Another September 15 date. This particular Tuesday has taken another layer of importance. Not only is this the deadline Donald Trump has put forth for Microsoft to close the TikTok deal, but is also when the Project xCloud game streaming service will launch.
At least on Android, and in no less than 22 markets.
Microsoft apparently wants to market this service as cloud gaming, instead of its codename of Project xCloud. Sane decision.
Only Android phones and tablets will be supported at launch, and these devices will be able to play over 100 Xbox Game Pass games. Redmond will share more details about the full catalog closer to launch.
But for now, this is what the company says:
“When cloud gaming launches as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, players will have access to more than 100 high-quality games playable from the cloud, including Minecraft Dungeons, Destiny 2, Tell Me Why, Gears 5, Yakuza Kiwami 2, and more. And as we’ve committed to providing day-one access to new titles from Xbox Game Studios as part of Xbox Game Pass, it’s our intent to make those same games available in the cloud from the day they release.”
This neat little video lays it out:
The 22 launch countries for this cloud gaming service include 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.
For comparison, Google Stadia that launched last November is only still available in 14 markets.
Those who signed up for the Project xCloud Preview will find that their service will continue to work until September 11, after which they will need to sign up for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to use this new cloud gaming service.
Microsoft also highlighted some accessories that might be useful if you want to enjoy cloud gaming on your phone. These include the Razer Kishi controller and the 8BitDo controller.
Start of a new era.
