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What you need for Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud Gaming streams supported games to compatible devices, so you do not need an Xbox console for this route. Xbox’s current Cloud Gaming FAQ says most games require an active Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential subscription, a supported game, and a supported region. Select free-to-play games are an exception: Xbox says they can be played with a free Microsoft account in a supported region.
Device and controller
Xbox lists Windows PCs, Apple and Android phones and tablets, Xbox consoles, select LG, Samsung, and VIDAA OS smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and select Meta Quest headsets among supported device categories. The exact models and availability vary, so check Xbox’s live compatibility information before relying on a particular device. If you play through xbox.com, you also need a supported browser.
Most games need a compatible controller connected by Bluetooth or USB. Select games offer Xbox touch controls, but that support is specific to the game. You may already have a suitable controller; buying an Xbox controller is not automatically necessary.
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- FASTEST, MOST POWERFUL XBOX — Experience next-generation performance with 12 teraflops of processing power, delivering smoother gameplay, richer worlds, and faster responsiveness than any previous XBOX.
- TRUE 4K GAMING UP TO 120 FPS — Enjoy breathtaking visuals with true 4K resolution, HDR, and frame rates up to 120 FPS, plus hardware-accelerated ray tracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 1TB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 1TB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF GAMES — Play thousands of games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX, with many titles enhanced for better visuals and performance on XBOX Series X.
Internet connection
Xbox publishes 10 Mbps download speed as the minimum for cloud play, says some devices may need 20 Mbps for best quality, and recommends 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Its general best-performance guidance is 10 Mbps for mobile devices and 20 Mbps for consoles, PCs, and tablets. These are Xbox’s service recommendations, not a promise of smooth play: connection quality, location, device, and other factors also affect streaming.
Cloud streaming can differ from playing locally. Xbox notes possible limitations such as lower video resolution, cloud-only saves, limited audio outputs, or limited accessory support. Check the requirements and game availability on the Xbox Cloud Gaming page; supported titles, features, and availability can vary by region, plan, platform, and over time.
Rank #2
- What's in the box: Xbox Series X console, 1 Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black, Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, Power cord.
- Equipped with AMD's Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures, DirectX ray tracing delivers true-to-life lighting, shadows and accurate reflections to create dynamic, living worlds.
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6 w/320 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 10 GB @ 560 GB/s, 6 GB @ 336 GB/s; Internal Storage: 1TB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: True 4K; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; High Dynamic Range: Up to 8K HDR; Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-Ray; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
- Bundled with HDMI_Cable
What you need to play on an Xbox console
For direct console play, you need access to an Xbox console, such as an Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One. The game runs on the console rather than being streamed from Xbox’s cloud service. You also need a compatible controller to play, though many players already own one.
Xbox’s current Cloud Gaming and console pages identify supported Xbox models but do not give a complete universal checklist for setting up a console. Requirements beyond the console and controller depend on how you plan to play and the particular game. A Game Pass subscription is not universally required for console gaming; check the game’s own requirements rather than assuming every console game requires a subscription.
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- BEST VALUE IN GAMING — Experience next-gen speed and performance in the smallest XBOX ever. The XBOX Series S delivers powerful all-digital gameplay in a sleek, compact design.
- UP TO 120 FPS GAMEPLAY — Enjoy smooth, responsive gaming with frame rates up to 120 FPS, powered by XBOX Velocity Architecture, a custom NVMe SSD, and DirectX Raytracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 512GB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 512GB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF DIGITAL GAMES — Play thousands of digital games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX with backward compatibility. Many titles are enhanced for better visuals and performance. Smart Delivery ensures you always get the best version for your console.
Cloud Gaming, console play, and Remote Play compared
| Option | Must you own an Xbox console? | What runs the game? | Main setup requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Cloud Gaming | No, if you have another supported device. | Xbox’s cloud service streams the game. | Supported device and region, supported game, eligible Game Pass plan for most games (with select free-to-play exceptions), compatible controller or game-specific touch controls, and suitable internet. |
| Direct console play | Yes, or access to one. | The Xbox console runs the game locally. | An Xbox console and compatible controller; other requirements depend on the game and how you play. |
| Xbox Remote Play | Yes. Your console is the host. | Your own console streams a game installed on it to a compatible device. | Series X|S or Xbox One with remote features enabled, compatible client device, Microsoft account with an Xbox profile, and a connection meeting Xbox’s stated requirements. |
When Remote Play is the better fit
Remote Play is not a way to play without a console. It streams games installed on your own Xbox to a compatible TV, VR headset, PC, phone, or tablet. Xbox’s Remote Play requirements call for a Series X|S or Xbox One with remote features enabled, a compatible client device, a Microsoft account with an Xbox profile, and 5 GHz Wi-Fi or mobile data at 10 Mbps down.
Choose Remote Play if you want to access games from your console on another screen. Choose Xbox Cloud Gaming if you want to stream eligible games from Xbox without using your own console as the host.
Rank #4
- What's in the box: Xbox Series S 512GB console, 1 Wireless Controller, High Speed HDMI cable.
- CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU; GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU; SOC Die Size: 197.05 mm2.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s.; Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: 1440p; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
Cloud gaming on a TV
For cloud play directly on a TV, Xbox lists a Game Pass subscription for most games, a supported LG or Samsung smart TV or Amazon Fire TV device, a compatible controller, and a wired or 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection at 20 Mbps download speed. Select free-to-play games and supported games are exceptions to the general subscription requirement. TV support depends on the specific model or Fire TV generation, market, and game; confirm your device on the Xbox on TVs page.
How to choose your starting setup
- You do not own an Xbox: Check whether a device you already have is supported for Xbox Cloud Gaming in your region, then confirm that the games you want are available and whether your account needs a Game Pass plan.
- You want games to run locally: Use or acquire an Xbox console and a compatible controller. Verify each game’s requirements separately.
- You own an Xbox but want to play on another screen: Consider Remote Play and verify that your console, client device, account, and connection meet Xbox’s requirements.
- You plan to play on a TV without a console: Confirm the exact TV or Fire TV model is supported and that your network meets Xbox’s TV guidance before buying anything.
Game Pass prices, supported regions, device compatibility, and game availability can change. Xbox’s live product pages are the best place to check current eligibility and supported devices for your location.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
