Xbox Cloud Gaming is now available for any iPhone, iPad or Windows 10 user who wants it. It’s been in invite-only beta testing for months, but now all that’s required is an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to start using the gaming service, which allows users to play 100+ console-quality games.
The word came straight from Microsoft on Monday. “Starting today, Xbox Cloud Gaming is available to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members with Windows 10 PCs and Apple phones and tablets, via browser, across 22 countries,” announced Catherine Gluckstein, the head of Xbox Cloud Gaming, in a blog post.
The service is still in beta, but it’s open to any one who wants to try it. To sign up, go to xbox.com/play.
Play Xbox Cloud Gaming on Safari, not an app
Don’t look for an Xbox Cloud Gaming application in the App Store. Apple put restrictive rules on cloud-gaming services wanting to appear in the App Store. Microsoft’s solution was to create a web app for its service.
And the games don’t run on the users local computer. Servers handle that job, and they stream the action to players. On Monday, Gluckstein promised enhanced performance after Microsoft datacenters were upgraded with “the fastest, most powerful Xbox hardware.” This is intended to improve load times and frame rates.
An internet connection at 10 Mbps or higher is required for iPhone, and 20 Mbps or higher for iPad.
Players on an iPad or iPad can use a compatible Bluetooth controller — iOS and iPadOS both support a range of wireless Xbox controllers. (Playstation controllers should work as well.) There are also on-screen controls.
