Great news for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers! After months of testing, you can now stream select games directly to your Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One consoles without needing to install anything. This feature rolled out in April and is one of several exciting updates.
Microsoft started talking about this streaming option back in 2019, but it faced several delays. Finally, in November, they launched the service for TVs and supported devices like tablets and smartphones. It was a bit of a wait, but now it’s available to all Ultimate members.
This means you can enjoy games that you own, even if they’re not in the Game Pass library, as long as they are on Microsoft’s list of supported titles. Currently, over 100 games can be streamed, and more will be added soon. Some recently added titles include “Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 2,” “Wanderstop,” and “Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed.” You can find the complete list [here](https://www.xbox.com/en-US/play/gallery/buy-and-stream).
To get started, just turn on your console and go to My Games & Apps > Full Library > Owned Games. Look for the cloud badge on supported titles. Simply select the game and choose the “Play with Cloud Gaming” option to start streaming.
This update isn’t just about streaming games you own. April brought various improvements, like a new “Free up space” feature that identifies duplicate games and any you can no longer access. Microsoft also introduced new Game hubs for consoles.
On the remote play side, access has shifted. You can no longer use the Xbox app on mobile for remote play; instead, you’ll use your device’s browser. Microsoft says this change aims to enhance the streaming experience and bring remote play to even more devices soon, like Samsung Smart TVs and Amazon Fire TV.
Additionally, the Xbox app is getting a refresh on iOS and Android, allowing users to buy games, join Game Pass, and redeem perks directly within the app. This update will first roll out to beta users and will be available to everyone through the Google Play Store and Apple Store soon.
As streaming games becomes more common, it reflects a bigger trend in gaming. A recent survey found that 87% of gamers prefer the option to play games instantly rather than waiting for downloads. The convenience of cloud gaming could change how we approach gaming entirely, making it easier to try new games without the commitment of a full install.
So, whether you’re catching up on your favorites or trying something new, the future looks bright for Xbox streamers!