Windows users are about to have an entire gaming world at the touch of their fingertips thanks to this new update for the Xbox app

The day Xbox fanatics and Windows users have all been waiting for has arrived. Microsoft has now officially announced that its xCloud streaming service is now readily available to anyone that has the Xbox app on Windows 10 (or luckily has the new Windows 11).

It was previously released as a beta version last month and has also been available on mobile phones for a while, but Microsoft is now expanding the streaming device to everyone.

xCloud and Xbox Remote Play

The Xbox Cloud feature allows players to access over 100 games without needing to download them and are able to jump into multiplayer sessions with their friends without games being physically installed onto their Windows devices or buying an Xbox console. This includes a whole range of games from the Xbox library, from the latest releases on Xbox Series X/S consoles, to even some selected games from Xbox and Xbox 360 consoles too.

Microsoft recently announced it will be expanding the streaming service to their consoles as well, giving the chance for Xbox One users to play Xbox Series X/S exclusive games without needing to upgrade their console, if, for whatever reason, they do not want to.

The update on the Xbox app still requires the user to have either a Bluetooth or USB controller, along with an Xbox Game Pass subscription, yet it will still be ultimately cheaper than forking out for an Xbox console overall.

Windows users can expect the highest quality experience as Microsoft confirmed the devices will be able to stream games at 1080p and 60fps, as Insiders could in the beta version, however, the company is still labelling the service as a beta version, so problems may still vary.

There is also an Xbox Remote Play feature in which players will be able to stream games from an Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One console to your Windows device, either on your home network or remotely over the internet.

There are also rumours Xbox might be expanding even more with a streaming device, although that has yet to be confirmed.

For now, Windows users can enjoy playing Xbox games, whether it’s their first time or their 100th time.

Sign up for our newsletter from the website.

Instagram: Go2GamesShop

Twitter: Go2Games

Youtube: Go2Games.com

Facebook: Go2Games.com

The post Xbox: xCloud and Xbox Remote Play Now Available on Windows first appeared on Get2Gaming.

Microsoft has been busy expanding the Xbox gaming experience with things like Xbox Cloud Gaming, but can we expect even more?

Microsoft recently announced that Xbox Cloud Gaming, which is available on mobile and PC devices, would be expanding to its consoles, making it easier for Xbox One users to access Xbox Series X/S games, but why stop there? What if you didn’t need an Xbox console at all to be able to access those games?

There are rumours there might be a streaming device coming from the gaming giants that could make Xbox games accessible to all.

Possibilities of an Xbox Streaming Device

Streaming devices are all the rage now, with Google’s Chromecast, Amazon’s Firestick and Roku’s Streaming Stick, all of which compete against one another to offer the best deals for the cheaper prices. Now there might be a new contender to entire the market if all the rumours are true.

Microsoft hinted at E3 2021 its intentions to move beyond its traditional console hardware platforms for its cloud gaming services, and the company also said in a press release that Xbox is currently working with global TV manufacturers to “embed the Xbox experience directly into internet-connected televisions with no extra hardware required except for a controller”.

So, this leads to the possibility of a built-in Xbox app coming our way at least.

Moreover, Liz Hamren, CVP of gaming experiences and platforms at Xbox, has revealed Xbox is also developing standalone streaming devices that you can plug into your TV or monitor.

This would be revolutionary for gamers that cannot afford or be able to purchase all the latest games or next-gen consoles and still have access to them via a much cheaper alternative. It might also rope in new gamers that have never wanted to splash their money on a console before, or don’t have the room for a console in their home. All you would need is a streaming device and an Xbox controller.

“We’re doing all this because Game Pass works. It works for consumers, and it works for publishers. With Game Pass, players spend 20% more time playing games. They play 30% more genres, and play 40% more games overall, including games outside their Game Pass subscription. In a recent survey, we found that more than 90% of members said they played a game they would not have otherwise played without Game Pass.”

It might take some time for people to buy into the streaming device as there’s already so much to choose from and gamers are only just started to buy into cloud gaming technology, but there is huge potential for it too.

What are your thoughts on a possible Xbox streaming device?

Sign up for our newsletter from the website.

Instagram: Go2GamesShop

Twitter: Go2Games

Youtube: Go2Games.com

Facebook: Go2Games.com

The post Xbox: Could There Be a Streaming Device Along the Way? first appeared on Get2Gaming.

The cloud gaming service for mobile devices and web browsers is coming to Xbox consoles this Christmas

Xbox held its live event at Gamescom yesterday and announced it would be bringing its popular cloud gaming streaming service to its consoles, meaning Xbox One users will have access to Xbox Series X/S games that are available on the cloud.

The Microsoft gaming giants have said it will be available in time for Christmas, and that testing for the Xbox Cloud Gaming on consoles will take place this autumn.

Xbox Cloud Gaming on Consoles

The Xbox Cloud feature will allow players to access over 100 games without needing to download them and be able to jump into multiplayer sessions with their friends without games being physically installed on their own consoles.

Xbox has also confirmed it will ensure the highest quality experience by supporting gamed at 1080p and 60fps across the range of devices, just like it does for mobile and PC devices currently.

