Introduction to Xbox Cloud Gaming and its Benefits
Are you ready to take your gaming experience to the next level? If yes, and looking for a way to enjoy your favourite Xbox games without the need for expensive hardware or cluttered cables, then you’ve come to the right place. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up Xbox Cloud Gaming on Xbox Series S.
Get ready for endless hours of immersive gameplay – let’s dive in!
Requirements for setting up Xbox Cloud Gaming on Xbox Series S
To fully enjoy Xbox Cloud Gaming on your Xbox Series S, here are some requirements that need to be met:
1. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscription
The first and most important requirement for setting up Xbox Cloud Gaming on your Xbox Series S is an active subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This subscription not only gives you access to a vast library of games but also includes access to the cloud gaming feature.
2. Stable Internet Connection
Since the games will be streamed from the cloud, a stable internet connection is crucial for smooth gameplay. Microsoft recommends a minimum internet speed of 10Mbps for a good experience. However, for optimal performance, a speed of 20Mbps or higher is recommended.
3. Compatible Controller
To play Xbox Cloud Gaming on your Xbox Series S, you will need a compatible controller. This could be either an official Xbox Wireless Controller or any Bluetooth-enabled controller such as PlayStation DualShock 4 or third-party controllers like Razer Wolverine Ultimate.
4. Updated Firmware
Make sure that both your console’s firmware and controller’s firmware are updated to the latest version before trying to set up cloud gaming. You can do this by going to Settings > System > Console info and Updates > Update console/controller if available.
5. Storage Space
Xbox Series S comes with 512GB of storage space, which can fill up quickly if you have a large library of games. Therefore, it is recommended to have at least 100GB of free space for optimal performance.
6. System Requirements
Your Xbox Series S must meet certain system requirements to be able to run cloud games smoothly. These include a 64-bit processor with at least 2 cores, 1.5GHz or faster, and an operating system version of Windows 10 version 1903 or higher.
7. Compatible Network
To ensure a stable internet connection and faster stream speeds, you should connect your Xbox Series S to a wired network instead of relying on Wi-Fi. This may require purchasing an Ethernet cable and connecting it directly to your router.
8. Subscribed Region
Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently available in select regions only. Make sure that the country/region you’re subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate matches the availability of cloud gaming in your region.
9. App Updates
Microsoft is consistently updating its Xbox Game Pass app and adding new features such as cloud gaming support. Make sure that the app on your console is updated to the latest version for the best experience.
Step-by-step guide on how to set up Xbox Cloud Gaming on Xbox Series S
If you are ready to take your gaming experience to the next level with Xbox Cloud Gaming, then here is a step-by-step guide on how to set it up on Xbox Series S:
Step 1: Check Your System Requirements
Before setting up Xbox Cloud Gaming on your Xbox Series S, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements as mentioned above. You will need a stable internet connection of at least 10 Mbps and an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Step 2: Connect Your Xbox Series S to the Internet
The next step is to connect your Xbox Series S to the internet. You can use either a wired or wireless connection, but for optimal performance, we recommend using a wired connection. To connect via a wired connection, simply plug an Ethernet cable from your router into the back of your console. For a wireless connection, navigate to Settings > Network > Set Up Wireless Network and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 3: Update Your Console Software
Before you can start playing games through cloud gaming, you need to ensure that your console software is fully updated. To do this, go to Settings > System > Updates and make sure that your console has all available updates installed.
Step 4: Download the Xbox Game Pass App
You’ll need to download the Xbox Game Pass app onto your console to access cloud gaming. On your controller, press the “Xbox” button and navigate to “Store”, then search for “Xbox Game Pass”. Select the app and click “Install”.
Step 5: Sign In or Create an Account
Sign in to the app with your Microsoft account that has an active Game Pass Ultimate subscription. If you don’t have a subscription, you can purchase one through the app or sign up for a free trial.
Step 6: Launch the Xbox Game Pass App
Once you’re signed in, click on the Xbox Game Pass icon on your console’s home screen to launch the app.
Step 7: Select “Cloud” Tab
On the app’s main menu, select the “Cloud” tab at the top of the screen to access cloud gaming.
Step 8: Choose a Game
Scroll through the list of available games and select one you’d like to play. Click on it and then choose “Play” to start streaming.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Game!
That’s it! You can now start playing games on your Xbox Series S through cloud gaming.
Happy gaming!
