Boddy
Zachary Boddy (They / Them) is a Staff Writer for Windows Central, primarily focused on covering the latest news in tech and gaming, the best Xbox and PC games, and the most interesting Windows and Xbox hardware. They have been gaming and writing for most of their life starting with the original Xbox, and started out as a freelancer for Windows Central and its sister sites in 2019. Now a full-fledged Staff Writer, Zachary has expanded from only writing about all things Minecraft to covering practically everything on which Windows Central is an expert, especially when it comes to Microsoft.
For years, Zachary has developed their skills to become more adept at researching, interviewing, reviewing, and writing to always deliver industry-leading content and information to Windows Central readers. Zachary has worked closely with major video games industry members such as Mojang Studios, Obsidian Entertainment, Playground Games, and even Microsoft itself on interviews, reviews, and breaking news, has led site-wide coverage on important titles like Minecraft and Forza Horizon 5, and continues to provide unique editorial content on a variety of topics that can only be found on Windows Central. You can find Zachary on Twitter @BoddyZachary.
Latest articles by Zachary Boddy
![Xbox Game Pass sign](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8URKGwuZH5eqqedhyoZffS-320-80.png)
New Xbox Game Pass games (August 2024): What's coming, leaving soon
By Zachary Boddy last updated
New to XGP Every month means new Xbox Game Pass games. Keep track of everything coming and going with our comprehensive guide.
![Screenshot of The First Descendant Twitch Drops.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/C7M3TKWdpdYGTk5kabtkhk-320-80.jpg)
The First Descendant devs tease making it easier to manage your farmed rewards, battle the Frost Walker, and grind Hard Mode Operations
By Zachary Boddy published
Better Farming Nexon has teased the next update for The First Descendant, which will include a number of awesome changes pulled directly from community feedback and criticism.
![Image of the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PgdyANTv38cWm8RmiuTrgj-320-80.jpg)
The Alienware wireless mouse and keyboard duo that knocked Razer off my desk is enjoying a rare discount
By Zachary Boddy published
Deal Alienware finally cracked the code with its latest Pro Wireless Gaming duo of accessories, and right now you can pick up my personal mouse and keyboard for less.
![Screenshot of Descenders Next.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EQPGBnqwRHd8Z7fNCUbpF7-320-80.jpg)
Descenders Next promises to be way more than racing bikes downhill, and it's coming to Game Pass day one
By Zachary Boddy published
Next Descenders has amassed a massive community of passionate players, and its long-awaited follow-up has finally been announced with some epic upgrades.
![Image of the Alienware x16 R2.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qY2QL3YJpPgRKU7mAPPdpF-320-80.jpg)
Alienware's most premium gaming laptop barely changed from last year, but is it at least better?
By Zachary Boddy last updated
Review Dell has made a handful of small changes to the Alienware x16 with its second iteration, which make it a better laptop... But can it really compete with the best?
![Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 keyart of soldier in shadow with Xbox Game Pass logo in orange.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sh2vBsLMq5eUadNxnQxzS4-320-80.jpg)
No, Woot! doesn't have the best Xbox Game Pass Ultimate deal to avoid the price hike — I know where you can save more
By Zachary Boddy published
Deal Woot! is currently discounting Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions, but you can still save even more by going through CDKeys, my personal choice.
![Lenovo Legion Go (2023)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pa3xZh2VXt7VfgS8qAwW6V-320-80.jpg)
I love my ROG Ally handheld, but the Lenovo Legion Go's larger screen, detachable controls, and discounted price are really tempting
By Zachary Boddy published
Deal The Lenovo Legion Go boasts a larger screen than other gaming handhelds and features detachable Switch-like controls, and right now it's $100 off.
![Screenshot of The First Descendant on Xbox Series X.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4EKVscr4nXwsQaS36LpCbh-320-80.jpg)
The First Descendant already has a new update dropping two days after the last one, showing Nexon doesn't relax
By Zachary Boddy published
Already!? The First Descendant 1.06 is a minor hotfix built on the previous major content update released two days ago, but still features some important fixes.
![Image of the HP OMEN Transcend 14 gaming laptop.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dGegpLYDyTPWN6zmvrwpce-320-80.jpg)
HP knocking $400 or more off every flavor of NVIDIA RTX-powered laptop — 2-in-1, thin and light, gaming, enterprise, and more
By Zachary Boddy published
Deal Right now, HP is shaving $400 or more off several of its NVIDIA RTX-powered laptops, including 2-in-1s, business laptops, gaming machines, and more.
![Image of Avowed.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/L3VRa5y9iLQU66Y6TMqvu9-320-80.jpg)
Xbox and Blizard detail Gamescom 2024 plans with hands-on demos, live shows, free prizes, and more on Avowed, Starfield, and Indiana Jones
By Zachary Boddy published
Xbox @ Gamescom Gamescom 2024 will give us new looks at dozens of games, and Xbox and Activision Blizzard will have big presences during the 3-day convention.
![Image of The First Descendant.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Dngt4xq2ksGrfdYoTVuHh5-320-80.jpg)
The First Descendant's biggest update ever brings a ton of new content and enough improvements to make Alpha cry tears of joy
By Richard Devine, Zachary Boddy last updated
Ultimate Update The First Descendant gets its first major content update for its pre-season, adding two new Descendants, a new Colossi, more weapons and modules, and a whole lot more.
