Microsoft will be officially launching their new streaming service, Project xCloud, this week. Project xCloud will allow people to stream games to mobile devices, but they'll need to make sure they have certain devices and services available before they'll be able to start playing from the cloud.
Announced by Microsoft at E3 in 2018, Project xCloud entered into previews towards the end of 2019. The streaming service will allow gamers to access certain games from their library on mobile devices without needing to download the game. Microsoft is also working on extending Project xCloud to PCs so that Xbox owners can stream to their home computers, though a date for that part of the service has not yet been announced. Project xCloud will be added to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate memberships at no additional charge.
Microsoft has detailed out several items players will need to check off before they're ready to start streaming. First and foremost, Project xCloud will only work on Android devices running version 6.0 or higher and Bluetooth of 4.0 or higher. Microsoft had been hoping to offer Project xCloud on iOS devices but has been blocked by Apple, who has put major hurdles in place for any service wishing to offer cloud gaming through their devices. Players will also need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership; Project xCloud is not currently offered as a standalone service. Combining the two, however, means that players will have dozens of games available to stream from the moment they sign up. Gamers will also need a Bluetooth-compatible Xbox Wireless Controller (sorry, the controllers that came with standard Xbox One purchases don't meet that qualification) and 5Ghz Wi-Fi or a mobile data connection with 10Mbps down.
Does Project xCloud Offer Touch Controls?
More control options are in the works for Project xCloud, as Microsoft will eventually make the service compatible with DualShock controllers. Microsoft also hopes to expand touch controls to more games, as the options right now are fairly limited. Currently Gears 5 and Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice on Project xCloud are among the very few games that don't currently require a controller. Touch controls are among the most requested feature for Project xCloud according to Microsoft, so expect more games to have it in the coming months.
Project xCloud looks to make an impressive entrance when it launches on September 15th. Microsoft is offering a sizable library of games from the start, so players are less at risk of bouncing off the service simply because they aren't interested in the games on hand. Perhaps the biggest hurdle at the outset is the controller restrictions. Everyone who has been using standard Xbox One controllers won't have a controller that works with Project xCloud. There are options that currently work, like Xbox One X Controllers, but it's likely that many players don't have these upgraded versions on hand. The controllers releasing with the Xbox Series X will be Bluetooth-compatible, so gamers who upgrade this holiday season will clear one barrier to using Project xCloud. Until then, those looking to use Project xCloud may need to spend some additional money before they're reading to stream and game.
Source: Microsoft
Project xCloud will launch on September 15th, 2020 on Android devices.