Cloud gaming has moved from early previews to everyday play. Microsoft’s service—originally codenamed Project xCloud—now runs as Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) and lets you jump into games on the devices you already have in many supported countries (xbox.com/play; availability).
The active landscape today includes Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming, Sony’s cloud streaming within PlayStation Plus Premium, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Amazon Luna. Google Stadia, by contrast, was discontinued in January 2023 (announcement), highlighting how the market has consolidated around services with ongoing device support and publisher partnerships.
Microsoft’sProject xCloud branding has transitioned to Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), which is included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate so members can stream cloud‑enabled titles instantly on compatible devices (plan details and pricing).
For those who aren’t in the know, Microsoft’s cloud gaming now streams to supported web browsers, Windows PCs, Xbox consoles, Android devices, iOS/iPadOS via browser, and select smart TVs/streaming sticks—no downloads required (xbox.com/play; Fire TV support).
However, the folks at Microsoft have made it clear that Project xCloud isn’t meant to usurp current or future gaming systems. “We’re developing Project xCloud not as a replacement for game consoles, but as a way to provide the same choice and versatility that lovers of music and video enjoy today,” writes Kareem Choudhry, CVP of Gaming Cloud at Microsoft.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the main features of Project xCloud—today delivered as Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Key details Project xCloud has announced about the service:
- Play many cloud‑enabled titles from the Game Pass catalog instantly, plus Fortnite free via cloud in supported regions
- Doesn’t require owning an Xbox console (cloud play is a benefit of Game Pass Ultimate)
- Included with Game Pass Ultimate; streams at up to 1080p/60fps with controller or touch on supported titles
- No downloads required; play via web browsers, Windows PCs, Xbox consoles, Android devices, iOS/iPadOS via browser, and select smart TVs/Fire TV devices
In terms of price, Project xCloud’s Console Streaming feature will allow current Xbox One owners to turn their consoles into Project xCloud servers for free. In other words, they won’t have to pay anything extra to tap into Project xCloud and play all the available games on their mobile phones.
But what about people who don’t own an Xbox One?
While the subscription price for non-Xbox owners who want a piece of the action has not yet been announced, it’s safe to say the subscription price will be comparable to its closest competitors.
For instance, Google’s Stadia costs $130 for a hardware starter kit (plus three months of premium service), and then $10 per month after that with a free tier set to launch sometime in 2020. On the flip side, PlayStation’s cloud streaming service, PlayStation Now, is $9.99 per month plus app tax, while Nvidia’s GeForce now is a slightly less expensive $7.99 per month.
Project xCloud Features
Xbox Cloud Gaming delivers instant access without installs, synchronized saves across devices, and performance that targets up to 1080p at 60 frames per second on supported hardware (xbox.com/play; Microsoft notes up to 1080p/60fps).
Streaming quality
Streaming quality looks to be another strength of the soon-to-launch Project xCloud.
“True console-quality gaming will become available on mobile devices, providing the 2 billion-plus gamers around the world a new gateway to previously console- and PC-exclusive content,” emphasizes Kareem Choudhry, CVP of Gaming Cloud at Microsoft.
For gamers, this means taking an immersive experience that was once only available in the comfort of their homes out into the world and accessing it anytime, anywhere there’s an internet connection.
Points to Consider
There are a few known issues with the beta version of Project xCloud, including latency. As a refresher, latency — or the lag time between when a user presses a button and when the corresponding action shows up on-screen — can be an issue with cloud gaming.
According to Thomas Wilde of Geek Wire, some games have demonstrable problems with lag and refresh rate. Some motions and menu options take a couple of seconds to register, and the screen often requires a second to re-render the game after action had taken place on the screen.
Apple users should keep in mind that Project xCloud is not yet available for iOS and currently doesn’t have a launch date for Apple devices.
Project xCloud: The Bottom Line
There are still many aspects of Project xCloud that are under wraps, including when the full service will launch, which Xbox One consoles will be supported, what quality of internet connection will be required for an optimal experience, and what resolution the games will be streamed in.
However, since this is Microsoft we’re talking about, it’s likely Project xCloud will have plenty of cool features to offer gamers. And don’t forget—it’s free to current console-owners.
Gaming content
The cloud library focuses on Game Pass titles that are specifically “cloud‑enabled” (availability varies by title and region); you can browse and launch them directly in the app or at xbox.com/play. In supported regions, Fortnite is free to play via cloud—no subscription required. Earlier developer communications highlighted the platform’s ability to stream thousands of existing Xbox titles without custom code changes (context), but today the practical catalog is the set of cloud‑enabled Game Pass games shown in Microsoft’s listings.
