It's been a long time coming, but Xbox is now ready to deliver the next major expansion of Xbox Game Pass. Xbox is making Xbox Cloud Gaming available to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers today on both PC and iOS devices (via browser). Additionally, Xbox Cloud Gaming services have received an overall hardware upgrade. Cloud gaming will now run on Xbox's custom Xbox Series X hardware, with datacenters around the world having been improved.
Here's what Xbox Game Pass Ultimate's cloud gaming expansion will mean for subscribers. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can now go to the xbox.com/play on PC or via Apple devices. Supported web browsers include Safari, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge. From there, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will have access to a library of over 100 games available to play entirely through their browser. Streaming quality will be 1080p resolution and up to 60fps, with no gaming-caliber PC or mobile device hardware required.
There are some notable limitations on Xbox Cloud Gaming through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, To start, cloud gaming is only available in 22 supported countries, so some regions will be left out. Players will also need a Bluetooth/USB-connected controller for full use of the service, though touch controls are available for around 50 Xbox Game Pass games (with support for other games in the works). The Xbox Cloud Gaming website will check for these things before starting a game.As for more general limitations, there are just a few notable details. To start, Xbox Cloud Gaming is limited to just Windows 10 PCs, though Windows 11 will obviously be supported down the line, too. It's also important to note that the Xbox Game Pass library for cloud gaming is distinct from the PC and Xbox console Game Pass libraries. A game will have to be specifically available for cloud gaming to be available to play. There are still over 100 games available for cloud, but subscribers should make sure to check the Xbox Game Pass list for cloud games to make sure their favorites are included.
Regarding the datacenter hardware upgrade, Xbox says that improving datacenters to Xbox Series X caliber hardware will have recognizable benefits. It means faster loading times and improved frame rates immediately. Xbox also notes that additional features for cloud gaming are being explored in the future.
For gamers who may not have access to a gaming PC or console, this is some very exciting news. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers now have access to games including The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, Doom, and Halo: The Master Chief Collection from their PC browser or Apple phone/tablet. Gamers' patience has paid off. Xbox Cloud Gaming is fully available starting now.