The Xbox App is getting yet another Insider preview update. Last month brought us the unified library, and now it’s getting a feature for Game Pass Ultimate members. The update from Xbox now lets you stream your own game onto the Xbox PC App, specifically allowing console games to come to PC in the 28 countries where Cloud gaming is available.

This follows the introduction of the Cloud gaming service to Xbox consoles months ago, and similarly to TVs and Meta headsets, now the same feature is available on PC as well. This allows you to stream and play any games without having to install them on your system or even own an Xbox console at all.

Essentially, it opens up the possibility to play console-only games on PC, without the need for having an Xbox. There are already over 250 games available, with more promised on the way, and with flexibility on how you play them. Yes, many recent Xbox games are already available on PC, but look further back, and some classics are still console-only.

To play console games from the cloud on your device you’ll need the following:

1. An active Game Pass Ultimate membership and supported game in a supported region. To play selected free-to-play games with cloud gaming, all you need is a free Microsoft account in a supported region.
2. A supported device including Windows PC, Apple or Android phones and tablets, Xbox console, select LG and Samsung Smart TVs plus Amazon Fire TV, select Meta Quest VR headsets and more.
3. A compatible controller connected via Bluetooth or USB. Selected games can be played with Xbox touch controls.
4. A Wi-Fi/4G data connection with minimum of 10Mbps down-speed. Please note, some devices may require 20Mbps for the best quality. We recommend using a 5Ghz Wi-Fi connection.
5. If playing on xbox.com, a supported browser such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari.

Source: Xbox

Why Xbox (console) hardware might be dead

Two weeks ago, Laura Fryer, a founding Team Member of the Xbox hardware, suggested it was dead in a YouTube video discussing the future of Xbox. Given that it has handed over handheld duties to ASUS with the ROG Xbox Ally (which is still very much a PC) and is now pushing Game Pass and streaming, it would seem that there’s no need for Xbox hardware anymore.

In contrast, Digital Foundry suggests it’s not dead but rather is heading in a different direction. It might just be the fact that Xbox is trying to make Windows 11 the number one platform for gaming. To achieve that, it has to unify all of its hardware to run on the operating system while providing different hardware and looks to them.

So while Xbox may still release new consoles in the future, they might not be necessary to play their games anymore. Put that in contrast to the likes of PS5 and Switch 2, which still hold some exclusives, and it makes it look like you won’t ever need to own an Xbox console again, as long as you own another compatible device to stream to and a stable internet connection.

About the Author

Sebastian Kozlowski

With a fascination for technology and games, Seb is a tech writer with a focus on hardware, news, and deals. He is also a tester and reviewer for the site. Contact him @ [email protected]