Microsoft is significantly expanding Xbox Cloud Gaming by allowing Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream 50 additional games they already own.
This update enables users to play titles like Balatro, Baldur’s Gate 3, Final Fantasy games, and Hogwarts Legacy across multiple devices including TVs, smartphones, tablets, and web browsers.
The expansion represents a long-awaited feature for Xbox users. Originally planned for 2020, the game library streaming feature faced significant technical challenges.
Microsoft has been working to prepare thousands of games on custom cloud servers while managing complex technical requirements like save files and game updates.
Ashley McKissick, corporate vice president of Xbox Experiences, confirmed that this is just the initial phase of a broader initiative to grow their cloud-playable game library.
The company ultimately aims to support streaming for thousands of Xbox games, making gaming more accessible across different devices.
While Microsoft plans to make thousands of games available through cloud streaming, some limitations exist. Certain publishers might restrict their games due to licensing or contractual issues.
The company is also exploring game purchases through its mobile app, though ongoing legal challenges with Google have complicated these plans.
Microsoft intends to bring Xbox library streaming to Xbox consoles and the Windows Xbox app in the upcoming year.
The current 50-game expansion represents an initial step toward a more comprehensive cloud gaming experience, allowing players more flexibility in how and where they play their favorite titles.