Streaming In September
Xbox Game Pass is hitting Microsoft’s Project xCloud service starting next month. It’ll mean you can play over 100 Xbox games on your Android smartphone or tablet without needing an Xbox console.
How will Xbox Game Pass with Project xCloud work?
Microsoft says that it’s rolling out its cloud gaming beta for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members “in 22 markets” starting from September 15th. If you’re an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, you’ll be able to access Project xCloud streaming on your smart device at no additional cost. Games available via the service will include Minecraft Dungeons, Gears 5, Destiny 2, and Dontnod’s upcoming episodic adventure game Tell Me Why. Microsoft says it will announce the full list of xCloud-compatible games on September 15th.
If a game comes to Xbox Game Pass as part of Microsoft’s day-one access pledge, then the company says it’s also committed to making that game available via Project xCloud on release day. Everything that’s available to you on Xbox will also be on xCloud, including friends list, achievements, controller settings, and saved game progress. That means you’ll be able to continue a campaign started on the Xbox version of a game by streaming that same game on your smart device. Naturally, xCloud will also support cross-play, so you’ll be able to play alongside friends on Xbox consoles or on PC.
How can Project xCloud be accessed?
Project xCloud will be compatible with your Xbox controller, but Microsoft has said that other controllers will also be usable with the service, including Sony’s DualShock 4. All you’ll need to do to use it is to download the Xbox Game Pass app from the Google Play Store (it’s also available on the Samsung Galaxy Store and the ONE Store). Cloud gaming will be available on September 15th in the UK, the USA, France, and Germany, along with a wide range of other territories in Europe, Asia, and North America. Make sure to check the official Xbox announcement to ensure your territory is eligible. You will also need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to take advantage of xCloud; a regular ol’ Xbox Game Pass membership won’t suffice.
In addition to this announcement, Microsoft has also declared that it’s making a range of new cloud gaming-focused accessories with partners Razer, PowerA, 8BitDo, and Nacon. These accessories include the Razer Kishi, a universal Android gaming controller, as well as PowerA’s Moga XP5-X Plus Bluetooth controller. You can check out the full range of accessories right here. In the meantime, it’s safe to start getting excited if you’ve been looking forward to Microsoft’s Project xCloud service.
Will you be checking out Project xCloud with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? Let us know in the comments below!