Macrumors 68030. Macsorcery said: So I signed up for xcloud/gamepass ultimate $1/first month to check it out on my M1 macbook air. I picked up a PS5 DualSense controller.
- The company also recently brought xCloud to PC, Mac, and iOS devices in a beta program that lets you play certain Game Pass games right from your browser. That feature is expected to be released.
- My Xbox (series S) controller only seems to work with XCloud on M1 Air when connected via bluetooth. Both the controller and Macbook have USB-C, so it's a bit strange that wired connections don't work. It was a pain to get the controller paired too. It took very many attempts before it worked.
Updated 06/28/21: Xbox Cloud Gaming through the browser is now available to all Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. This article has been updated throughout with the latest information from Microsoft.
Last year, we wrote about how Apple’s restrictive App Store rules would cause millions of gamers to miss out on Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service (née xCloud). Microsoft later updated the Xbox app to stream games over your local network from your own Xbox, but that’s not the same thing as a cloud gaming service where you don’t need to download or install games at all.
After months of hand-wringing and probably back-room negotiations, Microsoft finally announced that it would build a web-based solution for devices on which it can’t provide an app, like iPhone and iPad. After a short invite-only beta period, Microsoft has announced that all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can now enjoy Xbox Cloud Gaming on Mac, iPhone, or iPad. To play, simply visit xbox.com/play using Edge, Chrome, or Safari browsers on your Apple device.
Most games are made to be played with a controller, but Apple’s devices support modern Xbox controllers just fine. Just sync it to your Mac as you would any Bluetooth device, or plug in via USB. On iPhone or iPad, we have a guide to pairing your Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S controller.
In addition to the broad availability of Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly code-named xCloud) to all subscribers, Microsoft has upgraded the servers that run the games in the cloud to new hardware based on the Xbox Series X. This means faster performance, much quicker loading times, and better visual quality. Games will stream at 1080p and 60fps, but the company says that “Going forward we’ll continue to innovate and add more features to enhance your cloud gaming experience.”
On Xbox, all saved games are always synced to the cloud, as is other user data like friends lists and achievements. So everything you do on a console will be there waiting for you in the cloud, and vice-versa.
The Xbox Cloud Gaming expansion comes along with an expansion of Xbox-ready game accessories for iPhones. The popular Razer Kishi controller, originally only for Android phones, now has an MFi-certified version for iPhones. The new Backbone One controller for iPhone features a dedicated button to launch the Xbox Cloud Gaming web app. For a limited time, Microsoft is offering three-month free trial to new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members with the purchase of either controller.
Thanks to Xbox Cloud Gaming, playing Xbox games on different screens, such as Windows PC via browser, phones, or tablets, has never been easier. With Xbox Game Pass, you get access to the new feature, allowing you to stream games without having to download them.
Think of this: You open up a web page, plug in a controller to your laptop or PC, and within seconds a brand new Xbox game is on your screen and ready to play. Or even better, you open up an app on your phone, and the game plays right there on your home screen. It’s reality, and it’s all thanks to Xbox Cloud Gaming.
A controller is needed, though, so it’s important to get ones that work with Xbox Cloud Gaming. If you do not have a controller, you won’t be able to use the feature, so we’re here to help out.
Here are the best controllers Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Xbox wireless controller
The base Xbox controller that works across Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One can also be used to play games on the cloud. Using a USB cable, it can easily plug and play into any PC, and Bluetooth technology allows it to be paired with an iPhone, iPad, or other mobile devices.
DualShock 4
You can just as easily use a PlayStation controller to play Xbox games on the cloud. You can plug the DualShock 4 into a PC via USB to play on browsers or pair it to something like an iPad or phone. It’s about preference, really, for players who prefer the PlayStation controller to the Xbox one.
Backbone One
This nifty device turns your iPhone into a true gaming machine. The controller handles slide apart and close in to plug right into the iPhone’s lightning jack, giving you complete control over games on the cloud. It’s perfect for other mobile games like Call of Duty: Mobile, too.
Xcloud Gaming Mac Keyboard
Razer Kishi
Another device that turns your phone into its own game controller, the Razer Kishi, works similarly to the Backbone One. Just slide the phone into the middle, plug it in, and start playing. It does lack in form factor when compared to the Backbone, but it’s still a solid option for gaming on a phone.
8BitDo 930 Pro
Xbox Game Pass Xcloud
One of the cheaper, more compact options comes from 8BitDo, the makers of some pretty solid mini-controllers. This one fits basically anywhere when traveling, helping you game on the cloud with ease. It also connects to devices via Bluetooth or USB, to boot.
Xcloud Gaming Mac Computer
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