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Stream the latest AAA titles in high definition on the go with nothing more than an Android device and a stable internet connection. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from Microsoft makes it all possible with a library of over 150 games.
What is Xbox Cloud Gaming?
, formerly known as , allows you to play any game from its extensive library on Android devices; all you need is the Game Pass app, a Game Pass Ultimate subscription, a controller, and a decent internet connection (most home broadband connections and even 4G LTE will suffice). Microsoft’s page states that “at least 10 Mbps download speed” is required.
Xbox Game Pass works by running your game in the cloud, using high-end hardware from Microsoft, and streaming the results to your device pre-rendered out of the box. This allows a modest Android phone to process even graphics-intensive games like The Witcher without a hitch.
Video game streaming is nothing like streaming to an audience like you would on YouTube or Twitch – it’s a tool to make playing games on portable devices, your Android device and tablet, much easier. This is especially useful if you don’t have a proper desktop PC to run your favorite games on.
Xbox Game Pass is similar to other game streaming services, like Google Stadia, but provides access to a different set of game titles. Additionally, Microsoft has chosen to bundle its cloud gaming offering as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which offers a host of other features in addition to streaming.
Xbox Cloud Gaming is not currently offered as a stand-alone service. The combination of Ultimate membership and Xbox’s cloud gaming service means gamers will have dozens of games available to stream from the moment they sign up.
If you already have a Game Pass subscription on PC, you can access and play games in the Game Pass for PC library on Android devices after you download the Xbox Game Pass app and app on your Android mobile device or tablet.
It required?
To play Xbox games from the cloud, you’ll need:
An active membership.
A Bluetooth-enabled Xbox controller.
An Android mobile phone or tablet running Android version 6.0 or higher.
A Wi-Fi / LTE data connection with at least 10 Mbps downstream speed.
The Xbox Game Pass Android app, available in and app stores.
As of September 2020, Xbox cloud gaming cannot be used on an iPhone or iPad due to Apple-imposed restrictions on the App Store’s pricing and distribution models.
For the curious, Microsoft has made cloud gaming compatible with DualShock controllers, but it currently doesn’t work as seamlessly as you might expect. Here is one that are compatible with the Xbox cloud gaming service, including the classic Xbox controller.
Online game and cloud library
Microsoft lists all the available titles that can be accessed with the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription in its . As of September 2020, there are over 150 titles to choose from, including popular titles like Wasteland 3, Nier: Automata, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and more.
Some games, such as and , have basic touch control and support. Microsoft also to more games, since the options at the moment are quite limited.
With the Xbox Game Pass Android app, users can chat in-game using the microphone on their Android device. You’ll need a third-party app to stream personal games on services like Twitch or YouTube; there’s no built-in support for such services (unlike the experience on Xbox One or Xbox Series X consoles).
How much does Xbox Game Pass Cloud cost?
Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which costs $15 per month, will automatically grant access to Xbox’s cloud gaming features at no additional charge. The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription also comes with several other features, such as access to Xbox Game Studio titles on launch day, exclusive perks including in-game content, and Xbox Live Gold (multiplayer access).
If you choose to cancel your subscription and purchase a specific game you’ve been playing, your progress and achievements will carry over, but the ability to play on your mobile device will be removed.
