Can You Play Xbox Games on the PC?
Xbox and PC gaming have come a long way in recent years, and nowadays, it’s possible to play Xbox games directly on your PC. But before you start playing, let’s dive in and explore the options available to you. In this article, we’ll cover:
- What is Project xCloud?
- Hardware Requirements for Playing Xbox Games on PC
- How to Play Xbox Games on Your PC
- Benefits and Downsides of Playing Xbox Games on PC
What is Project xCloud?
Project xCloud, also known as xCloud for short, is a cloud gaming streaming service developed by Microsoft. It was formerly known as Project xCloud 1.0 and was rebranded as xCloud in 2018. xCloud allows users to play a wide range of Xbox games on PCs, mobile devices, and even stream them to smart TVs and TVs with Chromecast built-in without the need for a dedicated gaming console or a powerful gaming PC. Think of it as a game that allows you to play Xbox games like Netflix plays movies.
Can You Play Xbox Games on a Mac?
Unfortunately, xCloud is currently only available on Windows 10 devices, including desktop and notebook PCs, as well as Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 devices equipped with the Windows 10 May Update or later. However, Microsoft may develop a Mac version of xCloud in the future, so keep checking their website for updates.
Hardware Requirements for Playing Xbox Games on PC
To use xCloud on your PC and stream Xbox games, you’ll need a high-speed internet connection, a Windows 10 compatible device, and a controller. Although xCloud can be played at 1080p resolution in 60 frames per second, an internet speed of at least 192 Kbps is recommended in order to enjoy a smooth gaming experience, especially for more demanding game titles.
Here are the minimum specifications requirements for playing xCloud games on your PC:
| Required Specifications | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 (64bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD equivalent |
| Storage | 2 GB available space |
| Sound Card | Compatible with Windows DirectX-9 |
| Graphics Card | Compatible with Windows DirectX-9 |
| Internet Connectivity | High-speed internet connection (at least 192 Kbps) |
How to Play Xbox Games on Your PC
To stream Xbox games on your PC using Project xCloud, follow these steps:
Step 1: Sign up
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Create a Microsoft Xbox account if you don’t already have one: Go to the Xbox website and sign in with your Microsoft account or create one if you don’t have one.
Step 2: Download the xCloud App
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Download xCloud from the Microsoft Xbox website: Go to the Xbox xCloud page and click on the green "Download" button to download xCloud on your Windows 10 device. Installing the app is easy and takes under 5 minutes.
Step 3: Launch xCloud
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Double-click the xCloud folder and run the app: Right-click the xCloud folder and double click on the "xCloud.exe" file (or click on the xCloud icon in the Start menu) to open xCloud.
Step 4: Subscribe to xCloud
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Browse the xCloud game library to find the game you want to play (or search for it using xCloud’s search function): Browse your favorite Xbox games and click or tap on the one you want to stream. If you don’t have a subscription service, you’ll be prompted to sign-up for one.
Step 5: Authenticate and Play
- Sign into your Xbox account: If you haven’t used xCloud before, you will see a sign-in screen where you can connect your Xbox account to xCloud; if you have used xCloud before, you can skip this part.
- Start playing: Once you connect your Xbox account, you can start your newly downloaded game. Click or click on the "Play" button to start an instant stream of your chosen games.
Benefits and Downsides of Playing Xbox Games on PC
Here are just a few benefits and downsides worth considering:
Benefits:
- More flexibility: With xCloud on Windows 10, you can play Xbox games on any device with a compatible Web browser, including your PC’s desktop, notebook, or even another device with a compatible TV.
- Better performance: xCloud games can run at higher rates than on a console, thanks to the power of your PC.
- Streamlined gaming experience: xCloud allows you to stream games for free, with no need for local storage or additional software.
Downsides:
- Limited game selections: xCloud is currently limited only by the Xbox game library, which cannot be expanded.
- Stream quality: While xCloud achieves a high-quality stream, it would be better if the resolution and framing rate were higher.
- Internet usage: xCloud uses a significant bandwidth, which can affect your internet capacity and speed.
In conclusion, gaming on your PC with a cloud-based streaming service like Xbox xCloud offers a lot, but it’s not perfect. From the moment you sign into your Xbox account, you can play classic Xbox games on your PC, but that’s not all. With xCloud, you can also play the latest Xbox one games on your PC, and on other devices with compatible browsers to boot.