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
![Image of a UGREEN Thunderbolt 4 dock and the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) with a USB4 port.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2JFwJnA9NbrztwRXBcDAAY-320-80.jpg)
Can I use Thunderbolt 4 or 5 docks with USB4 laptops?
By Zachary Boddy published
ThunderUSB Thunderbolt docks can massively upgrade your setup, but that requires having a device with some powerful ports. Will USB4 do the trick? We found out.
![Image of the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra laptop.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r9fnp3EadwcvHpzfgfTrEQ-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra review: Taking the fight straight to the Dell XPS 16
By Zachary Boddy last updated
Review Samsung's premium Galaxy Book4 Ultra is already a great Dell XPS competitor before you consider Samsung's ecosystem integrations. Here's our full review.
![Image of Forza Horizon 5 'Horizon Retrowave.'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xJhsJX8dZaWhfyyAyu62BG-320-80.jpg)
Forza Horizon 5's retro update drops with over 20 new songs, 5 more cars, and Minecraft tributes
By Zachary Boddy last updated
Retro Cars Playground Games has detailed Forza Horizon 5's next update, Horizon Retrowave, with a ton of new music, cars, decorations, events, and EventLab props.
![Microsoft Copilot Plus on Surface.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sLMj8i5e2Mi3XgrBuayf4W-320-80.jpg)
The new Copilot+ AI PCs are powerful and actually last all day, and you can get a FREE TV just for buying one
By Zachary Boddy last updated
Deal It's already immensely easy to purchase one of the new Copilot+ AI PCs thanks to the incredible power, efficiency, and capabilities, but a free TV makes it even easier.
![A common internet meme depicting a man looking at the Surface Pro 11 with a stack of other PCs in the background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4G7cGX7TLWEkambtT3YA24-320-80.jpg)
I've got 18 laptops in my office, and I'm still tempted by the Surface Pro 11 with OLED and Snapdragon X
By Zachary Boddy published
Back to Surface Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Pro 11, and it's a gorgeous machine with all the features and innovations I've wanted from Surface for years.
![Screenshot of Senua's Saga: Hellblade II running on Xbox Series X, Windows PC, or ASUS ROG Ally.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A28hCmsaAGDDyYTWPBmY9P-320-80.jpg)
Best Xbox and PC headsets for Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
By Zachary Boddy published
Hellblade Headsets Senua's Saga: Hellblade II boasts brilliant audio design, and a headset is highly recommended. Here are our recommendations for Xbox and PC.
![Screenshot of Senua's Saga: Hellblade II running on Xbox Series X, Windows PC, or ASUS ROG Ally.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wBpkwZcN9jYsYnxgnNWG8L-320-80.jpg)
Can I play Senua's Saga: Hellblade II on gaming handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally?
By Zachary Boddy published
Handhellblade I tested Senua's Saga: Hellblade II on the ASUS ROG Ally to see if it's possible to play the game on gaming handhelds, and the results are interesting.
![Screenshot of Senua's Saga: Hellblade II running on Xbox Series X, Windows PC, or ASUS ROG Ally.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4FipvGneBSjUjBqy3tKpyJ-320-80.jpg)
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II review — Absolute art on every level, but not quite perfect
By Zachary Boddy published
Review The long-awaited sequel to Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is here, and it's Ninja Theory's magnum opus. Hellblade II is a masterpiece, but is it perfect?
![HP EliteBOok Ultra G1Q with Qualcomm Snapdragon X CPU](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aJrfGwz2AoWHShrsHLVSAf-320-80.jpg)
HP's latest business-focused laptop blows every competitor out of the water with Qualcomm's latest chips
By Zachary Boddy published
EliteBook Ultra G1q The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i is part of the company's first next-gen Windows on ARM PCs, and it's a gorgeous thin-and-light business PC with serious hardware chops.
![A person playing an Alienware gaming laptop in a cafe](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8PhWjUvCVHgZnHVTWx3r6a-320-80.jpg)
Best Alienware gaming laptops 2024: Performance and style in all different sizes
By Zachary Boddy last updated
Alienware Supremacy Alienware makes a range of premium gaming laptops for those who need ultimate style and performance. Here are the very best.
![Minecraft and the Steam logo, combined.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RRWXAhviNNUqaqmiCni8SC-320-80.jpg)
Could Minecraft finally come to Steam? The signs are there, but don't get your hopes up yet
By Zachary Boddy published
Steamcraft Steam is mentioned with a new Minecraft: Bedrock Edition perk, but is this really a sign that the game is finally heading to the world's most popular PC gaming platform?
