Xbox Game Pass is changing, and now lets Ultimate tier subscribers stream their own games, including titles not part of the Game Pass library.
It avoids players needing to install the game on their Xbox consoles, which can be time-consuming, and opens up more titles to play on other platforms. In fact, it’s only launching for non-PC and non-console platforms for now.
Streaming of games you own through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will initially be available on “TV and browser” and will come to Xbox consoles and the Xbox app on PCs in 2025. “Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, Meta Quest headsets” are among the platforms supported.
One limiting factor, though, is games you “own” only extend to titles bought digitally. Have the disc? You won’t be able to stream it via Game Pass.
While support for physical ownership would introduce additional validation headaches, it’s also consistent with the digital-first strategy becoming increasingly apparent among console makers.
A PlayStation 5 Pro disc drive is an optional, and expensive, upgrade. And Microsoft’s new “this is an Xbox” campaign downplays the importance of having a console at all. A Steam Deck and Fire TV stick are Xboxes these days, according to Microsoft.
For now, here are the 50 games currently supported for streaming via ownership:
Microsoft says the line-up of titles will “continue to grow” in future. To try out this new form of game streaming, you simply need to look for the “stream your own game” shortcut in the Xbox app or browser you typically use to play Xbox Game Pass.
Streaming of games you own is only accessible to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. This service costs £14.99 a month.
