Microsoft
Xbox Cloud Gaming review
Hundreds of Game Pass titles streamed instantly
Tested on a 100 Mbps wired connection · methodology
Overview
Xbox Cloud Gaming is bundled into Game Pass Ultimate, which alone justifies the subscription for most players. The streaming quality is solid for the price, but enthusiasts will notice the 1080p cap and slightly higher latency compared to GeForce Now Ultimate.
Plans & pricing
Game Pass Ultimate
- ✓Cloud streaming included
- ✓Full Game Pass catalog
- ✓EA Play included
- ✓Console + PC + Cloud
What's good
- +Massive library bundled with the subscription
- +Day-one access to first-party titles
- +Works on phones, tablets, and Samsung TVs natively
- +Single subscription covers console, PC and cloud
What's not
- −Capped at 1080p / 60
- −No bring-your-own-library option
- −Latency a notch higher than GeForce Now
Latency under load
80 samples from our reference network. Lower = better.
Platforms
Library
400+
Subscription catalog
Best for: Players who want a Netflix-style 'just press play' library.
Notable games on Xbox Cloud Gaming
See all 20 supported games →Featured in our guides
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- Best cloud gaming service for families and kids6 min read
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What readers say
- sara-bApr 4, 2026★★★★★
Just press play. Game Pass is already worth the money — cloud streaming is a free bonus.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Game Pass subscription to use Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Yes. Cloud streaming is bundled into Game Pass Ultimate (currently $16.99/month) and PC Game Pass with Cloud add-on. There is no standalone cloud-only tier.
What devices can I stream Xbox Cloud Gaming on?
Browsers (Chrome, Edge, Safari), Windows, Xbox consoles, Android, iOS via Safari, and Samsung Smart TVs (2022 onwards) natively. The mobile experience is genuinely good thanks to native controller support.
Is Xbox Cloud Gaming available in 4K?
Not yet. The cloud service is currently capped at 1080p/60. Microsoft is piloting 1440p in select regions but a full 4K rollout has not been announced.
Can I play Fortnite on Xbox Cloud Gaming for free?
Yes. Fortnite is the notable exception — it can be streamed via Xbox Cloud Gaming without a Game Pass subscription. Most other titles require Ultimate.
Does Game Pass Ultimate work on consoles?
Yes — Ultimate covers console, PC and cloud under a single subscription. The cloud component lets you start a game on your TV and pick it up on your phone seamlessly.