Tips and tricks for optimizing your Xbox Cloud Gaming experience on Xbox Series S
If you’re an Xbox Series S owner looking to take full advantage of your console’s capabilities for cloud gaming, here are some tips and tricks:
1. Use a stable internet connection
The speed and stability of your internet connection play a crucial role in delivering a seamless cloud gaming experience. We recommend having a minimum internet speed of 10 Mbps for streaming games in 720p resolution and at least 20 Mbps for streaming games in 1080p resolution. Additionally, connecting your console to the router via an Ethernet cable will ensure a more stable connection compared to Wi-Fi.
2. Close other apps and background processes
To improve performance and reduce lag while using Xbox Cloud Gaming, it’s best to close any unnecessary apps or background processes running on your console. This will free up system resources and give the game more processing power, resulting in smoother gameplay.
3. Optimize video quality settings
Xbox Cloud Gaming automatically adjusts the video quality based on your internet speed and network conditions. However, if you notice any lag or low-quality visuals during gameplay, you can manually adjust the video quality settings in your console’s settings.
4. Use an external storage device
Depending on how many games you plan on playing through cloud gaming, it might be beneficial to use an external storage device with your Xbox Series S. This will free up space on your console’s internal storage and allow for faster loading times.
5. Invest in a compatible controller
While you can use the touch controls for some games on Xbox Cloud Gaming, we recommend investing in a compatible controller for the best gameplay experience. The Xbox Series S is compatible with all controllers that work with the Xbox One, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
6. Explore different streaming settings
Xbox Cloud Gaming offers several streaming settings, such as bandwidth allocation and video quality customization, which you can adjust to suit your preference and network conditions. We suggest experimenting with these settings to find what works best for your setup.
7. Keep an eye on data usage
Cloud gaming requires a stable internet connection and uses a lot of data compared to other online activities. If you have a limited data plan, make sure to keep an eye on your data usage while using Xbox Cloud Gaming to avoid any surprises on your bill.
By following these tips and tricks, you can optimize your Xbox Cloud Gaming experience on the Xbox Series S.
Comparison between using Xbox Cloud Gaming and traditional gaming on Xbox Series S
Here is a comparison between using Xbox Cloud Gaming and traditional gaming on the Xbox Series S:
1. Cost-effectiveness
One major advantage of using Xbox Cloud Gaming over traditional gaming on the Xbox Series S is its cost-effectiveness. With cloud gaming, you don’t need to purchase and download individual games onto your console. Instead, you can access a library of over 100 games through Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service. This eliminates the need for expensive game purchases and allows for more affordable gameplay.
2. Convenience
Another significant benefit of using cloud gaming is its convenience. Traditional gaming requires large game downloads that can take up space on your console and may also have long installation times. With Xbox Cloud Gaming, there’s no need for long downloads or installations as games are streamed directly from Microsoft servers onto your device. This also means that you can instantly jump into playing without waiting for any updates or installations.
3. Hardware requirements
A common concern with traditional gaming consoles is keeping up with hardware requirements as newer games become increasingly demanding on system specifications. With cloud gaming, all processing and graphics rendering is done by powerful servers, so you don’t have to worry about constantly upgrading your console’s hardware. This also means that you can play high-quality games on lower-end devices with a stable internet connection.
4. Internet connectivity
One of the main drawbacks of using Xbox Cloud Gaming is its reliance on a stable and fast internet connection. Without a steady connection, players may experience lag, stuttering, or even complete disconnections from the game. Traditional gaming does not have this limitation as the game is being played directly from the console’s hardware.
5. Game selection
While Xbox Cloud Gaming offers a decent variety of games through the Game Pass subscription service, the selection may not be as extensive as what is available for traditional gaming on the Xbox Series S. Some newer or more popular titles may not be available for streaming and can only be played through purchasing and downloading them onto the console.
6. Visual quality
In terms of visual quality, traditional gaming on the Xbox Series S will likely provide a better graphical experience compared to cloud gaming. This is because cloud gaming is limited by its reliance on streaming over an internet connection, which may result in lower resolution or graphical quality.
Overall, choosing between using Xbox Cloud Gaming and traditional gaming on the Xbox Series S will depend on individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize cost-effectiveness and convenience, then Xbox Cloud Gaming may be the preferable option. However, if you value high-quality graphics and a wider selection of games, then traditional gaming on the console may be a better choice.
Setting up Xbox Cloud Gaming on your Xbox Series S opens up a whole new world of gaming possibilities. With the ability to stream and play a wide range of games directly from the cloud, you can enjoy high-quality gaming experiences without the need for expensive hardware upgrades. By following the step-by-step guide and optimizing your setup using the provided tips and tricks, you can have an amazing cloud gaming experience on the Xbox Series S. So go ahead, set up Xbox Cloud Gaming, and embark on endless gaming adventures wherever you are.