![Xbox Game Pass Ultimate](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sAaJvNmLzEkNUrJq8oVXrc-320-80.jpg)
Save $$$ and max out your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription with this new best offer
By Zachary Boddy last updated
Deal The best Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is now even better, dropping to a new low and saving you cash ahead of the upcoming price increases.
![ROG Ally X vs ROG Ally displays.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JuFsyQuRrmPh9cQh4FYVq7-320-80.jpg)
Why buy the expensive ROG Ally X when you could get the original gaming handheld for literally half the price?
By Zachary Boddy published
Deal The new ASUS ROG Ally X is a whopping $800, but right now you can get the original (still amazing) ROG Ally for literally half the price and still play your favorite games.
![Image of Valorant on Xbox.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3yLv89wsSxPEj8VwcuKkgk-320-80.jpg)
The VALORANT Xbox beta is now open to all players, with exclusive benefits for Xbox Game Pass subscribers
By Zachary Boddy published
Open Season After a few weeks of closed beta testing, VALORANT for Xbox is opening its doors to more players, with bonuses for Xbox Game Pass subscribers.
![The First Descendant characters: Valby.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DoqUrAAK8Pw9iDi9C6iRgY-320-80.jpg)
(Update) The First Descendant decides nerfing the best weapons and patching fun exploits is for lame live service games, adapts a different approach
By Zachary Boddy last updated
No Nerfs Nexon had committed to protecting player creations and discoveries in The First Descendant, but now it seems that Nexon told us wrong... Several times.
![Screenshot of The First Descendant on Xbox Series X.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kzHnTkuNZ7mBxgdSnnEknh-320-80.jpg)
The First Descendant's next major content update is now coming even earlier, and we got our first look at the new Descendants
By Zachary Boddy published
Thirst Descendant Nexon has revealed that Update 5, the first major content update for The First Descendant, is now coming a day early (and showed off some of the content).
![Image of the Xbox 360 in a dark tunnel with a light at the end.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hWV9xgcKkAdXYmEz5gYi7b-320-80.jpg)
Xbox 360 Marketplace shutdown FAQ: store closing date, digital game sales & discounts, online servers, and other questions answered
By Zachary Boddy published
End of 360 The Xbox 360 Marketplace is sadly shuttering its doors after nearly two decades, and some classic games are set to disappear forever. Here's what you need to know.
![Image of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 9).](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/69KbZxGyXHxzsEyZ8wN4YR-320-80.jpg)
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 9) review: Lenovo has made one of the best laptops I've ever used, thanks to Qualcomm
By Zachary Boddy last updated
Review The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 9) is one of the first Windows laptops powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X series of ARM SoCs. It's a new generation, and here are my thoughts.
![Screenshot of The First Descendant on Xbox Series X.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zR8khUQWCNMr7EupnbU9Ci-320-80.jpg)
Let's ignore The First Descendant review discourse and talk about what Nexon can do to make this game amazing
By Zachary Boddy published
The First Review Nexon's free-to-play, MMORPG looter shooter The First Descendant has struggled to attract positive criticism like many other live service games, but that doesn't mean it's bad.
![The First Descendant characters: Blair.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5w3JSvgwx845rAm8HTHjHX-320-80.jpg)
A new The First Descendant update gives players what they want — more space, less waiting times, better rewards
By Zachary Boddy published
Nexon has released a new The First Descendant patch, bringing some much-appreciated quality-of-life and farming improvements ahead of the next content update.
![Header for newly added games for GeForce NOW](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zakC4omNins8wE9aFx7uqZ-320-80.jpg)
NVIDIA GeForce Now memberships are half off, just in time to check out the "half" integration in the Xbox Store
By Zachary Boddy published
Half Now NVIDIA has discounted all tiers of its GeForce Now game streaming platform, just as Xbox has added the service to the Xbox Store for supported games... Kind of.
![Thrustmaster TX leather edition](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AfG23BSzKj3ZmbNeXCTUVh-320-80.jpg)
Best PCs for sim racing 2024: Pre-built desktops for Forza, iRacing, Assetto Corsa, and more
By Zachary Boddy last updated
PC Racing The best gaming PC for sim racing will offer a more personalized experience than a console. Grab a ready-made computer and hit the racetrack.
![Image of the Forza Horizon 5 "Italian Automotive" update.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/T85RQTArC8RPC3gXGiFRbm-320-80.jpg)
Forza Horizon 5 editions & add-ons: Every DLC and Car Pack, where to buy, pricing, and more
By Zachary Boddy last updated
Cars Galore Here's everything you need to know about buying and playing Forza Horizon 5, including its editions, optional DLC, pricing, and more.
![Screenshot of the 1965 Hoonigan Ford Mustang "Hoonicorn" in Forza Horizon 5.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EDDNgwv6xHFcYd9ckujoUU-320-80.jpg)
Forza Horizon 5 cars: Full car list, new additions, DLC, gifts, and more
By Zachary Boddy last updated
Forza Cars Forza Horizon 5 is the largest and most ambitious entry in the franchise yet, and its car list reflects that. Here's every car in FH5.
![Image of the Beats Solo 4 Minecraft version.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6MPZv5RtmWVcQtS8RQPHgk-320-80.jpg)
Apple Beats and Minecraft have joined forces to create this explosive (and exclusive) wireless headset you can buy now
By Zachary Boddy published
Creeper Beats Mojang Studios and Apple have revealed an exclusive version of the Beats Solo 4 wireless headset, and now you can buy it (for a limited time).