The testing experience for the Xbox Cloud on console devices will be featured as part of Xbox’s Insider programme this autumn, in order to get valuable feedback to improve the experience.

For anyone that wants to join for the testing experience, you can read the FAQs Insider programme here.

Microsoft’s Xbox Series upgrade to its Azure DCs means that, when rolled out, users will now be able to stream Xbox Series games to previous-gen Xbox Ones. Very few Xbox Ones are being sold globally in 2021, but this will help breath life into the installed base of 54m devices. – Piers Harding-Rolls, Ampere Analyst.

Grab these voucher codes for our website for some discounts! Offers must end on September 3rd!

Use BACK2SCHOOL – For 5% off all Pixie Crew stock!

Use MOON10 – For 10% off Harvest Moon: One World (Switch)

Use CODMW5 – For 5% off COD Modern Warfare (Xbox One)

Use TOON5 – For 5% off Splatoon 2 (Switch)

The post Xbox: Xbox Cloud Gaming Is Coming To Consoles first appeared on Get2Gaming.

Talks between Kojima and Microsoft at an advanced stage…

Xbox has been busy over the last few years, acquiring various gaming studios, with the most recent purchase of ZeniMaz Media in March. In line with this, Xbox has been expanding its portfolio of Xbox exclusives, with new titles like Starfield and Outer Worlds 2 being released only on Xbox (and PC).

Well, the pattern continues as Hideo Kojima and Microsoft have entered an advanced stage in negotiations regarding a new exclusive from the Metal Gear Solid creator. On Thursday, GamesBeat reported that Microsoft and Kojima had signed a letter of intent stating that they plan to work together on the new title.

The report claims that “the deal is so close that Microsoft has begun preparing for what Kojima will need to make his new game”.

Some had speculated that the upcoming PS5 remake of the game Death Stranding would hamper the deal due to Death Stranding being a PS5 exclusive. However, that does not seem to be the case.

Earlier this month, the Portal and Left 4 Dead designer Kim Swift was appointed senior director of cloud gaming by Xbox Game Studios. Swift most recently worked at Google’s cloud gaming service, Stadia.

Kojima has previously expressed his interest in cloud gaming (i.e. game streaming). It could be possible that this deal is being made with a new format of game in mind. Therefore, it is plausible that Xbox hired Swift to assist in making Kojima’s cloud game a reality.

It will be interesting to see what comes of this partnership. Kojima is a legendary game developer, having created iconic games over the years, the potential is great.

To keep updated with the shop activities and weekly competitions, follow Go2Games on social media:

Instagram: Go2Gamesshop

Twitter: Go2Games

YouTube: Go2games.com

Facebook: Go2Games.com

The post Hideo Kojima moving closer to a new exclusive Xbox game first appeared on Get2Gaming.

As of yesterday, Xbox Cloud Gaming by Microsoft is available to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members with iOS-built products and Windows 10 PC devices. This is after its initial announcement from only two weeks ago that Xbox Cloud Gaming will be launching on Apple devices in the next few weeks, following a limited beta test for a small number of users.

How does Xbox Cloud Gaming Work?

Xbox Cloud Gaming allows users to play hundreds of games from the Xbox Game Pass library from any device that uses a web browser. It’s powered by Xbox Series X hardware in upgraded Microsoft data that centres to deliver faster load times and improved framerates.

Microsoft plans to stream the games at 1080p at up to 60 frames per second, to ensure low latency and offer seamless gameplay across all devices.

How do I get Xbox Cloud Gaming?

The service can be accessed by visiting xbox.com/play on Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Safari on any mobile device or PC, however, it requires an Xbox Games Pass Ultimate subscription. It is currently priced at £10.99 to get access to both mobile and PC devices, but Xbox also offers a cheaper subscription for PC users only at £7.99. New users can also get a three month trial period at £1 before £10.99, but the PC only subscription only has that offer for one month.

New Xbox Mobile Gaming Accessories

As well as Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft also announced it is expanding its Designed for Xbox mobile gaming accessory lineup for iOS devices, including the Xbox Backbone One, Razer Kishi Universal Gaming Controller for iOS, and the Otterbox Power Swap Controller Batteries.

The new Xbox Backbone One controller is an iPhone-compatible device for all iPhones with iOS 13 or later, that is “designed to preserve battery life and reduce input latency by harnessing iPhone-exclusive technology, requiring no charging while enabling incredibly responsive gaming“. It has built-in Xbox integrations such as a capture button for sharing gameplay moments.

The Razer Kishi Univeral Gaming Controller for iOS follows after its successful Universal Controller for Android companion, and the Otterbox Power Swap Controller Batteries ensures an “easy-to-use, wireless experience, and delivers uninterrupted gameplay with zero controller downtime“.

It looks like the Xbox Backbone One is only available to purchase from the US store and other selected Microsoft stores, but the Razer Kishi Universal Controller for iOS is available to pre-order from selected retailers worldwide, and the Otterbox Power Swap Controller Batteries are available in selected worldwide stores now.

Sign up for our newsletter from the website.

Instagram: Go2GamesShop

Twitter: Go2Games

Youtube: Go2Games.com

Facebook: Go2Games.com

The post Xbox Cloud Gaming Officially Launched for iOS and Windows first appeared on Get2Gaming.