Microsoft is making Xbox Cloud Gaming more accessible by opening it up to lower-cost Game Pass subscription tiers. Previously exclusive to Game Pass Ultimate, the cloud streaming service is now available for Core and Standard subscribers, marking a significant step in the company’s device-agnostic gaming strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Xbox Cloud Gaming is now accessible with Game Pass Core and Standard subscriptions.
- Subscribers can stream games included in their tier or select cloud-enabled titles they own.
- The service supports a wide range of devices beyond consoles and PCs, including mobile, smart TVs, and VR headsets.
Expanded Accessibility for Game Pass Subscribers
Previously, accessing Xbox Cloud Gaming required a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. However, this recent change allows both Game Pass Core and Game Pass Standard members to utilize the service. This means a broader audience can now experience cloud gaming, provided they sign up as an Xbox Insider for free, as the service is still in beta.
How Cloud Gaming Works with Lower Tiers
Subscribers on the Core and Standard tiers can stream games that are part of their respective subscription libraries. Additionally, they can stream select games they already own that have cloud capabilities enabled. This expansion broadens the library of games available through cloud streaming for a larger segment of the Game Pass user base.
A Device-Agnostic Gaming Future
This move underscores Microsoft’s commitment to a gaming ecosystem that isn’t tied to specific hardware. By making cloud gaming more accessible, the company aims to prioritize Game Pass subscriptions over hardware sales. The service’s availability across numerous devices, including smartphones, smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, Meta Quest headsets, and any device with a web browser, highlights this strategy. Microsoft has been steadily enhancing its cloud gaming offerings, including the ability to stream owned Xbox and PC games and synchronizing recently played titles across devices.
Future Handheld Opportunities
Microsoft is also exploring opportunities in the handheld gaming market, evidenced by its partnership with ASUS. The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are slated for release on October 16, though their pricing has yet to be announced. This venture further solidifies Microsoft’s ambition to be present across a diverse range of gaming platforms.
