Microsoft is currently testing a new feature for Xbox Game Pass that delivers significant value for players. Starting today, members of the Xbox Insider program can try out the Xbox Cloud Gaming beta on the Game Pass Core and Standard tiers. Until now, this service was exclusive to those subscribed to Game Pass Ultimate.
This development is notable because, in today’s gaming landscape, it’s uncommon to see a service that actually enhances its value proposition. While there have been reports of Game Pass increasing its subscription prices, offering cloud gaming options to more budget-conscious players is a positive step. This move could make gaming more accessible and affordable for a broader audience.
Recent hints from Microsoft suggest that more changes are in the pipeline. Jason Ronald, Vice President of Next Generation Experiences at Microsoft, mentioned in an Xbox podcast that such features are on the horizon. There are also rumors about the company potentially introducing an ad-supported tier for Game Pass, though nothing official has been announced yet.
Additionally, select titles from the PC Game Pass library will soon be accessible for players on the Core and Standard plans—though only on Windows PCs or handheld devices. Gaming on consoles with PC games isn’t available at this time, but it’s possible that future updates could enable Xbox players to enjoy these titles via keyboard and mouse controls.
According to Ronald, many players are already using Game Pass Ultimate primarily for cloud gaming, either as their main way to play or as an extra option for gaming on the go. He emphasizes that these updates could make the service more affordable and easier to access, especially in new regions or through different ways of connecting to the Xbox cloud.
The lineup for May’s Game Pass has been unveiled, and as expected, Doom: The Dark Ages stands out as the highlight of the month. However, it’s not the only game grabbing attention during this period! The selection features a variety of titles, from anime-style fighters to charming Metroidvanias, promising hours of entertainment.
Additionally, a previously featured Game Pass title is returning, with several games moving tiers, along with new perks and downloadable content on the horizon.
Dredge (Cloud, PC, Console) — May 6
Team17
Dredge merges fishing with Lovecraftian horror in this indie gem. It’s a single-player, narrative-driven adventure where you catch fish to earn money, upgrade your gear, and occasionally uncover mysteries lurking beneath the surface. For fans, there’s even a live-action film adaptation in the works!
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 (Cloud, PC, Console) — May 7
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 invites players into an expansive world, allowing them to engage in battles with iconic characters while enjoying a story crafted for fans of the Dragon Ball universe. Winning battles requires strategic skill rather than mere button-mashing, and with a total playtime of 30 to 40 hours, it’s packed with content.
Revenge of the Savage Planet (Cloud, PC, Console) — May 8
Racoon Logic
Revenge of the Savage Planet presents a satirical, over-the-top Metroidvania experience where you play a corporate worker left behind on a hostile planet. Equipped with minimal gear and an intense desire for revenge, you’ll explore and gather upgrades to make your escape back to Earth.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed blends RPG and relationship elements with classic brawler gameplay. Expect a thrilling adventure lasting about ten to fourteen hours, filled with the action and camaraderie you’d anticipate from the Turtles.
Warhammer: Vermintide 2 (Cloud, Console) — May 13
User fans will be delighted to see the return of Warhammer: Vermintide 2 to the Game Pass lineup after some time off. Join forces with three other players to tackle waves of enemies in this action-packed experience set within the Warhammer Fantasy universe, collecting loot and enhancing your character’s abilities along the way.
Doom: The Dark Ages (Cloud, PC, Console) — May 15
Bethesda
A prequel to both Doom and Doom: Eternal, Doom: The Dark Ages offers more demon-slaying excitement with a medieval flair. With a cloak and a shield rimmed with saw blades, you’ll face a plethora of demonic foes.
Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo (Cloud, PC, Console) — May 16
This Game Pass release welcomes players to Limbo, where they will aid lost souls in overcoming their regrets. The game features an adorable, brightly colored papercraft design, providing a refreshing change of pace from the darker titles on this list.
Firefighting Simulator: The Squad (Cloud, PC, Console) — May 20
Curious about what it’s like to be a firefighter? Firefighting Simulator allows you to experience it firsthand, whether solo or with up to three friends.
Police Simulator: Patrol Officers (Cloud, PC, Console) — May 20
Essentially the police version of Firefighting Simulator, this game lets you choose between diligently performing your duties or creating chaotic hilarity with friends a la Police Academy.
Beyond these newcomers, titles such as Dungeons of Hinterberg, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, and Metal Slug Tactics will also be available in the Game Pass Standard tier starting May 7.
