Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscribers Can Now Stream Owned Games to Console
In a significant update to its gaming service, Xbox has announced that all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can now stream a select number of their owned games to Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One consoles, without the need for installation. This feature, which has been in testing with Xbox Insiders for several months, is now available to all eligible subscribers.
According to Eurogamer, Microsoft first discussed giving Xbox players the ability to stream their owned games back in 2019, but the feature suffered multiple delays. It finally arrived last November, but was only available through a limited number of platforms, including TVs and via browsers on supported devices such as tablets, smartphones, and Meta Quest headsets.
The feature’s arrival means that all Ultimate members can now stream games outside of those included in the Game Pass library, but only if they appear on Microsoft’s list of supported titles. At present, "100+" games are compatible with the feature, and more are set to be added over time. Recent additions include Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 2, Wanderstop, and Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, with the full list available on the Xbox website.
To begin using the feature, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers should navigate to My games & apps > Full library > Owned Games on their console. All supported titles include a cloud badge on their game page, and streaming is started by selecting the game and choosing the Play with Cloud Gaming option. It’s also possible to begin streaming directly from the Store app after purchasing a compatible game.
As reported by Eurogamer, April’s Xbox update brings a number of other improvements and additions to console. Xbox’s ‘Free up space’ screen, for instance, now highlights duplicate copies of games and games that players no longer have access to, and Microsoft has introduced new Game hubs to Xbox consoles too.
Additionally, Xbox remote play has seen changes, with Microsoft removing the feature from the Xbox app on mobile and instead requiring players to access it from their mobile device’s browser. According to Microsoft, this change will "make it easier for our teams to optimise the streaming experience and build new features". The change will also "soon" bring remote play to more devices, including Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and Meta Quest headsets.
In related news, Microsoft is updating its Xbox app on iOS and Android so players can buy games and add-on content, join Game Pass, and redeem Perks directly in-app. The changes will initially be available to beta users before launching for everyone via the Google Play Store on Android devices and the Apple Store on iOS.
As Eurogamer notes, more details can be found in Microsoft’s blog post. With this update, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can now enjoy a more streamlined gaming experience, with the ability to stream their owned games to console and access to a range of new features and improvements.