![Image of the Razer Viper V3 Pro wireless gaming mouse.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6g43p7DRcUqsGJZ4XgnFJB-320-80.jpg)
Razer Viper V3 Pro review: Does this wireless mouse live up to the hype?
By Zachary Boddy published
Review The Razer Viper V3 Pro was designed in conjunction with esports athletes, and is Razer's new highest-end competitive wireless gaming mouse. Here are my thoughts.
![Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 combat lava](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cYUfTgotdVvTNAnZLGS5Df-320-80.jpg)
Do I need to play Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice before playing Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2?
By Zachary Boddy published
Senua's Saga Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 from Ninja Theory and Xbox Game Studios is here. Do you need to play the first game in order to enjoy the second? Let's find out.
![Image of the Xbox May Update 2024.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RZwSLMfrUErXn2JKRs6754-320-80.jpg)
Xbox rolls out mouse and keyboard support for cloud gaming, and actually markets its upcoming exclusive a little
By Zachary Boddy published
Cloud Keyboard Xbox is rolling out the May Update, which features mouse and keyboard support for select Xbox Cloud Gaming titles and a new Senua's Saga: Hellblade II channel.
![Xbox on a retro computer with a cracked screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/36tzqcoBs3dKVwo9C8CMEe-320-80.jpg)
Forget exclusivity concerns, Microsoft's latest Xbox studio closures hurt me more than anything else
By Zachary Boddy published
No Faith In a devastating turn of events, Microsoft has announced the total closure of multiple Bethesda Games Studios, and it has shaken my faith in the platform.
![Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro Gaming Keyboard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/prgyMPobifHYKBki6bMWSP-320-80.jpg)
Best gaming keyboards 2024: The top mechanical, wireless, compact, and DIY keyboards for gaming
By Zachary Boddy last updated
Updated Windows Central tests and reviews the latest and greatest gaming keyboards to help you make the best possible decision for your gaming setup.
![Screenshot of Venba running on Xbox Series X.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xdgNDWwCPUzzXunCHzZcWY-320-80.jpg)
2023's indie game of the year is on Xbox Game Pass, and I now understand how it earned its awards
By Zachary Boddy published
Cooking History Venba tells the story of a Tamil family through cooking, and there's a reason it was named the best indie game of the year at IGF 2024.
![Screenshot of Ghostwire: Tokyo running on Xbox Series X.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SZYiFyqvRuwwbzfce6y3R6-320-80.jpg)
Playing 'Ghostwire: Tokyo' just made me wish it was a horror game
By Zachary Boddy published
Horror Hope I finally played Ghostwire: Tokyo from Tango Gameworks, and while I really enjoyed the game, I couldn't help but wonder how much better it would've been as horror.
![Image of new paintings and music in Minecraft.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eraPgKgDWvv224epKMmzX5-320-80.jpg)
Minecraft celebrates 15 years of existence with a ton of gorgeous new pixelated paintings — and there's more music, too
By Zachary Boddy published
15-years-old Mojang Studios has announced 15 new paintings for Minecraft to celebrate the survival game's 15-year anniversary, and they're coming in the Tricky Trials update.
![Image of the HP OMEN Transcend 14 gaming laptop.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/i2dfEcJv4mMWNcuVKMB26e-320-80.jpg)
HP OMEN Transcend 14 review: Gorgeous, premium, unfortunately underpowered
By Zachary Boddy published
Review The HP OMEN Transcend 14 is beautiful and on paper has all the pieces it needs for success, but the competition is just better.
![Image of Minecraft 1.21's Trial Spawners.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/B8kJpTfJ8xH2snyo45wi35-320-80.jpg)
The major Minecraft 1.21 update now has a name, but it's a bit smaller than we expected
By Zachary Boddy published
Tricky Trials The Minecraft 1.21 update is officially the "Tricky Trials Update," and it's bringing adventure to Minecraft later this year (sans 'Armored Paws' features).
![Image of the Syntech ASUS ROG Ally Hard Carrying Case.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TitUKiXvKj39ktyhEMbcE4-320-80.jpg)
Syntech ASUS ROG Ally Hard Carrying Case review: Nearly perfect, and a great price to boot
By Zachary Boddy published
Review I bought a carrying case for my ASUS ROG Ally, and it ended up being nearly perfect for my needs. If you need protection for your handheld, look no further.
![Image of the Corvette e-Ray in Forza Horizon 5.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zVbBVqvjAv5a2YsrEokBpk-320-80.jpg)
Forza Horizon 5 celebrates GT racing with 12 new cars and more ways to build custom road races
By Zachary Boddy published
AllStars The latest Forza Horizon 5 update is now available, bringing 12 new cars and expanding availability for a previous exclusive. Oh, and there are more EventLab props.
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