Streaming quality
Streaming quality looks to be another strength of the soon-to-launch Project xCloud.
“True console-quality gaming will become available on mobile devices, providing the 2 billion-plus gamers around the world a new gateway to previously console- and PC-exclusive content,” emphasizes Kareem Choudhry, CVP of Gaming Cloud at Microsoft.
For gamers, this means taking an immersive experience that was once only available in the comfort of their homes out into the world and accessing it anytime, anywhere there’s an internet connection.
Points to Consider
There are a few known issues with the beta version of Project xCloud, including latency. As a refresher, latency — or the lag time between when a user presses a button and when the corresponding action shows up on-screen — can be an issue with cloud gaming.
According to Thomas Wilde of Geek Wire, some games have demonstrable problems with lag and refresh rate. Some motions and menu options take a couple of seconds to register, and the screen often requires a second to re-render the game after action had taken place on the screen.
Apple users should keep in mind that Project xCloud is not yet available for iOS and currently doesn’t have a launch date for Apple devices.
Project xCloud: The Bottom Line
There are still many aspects of Project xCloud that are under wraps, including when the full service will launch, which Xbox One consoles will be supported, what quality of internet connection will be required for an optimal experience, and what resolution the games will be streamed in.
However, since this is Microsoft we’re talking about, it’s likely Project xCloud will have plenty of cool features to offer gamers. And don’t forget—it’s free to current console-owners.
Accessibility
Players don’t need to own games or a console to stream many cloud‑enabled titles on compatible devices. According toXbox.com, supported access includes modern web browsers (Edge, Chrome, Safari), Windows PCs via the Xbox app, Xbox consoles (“Play with Cloud”), Android phones/tablets (app or browser), iOS/iPadOS via browser, and select smart TVs/streaming sticks such as Fire TV 4K/4K Max models.
- A supported device: modern web browsers, Windows PCs, Xbox consoles, Android phones/tablets, iOS/iPadOS via browser, or select smart TVs/Fire TV
- The Xbox app or the browser experience at xbox.com/play
- A compatible controller (or built‑in touch controls on many titles)
- A reliable high‑speed connection: for smooth 1080p cloud play, plan ~10–15 Mbps per stream; for 4K use cases on other services/TV apps, plan ~25–35 Mbps with 5 GHz Wi‑Fi or wired Ethernet (Netflix 4K 15 Mbps; Disney+ 25 Mbps 4K; Ofcom HD/4K guidance)
Gamers will also be able to purchase a clip to connect Android phones to Xbox controllers for the ultimate experience. So whether they’re waiting for a flight, killing time during a commute, or unwinding after a long day at work, all they’ll have to do is clip their phone to their controller to start playing Xbox games.
Gaming content
The cloud library focuses on Game Pass titles that are specifically “cloud‑enabled” (availability varies by title and region); you can browse and launch them directly in the app or at xbox.com/play. In supported regions, Fortnite is free to play via cloud—no subscription required. Earlier developer communications highlighted the platform’s ability to stream thousands of existing Xbox titles without custom code changes (context), but today the practical catalog is the set of cloud‑enabled Game Pass games shown in Microsoft’s listings.
Streaming quality
Streaming quality looks to be another strength of the soon-to-launch Project xCloud.
“True console-quality gaming will become available on mobile devices, providing the 2 billion-plus gamers around the world a new gateway to previously console- and PC-exclusive content,” emphasizes Kareem Choudhry, CVP of Gaming Cloud at Microsoft.
For gamers, this means taking an immersive experience that was once only available in the comfort of their homes out into the world and accessing it anytime, anywhere there’s an internet connection.
Points to Consider
There are a few known issues with the beta version of Project xCloud, including latency. As a refresher, latency — or the lag time between when a user presses a button and when the corresponding action shows up on-screen — can be an issue with cloud gaming.
According to Thomas Wilde of Geek Wire, some games have demonstrable problems with lag and refresh rate. Some motions and menu options take a couple of seconds to register, and the screen often requires a second to re-render the game after action had taken place on the screen.
Apple users should keep in mind that Project xCloud is not yet available for iOS and currently doesn’t have a launch date for Apple devices.
Project xCloud: The Bottom Line
There are still many aspects of Project xCloud that are under wraps, including when the full service will launch, which Xbox One consoles will be supported, what quality of internet connection will be required for an optimal experience, and what resolution the games will be streamed in.
However, since this is Microsoft we’re talking about, it’s likely Project xCloud will have plenty of cool features to offer gamers. And don’t forget—it’s free to current console-owners.