Everything you need to know about the XBox Cloud Gaming (Eg Project xCloud) in one place, answer all your questions about the new Microsoft service that is revolutionizing mobile games.
Table of Contents
- What is XBox Cloud Gaming ?
- How does XBox Cloud Gaming work?
- Requirements to run xCloud on Android?
- How to sign up for xCloud beta in Spain
- What is the xCloud App?
- When will Xbox Cloud Gaming be released?
- Do I need to pay for the Xbox Cloud Gaming beta?
- Does Project Xbox Cloud Gaming work with Ipega or generic Bluetooth controllers?
- Games available on Xbox Cloud Gaming?
- Which games have on-screen commands?
- How to use Xbox Cloud Gaming to play Xbox games on mobile?
- How to Play Xbox Cloud on Android and iPhone
What is XBox Cloud Gaming ?
XBox Cloud Gaming is Microsoft's game streaming service (cloud games) that lets you play Xbox games right from your Android smartphone. You don't need to have the Microsoft console or be close to one. All that is needed is an Android or iOS Device (it works on PC too) and a good Internet connection via Wi-Fi. XBox Cloud Gaming is already integrated into the Xbox Game Pass app.
How does XBox Cloud Gaming work?
XBox Cloud Gaming is part of Microsoft's initiative to expand its Azure datacenters. It uses Xbox One S and X hardware to create a virtual machine and simulate an Xbox console on the internet.. All game processing is done by these Microsoft Xbox servers, and the result, ie video and audio, is delivered with very low latency to your smartphone.
XBox Cloud Gaming servers are literally boards from Xbox Series X consoles grouped together in what Microsoft calls “blades”. Each such “blade” can hold up to 8 video game boards. Formerly, Microsoft uses Xbox One S hardware, but the company is already starting the migration to Series X (link).
Images of XBox Cloud Gaming Server Boards and Hardware:
There is no app named xCloud. The technology is integrated into the Xbox Game Pass app. As soon as xCloud became available in Spain, a third option appeared in Game Pass games called “NUVEM”, just tap on it and the user is directed to the gaming session with Xbox Cloud support.
See how it works in the video below from our partner on the Vai que Roda channel:
https://youtu.be/SURI7KfHF7Y
Requirements to run xCloud on Android?
The minimum requirements to run xCloud on Android are:
- Android 6.0 or higher
- Internet of at least 10 mbps (10 “megas”)
You don't need a top-of-the-line smartphone, any intermediate or basic smartphone with 2GB of RAM.
How to sign up for xCloud beta in Spain
The beta test is over! The service has already been launched in Spain. It is worth remembering that you have to pay to use it, but the first month costs only R$ 5 reais
What is the xCloud App?
The Xbox Cloud Gaming app is the Xbox Game Pass.
When will Xbox Cloud Gaming be released?
Xbox Cloud Gaming launched in Spain last Thursday (September 30, 2021).
Do I need to pay for the Xbox Cloud Gaming beta?
Xbox Cloud Gaming beta test is free, you don't have to pay anything! Just have a Microsoft account. However, the beta test is over and now you need to pay R$ 44,99, in other words, to play in the cloud you need to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. However, the first month costs only R$ 5 reais.
Does Project Xbox Cloud Gaming work with Ipega or generic Bluetooth controllers?
Yea! Xbox Cloud Gaming works with most Android Bluetooth controllers that have button configurations similar to the Xbox controller. It is even compatible with the PlayStation 4 Dualshock.
Games available on Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Check out the xCloud compatible games that will be available when the service launches in Spain.
- See a complete list of Xbox Cloud games here.
Which games have on-screen commands?
Technically, every game has on-screen commands, it will depend on the game's producer to release the feature or not. Some producers will require physical control, but most are already adopting the new feature.
Here are some games that Microsoft already indicates with on-screen commands:
- Killer Instinct
- Gears 5
- Forza Horizon 4
- Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
- Minecraft Dungeon
- Street of rage 4
- tell me why
- Super Lucky's Tale
- Guacamelee
How to use Xbox Cloud Gaming to play Xbox games on mobile?
Anyway, the big question of all and this one has never been so easy to answer.
Here's how to use the service:
How to Play Xbox Cloud on Android and iPhone
Project xCloud launch trailer in Spain:
https://youtu.be/cLV7vxOvj6Q
[originally published November 18, 2020]
