Xbox Cloud Gaming to Allow Streaming of Entire Game Library Starting November

Microsoft is set to significantly expand the capabilities of its Xbox Cloud Gaming service next month, allowing users to stream any game they own, not just those available through Xbox Game Pass. This new feature, part of a long-running internal initiative known as Project Lapland, will enable thousands of Xbox titles to be streamed, marking a major advancement in cloud gaming.

The Verge reports that Microsoft will begin testing this new feature with Xbox Insiders in November before rolling it out to more users. However, some games may still be held back by publishers due to licensing requirements or exclusive deals.

Currently, Xbox Cloud Gaming supports streaming of only a select number of Game Pass titles. The expansion will include games purchased outside of the Game Pass subscription, making the service more comprehensive and appealing to a broader audience. This move aligns with Microsoft’s long-term vision, announced as early as 2019, to bring its entire Xbox games catalog to the cloud.

The rollout will be gradual, with the service initially available in the United States and later expanding to other regions. Users will be able to access their games via the web version on Xbox.com/play, as well as through the Xbox app on various devices, including Android devices in the US and Samsung TVs.

Technical challenges, such as preparing the infrastructure for thousands of games and ensuring sufficient network-attached storage, have delayed the launch. Despite these hurdles, the expansion is seen as a significant step towards making cloud gaming more accessible and convenient for users.

The new feature will also be integrated with other Microsoft services, such as the Xbox app on Amazon Fire Stick 4K devices, enhancing the overall cloud gaming experience. However, users will need to ensure they have the necessary network requirements, including good bandwidth and preferably 5 GHz Wi-Fi or ethernet, to get the best out of the service.