Microsoft has taken a big step forward to revolutionize the way we enjoy video games. Through its Xbox Cloud Gaming service, players can now stream their own purchased games from any compatible device, without these titles needing to be included in the Game Pass catalog. This functionality, which has been in development for some time, marks a before and after in the accessibility of video games.
Until now, Xbox Cloud Gaming only allowed cloud play of titles included in the Game Pass service. This meant that players could not enjoy their independently purchased games if they were not in the service's catalog. With the new update, Microsoft is allowing users to stream an initial selection of 50 games from the cloud, being a statement of intent for the future of gaming without hardware.
What do you need to play?
The most curious thing about this new feature is that to play the games you will only need to have an active subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the premium version of the service. For the rest, you will need:
- An Xbox Cloud Gaming-compatible device such as web browsers (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Apple Safari), smart TVs (Samsung and Fire TV devices), or even virtual reality headsets like the Meta Quest.
- A high-speed internet connection to ensure a smooth experience.
- A compatible controller, be it the Xbox Wireless Controller, the PlayStation DualSense, or even keyboards and mice in some cases.
That is, once configured, You can access your purchased games from anywhere. Simply sign in to xbox.com/play or the Xbox app on supported devices, select “Broadcast your own gameplay,” and start playing. It’s that easy. NO CONSOLE NEEDED.
A brutal initial catalogue
The initial lineup of games for this feature includes industry big names like Baldur's Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. There are also classics like The Witcher 3 and indie titles like Animal Well. Microsoft has assured that this initial catalog of 50 games will continue to expand over the coming months., offering more and more options for players.
Advantages for players
This new mode offers enormous flexibility. For example, it is no longer necessary to own advanced hardware such as the latest generation consoles or powerful PCs. Now, any device with a screen and an internet connection can become a console. This also means that you can Enjoy your favorite games while you're away from home, whether in a hotel, a friend's house, or on a trip.
Another crucial advantage is that save data is automatically synced, allowing you to continue your games from any device. Plus, the integration across different ecosystems opens up a range of possibilities – from playing Final Fantasy on a Samsung TV to picking up a game of Hitman World of Assassination in a web browser from your office.
A model similar to NVIDIA GeForce NOW
Microsoft’s strategy has similarities to services like NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW, which also lets you stream first-party games from the cloud. However, Xbox’s approach has the huge benefit of being integrated into the Game Pass ecosystem, meaning gamers can bundle their purchased games with the hundreds of titles available in the service’s catalog.
Future plans and expansion
Microsoft isn't stopping there. According to the company, this streaming functionality for purchased games will be expanded in 2025 to Xbox consoles and the Windows app. This will make it even easier to enjoy cloud gaming from any platform. In addition, Microsoft has signed agreements with developers and publishers to integrate more games into this service.
The plan is clear: bring gaming to every corner of the world. Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently available in 28 countries and this new feature is expected to boost its popularity even further. Microsoft has also indicated that it is exploring a possible free version of this service, funded by ads, replicating a model similar to that of platforms such as Spotify.
Aside from the technical improvements that this functionality will require, The future of cloud gaming looks brightMicrosoft has made a strong commitment to leading this revolution, and the results are already evident.