Xbox hints that cloud gaming could be coming to iOS and PC imminently

Microsoft has seemingly hinted that Xbox cloud gaming could be coming to iOS and PC imminently.

Currently, over 200 cloud-enabled games can be played using Android devices and a compatible controller, with a growing number of the titles also supporting touch controls.

Microsoft said in December 2020 that it would make cloud gaming as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate available on Windows PCs through the Xbox app and browser, and iOS devices through mobile web browser, “in spring 2021”.

Returning to the subject in an official cloud gaming walkthrough video released on Thursday —just two days before spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere— Microsoft has now hinted that PC and iOS support could be coming very soon.

“We’ve already announced that we’re bringing it to iOS and PC early this year,” said Kevin LaChapelle, vice president of xCloud and engineering at Microsoft, in the video. “So, I won’t give you specific dates but it’s not very far [off],” he teased, winking at the camera.

Jerret West, chief marketing officer at Xbox, said in December that Microsoft would be “adding over a billion devices as a path to playing in the Xbox ecosystem” when cloud gaming launches for iOS and PC.

“We envision a seamless experience for all types of players; whether it’s playing Minecraft Dungeons with your Xbox friends using touch controls on an iPhone, or jumping into a Destiny 2: Beyond Light strike on a Surface Pro when you have a break between meetings”, he added.

Further reading

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March 2021’s new Xbox Game Pass titles include Octopath Traveler

Empire of Sin, Nier: Automata, Torchlight III, Yakuza 6 and more also coming

Cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is currently available in 21 countries across North America and Europe, plus South Korea.

It’s also being tested in Australia, Brazil, Japan and Mexico ahead of its full launch in those markets later this year.

Xbox head Phil Spencer has said the company is working to bring Xbox Game Pass streaming to consoles too.

Following a three-month delay, EA Play was added to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for PC on March 18.