After many rumours and debates over a possible dedicated “Xcloud” device by Xbox, it became clear at a certain point that “project keystone” was no longer going to release. This didn’t mean that Microsoft abandoned their cloud plans or future, however, but instead we saw them focus directly on TVs with adding Xbox Cloud Gaming to certain Samsung TVs a couple years ago. Since then we haven’t seen too much movement in this regard, at least not until today. Over on their Xbox Wire posts, Microsoft have officially announced today that they’re working directly with Amazon to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers in over 25 countries to two Fire TV devices. Specifically the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) and the Fire TV Stick 4K (2023). These devices MSRP at $59.99 USD and $49.99 USD respectively.
This means that when this service comes next month in July, Xbox fans how have an affordable way to play Cloud Gaming on their TVs.
Getting started is simple, you simply connect a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller (even the DualSense works here) to the Fire TV Stick, install the Xbox app, sign in, and now you’re playing Xbox games through Xbox Cloud Gaming. Of course the gaming experience will still vary based on your internet connection, location, latency, etc, and we have yet to see exactly how well Xbox Cloud Gaming will work on these Fire TV sticks.
Amazon themselves have a blogpost up where they commented about the deal, here’s a blurb from it below:
“This announcement is an extension of Amazon’s commitment to bringing the best entertainment experiences to our customers, including top-tier cloud gaming options. For casual gamers or those new to the hobby, it provides an easy, low-cost entry point to explore the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate library. Hardcore gamers can use it as a convenient way to play on another TV or take their games on the go.”
Could this be the beginning of a more intimate partnership with Microsoft and Amazon on gaming? We do know that Fallout, a Microsoft owned IP, did tremendously well on Amazon Prime. Amazon even mentions this IP specifically in their blogpost. Let us know what you think about Xbox Cloud Gaming coming to Fire TV Sticks in the comments below!
