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Xbox Unveils Major Updates: Enhanced Game Pass Features, Game Sales on Android App, and Streaming of Owned Titles via Cloud Gaming

Xbox Game Pass is about to take a big step forward by finally delivering a feature that was first teased a few years ago. Starting in November, Xbox Insiders will be able to test the much-anticipated ability to stream games they own—titles outside the Game Pass catalog—through Xbox Cloud Gaming. This means players can stream popular games like Baldur’s Gate III and Elden Ring that they’ve purchased, without needing to rely on the Game Pass library, making game ownership more flexible and accessible.

A recent report by The Verge revealed that Xbox will begin testing this expanded cloud gaming feature with members of the Xbox Insider program. Though the specific games that will be included in the initial test phase haven’t been confirmed, it’s expected that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will soon be able to stream a wide range of titles from their digital libraries on various devices, including mobile phones, laptops, and gaming handhelds. This new perk is part of Xbox’s ongoing efforts to enhance the value of its Ultimate subscription plan.

The idea for this feature has been in the pipeline for quite some time. It was first teased in 2020 as part of the Project xCloud beta, but it didn’t make the cut for the service’s official launch. Microsoft once again hinted at expanding cloud streaming to games outside the Game Pass catalog in late 2022, but the functionality never fully materialized. At the time, Xbox editorial head Will Tuttle stated, “Later this year, we plan to enable Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to stream select titles they already own or have purchased separately.” Now, it appears that after two years, any lingering technical hurdles have been resolved, and the feature is finally ready for testing.

Alongside the upcoming cloud gaming enhancement, Xbox has also announced another significant update: the ability to purchase Xbox games directly through its Android app. This feature is expected to roll out this fall and stems from legal proceedings involving Google’s app store policies. It’s a game-changer for mobile gamers and ties into Xbox’s broader mission of expanding its ecosystem to offer more flexibility and convenience for players.

These developments align Xbox Cloud Gaming more closely with services like Nvidia’s GeForce Now, which allows users to stream games they already own across multiple devices, including less powerful hardware. While GeForce Now offers a free tier with some limitations—such as lower resolution and timed sessions—Xbox’s version remains exclusive to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, who will continue to enjoy these benefits as part of the recently raised $20 per month subscription.

Ultimately, these changes bring Xbox closer to delivering on its promise of a connected, cross-platform gaming ecosystem. As Xbox Cloud Gaming expands, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers could soon find that much of their digital game collection is available to stream on a variety of devices, from mobile phones to laptops. Whether you’re gaming at home or on the go, Xbox is clearly positioning itself as a leader in flexible, on-demand gaming experiences.

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