What you need to know
- Every month Microsoft gives Xbox Live Gold members four free games.
- In June you can download titles like NHL 19 and Portal.
- You can purchase an Xbox Live Gold subscription through Amazon.
Today, Microsoft announced June's free Games with Gold for Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners. Starting on June 1, NHL 19 and Portal: Still Alive will be free with the subscription. Then, on June 16, Rivals of Aether and Earth Defense Force 2017 can be downloaded at no cost. You need an active Xbox Live membership to play the Xbox One games, but the original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles are yours to keep after you redeem them once. It doesn't matter if you're still an Xbox Live Gold subscriber.
According to the company, June's lineup provides almost $105 in value and up to 3,200 in Gamerscore. You can read about the titles below.
NHL 19
NHL 19 is a hockey simulator which is quite popular even in the United States. You can make your ideal team and try to beat your rivals. The mechanics are quite similar to FIFA 19, and anyone who's played EA's sports titles should feel right at home.
Rivals of Aether
Rivals of Aether is a Super Smash Bros.-like experience which features a variety of different characters. Each of them has special abilities that you must exploit in tense matches.
Portal: Still Alive
Portal: Still Alive is a port of the original Portal game on Xbox 360. The game looks and runs great on the system, and features the same hilarious and deadly GLADOS we've come to know and love.
Earth Defense Force 2017
Earth Defense Force 2017 is a popular installment that focuses on an alien invasion of Earth. The game is known for its weapon variety and destructible environments. While the story is passable, the gameplay is the star of the show.
Be sure to download all four of these games next month because many of them are great experiences. Out of all of these, we would recommend playing Portal: Still Alive because it's an incredible title that holds up even to this day.
Three-month subscription
Xbox Live Gold through Amazon is just as convenient, with streamlined transactions and instant code delivery. Amazon also regularly hosts better deals on subscriptions than Microsoft, paired with other benefits of Amazon purchases.
Excellent and affordable Xbox accessories
Up your Xbox experience with one (or all) of these budget accessories, all of which are approved by the gamers of Windows Central.
PowerA Play & Charge Kit for Xbox One ($15 at Amazon)
This charging kit keeps your Xbox One wireless controllers juiced up, and it offers batteries for two controllers. At just $15, this is hands-down our favorite budget charging companion.
ElecGear 4 Port USB Xbox One S Hub ($19 at Amazon)
This brilliant little USB splitter hub attaches perfectly to the side of your Xbox One S console. It's ideal for use with chargers, controllers, headsets, and more.
Controller Gear stand ($13 at Amazon)
Proudly display your Xbox gamepads with this stylish and functional stand. The licensed design is minimalist and black, and it has a hidden storage compartment, making the price of $13 a real steal.
