Xbox cloud gaming (source: Microsoft)

Xbox cloud gaming (xCloud) beta opens early for subscribers

Microsoft is now letting Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers get early access to its Xbox cloud gaming starting August 11, 2020.

Starting August 11, Microsoft is opening up its cloud gaming (formerly xCloud) platform to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers ahead of the official September 15 launch.

If you already have an ultimate subscription, you can download the new version of the Xbox Game Pass (beta) app from the Google Play Store to try the new gaming service.

During the early access period to the cloud gaming service, you won’t have full access to the 100+ games expected to be available in September. Instead, starting August 11, you’ll be able to play around 30 titles.

“As we approach the launch of cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on September 15, we’re entering a limited beta period to ensure a smooth transition of the cloud gaming experience to the Xbox Game Pass app on Android,” the company explains. Furthemore, “existing Xbox Game Pass (Beta) app users will get the opportunity to test a subset of the available titles as we ready the experience for broader availability next month.”

As the service gets close to the final release, the company is planning to close its Project xCloud Preview on September 11. Also, since Microsoft has been having problems getting its service approved by Apple, you won’t be able to access the service on your iOS device.

About the author

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.