Microsoft’s cloud gaming service, Project xCloud, is set to launch on September 15th and compete with the likes of Google Stadia and Nvidia’s GeForce Now. As we reported last month, the service will be available at no additional cost to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members. However, what we didn’t know at the time was that Ultimate members would get a chance to test out xCloud before its official launch.
A Microsoft spokesperson announced in a statement to The Verge that Project xCloud would enter a limited beta period starting August 11th. Beta testers will have access to a subset of the titles available on xCloud, and the spokesperson made clear that the beta experience “should not be considered indicative of the final experience or library.” The beta is intended “to ensure a smooth transition of the cloud gaming experience to the Xbox Game Pass app on Android.” The xCloud beta is available specifically on the Beta version of the Xbox Game Pass app. Unfortunately, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members won’t be able to try out xCloud on iOS due to Apple’s present barring of cloud gaming services from the App Store.
