Xbox Cloud Gaming exits beta, joins Game Pass subscriptions

Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft’s game-streaming service, has exited beta and is now included as a standard feature across Xbox Game Pass Essential, Premium and Ultimate subscriptions, expanding the company’s push to make console-quality games playable on almost any screen.

Microsoft said the move allows subscribers to stream games wherever there is a stable internet connection and a cloud-enabled Game Pass plan, without the need for dedicated gaming hardware. The company added that total cloud gaming hours have risen 45% year on year, as the service rolled out to millions of new users globally, with particularly strong growth in Argentina and Brazil.

The exit from beta marks a milestone for Xbox Cloud Gaming, which has been positioned as a way to lower the barrier to entry for gaming while extending the reach of the Xbox ecosystem beyond consoles. More than two-thirds of the Game Pass catalogue is now enabled for cloud streaming, Microsoft said.

The service supports a wide range of devices, including Xbox One and later consoles, Windows PCs running Windows 10 version 20H2 and above, and Mac computers on macOS 14.1.2 or later. It is also available on Windows handhelds such as the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, Logitech G Cloud and Razer Edge, as well as Steam Deck, Android phones and tablets, Apple iPhones and iPads, selected smart TVs and streaming devices from LG, Samsung and Amazon Fire, and Meta Quest virtual reality headsets. Microsoft said support for in-car screens is planned next.

Microsoft recommends an internet connection of at least 20 Mbps for cloud gaming, with wired Ethernet preferred, though 5 GHz Wi-Fi or 5G connections can also deliver acceptable performance.

The company has bundled unlimited cloud gaming into three Game Pass tiers. Xbox Game Pass Essential, priced from $10 a month, includes unlimited cloud streaming and access to more than 50 games. Xbox Game Pass Premium, at $14.99 a month, adds access to more than 200 games across console, PC and supported devices. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes unlimited cloud gaming, access to more than 400 games, day-one releases, online console multiplayer and additional benefits such as EA Play, Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics at no extra cost.

Players can access cloud games through dedicated apps on supported consoles, PCs, handhelds, smart TVs and Meta Quest headsets, or via a browser on Android, Apple devices and Steam Deck. For browser play, Microsoft directs users to xbox.com/play and recommends adding the site to a device’s home screen. Steam Deck users must switch to desktop mode and install Microsoft Edge to use the service.

Microsoft said further details on supported titles and technical requirements are available through its support pages, as it continues to expand cloud gaming as a core pillar of the Xbox platform.

The Recap

• Xbox Cloud Gaming exits beta and joins Game Pass subscriptions.
• Overall cloud gaming hours have increased by 45% year‑over‑year.
• Play via apps or browser on supported devices starting now.