Xbox is doubling down on its mission to be everywhere a potential customer can be. After enabling cloud streaming on phones and PCs, it wants to take things to the next level, by putting Game Pass on your TV without the need of a console. Yes, that’s right—even without the console.
According to reports, Microsoft plans to release a streaming device that will let people play Xbox games without a console in the next 12 months. The device which VentureBeat compared to an Amazon Fire TV or Roku — will allow customers to access the Xbox Game Pass library via Xbox Cloud Gaming, along with streaming movie and TV platforms. The app and streaming device are in line with Microsoft’s long-running plans to increase access to Xbox games by removing barriers to entry — in particular, the need to buy a gaming console that costs you a lot.
However, you may not need a streaming puck at all if you have a Samsung smart TV. Microsoft is reportedly working with Samsung to create a built in Xbox game streaming app for its TVs. What’s more, Fortnite was recently added to Xbox Cloud Gaming on PC, Android, iOS, and iPad OS for free for free without the need for an install or Xbox Live Gold subscription. So, it seems that the company is hell bent on making it easier and easier to access its ecosystem.
Of course, this meant that Epic Games boss, Tim Sweeney finally got his way in the massive Epic vs. Apple legal battle, as Fortnite is back on Apple devices in this form.
Corporate Vice President for gaming experiences and platforms at Microsoft, Liz Hamren, said: “We’re working with global TV manufacturers to embed the Game Pass experience directly into internet-connected TVs, so all you’ll need to play is a controller.”
“Beyond that, we’re also developing stand-alone streaming devices that you can plug into a TV or monitor, so if you have a strong internet connection you can stream your Xbox experience.” She added.
