Microsoft is preparing to expand Xbox Cloud Gaming‘s streaming capabilities, allowing you to stream games you already own, even if they aren’t part of the Xbox Game Pass library. The tech giant has been hinting at this feature for a while, and the testing phase will finally begin in November.
Microsoft has been talking about this development since the early days of Project xCloud, its game streaming service. However, despite years of discussion, the feature has yet to be launched. The long-awaited update could mean you can access and stream your game library from anywhere, offering a huge benefit to players who don’t want to be limited to Game Pass titles.
A long-standing demand from Xbox players
For years, Xbox users have been asking for the option to stream games they’ve purchased rather than only the titles available through Xbox Game Pass. Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that gives you access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee, but some players feel it needs to offer more flexibility. If you own a game and want to play it on the go, it would be far more convenient to stream it through the cloud without having to repurchase it or wait for it to appear in the Game Pass library.
If this new feature rolls out successfully after the testing period, it could change how you access your Xbox games. You could soon enjoy your personal library from anywhere, regardless of whether you are near your console. According to sources, Microsoft plans to eventually support thousands of games this way, giving you a broader choice in what you can play using Xbox Cloud Gaming.
The testing phase begins with Xbox Insiders
The initial testing will begin in November with Xbox Insiders, who can stream games from their own libraries. This means that those in the Insider program could be among the first to experience this exciting update, with wider availability expected. Although no specific date has been announced for when this feature will be available to all users, the November testing phase marks a significant step forward for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Microsoft’s move to support game streaming for non-Game Pass purchases aligns with the company’s broader strategy to make gaming more accessible. The Xbox Cloud Gaming platform, part of the company’s larger cloud strategy, aims to allow players to enjoy Xbox games on various devices without needing powerful hardware. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can stream and play games on the go.
This news follows a recent announcement from Xbox president Sarah Bond, who revealed that Android users will soon be able to purchase and play games on the Xbox app starting next month. This update is also part of Microsoft’s broader efforts to enhance the gaming experience by offering more ways to access Xbox games.
As Xbox Cloud Gaming continues to grow, it’s clear that Microsoft is committed to giving you more freedom to play the games you own, wherever and however you want.