Xbox Cloud Gaming is a fantastic way for gamers worldwide to play demanding games without having a console. You can play from your smartphone, Windows computer, and even from your Mac.
That said, not every device can use this service. Here's what you need to know.
What Is Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Xbox Cloud Gaming is an online service that allows Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to play video games in the cloud.
This service lets you play resource-demanding games on smartphones and computers without having to download them, even if your device isn't as powerful as an Xbox. It's even be possible to play it on your TV. Of course, this comes with a few compromises. For instance, the quality and resolution won't be as good.
Even though Xbox Cloud Gaming is available on many platforms, not every device supports this service. Your device must meet a minimum set of requirements. The good news is that it's not as demanding as you might think.
Android Devices That Support Xbox Cloud Gaming
When it comes to Android, there isn't a specific list of devices tested by Microsoft. But if you want to try Xbox Cloud Gaming, you'll need to make sure that your Android device is running at least Android 6.0 or a later version. You'll also need to download the Xbox Game Pass app on your Android device to use this service.
Note that not all Android devices can run Xbox Cloud games, even with Android 6.0 or higher.
Apple Devices That Support Xbox Cloud Gaming
Unlike Android devices, Microsoft offers a list of all the verified iOS and iPadOS devices that support cloud gaming. Keep in mind that other Apple devices might work even if they're not on the list. These are just the devices that Microsoft has verified so far.
iPhones That Support Xbox Cloud Gaming
Here are the Apple smartphones you can play Xbox Cloud titles on:
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone 11
- iPhone Pro
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
If you don't own one of the above handsets, then Xbox Cloud games won't run on your device.
iPads That Support Xbox Cloud Gaming
Here are the Apple-brand tablets you can access Xbox Cloud games with:
- iPad Air (3rd Generation)
- iPad Air (4th Generation)
- 11-inch iPad Pro (2nd Generation)
- iPad mini (5th Generation)
- iPad (8th Generation)
Microsoft also confirms that any iPhone that has iOS 14.4 or a later update installed will support Xbox Cloud Gaming. Even though Microsoft doesn't specify, it's possible that iPad devices that run iPadOS 14.4 or later might support this service too.
If you want to use Xbox Cloud Gaming on your Apple device, you'll need to go to the Xbox Cloud Gaming website and play from your Safari browser.
Windows Devices That Support Xbox Cloud Gaming
Microsoft has an official list of all the tested Windows devices that work with Xbox Cloud Gaming, but it's a bit limited.
If your Windows device isn't on the list, you might still be able to try Xbox Cloud Gaming. All you need to do is make sure your computer is running the Windows 10 October 2020 update or later.
- Surface Go
- Surface Go 2
- Surface Pro 6
- Surface Pro X
- Surface Pro 7+
- Surface Laptop
- Surface Laptop 3
- Surface Book 2
My Device Isn't on the List
If you didn't find your device on any of the lists, don't let this discourage you just yet. Microsoft hasn't tested Xbox Cloud Gaming on every device available. You can still try Xbox Cloud Gaming for yourself and find out if your device supports it.
Likewise, Microsoft might expand the platforms in the future. The company recently confirmed that Xbox Cloud Gaming would be available for the Xbox Series X, Series S, and Xbox One too.
Time for Some Xbox Cloud Gaming
The best way to find if your device supports Xbox Cloud Gaming is by trying it out yourself. Even if it doesn't work out for you, there are still many other cloud gaming services you can try instead.
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