Microsoft has revealed that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can now stream certain games they own on Xbox consoles as part of a pilot program, with plans to roll out the feature to all users by 2025. In a recent blog post, Microsoft announced that Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha rings can already test this feature. The Xbox Insider program is free and accessible to everyone.

In November, Microsoft introduced the ability for Game Pass Ultimate members to stream select non-Game Pass games on smartphones, PCs, or tablets in 28 supported countries. This capability is now being extended to Xbox consoles. The new feature, dubbed 'Stream your own game,' allows players to stream games they own that are not part of the Game Pass catalog. A list of supported titles is available, including popular games like Assassin's Creed Mirage, Baldur's Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, and NBA 2K25.

Microsoft highlights that the main advantage of this feature is that players do not need to download games locally, as they are streamed directly from a Microsoft data center over the internet. With increasing game file sizes, this could be a convenient option for many. However, a stable and robust internet connection is essential for the best experience. Players should also be aware of any data caps imposed by their internet service provider, as streaming games can quickly consume data.

To use this feature, players can navigate to My games & apps > Full library > Owned games. A new 'cloud badge' will indicate which games can be streamed. Users can also filter their game library to display only those that support cloud gaming. Microsoft plans to further enhance this feature in the future, including support for launching games directly from the Store app and streaming via the Xbox app on Windows PCs.

The ability to stream non-Game Pass games could be particularly useful if one of your favorite games is removed from the Game Pass library. As long as the game continues to support cloud streaming, players can purchase it and use this feature to continue streaming it.

Source link:   https://www.gamespot.com