Although Microsoft‘s new game streaming project is more than a month away from its official launch, it is now available to a larger number of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. From now on, you can play xCloud and stream a select number of titles to your Android devices. The service is still a beta version though, and Microsoft is quick to point out that gamers may experience some quirks while trying it out.
For those interested in trying xCloud as it prepares for its official release on September 15, we have compiled the following guide to shed more light on the beta program and how it works. Read on to get the information you need.
How do I find xCloud games on Android?
Microsoft has decided to use its Xbox Game Pass app to give you access to xCloud titles. The app is now available for free and players can click here to download it .
What do I need to play?
To play the titles available on xCloud, players must have a device running Android 6.0 or later. The service also works with a variety of controllers, including Microsoft’s Xbox One, Sony‘s DualShock 4, and a variety of third-party options.
The all-important Xbox Game Pass
Microsoft’s XCloud has been available to Android users in its Preview program since last year. Tuesday’s release expands the number of people who can access xCloud to those with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes access to over 100 games, Xbox Live Gold, and now xCloud. It costs $ 15 per month in the US.
A selection of games
Although xCloud will offer full access to all Game Pass games, during beta, players will only get 30 titles, including Gears 5 , Forza Horizon 4, and Dead Cells. Microsoft wants to know how the service will work with the limited library and prepare for the full launch next month.
And iOS?
Apple and Microsoft have clashed over access to xCloud on iOS. In a statement last week, Microsoft said that while it hoped to offer xCloud on the iPhone and iPad, Apple’s App Store policies stipulate that the company must approve not only the app, but also games streamed to. through it.
In other words, Apple should make sure that the Game Pass app complies with the App Store guidelines, as well as all games that work with it.
” Apple is the only general-purpose platform that denies consumers of game subscription and cloud gaming services, such as Xbox Game Pass ,” Microsoft said in a statement last week.
Although Apple has not made individual reference to Game Pass or the debate with Microsoft, the company told reporters last week that its App Store approval guidelines are “intended to protect customers and provide a fair and fair playing field. equitable to developers ”.
Either way, don’t expect xCloud to launch on Apple’s App Store anytime soon.
Remember: it is a beta experience and you must share your comments
Microsoft acknowledged that its Game Pass app is still in beta and may suffer from glitches and other bugs.
The company says on its Google Play listing that it has added a feature that allows gamers to shake the app when they find a bug or crash and immediately send feedback to Microsoft. Also, there is a button for the same purpose in the app where users can share problems.
When will the final xCloud experience be released?
Microsoft plans to officially launch xCloud on September 15. To access xCloud at that time, players will need to have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
