Unlocking Xbox Cloud Gaming: A Comprehensive Guide to Accessing Your Game Library on Any Device

What Is the Cost of Xbox Cloud Gaming?

Accessing Xbox Cloud Gaming necessitates an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, even if you aim to play cloud-compatible titles that you have purchased. As previously mentioned, Xbox’s streaming platform has been intricately linked with Game Pass since the beginning, and to utilize any cloud offerings, a GPU subscription is essential.

Currently, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is priced at $19.99 / £14.99 monthly, or its equivalent in your region.

Compatible Devices for Xbox Cloud Gaming

Xbox is continually expanding its list of supported devices for Cloud Gaming – a notable example is the forthcoming support for LG Smart TVs later this year.

However, as of January 2025, Microsoft provides an official list of compatible devices, which we will outline below.

• Xbox Consoles (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S)
• Windows Devices (Windows 10 version 20H2 and newer)
• MacBooks (MacOS 14.1.2 and newer)
• iPad (iPadOS 14.4 and newer)
• iPhone (iPhone iOS 14.4 and newer)
• Android Devices (Android OS 12.0 and newer)
• Smart TVs (Samsung TV models from 2020 and onward with software version 1300 or higher)
• Amazon Fire TV (Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Fire TV Cube)
• VR Headsets (Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S)

Required Internet Speed for Xbox Cloud Gaming

Your gameplay experience within the cloud may vary based on internet speed. A wired connection is advisable, although that might not be feasible when using a mobile device or a similar gadget.

Officially, Microsoft states that you’ll require “10 Mbps on mobile devices, 20 Mbps on consoles, PCs, and tablets, and a 5Ghz WiFi or mobile data connection.” If you satisfy these minimum speed criteria, you should enjoy a playable experience with Xbox Cloud Gaming!

Accessing Xbox Cloud Gaming

As previously mentioned, there are numerous devices that support Xbox Cloud Gaming, but how do you access this feature on those devices? The process differs based on your selected device, but here’s how to access Xbox Cloud Gaming by device:

Playing Xbox Cloud Gaming on Console

For consoles, the process is quite straightforward. Just locate your desired compatible game through the Microsoft Store, and an icon labeled ‘Play with Cloud’ should be visible on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

Playing Xbox Cloud Gaming on PC

For PC users, there are a few methods available to access Xbox Cloud Gaming. One option is to log into your Microsoft account using a web browser and play compatible games on Xbox.com/play.

Alternatively, PC gamers can download the Xbox application and stream titles via the app, much in the same way. This may be the preferable choice if you plan on frequently streaming Xbox games on Windows.

Playing Xbox Cloud Gaming on Android and iOS

At present, accessing Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS and Android devices is conducted via a web browser. Similar to PC, you can visit the Xbox website, log in, and browse the games you wish to stream through the digital marketplace.

While the preceding image depicts touch-enabled play, we recommend utilizing an Xbox controller for an optimal experience, which is quite simple to set up. Microsoft’s Series X and S controller is Bluetooth-compatible, allowing you to connect it like any other Bluetooth device for a seamless Xbox Cloud Gaming experience.

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We trust this guide has been beneficial for your gaming endeavors in the cloud on Xbox!

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