Xbox Cloud Gaming has officially moved past its beta phase, marking a significant development for the service.
Alongside this official launch, Microsoft has announced improvements for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. These enhancements include an increased streaming quality, now supporting resolutions up to 1440p, and significantly reduced wait times. Following recent price adjustments and a restructuring of Xbox Game Pass, the Ultimate tier now costs $30 per month, though a $20 monthly rate might still be available via some retailers.
Dustin Blackwell, Microsoft`s director of gaming and platform communications, confirmed to The Verge that 1440p resolution will be available for specific games and devices, although Xbox has not yet detailed which ones will support these higher resolutions.
Originally unveiled as Project xCloud in 2018, Xbox Cloud Gaming officially debuted in 2020 as an integral part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Cloud gaming is now also accessible to subscribers of the new Xbox Game Pass Premium ($15/month) and Essential ($10/month) tiers. However, these lower tiers do not include the enhanced 1440p resolution or reduced wait times. An Xbox Insider update in August had previously suggested that streaming capabilities would eventually extend to these lower-cost Game Pass subscriptions.
The updates to Xbox Cloud Gaming are part of a broader restructuring of Xbox Game Pass. This comprehensive overhaul also involves adding content like Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics to Game Pass Ultimate, along with specific conditions concerning the availability of new Call of Duty titles on the service.