Microsoft is expanding its cloud gaming capabilities with a beta test allowing Xbox players to stream games they own directly on their consoles. The feature is now accessible to participants in the Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha tiers of the Xbox Insiders program on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles. A full rollout is expected sometime in 2025.
This marks the next step in Microsoft’s “stream your own game” initiative, first announced in November. Previously, the feature enabled Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream select digitally owned titles on televisions, Meta Quest VR headsets, and supported web browsers. Now, Xbox console owners are included in the growing list of supported devices.
However, the feature currently comes with limitations. It’s exclusive to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, and only games that support cloud streaming are eligible. The initial catalog includes notable titles such as Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Stray, Balatro, Animal Well, and the first six Final Fantasy games. While the list is short for now, it features high-quality games, making the feature appealing even in its beta stage.
Once the feature becomes widely available, it has the potential to streamline gaming experiences for Xbox players. Users could skip lengthy downloads and access their library without needing additional external storage—an advantage for gamers juggling multiple titles.
Microsoft has been steadily advancing its cloud gaming strategy, aiming to make Xbox gaming accessible across a wide range of devices and reducing barriers to entry. The eventual inclusion of Windows Xbox app support in 2025 will further broaden the feature’s reach.
The introduction of cloud streaming on Xbox consoles aligns with Microsoft’s long-term vision of a seamless, device-agnostic gaming ecosystem. While still in beta, the feature offers a glimpse into a more convenient future for Xbox users, making their gaming libraries instantly accessible with fewer hardware constraints.
