By Sagar V. Mankar Xbox Cloud Gaming, bundled with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, is Microsoft’s cloud gaming service that allows you to play hundreds of Xbox games without the need for a console or high-end gaming PC.
For just $15 a month, you can access a vast library of games streamed directly to your device over the internet.
Until now, Xbox Cloud Gaming has been available on:
- Android devices
- iOS (via web browser at xbox.com/play)
- Xbox consoles
- Samsung TVs (with Gaming Hub feature)
But here’s the kicker: Amazon Fire TV devices are joining the party!
In an unexpected partnership, Microsoft and Amazon have joined forces to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to Amazon Fire TV devices.
This collaboration opens up a new world of gaming possibilities for those who don’t want to invest in expensive consoles or gaming PCs.
Ashley McKissick, Xbox CVP for Xbox experiences, puts it perfectly:
“The expansion of Xbox gaming to Fire TV devices offers players another option for enjoying their favorite games using devices they already own. For those who don’t own an Xbox console, this provides an affordable and convenient way to get started.”
Which Amazon Fire TV Devices Will Support Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Initially, Xbox Cloud Gaming will be available on:
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K – $49.99
- Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max – $59.99
However, according to Jez Corden of Windows Central, it might expand to the cheaper Amazon Fire Stick Lite model in the future as well.
How Much Will It Cost to Get Started with Xbox Cloud Gaming on Fire TV?
Here’s the breakdown:
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: Around $50-60
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription: $15/month
- Bluetooth Xbox Series X|S controller: Varies, but typically around $60-70
Compared to the cost of a new Xbox console ($500+) or a gaming PC, this is a pretty budget-friendly option for getting into the world of Xbox gaming!
Here Does it work (Setup)?
- Install and launch the Xbox app from your Fire TV device.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Connect a compatible Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller (Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation DualSense, or DualShock 4).
- Start playing!
Is Xbox Cloud Gaming Available Worldwide on Fire TV?
According to the official announcement, Xbox Cloud Gaming on Amazon Fire TV will be available in every region where Xbox Cloud Gaming (25+ countries) is currently available.
So, if you’ve got access to Xbox Cloud Gaming in your country, you should be good to go with Fire TV as well.
How Does It Compare to Other Services?
Compared to other cloud gaming services like Amazon Luna and NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming holds its ground with a robust library of games and the backing of major franchises like Activision-Blizzard and Bethesda.
However, each service has its strengths. For instance, GeForce Now is praised for its low latency and stability, whereas Xbox Cloud Gaming is known for its extensive game library and integration with Xbox consoles.
When Can We Expect More Updates?
Currently, there isn’t an exact release date for Xbox Cloud Gaming on Fire TV devices, but it is somewhere around July.
However, given the announcement, it’s likely to be sooner rather than later.
References: Information sourced from an article by Jez Corden on Windows Central.