Microsoft’s xCloud, the new cloud game streaming component a part of Xbox’s Game Pass Ultimate, has officially launched for iOS devices like iPhone, iPad, and macOS. The xCloud doesn’t require the use of a console and the PC version can be accessed through the Edge Browser and Google Chrome. With over 100 games available to play, Game Pass Ultimate holders will be able to have access to many beloved titles. Another feature of the xCloud is that the service is compatible with Bluetooth controllers and USB controllers. On iOS devices, the xCloud can be accessed through web-based apps like Safari. Players will get to choose to have a controller or touch controls for different games. With xCloud being powered by a custom Xbox Series X console hardware, setting streams to 1080p at up to 60 frames per second can be achieved for those with fast internet connections.
Starting today, Xbox Cloud Gaming is running on custom Xbox Series X hardware, and available to all @XboxGamePass Ultimate members with Windows 10 PCs and Apple phones and tablets, via browser, across 22 countries. https://t.co/HYuvbHGBUg#XboxGamePass
The xCloud service will be available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS via a web browser like Safari. The service will only be available as a closed beta to start, with Microsoft expanding availability as. Microsoft’s xCloud Game Streaming Service Is Now Available On iPhone, iPad, Mac, And PC. Gaming fans can now play Xbox xCloud games on their iPhone, iPad, Mac, and PC without being part of a special elite group after Microsoft opened the whole thing up yesterday. Now, anyone with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can play xCloud games anywhere there.
— Xbox Wire (@XboxWire) June 28, 2021
Cloud gaming is said to provide gamers with seamless play across all of their devices–whether your streaming from your PC or mobile device, your game will be playing from an Xbox hardware in a Microsoft datacenter. This essentially means that players will be able to jump into a game, play with friends on the go or on their PC while using the same Xbox network as their console.
Project Xcloud Macos
On Xbox’s blog, the company stated that the gameplay on iOS devices and macOS will be just as powerful as playing on a console, as they ensure that xCloud users will experience fast load times, improved frame rates, and a high-quality experience. This key milestone to the Xbox experience is allowing gamers to bring the console experience directly to the devices they use daily.
Play Xcloud On Mac
Update 12/09/20: Microsoft has officially announced that its Xbox cloud gaming service will come to iOS and PC in spring 2021. This story has been updated to reflect the official announcement.
Microsoft has been stymied by Apple’s rules for the App Store, which all but prohibit the company from bringing its Xbox game streaming service to iOS devices. The company has updated the Xbox app to let you stream games from your own Xbox on the same local network, but you won’t be able to stream games from Microsoft’s cloud servers.
With the App Store rules requiring Microsoft to list every single streaming game as a separate App Store release with its own ratings and download and icons and so on, how could Microsoft possibly end up on your iPhone or iPad?
The answer is: by avoiding Apple’s ecosystem in favor of the open web. Much like Amazon’s Luna gaming service, Microsoft will build a web-based solution that gamers can access on their iOS devices.
While Apple likely views this as a victory—proof that its policies do not prevent such services from being enjoyed on its devices—it’s really just more evidence that Apple’s platform is too restrictive for some developers and services, and requiring the use of less-ideal and customer-friendly web apps, where other platforms get native apps.