Xbox Game Pass graduates from its beta program for Windows and Apple devices
Xbox Game Pass (better known as xCloud or Xbox Cloud Gaming) has been available on Android for a few months now. Microsoft debuted the all-new app back at the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra announcement and has since made it available for just about every Android device. However, those on Windows or using an Apple device have been left out of the fun, unless you were selected for the beta program.
That’s all changing as of today, thanks to Microsoft’s announcement that Xbox Game Pass can be enjoyed on “Windows 10 PCs and Apple phones and tablets”, via the browser. But the fun doesn’t stop there. If you’re tired of trying (and likely failing) to get your hands on the Xbox Series X, today’s announcement confirms that your cloud gaming experience is now powered by the Series X.
Microsoft has taken the time to completely upgrade its cloud gaming data center with “the most powerful Xbox hardware to give you faster load times, improved frame rates, and an experience of a new generation of gaming”. The biggest hurdle for streaming games from the cloud is your current internet connection. That’s why Microsoft states that streaming quality is currently limited to 1080p at 60fps. It’s a little disappointing, as we would have liked to see 4K streaming made available, but a better experience with low latency is more important than picture quality.
Currently, there are more than 100 titles available through the Xbox Game Pass library. This includes newer games like MLB The Show 21, along with classics like Fallout 3. However, Microsoft has also confirmed that new titles are coming every month, including Halo Infinite when that game is released later this year.
In order to take full advantage of what Game Pass has to offer, you must be an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber. Thankfully, you can save on a three-month subscription, and join for just $29.99 for a limited time.