Expert Insights: Mastering the World of Cloud Gaming on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Close

Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly Project xCloud) is a service you can access if you have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. It’s Microsoft’s mobile video game streaming service. Here’s everything you could possibly want to know about the streaming platform, including how you can access it.

Read How Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Differs From a Regular Xbox Game Pass

How Does Cloud Gaming With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Work?

An Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription ($16.99 per month) includes access to the Xbox Cloud Gaming platform , which lets you play your favorite console games from various devices, including Windows, Android, iPhone, iPad, and Samsung smart TVs.

All the games on the Xbox Cloud Gaming platform are hosted on remote servers. You stream the games to your device, which means you don’t have to own an Xbox system. All you need is a compatible internet-connected device and a data connection fast enough for streaming.

The Xbox Cloud Gaming platform hosts hundreds of games. You can use Bluetooth or USB-connected controllers.

If you’re using Xbox Cloud Gaming on an iPhone or iPad, you’ll access the service through Safari and control games with touch controls (where available) or an iOS-compatible controller. For iOS devices, Microsoft recommends two controllers (both are $99): Backbone One for iOS and Razer Kishi Universal Gaming Controller for iOS .

Xbox’s Cloud Gaming platform is similar to Nvidia’s GeForce Now service and Amazon Luna. Both let you play high-end games while on the move through smartphones and tablets. However, with thousands of data centers at its disposal, Microsoft’s service avoids the speed and latency issues that have plagued some services in recent times.

How Do I Use Cloud Gaming With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?

If you’re on an iPhone or iPad, visit the Xbox Cloud Gaming website to play. Other devices can use that same link to access Cloud Gaming, but the browser matters: Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Google Chrome are the supported browsers.

There’s also an app for Windows and Android that you can use to play Xbox games remotely. Just sign in with your Game Pass Ultimate credentials to get started.

Android

Windows

The Windows app works on Windows 10 October 2020 Update or later, so that includes Windows 11.

Click here

Do I Need an Xbox Game Console?

The point of cloud gaming with Xbox Cloud Gaming and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription is that anyone can stream games directly from the cloud, even if they don’t own an Xbox console. If you do have one, however, your subscription also gives you access to games for your console.

What Games Are Available?

Xbox Cloud Gaming launched with more than 100 Xbox games. Here are some available titles: Fortnite, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege Deluxe Edition, Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition, Halo Infinite, Sea of Thieves: 2024 Edition, Starfield, and_Mortal Kombat 11._

Check out the most popular titles on Cloud Gaming for other examples.

Subscribers have unlimited access to the entire library of games, and data is saved in the cloud, so you can play across all of your compatible devices.

Are There Any Downsides to Cloud Gaming With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?

A strong internet connection is required to stream Xbox games. Microsoft recommends 20 Mbps ( here’s how to do a speed test ) but higher is better when it comes to streaming, especially multiplayer games.

If you’re somewhere with a poor internet connection or you are restricted in how much data you can use each month, a mobile game streaming service might not be a great idea. You may be limited in what you can accomplish, or you could be charged a lot more by your ISP compared to simply buying an Xbox console.

There may also be lag issues, as the system depends on your internet connection. In particular, when playing against other players, some slowdown issues might affect playability.

You can’t play Xbox Game Pass games offline. Your device must be connected to the internet at all times.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for letting us know!

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

Subscribe

Tell us why!

Other Not enough details Hard to understand

Submit

Also read: