Microsoft is also letting Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members stream from the selected cloud for games they already own outside of the Xbox Game Pass library.
Microsoft brings Xbox cloud gaming to Samsung Smart TVs; No console needed.
The feature will be available on TVs launched this year and future models. It will appear as the Xbox gaming app, which will be available on the TV's Samsung Gaming Hub.
Clicking the app will allow the TV owner to sign up or sign in to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which costs $14.99 per month. The service works like Netflix for gaming, and will give subscribers access to more than 100 Xbox titles they can stream from the internet.
Xbox app interface on Samsung TV. (Microsoft)
The partnership with Samsung represents Microsoft's effort to attract new Xbox users via game streaming. A year ago, the company announced an ambitious plan to enable Xbox cloud gaming through both smart TVs from major vendors and via the streaming device it's currently in operation.
“If you are new to the world of gaming, this is an easy way to have fun without having to buy a PC or console as well as to join a thriving community of more than 25 million Game Pass members around the world,” said Ashley McKissick, Corporate Vice President. of gaming experiences and platforms.
In fact, the option will allow beginners to enjoy Xbox games without having to pay $499 for a new Xbox Series X console. The Xbox app on Samsung TVs can also pair with any Bluetooth controller. But to stream games from the cloud, users will need at least 10Mbps internet connection. Depending on the quality of the internet, your game experience can be affected due to the lag.
According to Samsung, the Xbox app will appear in 2022 Samsung smart TVs including the Neo QLED 8K and Neo QLED 4K and QLEDs on top of the BU8000 and 2022 Smart Monitor Series models.
McKissick said the feature will arrive June 30 for TV models sold in 27 countries. Microsoft's goal is to explore adding a cloud gaming option to TVs from other vendors over time.
Another notable announcement is how Microsoft is working to allow Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to stream from the selected cloud for games they already own, but are currently out of the Xbox Game Pass library.
“One of the things they [Xbox gamers] have told us is, ‘Hey, we’d like to be able to stream games we own, even if they aren’t in the Game Pass catalog,’” Makisik said. This means that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members will eventually be able to Stream these games to other devices, such as their Android smartphones.
Microsoft plans to add the option later this year. You'll get access to some cloud-enabled Xbox games that were previously added to the Game Pass catalog.