Microsoft Opens xCloud Game Streaming Beta Access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscribers Today

Ahead of its official launch on September 15th, Microsoft has opened early beta access to its cloud gaming service (formally known as Project xCloud) to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.

A new version of the Xbox Game Pass app has been launched on Android devices. In preparations for the official launch in September, Microsoft has opened up a beta phase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to download the new app and test its game streaming service, according to The Verge.

A Microsoft spokesperson told The Verge that the company is opening the beta in order to provide “a smooth transition of the cloud gaming experience to the Xbox Game Pass app on Android”.

For the uninitiated, Microsoft’s game streaming feature enables users in supported regions to access and play more than 100 games from the cloud on their mobile devices. The new Xbox Game Pass app can be found on the Google Play Store. Participating players will have to have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription in order to gain access to the beta.

While the full lineup of games has more than 100 games, including Halo: Master Chief Collection, Grounded, Gears 5, and Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, there will be a limited offering during the beta phase. Despite the beta’s existence, the Project xCloud Preview will be discontinued on September 11th to transition users over for the general launch.

At this current time, Microsoft’s cloud gaming service will only be supported on Android devices. Microsoft ended its support of the TestFlight version of the Project xCloud Preview app on iOS devices early. Statements from both Apple and Microsoft were made last week, dissecting why Apple’s App Store policies made it difficult for Microsoft to move forward with launching its service on Apple devices.