What Is Xbox Cloud Gaming and How Does It Work?

But what is Xbox Cloud Gaming and how good is it?

What Is Xbox Cloud Gaming?

Xbox Cloud Gaming is Microsoft’s gaming service that lives on the internet.

Man holding a Xbox Series S Carbon Black Controller with Cloud Gaming Pass game blurred in the background

Diego Thomazini/Shutterstock

Despite its name, you don’t need an Xbox console to use the service.

The main draw to Xbox Cloud Gaming is that it lets you play Xbox games without a console nearby.

a person holding a smartphone with the xbox cloud app

Diego Thomazini/Shutterstock

The servers load, process, and render the game for you.

Then, the server sends what it rendered to your gear.

If you have a bad connection, the visuals may look choppy and your input may lag behind.

Selecting cloud-compatible games on Xbox Game Pass

This gives you access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, which will work on any compatible gadget you own.

Check outwhat the Xbox Game Pass isif this is the first time you’ve heard of it.

Not every game supports cloud play.

The Xbox App

The app has a Cloud section from which you’re free to launch games.

However, we highly recommend attaching a controller to your phone if you could.

If you’d like to take the app option, visit theXbox App download pageand grab it.

The Xbox app asking for a controller

Once downloaded, kick off the app and click onCloud gamingon the left.

Select a title, and you’re ready to go.

If you want to use your web client, head over toxbox.com/play.

When you follow the link, you should immediately see the Xbox Game Pass library.

If you do, punch a game to start streaming.

First, double-check that you’re signed in to your Microsoft account.

So, playing Xbox games no matter where you are is easier than it has ever been.

The question is, is the service worth subscribing to?

I gave the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate service a spin and noted my discoveries as I played.

Without some compression, it runs the risk of sending too much visual data and causing lag.

I was also surprised at how responsive the controls were.

However, there was no noticeable delay as I played.

I also noticed that you could hot-swap your devices and continue playing without interruption.

If you’re not bothered by it, you’ll get along with Xbox Cloud Gaming just fine.

However, if you want to use mouse and keyboard, you’re in for a rough time.

All in all, Xbox Cloud Gaming is an excellent addition for anyone who loves playing Xbox games.