A new update for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One now allows players to stream games directly to their consoles—no downloads or installations required. The feature is available exclusively to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
According to Microsoft, over 100 titles are already compatible with this new cloud gaming option, with more to be added in future updates. Recent additions that support the feature include Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, Wanderstop, and Epic Mickey: Rebrushed.
The update also brings other quality-of-life improvements. One is a new “Free Up Space” page, which helps users identify duplicate game files or titles they no longer have access to. Additionally, Xbox has rolled out a refreshed menu interface to make navigation smoother and more intuitive.
How to Stream Games on Xbox with Game Pass Ultimate
If you’re a Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, you can start streaming supported Xbox titles directly from your console—no downloads needed. Here’s how to get started:
- On your Xbox, go to My Games & Apps
- Select Library
- Choose Purchased Games
Look for any games that show a cloud icon—these are ready for streaming. To play, simply select the game and click on “Cloud” to launch it instantly and jump right in.
Old promise of Microsoft
Microsoft first promised this game streaming feature back in 2019, but it faced several delays before finally rolling out. It wasn’t until November 2024 that the feature was made available, initially in a limited preview for Xbox Insiders.
At that stage, it only supported smartphones, tablets, and Meta Quest VR devices. It wasn’t until December that testers finally saw the feature appear on Xbox consoles.
Meanwhile, the Xbox app on Android and iOS has also received some major updates. Beta users can now buy games, DLCs, and expansions, subscribe to Game Pass, and even claim rewards—all directly from their mobile device. This update is expected to roll out to the wider public soon.
However, not all changes have been well received. Xbox Remote Play, which previously allowed users to stream their console games via the mobile app, has been removed from the app entirely. Going forward, anyone wanting to use Remote Play will have to do so through a web browser instead.
“It will make it easier for our team to optimize the streaming experience and bring new features,” says Microsoft in an official statement.
