Up until now, the idea of being able to play video games of console and PC caliber on any mobile device has largely been a daft idea.
You can already see a glimpse of the hardware-free future thanks to cutting-edge cloud gaming technology like Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as Project xCloud).
This article serves as a comprehensive introduction to Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Quick Summary
In this article, we will talk about:
- How does cloud gaming work on Xbox?
- Is a controller required for Xbox Cloud Gaming?
- What kind of cloud-based hardware does Xbox Cloud Gaming employ?
So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
How Cloud Gaming Works on Xbox?
Your device connects to a remote cloud server to use Xbox Cloud Gaming. This appears as though you are playing the game natively on your device because this server manages the game and handles your inputs in real time.
Therefore, input latency has physical restrictions. Microsoft recommends a minimum of 7 to 10 Mbps, though faster connections would produce the best performance. Performance may also be impacted by other elements, such as your proximity to the nearest server.
The specific directions for a game depend on the platform you’re using:
- Open the Xbox Game Pass app on Android and press Play on games that are supported.
- Open the Safari browser on an Apple device, go to Xbox.com/play, login, and choose a game.
- To play in a browser on Windows, go to Xbox.com/play, or you may download the Xbox app and play there.
Benefits of Using Xbox Cloud Gaming
There are several reasons why you might want to test out Xbox Cloud Gaming if you aren’t already committed to a future of hardware-free cloud gaming. It eliminates the need for any hardware at home in the first place.
You not only save money by not purchasing a costly console or gaming PC, but you also conserve space and energy in your home.
Even if you own a console or gaming PC, you may avoid downloading, installing, and updating games on your local hardware by keeping them on the cloud. Space savings can be significant in an era where games are frequently 80 GB or more.
For busy or casual players, skipping updates also means having more time to play games.
So, will you need to upgrade?
You won’t need to upgrade any gaming-specific hardware any time soon if you decide to go with Xbox Cloud Gaming. Hardware improvements take place on the server side, so you only get to profit from them.
In many areas where servers have been upgraded to Xbox Series X blades, this is already in use.
The fact that Xbox Cloud Gaming does not support mouse-and-keyboard inputs is a serious restriction. There is no support for PC games, and all of the games on the service must be played with an Xbox controller.
Most Effective Xbox Cloud Gaming Accessories
Although almost any controller may be used with Xbox Cloud Gaming, there are a few add-ons that can take the experience to the next level. Here are some of our top picks.
Moga Mobile Gaming Clips
Microsoft has begun collaborating with outside businesses to develop mobile gaming hardware accessories. There will be participation from businesses like 8bitDo, Gamevice, HORI, PowerA, Razer, and others.
The MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip for Xbox Wireless Controllers is the first such item to come out of this new business (seen above). All certified Xbox wireless controllers can be attached to this clip, which can support smartphones up to 3.12 inches wide.
The clips’ twin locking articulation points allow customers to choose the ideal angle for using Xbox Cloud Gaming with mobile games (Project xCloud). Everyone who plays on a mobile device will benefit from this.
Kishi Xbox Edition by Razer
Microsoft also introduced a variety of new Android game controllers and peripherals for the cloud gaming service. These include a new Razer Kishi model that is focused on the Xbox. Your Android phone will become a gaming system a la Nintendo Switch thanks to the clip-on controls.
Depending on your device, this might be a little hefty, but in our experience, it’s considerably more comfortable than using a clip to carry a controller.
However, it is also somewhat more expensive and lacks a headphone jack, so you’ll likely require Bluetooth headphones as well if your phone doesn’t have one (and few do these days).
Is a Controller Required for Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Xbox Cloud Gaming does not require a controller. Mobile gamers on Android can use touch screens, but Bluetooth controllers are still the most comfortable way to play games on the service.
Microsoft has essentially created a “touch input overlay” that enables you to play games directly on the screen of a smartphone or tablet without the use of a controller.
Microsoft is also testing touch screen controls in ways other than just simulating controllers. You can travel without tapping up and down with full-touch controls in the aforementioned Minecraft Dungeons.
What Kind of Cloud-Based Hardware Does Xbox Cloud Gaming Employ?
Xbox Cloud Gaming originally used blade servers based on the Xbox One S, but these have subsequently been replaced by servers based on the Xbox Series X.
This indicates that you will have the same outstanding performance as Microsoft’s most recent home console, in addition to a few unique cloud gaming-specific upgrades.
For example, Microsoft stated that a few small processing modifications in the older servers may lower server-side power consumption by 30%. To decrease input latency on the finished device, output was likewise set at 120Hz (even if the stream is capped at 60fps).
This hardware can only stream in 1080p at 60 frames per second, which is slightly less than most of its rivals.
However, since this is a function of streaming technology rather than a lack of processing power, Microsoft will likely one day enhance performance through software modifications.
What Hardware Is Supported by Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Xbox Cloud Gaming’s game library is among its strongest features. It has a built-in library of more than 200 games thanks to its integration with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
This includes some EA Play games that aren’t included in the standard Game Pass. Additionally, each month, new games are introduced while old ones are withdrawn.
Even though there are simply too many games to list here, we have gone through the list and selected a handful of the biggest titles.
- Aliens: Fireteam Elite
- Batman: Arkham Knight
- Battlefield V
- DOOM Eternal
- Dragon Quest XI S
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Forza Horizon 4/5
- Gears 5
Conclusion
As we come to an end, you might now understand how cloud gaming works on Xbox after reading this article.
Your device connects to a remote cloud server to use Xbox Cloud Gaming. This appears as though you are playing the game natively on your device since this server manages the game and manages your inputs in real-time.
We hope you find this article beneficial. You can let us know if you have any difficulties by leaving a comment on our post.