Available only as part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, Xbox Cloud Gaming does what it says on the tin: it lets you stream a variety of Xbox games and play them anywhere you have an internet connection, freeing you from the need to buy a console or a bulky gaming PC.
While it was Android-only at launch, Microsoft has now made the service available on PC and iOS – and it’s built directly into Windows 11 and Xbox consoles.
What is Cloud Gaming with Xbox Game Pass, and is it the same as xCloud?
Cloud Gaming with Xbox Game Pass is the much wordier final name for what was once known as Project xCloud.
Whatever the name, it’s Microsoft’s entry into the burgeoning cloud gaming scene, offering players the chance to stream their favourite Xbox titles straight to their phone and other devices. It follows the lead of Google Stadia and Nvidia GeForce Now.
You won’t need to download the games that you play. Instead, they’re streamed from Microsoft’s servers. Those now use Xbox Series X hardware, streaming at 1080p and up to 60fps “to ensure the lowest latency, highest quality experience across the broadest set of devices.”
Microsoft says that it will continue to update and add more features over time to make the most of the Series X servers. In fact, although Microsoft hasn’t announced it officially, those updates are already rolling out to select titles.
The Verge’s Tom Warren spotted the option to run certain games at 120fps or with enhanced graphics, while those games are also enjoying faster load times. It’s not on every game though – even some of Microsoft’s own, like Forza Horizon 4, don’t seem to have the upgrade yet.
What platforms is Xbox cloud gaming on?
The service is available on Android through the Xbox Game Pass app, and on Windows 10 & Windows 11 through the Xbox app. It’s also accessible on iPhones and iPads via web browser on Xbox.com/play.
It’s even easier on Xbox, as cloud gaming is built right into the Game Pass app on Xbox One and Series X/S consoles for Ultimate subscribers, primarily pitched as a way to try games quickly before downloading them – or to immediately jump into multiplayer titles with friends.
Microsoft added console support officially in November 2021 and said that it will roll out “over the coming weeks,” so if you don’t see the option yet then you might have to be patient.
How much does Xbox cloud gaming cost?
From a certain perspective streaming Xbox games is free – but only because Microsoft has bundled it into its existing Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
That costs £10.99/$14.99 per month, but also gives you access to an even larger library of games on PC and Xbox; a free EA Play subscription; and an Xbox Live Gold subscription which offers online multiplayer, free games, and various deals and discounts.
What we don’t know is whether Microsoft will ever also offer xCloud alone as a standalone service for less than that – perhaps costing a similar amount to PlayStation Now, Sony’s rival cloud-based game streaming service, which costs £8.99/$9.99 a month. Microsoft does say that it’s “exploring new subscription offerings for Xbox Game Pass” however, so it’s not out of the question.
To see how it stacks up against the competition, check out our guide to the best game streaming services.
Which countries support Xbox cloud gaming?
The Microsoft cloud gaming service is officially available in 26 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
How to play Xbox cloud games on iOS
While most platforms offer Xbox cloud games through the official Game Pass app, Microsoft has done something a little different on iPhones and iPads. The iOS version of Xbox Cloud Gaming is browser-based, and runs through Safari on Xbox.com/play.
The decision to release a browser version of the service comes after a high-profile spat with Apple over efforts to launch an iOS app for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Apple declared in a statement to Business Insider that the service is not compatible with App Store guidelines, principally because it allows players to access a storefront of other games and apps that have not themselves gone through Apple’s approval process.
“Our customers enjoy great apps and games from millions of developers, and gaming services can absolutely launch on the App Store as long as they follow the same set of guidelines applicable to all developers, including submitting games individually for review, and appearing in charts and search,” the statement reads.
Microsoft was quick to hit back in a statement to The Verge, calling Apple “the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass.”
Apple eventually relented somewhat, introducing new App Store policies to allow cloud gaming services, but they’re pretty onerous: every single playable game must also launch as a standalone app in the App Store. That seems to sort of defeat the point, and it seems Microsoft agrees, hence the move to a browser version that sits outside Apple’s jurisdiction.
“This remains a bad experience for customers,” Microsoft told Mashable, referring to Apple’s new rules. “Gamers want to jump directly into a game from their curated catalog within one app just like they do with movies or songs, and not be forced to download over 100 apps to play individual games from the cloud.”
What controllers work with cloud gaming on Game Pass?
Microsoft has tried to make things as simple as possible, so you can use loads of existing controllers.
The easiest thing for most games will be to use the official Xbox Wireless Controller – either Xbox Series X or Xbox One versions, as long as it’s a model with Bluetooth support – but PlayStation owners can also use their DualShock 4 or DualSense gamepads.
