Microsoft plans on launching its next-generation console, the Xbox Series X, at some point later this year. So far, the only first-party game confirmed for the Xbox Series X is the upcoming Halo Infinite, leaving much of the console's launch lineup a mystery.
While Microsoft has yet to unveil what other first-party games are coming to Xbox Series X, that's likely to change sooner rather than later. Microsoft is expected to showcase its big first-party Xbox Series X games at a special Xbox 20/20 presentation in July, which will likely see a number of big announcements for the new console.
It remains to be seen exactly which games Microsoft will be showcasing at the July Xbox 20/20 event. However, there are plenty of great, dormant franchises that Microsoft could revive to generate some extra excitement for the Xbox Series X, with these 10 arguably having the most potential.
Banjo-Kazooie
When Microsoft purchased Rare in 2002, expectations were high for the studio to continue its award-winning work on Xbox. Unfortunately, Rare has largely failed to live up to fan expectations since the Microsoft acquisition, failing to truly capitalize on the popularity of its beloved IP like Banjo-Kazooie. There hasn't been a new Banjo-Kazooie game since 2008's Nuts & Bolts, so platforming fans are hungry for a proper new entry in the series, especially after the titular duo were added to the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster as DLC fighters.
Nintendo proved with Super Mario Odyssey that there is still plenty that the 3D platformer genre has to offer, and it would be nice to see Banjo-Kazooie get a modern update as well. Rare doesn't even have to be the studio to make the game. Microsoft has plenty of studios under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella that could be given the reigns of Banjo-Kazooie - whatever it takes to see the bird and bear make their long-awaited, and much-deserved, comeback.
Conker's Bad Fur Day
Conker's Bad Fur Day was a cult classic on the Nintendo 64, notable for pushing its M for Mature rating to the limit. The game was vulgar and violent, but also quite good, with a fun story and addicting multiplayer modes. Since then, Conker has largely been relegated to obscurity, getting a graphical update on the original Xbox and being featured in episodic format for the canceled Project Spark. Similarly to Banjo-Kazooie, Microsoft has seemingly refused to take proper advantage of Conker and the popularity of the IP, but hopefully that changes with a proper Conker's Bad Fur Day sequel on Xbox Series X.
Crimson Skies
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge is one of the most highly-regarded original Xbox exclusives, offering impressive visuals, a compelling single-player campaign, and a multiplayer mode that was one of the first games to really take advantage of Xbox Live's online multiplayer capabilities. Unfortunately, it's been 17 years since the launch of Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and besides the game being playable on Xbox One through the Xbox backward compatibility program, it hasn't received much attention from Microsoft. Needless to say, many fans would be happy to see a next-gen take on Crimson Skies that could take advantage of modern graphics and gameplay features.
Fable
Microsoft's premiere RPG franchise is Fable, with the first three Fable games all launching to various degrees of success. But despite their popularity, Microsoft has squandered the IP in recent years, releasing misguided spin-offs instead of proper sequels. However, rumors indicate that the Fable franchise will soon be coming back in a big way on Xbox Series X. According to various reports, Fable 4 is in active development at Playground Games, with the game set to be a major return to form for the series. There's a chance that Fable 4 could even be revealed as early as next month's Xbox 20/20 July presentation, so fans of the franchise should be sure to tune in just in case.
Kameo
An Xbox 360 launch title, Kameo: Elements of Power was essentially Rare's take on The Legend of Zelda franchise. The game was popular enough for its time, but like many Rare IP, has since been abandoned. A Kameo sequel could expand on what Rare established with the original game, while also addressing its faults and delivering a generally higher-quality adventure. Microsoft doesn't really have a Legend of Zelda-equivalent exclusive for Xbox, but it could very well use the Kameo franchise to fill that void.
Killer Instinct
Killer Instinct was a launch title for the Xbox One that launched to somewhat mixed reviews, but since became a fan favorite. Now boasting a greatly-expanded roster of fighters and more features than at launch, the Killer Instinct revival is a solid fighting game for fans of the genre. It would be great to see the Killer Instinct franchise continue on Microsoft's next-generation console, especially since it's been a whopping seven years since the Xbox One version launched.
Lost Odyssey
It's no secret that Microsoft has struggled to make the Xbox brand catch on in Japan, but that's not due to a lack of trying. With the Xbox 360, Microsoft commissioned Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and his Mistwalker Studio to create JRPG exclusive games for the platform. This included Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey, with the latter being particularly well-received by fans of the genre. With reports of Phil Spencer visiting Japan studios about Xbox Series X games, it seems like a Lost Odyssey sequel could be a great way for the Xbox brand to once again try getting a foothold in the Japanese game market.
Perfect Dark
Rumors have been swirling for quite some time that Microsoft has a brand new Perfect Dark game in development. According to the rumors, the new Perfect Dark will be third-person, and will be at least partially developed by Gears of War studio The Coalition. Whether or not there's any truth to these claims remains to be seen, but it would make sense for Microsoft to take advantage of Perfect Dark's popularity and legacy.
Project Gotham Racing
Project Gotham Racing was a launch title for the original Xbox and earned a great deal of acclaim at the time of its release, spawning three sequels that all earned strong reviews as well. Project Gotham Racing 4, the most recent entry in the series, also earned strong reviews from critics and fans alike, but for one reason or another, Microsoft has abandoned the IP. Perhaps Microsoft made this decision so it could focus exclusively on Forza, but it would still be nice to see Project Gotham Racing make a comeback on the Xbox Series X. If nothing else, it would help give racing fans on Xbox some variety so that they have more than just new Forza games to look forward to every year.
Viva Pinata
It's true that Rare largely struggled to produce compelling experiences since Microsoft's acquisition in 2002, but one exception is Viva Pinata. A bizarre take on the life-simulation genre, Viva Pinata sees players raising and breeding living pinatas while completing a variety of objectives. Noted for its eye-catching art style and quirky humor, Viva Pinata spawned sequels and even its own television series. A new Viva Pinata could fill a niche on the Xbox Series X and appeal to the more casual gamers out there.