Upgrading to Game Pass Ultimate offers numerous advantages, and one of the standout features is the ability to cloud stream your games. Initially, Ultimate members could only stream a limited selection of titles, but Xbox has broadened this feature to include games you own—even if they're not part of Game Pass Ultimate. However, there are a few conditions to consider, so we’ll explore how to stream your Xbox games and the limitations you might face.
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
10 minutes
What You Need
Game Pass Ultimate
Samsung Smart TV
Amazon Fire TV device
Meta Quest headset
PC
Mobile device
A compatible controller
How to Cloud Stream Your Xbox Games Using Game Pass Ultimate on PC, Mobile, or Tablet
Currently, Xbox cloud streaming is accessible on PCs, smartphones, tablets, and select smart TVs, with console support anticipated in 2025. If you have a compatible device, follow these steps to get started using any web browser.
Step 1: Launch a supported browser such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Edge.
Step 3: Log in with your Game Pass Ultimate account.
Step 4: Choose Stream your own game and browse the available options.
Step 5: Pair an Xbox controller or another compatible controller with your device.
Step 6: Wait for the connection to be established, and then you can start playing.
Microsoft
How to Cloud Stream Your Xbox Games Using Game Pass Ultimate on TV or VR
You can also cloud stream Xbox games on your smart TV or VR headset for an immersive experience. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Download the Xbox app on your TV or the Xbox Cloud Gaming app on your VR headset.
Step 2: Open the app and sign in using your Game Pass Ultimate account.
Step 3: Select Stream your own game and navigate through the list of available options.
Step 4: Connect a compatible controller to your TV or headset.
Step 5: Wait for the connection to be established and begin your gaming session.
Since Xbox cloud streaming is still in its beta phase, not every game in your library can be streamed. Currently, only 50 titles are supported, but more will be added over time. Here’s a list of games that are available for streaming:
Following a brief teaser earlier today, Xbox has officially announced that the Spyro Reignited Trilogy will soon be available on Xbox Game Pass. Excitingly, it will be featured across various tiers, including Game Pass Standard.
The Spyro Reignited Trilogy features the beloved titles Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage!, and Spyro: Year of the Dragon, and is set to become accessible on the subscription service on November 12 — just a day away. It will be included in Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard.
While we anticipated this announcement, the speed at which Xbox confirmed it took us by surprise after a recent post on X. The Xbox Game Pass account teased the news with a 30-second video showing a chest from the series, which the official Spyro account responded to.
Related
The best games on Xbox Game Pass right now (November 2024)
Xbox Game Pass is gaining a lot of new titles following the success of Black Ops 6
Black Ops 6 could become the largest release in the Call of Duty franchise
The platforming trilogy has been part of Xbox since 2018 and can currently be purchased on the Xbox Store for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S for $40. Its addition to Game Pass opens up the game to a new audience who might have missed out on the original releases.
Originally, the trilogy was created by Insomniac Games, which is now part of PlayStation Studios, making this an interesting move for Game Pass. While other Spyro games were released later, the Reignited collection was developed by Toys for Bob, a former Activision studio known for its work on the Crash Bandicoot franchise.
Despite experiencing significant layoffs in January 2024 after Microsoft acquired its parent company, Toys for Bob became independent again in February and formed a partnership with Xbox to publish its next title.
As players dive into Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, there’s also a strong lineup of games coming to the service this November, including Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, StarCraft: Remastered and StarCraft II: Campaign Collection, along with the new Metal Slug Tactics.
Great News! Xbox is giving away 3 months of free Apple Music and Apple TV+ subscription to anyone availing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
About two years ago, Xbox consoles got the Apple TV app so you could watch Apple TV+. Since then, Apple has offered users a free trial of Apple TV+ several times, like last year’s offer to LG Smart TV owners and Target customers.
Microsoft announced today that its Game Pass Ultimate members could try Apple TV+ and Apple Music for three months. Click here to read the terms and conditions. According to Microsoft, there are 100 million songs available on Apple Music, with new pieces added every month. There are also no ads, and you can listen on any device. Xbox blog post added details.
Xbox Windows app or console users can get the perks. The offer only applies to people who don’t already subscribe to Apple Music or Apple TV+. In addition, the offer excludes Russia and Turkey, where both Apple TV+ and Apple Music aren’t available.
Who can claim 3 months of free Apple Music and TV+ on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
You can activate your 3-month trial until March 31, 2023, if you’re eligible. Users must start Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions upon claiming the offer.
