Here’s how Xbox cloud gaming looks on PC
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We know thatMicrosoft’sXbox cloud gamingservice, commonly known as xCloud, is coming to PC, but some new screenshots now show how it will look when played through a web browser.
Sources close toThe Vergehave revealed thecloudgaming service is now in testing ahead of public preview, and as the images below reveal, it’s a familiar layout to what we’ve seen from theXbox Game Passmobile app.
In its current state, the app features a rather barebones launcher with game recommendations and the ability to return to recently played titles. You’ll need to use anXbox controllerto play any games streamed through the browser, of course, and thishandy hidden featureshould make things a lot easier.
It’s also worth noting that to take advantage of Xbox cloud gaming, you’ll need to be anXbox Game Pass Ultimatesubscriber. That’s Microsoft’s premium Game Pass tier, which costs $15 / £10.99 / AU$15.95 per month.
Unfortunately, no specifications have been shared as to how games will look when played via a web browser, such as resolution, but we’d expect a minimum of 720p with hopefully the option to output at higher resolutions if your internet connection can handle it.
Cloudy future
The web version of Xbox cloud gaming appears to be limited to Chromium browsers likeGoogleChrome and Microsoft Edge, which is the same deal when using Google’sStadiaservice. That means if you’re a Safari user, you’ll be out of luck.
Having a fully functioning web version of Microsoft’s cloud gaming service will finally allow the company to bypassApple’s limitations on iOS apps and cloud services, too, hence whyxCloud is only available on Android. A similar route was employed by Google last year.
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While cloud gaming still hasn’t found widespread adoption, the ability to play Xbox games on the go is a big plus for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. Unlike Stadia, Xbox cloud gaming (which is still in beta) is a supplementary service for those who play on console and PC, as opposed to being the only way to play.
Adam was formerly TRG’s Hardware Editor. A law graduate with an exceptional track record in content creation and online engagement, Adam has penned scintillating copy for various technology sites and also established his very own award-nominated video games website. He’s previously worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor and once played Halo 5: Guardians for over 51 hours for charity. He is now an editor at The Shortcut.
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