You can finally stream Xbox Game Pass titles on your Xbox… but there’s a catch

Xbox Cloud Gaming lets anyone with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription stream a massive number of titles just about anywhere, from your games console to your smartphone, tablet or smart TV. Now, you can actually stream these titles to your Xbox console and avoid downloading huge games. But, there’s a catch: you need to be an Xbox Insider.

• Read more: Xbox Cloud Gaming explained: a complete guide

Microsoft has finally cottoned on to what we’ve all been thinking: streaming Xbox Game Pass titles to an actual Xbox console should have been a thing from the start. Well, now the feature is rolling out. No more faffing about with downloads or awkwardly playing on your phone while staring longingly at your Series X. You can dive straight into games on your console – no installation required.

But the feature is currently only rolling out to Xbox Insiders with Game Pass Ultimate. So not everyone will be able to use Cloud Gaming on their Xbox at first. But hopefully that changes soon. If you are an Insider, this feature means you can play without the hassle of installing monstrous game files that seem to get bigger by the week.

Streaming through the cloud could genuinely save you hours of downloading time and the frustration of a painfully slow progress bar creeping across your screen. There’s a decent selection of games ready for streaming, too. Microsoft’s listed some bangers on their website, including Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Animal Well, and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Whatever your taste, there’s something to test the waters with.

The feature works on both current-gen Series X/S consoles and older Xbox Ones, so no one’s being left behind. Testing is live now for Insiders, and the full rollout is expected next year. It’s a staggered launch, so keep an eye out if you’re not in the Insiders programme just yet. If you’re keen to test it, Game Pass Ultimate is your ticket, starting at $16.99/£12.99 a month.

• Related: Next Xbox 2025: everything we know about the Series X and S follow-up

Connor Jewiss

About

Connor is a writer for Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. He has been writing for around seven years now, with writing across the web and in print too. Connor has experience on most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Just like everyone else around here, he’s a fan of gadgets of all sorts! Aside from writing, Connor is involved in the startup scene. This exciting involvement puts him at the front of new and exciting tech, always on the lookout for innovating products.

Areas of expertise

Mobile, macOS, EVs, smart home