Microsoft’s xCloud Streaming Service Now in Beta for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscribers
Microsoft has launched the beta version of its xCloud streaming service for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. This service allows players to stream their games on an Android phone.
xCloud Project Transitions to Cloud Gaming Early
The xCloud Project has transitioned to cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate a month ahead of schedule. Microsoft stated that they are launching as a beta to gather feedback from gamers and improve the gaming experience.
Test Over 30 Games with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
All Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers now have the opportunity to test out around 30 games from the catalog. Microsoft has also promised that the service will offer more than 100 games when fully launched next month.
Game Availability for Cloud Gaming
The 100 games available for cloud gaming include:
- Ark: Survival Evolved
- Bleeding Edge
- Costume Quest 2
- Crackdown 3
- Destiny 2
- F1 2019
- Forza Horizon 4
- Gears of War: Ultimate Edition
- Gears of War 4
- Gears 5 Ultimate Edition
- Grounded
- Halo 5: Guardians
- Halo Wars: Definitive Edition
- Halo Wars 2
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection
- Halo: Spartan Assault
- Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
- Killer Instinct Definitive Edition
- Max: The Curse of Brotherhood
- Minecraft Dungeons
- The Outer Worlds
- Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Quantum Break
- ReCore: Definitive Edition
- Ryse: Son of Rome
- Sea of Thieves: Anniversary Edition
- State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition
- Sunset Overdrive
- Super Lucky’s Tale
- Tell Me Why
- The Bard’s Tale Trilogy
- Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut
- Wasteland 3
- Wasteland Remastered
- Yakuza Kiwami 2
Requirements and Getting Started
To access the service, you will need an Android device with version 6.0 or higher and Bluetooth version 4.0 or higher. Simply download the Xbox Game Pass app and connect your phone or tablet to the internet and the Xbox wireless controller.
Apple Blocks Xbox Game Pass App on iOS Devices
Unfortunately, the Xbox Game Pass app is not available on iOS devices due to Apple’s policy. Apple does not allow game-streaming apps on the App Store. This decision by Apple has prevented the full availability of xCloud on iOS devices.
Apple claims that they have blocked the app to ensure the safety and trustworthiness of their App Store for customers and developers.
Microsoft responded by pointing out that Apple is the only general-purpose platform that denies consumers access to cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass.
The full launch of the xCloud service is scheduled for September 15, available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers in 22 countries.