Microsoft will enable cloud streaming for over 100 games in the Xbox Game Pass catalog starting in September, allowing subscribers to play those titles on phones and tablets without an extra fee, the head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, announced on the company blog.
The feature requires only an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a stable internet connection; processing is handled in the cloud so even devices with modest hardware can run demanding games remotely from a console.
How the cloud option works
Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will be able to stream eligible games from the service to mobile devices, picking up play away from their console in the same way users stream movies or music. Phil Spencer described the capability as a way to continue playing titles when away from home.
Because rendering and processing occur on remote servers, the streamed games do not rely on the local device’s performance. Microsoft says this enables more demanding games to run on lower-powered phones and tablets.
Compatibility and requirements
The only explicit requirements Microsoft listed are an active Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a stable internet connection. No additional subscription charge will be applied for access to the cloud-streaming option for the covered games.
Console generation and backward compatibility
Phil Spencer also reiterated Microsoft’s plans for its upcoming console, the Xbox Series X, saying games published by the company will run best on the Series X but that Microsoft will continue releasing titles for both generations for several years so users are not forced to upgrade immediately.
Microsoft confirmed the Xbox Series X will support backward compatibility with thousands of games from the original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One from day one of the new console’s launch, with the exception of titles that rely on Kinect.
Accessories and Smart Delivery
Existing accessories such as Elite controllers and the adaptive controller will remain usable on the new console generation, removing the need to repurchase certain peripherals.
Microsoft also reiterated Smart Delivery will provide free upgrades when a purchased game is released for the new console generation. Games already confirmed to support Smart Delivery include Destiny 2, Gears 5 and Halo Infinite. Microsoft indicated Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Cyberpunk 2077 and Marvel’s Avengers are also expected to offer the upgrade option.
