Microsoft is bringing Xbox’s cloud gaming to Samsung smart TVs; no console needed.
The feature will be available on TVs that launched this year and future models going forward. It will pop up as the Xbox gaming app, which will be available on the TV's Samsung Gaming Hub.
Clicking the app will allow the TV owner to sign up or log in to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which costs $14.99 per month. The service operates like a Netflix for games, and will offer subscribers access to over 100 Xbox titles they can stream from the internet.
The partnership with Samsung represents Microsoft’s effort to attract new Xbox users via game streaming. A year ago, the company announced an ambitious plan to enable Xbox cloud gaming through both smart TVs from major vendors and via a streaming device currently in the works.
“If you’re new to gaming, this is an easy way to get into the fun without needing to buy a PC or console and also to join a thriving community of over 25 million Game Pass members worldwide,” said Ashley McKissick, Corporate VP of Gaming Experiences and Platforms.
Indeed, the option will let newbies enjoy Xbox gaming without having to pay $499 for a new Xbox Series X console. The Xbox app on the Samsung TVs can also pair with any Bluetooth controller. But to stream the games from the cloud, users will need an internet connection with a minimum 10Mbps. Depending on the internet quality, the game experience can suffer due to lag.
According to Samsung, the Xbox app will appear in 2022 Samsung Smart TVs including Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, QLEDs above the BU8000 models, and the 2022 Smart Monitor Series.
McKissick said the feature will arrive on June 30 for TV models sold in 27 countries. Microsoft's goal is to also explore adding the cloud-gaming option to TVs from other vendors over time.
The other notable announcement is how Microsoft is working to allow Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to stream from the cloud select games they already own, but are currently outside the Xbox Game Pass library.
“One of the things they (Xbox gamers) told us is ‘Hey, we would love to be able to stream games that we own, even if they are not in the Game Pass catalog,’” McKissick said. This means Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members will eventually be able to stream those games to other devices, such as their Android smartphones.
Microsoft plans on adding the option sometime later this year. It’ll arrive for select cloud-enabled Xbox games that have previously been added to the Game Pass catalog.