Almost any third-party Bluetooth controller should also work well, but if you want to be sure then check out the official Xbox Store where you’ll find the controllers Microsoft has approved, including the Razer Kishi and MOGA XP5-X.
What games can I play on Xbox cloud gaming?
The service launched with more than 150 games, and more are on the way all the time. Here’s the full launch list, though even more titles are available to play now:
A Plague Tale: InnocenceAbsolverAfterpartyAge of Wonders: PlanetfallARK: Survival EvolvedAstroneerBatman: Arkham KnightBattletoadsBattle Chasers: NightwarBlack DesertBlair WitchBleeding EdgeBloodstained: Ritual of the NightBridge Constructor PortalCarrionChildren of MortaClusterTruckCrackdown 3: CampaignCrosscodeDarksiders GenesisDarksiders IIIDayZde BlobDead by DaylightDead CellsDead Island Definitive EditionDeath SquaredDeliver us the moonDemon’s TiltDescendersDestiny 2: Shadowkeep & Forsaken expansion (September 22)DiRT 4Don’t StarveDouble Kick HeroesDrake HollowDungeon of the EndlessEnter The GungeonF1 2019Fallout 76Farming Simulator 17Felix the ReaperFishing Sim World: Pro TourFor the KingForagerForza Horizon 4Fractured MindsFrostpunk: Console EditionGato RobotoGears of War 1: Ultimate EditionGears of War 4Gears of War 5Goat SimulatorGolf with Your FriendsGroundedGuacamelee! 2Halo 5: GuardiansHalo Wars 1: Definitive EditionHalo Wars 2Halo: The Master Chief CollectionHalo: Spartan AssaultHellblade: Senua’s SacrificeHello NeighborHollow Knight (Renewal)Hot Shot RacingHuman Fall FlatHyperdotHypnospace OutlawIndivisibleJourney to the Savage PlanetKatana ZERO (Coming soon)Killer Instinct DEKonaLevelheadLonely Mountains: DownhillMarvel vs. Capcom: InfiniteMetro 2033 ReduxMiddle Earth: Shadow of WarMinecraft: DungeonsMINITMomodora: Reverie Under the MoonlightMoonlighterMortal Kombat X (Not available in Korea)Mount & Blade: WarbandMoving OutMudrunnerMunchkin: Quacked QuestMutant Year Zero: Road to EdenMy Time At PortiaNeon AbyssNew Super Lucky’s TaleNieR:AutomataNight CallNight in the Woods (Coming soon)No Man’s SkyNowhere ProphetObservationOri and the Blind Forest: Definitive EditionOri and the Will of the WispsOvercooked! 2OxenfreePathologic 2PikunikuPillars of Eternity: Complete EditionPower Rangers: Battle for the GridReCore: Definitive EditionRemnant: From the AshesResident Evil 7 BiohazardRise & ShineRiver City Girls (Coming soon)Sea of Thieves: Anniversary EditionSea SaltSecret NeighborShadow Warrior 2Slay the SpireSniper Elite 4SpiritfarerState of Decay 2: Juggernaut EditionStellarisStranger Things 3: The GameStreets of Rage 4Streets of RogueSubnauticaSurviving MarsTacomaTell Me Why Episode 1 – 3TerrariaThe Bard’s Tale IV: Directors CutThe Bard’s Tale Remastered and ResnarkledThe Bard’s Tale TrilogyThe Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance TacticsThe Elder Scrolls OnlineThe Gardens BetweenThe Jackbox Party Pack 4The Long DarkThe Lord of the Rings: Adventure Card GameThe MessengerThe Outer WorldsThe Surge 2The TourystThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntThe Escapists 2The Talos PrincipleThe Turing TestThe Walking Dead: A New Frontier – Episode 1 through 5The Walking Dead: Michonne – Episode 1 – 3The Walking Dead: Season TwotheHunter: Call of the WildThronebreaker: The Witcher TalesTotally Accurate Battle SimulatorTotally Reliable Delivery ServiceTouhou Luna NightsTracks – The Train Set GameTrailmakersTrain Sim World 2020Two Point HospitalUndermineUntitled Goose GameVoid BastardsWandersongWarhammer Vermintide 2 (Coming soon)Wasteland RemasteredWasteland 2: Director’s CutWasteland 3We Happy FewWest of DeadWizard of LegendWorld War ZWorms W. M. DXeno CrisisYakuza 0Yakuza KiwamiYakuza Kiwami 2
Tech Advisor’s Deputy Editor, Dom covers everything that runs on electricity, from phones and laptops to wearables, audio, gaming, smart home, and streaming - plus he’s a regular fixture on the Tech Advisor YouTube channel.
