Xbox Cloud Gaming: The Future of Gaming is Here
Gaming has evolved a lot in the past few decades, from consoles to cloud gaming. Cloud gaming is the future of gaming, and Microsoft’s Cloud Gaming is one of the most exciting platforms in the market today. The Xbox Cloud Gaming allows you to play Xbox games like Fortnite, Halo, etc. on your mobile device (Android, iOS, iPadOS) or PC via web browsers.
With Xbox Cloud Gaming, gamers can play their favorite Xbox games without a powerful gaming PC or console. Instead, they can use their mobile device or PC to connect to Microsoft’s servers and stream the game directly to their device. This means that gamers can enjoy high-quality gaming experiences on a wide range of devices, without the need for expensive hardware.
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What is Xbox Cloud Gaming or xCloud?
Xbox Cloud Gaming, previously known as Project xCloud, is a cloud gaming service that allows gamers to stream games to a variety of devices, including mobile phones (Android, iOS), tablets, and PCs. The service was launched in September 2020, and it offers access to a large library of games, including many of the latest Xbox titles.
The service is powered by Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform, which provides the computing power needed to stream games to your device. It is also a part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription service, which gives you access to hundreds of Xbox games for a monthly fee. If you are a fan of instant games, try Facebook Instant Games.
How Does Xbox Cloud Gaming Work?
Xbox Cloud Gaming works by streaming games like Fortnite, Halo, etc. from Microsoft’s servers to your device. When you launch a game on xCloud, it connects to Microsoft’s servers, which then stream the game to your device. The game runs on Microsoft’s servers, and your device acts as a display and input device. This means that your device doesn’t need to have powerful hardware to run the game, as all the heavy lifting is done by Microsoft’s servers.
To use the cloud gaming service from Microsoft, you must have a compatible device and a stable internet connection. Microsoft recommends a minimum internet speed of 10 Mbps for a smooth gaming experience. You also need to have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to access Xbox Cloud Gaming.
What Devices Are Compatible with Microsoft’s Cloud Gaming Service?
Xbox Cloud Gaming is compatible with a wide range of devices, including mobile phones (Android, iOS), tablets (Android, iPadOS), and web browsers on PCs. Here are the devices that are currently compatible:
Mobile Phones:
- Android phones running Android 6.0 or later with Bluetooth version 4.0 or higher
- iPhones running iOS 14.4 or later
Tablets:
- Android tablets running Android 6.0 or later with Bluetooth version 4.0 or higher
- iPads running iPadOS 14.4 or later
Web Browsers:
- Microsoft Edge (latest version)
- Google Chrome (latest version)
- Safari (latest version)
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What Games are Available on Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Microsoft’s Cloud Gaming gives you access to hundreds of games including many popular titles. The games available on xCloud are the same as those available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which means you have a wide range of games to choose from. Some of the popular games available on Xbox Cloud Gaming include:
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection
- Forza Horizon 4
- Gears 5
- Minecraft Dungeons
- Doom Eternal
- Sea of Thieves
- FIFA 21
- NBA 2K21
- Madden NFL 21
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- Fortnite
One of the best things about Xbox Cloud Gaming is that you can play your favorite games like Fortnite etc. on your mobile device without having to download them. This means you can start playing a game immediately without having to wait for it to download and install.
Benefits of the Microsoft’s Cloud Gaming Service
Here is a brief overview of the benefits of the cloud gaming platform by Microsoft.
1. Accessibility
One of the main benefits of Xbox Cloud Gaming is its accessibility. Players can access their favorite Xbox games on the go, without needing to be near an Xbox console. This means that players can play their favorite games while traveling or during their lunch break at work.
2. Cost-effective
This service is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing an Xbox console. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a console, players can access Xbox Cloud Gaming with a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This makes gaming more accessible to people who may not have the budget for expensive gaming hardware.
3. No need for downloads
Microsoft’s Cloud Gaming eliminates the need for players to download games to their devices. Instead, games are streamed from Microsoft’s Azure data centers, saving storage space on the player’s device. This also means that players can start playing the game right away without having to wait for it to download.
4. Cross-platform compatibility
Xbox Cloud Gaming is compatible with various devices, including mobile phones (Android, iOS), tablets, and computers. This means that players can access their games on multiple devices, allowing them to pick up where they left off on a different device.
5. No Need for Upgrades
With Xbox Cloud Gaming, players do not need to upgrade their hardware or worry about compatibility issues for high-end games like Halo, Fortnite, etc. The games are streamed directly from the cloud, which means players can access the latest games without needing to upgrade their Windows or hardware.
6. Game Saves
Microsoft’s Cloud Gaming supports game saves, which means players can pick up where they left off on any device. Game saves are synced to the cloud, which means players can start playing on their smartphone, tablet, or PC, and continue playing on another device.
7. Game Library
Xbox Cloud Gaming offers a wide range of games, including popular titles from Xbox Game Studios and third-party developers. The service is continuously adding new games to its library, which means players always have access to the latest titles.
SEE ALSO: How to Play Steam Games on Chromebook?
Limitations of Microsoft’s Cloud Gaming Service
Despite its benefits, the former xCloud platform also has several limitations.
1. Internet connection
Xbox Cloud Gaming requires a stable and fast internet connection to work properly. If the player’s internet connection is slow or unstable, the game may lag or disconnect, ruining the gaming experience.
2. Input lag
Due to the nature of cloud gaming, there may be input lag between the player’s inputs and the game’s response. This can be frustrating for players, especially in fast-paced games.
3. Limited game selection
While Xbox Cloud Gaming offers access to over 100 Xbox games, the selection is still limited compared to the full library of Xbox games. This means that players may not be able to access all of their favorite games on Microsoft’s Cloud Gaming.
4. Controller compatibility
While Xbox Cloud Gaming supports various controllers, including the Xbox Wireless Controller and Bluetooth controllers, not all controllers are compatible. This may limit the options for players who prefer a specific controller.
How to Access Xbox Cloud Gaming?
To access this service from Microsoft, players need to have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a subscription service that includes Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass for console and PC. The service costs $14.99 per month and includes access to over 100 games on consoles and PCs, as well as access to Microsoft’s Cloud Gaming service.
Players can access Xbox Cloud Gaming on their Android smartphones and tablets by downloading the Xbox Game Pass app from the Google Play Store. The app allows players to browse and play games directly from their devices.
For PC users, Microsoft’s Cloud Gaming can be accessed through Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome web browsers. Players can visit the Xbox website and log in with their Xbox account to access the service.
Xbox Cloud Gaming – the Future is Here!
Overall, Xbox Cloud Gaming is a great platform for gamers who want to experience the latest Xbox games without the need for a console or a high-end gaming PC. With a wide range of games available, convenient access, and no need for hardware maintenance, Microsoft’s Cloud Gaming is the future of gaming. If you haven’t tried it yet, we highly recommend giving it a try and experiencing the future of gaming firsthand.
