Starting November 2024, Xbox Cloud Gaming will allow players to purchase games outside of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, expanding access to a broader library. Xbox President Sarah Bond confirmed that this long-awaited feature will roll out gradually, so you won't instantly gain access to your entire digital Xbox library.
Background and Timeline Microsoft has been working towards this goal since 2019, aiming to bring its entire Xbox catalog to the cloud. Next month marks a significant step forward, enabling players to build their own cloud libraries using titles from the Xbox Store.
Availability on Devices and Regions Initially, the new "buy to own" feature will be available only on Android devices in the U.S. due to Apple's stringent app restrictions. While it's unclear when the feature will extend to iOS or other regions, players may still access their games via the web at Xbox.com/play. This includes compatibility with platforms like the Amazon Fire Stick and select Samsung TVs.
For broader availability, the feature may roll out to additional Xbox Cloud Gaming markets over time, though specific timelines are yet to be confirmed. Current supported regions include:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- United States
Game Library and Access It’s important to note that not all games will be available at launch. Some publishers may choose to exclude their titles due to existing deals with other services or plans for their own platforms. Additionally, the cloud servers rely on Xbox hardware, meaning that the initial library will expand over time rather than being fully available from day one.
While Xbox Cloud Gaming has supported around 300 games through Game Pass, the goal is to increase this number significantly, potentially reaching thousands of titles. However, this expansion will happen in phases, similar to how other cloud gaming services announce new titles.
Conclusion The upcoming rollout of Xbox Cloud Gaming's "Bring Your Own Games" feature is a pivotal development for gamers, promising greater flexibility and a more extensive library. While it won’t provide immediate access to all games, it's a significant step towards making Xbox titles more accessible across various platforms.
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