Xbox Series X announces changes to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Recently, Corporate Vice president of Project xCloud, Kareem Choudhry announced that the company’s cloud gaming service is coming out of public preview and being added to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on September 15, 2020. The move to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers gives gamers the opportunity to play the games they want, with the people they want, anywhere they want. And, sometime next year, Project xCloud servers will be upgraded to Xbox Series X hardware! 

Beginning September 15, 2020 Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will have access to more than 100 games from the cloud to play on their Android phone and tablet. And, you can expect new games from Xbox Game Studios to be available in the cloud from the day they release. The full catalogue of games available for Project xCloud will be announced closer to launch on September 15.

Here’s a quick break down of what Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers get:

• Play a curated list of Xbox games on Xbox One, Windows 10 PC and Android mobile and tablet devices (starting September 15, 2020).
• The collection of games are updated regularly, many of which are available as soon as they hit the market.
• Includes Xbox Live Gold subscription for online multiplayer fun.
• Free Gold games to download every month.
• Exclusive discounts when buying Xbox games.
• User-friendly mobile app for managing your account and adding games to your roster easily.

To play Xbox games on your Android mobile device and tablet you will need:

• An active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
• A Bluetooth-enabled Xbox controller or other supported controller.
• An Android mobile device or tablet with Android version 6.0 or higher.
• A Wi-Fi / LTE data connection with a downstream speed of at least 10 Mbps.
• The Xbox Game Pass Android app, available in the Samsung Galaxy and Google Play app stores.
• Confirmed launch markets are as follows: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Project xCloud preview impressions

As part of the preview group of users for Project xCloud, I’ve been using the game streaming service for the better part of this year. Initially, I found that Project xCloud performed the best on Wi-Fi with a near flawless experience.

However, playing over LTE using cellular data was a whole different story. At first, I’d say I had about a 70% to 75% success rate. Though, I’ve noticed that performance has increased throughout the past 6 months. Check out my Project xCloud preview impressions article for more details.

Designed for Xbox mobile gaming accessories

As part of expanding Xbox gaming to Android mobile and tablet devices, the company has been working with several third party vendors to ensure gamers can enjoy Xbox gaming regardless of the Android device they are using.

Razer Kishi

Winner of Best of CES 2020 and People’s Choice awards 2020, the Razer Kishi for Android is a universal mobile gaming controller with an ergonomic design. The low-latency USB-C connection provides console-quality controls for most Android smartphones. With pass-through charging for your smartphone during gameplay, you can enjoy long gaming sessions on the go.

PowerA

Last November, PowerA was the first to release a licensed mobile gaming accessory: The MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip for Xbox Wireless Controllers. This year, PowerA is offering the MOGA XP5-X Plus Bluetooth Controller for cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. It features an Xbox style controller, plus Bluetooth, a detachable phone clip, and mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons. And, it comes with an integrated 3000mAh rechargeable battery that can be used to charge Android mobile devices on the go.

Additionally, PowerA is developing the PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus Bluetooth Controller for Mobile and Cloud Gaming this holiday season. This controller is compatible with most Android mobile and tablet devices, as well as PC. The MOGA XP7-X Plus gives mobile gamers two ways to play: expanded with your device clamped inside (similar to the Razer Kishi) or retracted with your device placed on the removable stand. It comes with an integrated 2000mAh Qi Power Bank, which allows you to wirelessly charge your device.

Finally, PowerA are releasing a refreshed model of their original MOGA Mobile gaming clips. These new clips fit all Xbox Wireless Controllers, including the Xbox Series X version. This clip is made with dual locking articulation points to create a balanced and ergonomic viewing angle. And, it has rubberized grips to secure and protect your phone.

8BitDo

Retro-style gaming controller manufacture favourite 8BitDo is launching the SN30 Pro for Android devices. This is a compact Bluetooth controller, which is compatible with all Android mobile phones, and tablets. The SN30 Pro allows you to modify button mapping, adjust the stick and trigger sensitivity, and create controller profiles. It also includes a pro-level gaming clip with adjustable positioning and expandable clip to fit a range of mobile devices.

And, 8BitDo will be launching the standalone Mobile Gaming Clips for Xbox Controllers. The 2-axis adjustable positioning enables you to find the sweet spot for your game style. And, the clips expand to fit most Android smartphones.

SteelSeries

Those looking for a wireless headset solution don’t need to look further. The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless for Xbox is a 4-in-1 wireless gaming headset. It allows you to move seamlessly from Xbox gaming to mobile gaming using the compact USB-C dongle. This headset comes with a noise cancelling detachable ClearCast mic and the same high-performance speaker drivers from the SteelSeries Arctis 9X.

The ultimate way to experience cloud gaming with Xbox – Galaxy Note20 5G and Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G phones

Samsung have partnered up with Xbox to bring mobile play to the next level with the Galaxy Note20 Series 5G phones. The Galaxy Note20 Series 5G phones gaming experience is enhanced with its AI game booster, Bluetooth audio response optimization, and 240Hz touch latency along with 120Hz refresh rate on the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G. It also comes with hyper-fast 5G and Wi-Fi 6 functionality for the ultimate optimized gaming latency experience.

If you pre-order or buy the Galaxy Note20 5G or Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G at Best Buy between August 5 and September 4, you’ll receive an e-voucher redeemable for some great extras. By pre-ordering the Galaxy Note20, you’ll have a choice between Galaxy Buds+ or an Xbox Game Pass Bundle that includes a 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, MOGA XP5-X Plus controller and Wireless Charger Pad.

On the other hand, if you pre-order the Galaxy Note20 Ultra, you’ll have a choice between Galaxy Buds Live or an Xbox Game Pass Bundle with a 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, MOGA XP5-X Plus controller, and Wireless Charger Duo Pad.

Play at Best Buy

Make sure to bookmark and visit the Best Buy Blog as well as our Play at Best Buy gaming hub frequently all summer long. Here we will have special offers, including pre-order links to new games, contests, and the latest news. And, don’t forget to check out my Twitter feed as well as Best Buy Canada’s.

Here’s are the social media links for you to bookmark:

• My Twitter account @4Scarrs_Gaming
• Best Buy Canada Gamers Club’s Twitter account

We also want Play at Best Buy to be an interactive event with you. So let us know what games, news and announcements you are excited about with your likes, comments, and shares!

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