Microsoft has announced that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate customers will be able to stream their games through the cloud using a new, dedicated app for Samsung smart TVs and monitors released in 2022.
From June 30, you’ll be able to install the Xbox App on Samsung Smart TVs and play Xbox games without the need for an actual Xbox Series X/S console or PC. This ability to stream games via Game Pass Ultimate has been accessible on mobile devices for a few years, but you can now enjoy these games on a larger screen.
Microsoft stated that the software will be compatible with any current wireless Xbox controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, Elite Series 2 Controller, or the DualSense controller.
To control your games, you will need to simply connect the controller via Bluetooth and you’re ready to go. Unfortunately, Microsoft is not increasing the streaming resolution to 4K, thus games will be confined to 1080p streaming at 60 frames per second.
Over 100 high-quality cloud games, including A Plague Tale: Innocence, Hades, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction, will be available to play.
Microsoft collaborated with Samsung on the initial deployment of the Xbox app, but it is unclear when the app will be available on other TVs or even older Samsung models. “We are delivering the Xbox App to Samsung Smart TVs first, and our intention is to explore more TV collaborations as part of this next evolution in our vision,” Ashley McKissick, corporate vice president of Xbox gaming experiences and platforms, adds.
The Xbox TV app, which was first unveiled last year, is a significant step forward for Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming and Game Pass goals. Microsoft has progressively expanded the scope of Xbox Cloud Gaming, bringing it to iOS devices through browser, as well as the web, Xbox One consoles, and PCs.
Microsoft also intends to release standalone Xbox streaming devices that can be plugged into monitors or TVs and stream games in a manner similar to the Xbox TV app. The software company recently stated that it is redesigning its game streaming gadget, codenamed Keystone, so this puck-like hardware will not be available anytime soon.