- Microsoft releases an update for the Xbox Games Pass app for Android.
- The update brings touch control support for Surface Duo.
- The feature is available for now for Ultimate members.
Microsoft has announced that it is bringing support for its Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) platform to the Android app, making it possible to turn the Surface Duo into something very much like an Xbox portable game console.
Starting with this update, those who own Surface Duo can play games on one screen using the software-based gamepad on the other, similar to the Nintendo 3DS experience.
Since the company has been updating a lot of Xbox Game Pass titles to include support for touch controls, you can now play over 50 games on your Duo device, including Gears 5, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Tell Me Why (Chapters 1-3), and Minecraft Dungeons.
A very cool update goes live for #SurfaceDuo customers today! Working with @Xbox. We’ve put touch controls on to the second screen. More than 50 games are available to play with touch for @xboxGamePass Ultimate Members. – Microsoft Panos Panay said on Twitter.
This is in addition to the ability to connect an Xbox Wireless Controller to the device directly.
As always, Microsoft will continue to work to bring touch controls to more games, and developers have the option to integrate this feature into their titles.
The game streaming service with touch controls for Surface Duo is available now through the Xbox Game Pass app once the update arrives automatically.
If you do not have the Xbox Game Pass app, you can get it now from the Google Play Store.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].