Microsoft Expands Cloud Gaming Features for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscribers
Microsoft is enhancing its cloud gaming services by allowing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream a selection of their owned games directly to Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One consoles without the need for installation. The feature is currently available to Xbox Insiders and will be rolled out to all users at a later date.
The concept of streaming owned games has been in the works since 2019, with an initial expectation to launch alongside the Xbox Cloud Gaming platform the following year. After facing delays and missed target dates, the feature finally arrived in November of this year for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. This allows users to stream their owned games, not just those available on Game Pass, to various platforms.
Initially, game streaming was limited to TVs and supported devices like tablets, smartphones, and Meta Quest headsets through browsers. Microsoft had promised to bring this feature to Xbox consoles and the Xbox app on Windows in the future. It’s a welcomed surprise that the console rollout has come sooner than expected, although it’s currently only accessible to Xbox Insiders.
Streaming Your Own Games on Xbox
Starting today, Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha rings, who also have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, can preview the ability to stream their owned games to Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One consoles. Users meeting both criteria can explore this feature by navigating to My games & apps > Full library > Owned Games on their console and looking for compatible games with a cloud badge. From there, they can simply select a game and choose ‘Play with Cloud Gaming’.
The list of supported titles is currently limited, with about 50 games compatible with the streaming feature. However, it includes a mix of popular blockbuster titles and indie gems such as Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Outlaws, and more. Microsoft has assured users that the library of cloud-playable titles will continue to expand over time as they collaborate with partners worldwide.
If you’re interested in joining the Xbox Insider Program to access this feature, you can download the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X/S & Xbox One or Windows PC. The full list of games compatible with Microsoft’s new cloud gaming feature can be found on its website.