In a significant move to address the longstanding storage limitations of the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, Microsoft has introduced a pivotal update to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This enhancement allows subscribers to stream not only titles available through Game Pass but also select games they own, directly from the cloud, thereby reducing the need for extensive local storage.
Previously, Xbox Cloud Gaming permitted streaming exclusively for titles within the Game Pass library. With the latest update, users can now stream over 100 of their personally owned games without installing them on their consoles. This feature is particularly beneficial for Series S users, who contend with a modest 512GB of internal storage, and Series X users, whose 1TB storage can quickly become constrained with modern game sizes .
To determine which owned games are eligible for cloud streaming, users can navigate to:
- My games & apps > Full library > Owned Games
Games marked with a cloud icon are available for streaming. By uninstalling these titles from local storage and opting to stream them, players can free up valuable space for other installations. Importantly, save data remains synchronized across devices, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
Complementing the cloud streaming update, Microsoft has expanded Xbox Remote Play functionality. Players can now access and stream their console’s content via any web browser, facilitating gameplay on a broader range of devices without the necessity of downloading games locally .
The storage challenges of the Xbox Series consoles have been a point of contention since their inception. The Series X offers 1TB of storage, with approximately 802GB available to users due to system files , while the Series S provides 512GB, further limited by system reserves. With contemporary games often exceeding 100GB, managing storage has been a persistent issue for gamers.
While external storage solutions exist, such as the WD_Black C50 and Seagate Expansion Cards, they come at a premium, often exceeding £120 for just 1TB of additional space . Moreover, these expansions are necessary for playing Series X/S optimized games, as standard USB drives are restricted to older titles.
This update signifies a strategic shift in how Microsoft addresses hardware limitations, leveraging cloud technology to enhance user experience. By enabling streaming of owned games, players can maintain a diverse game library without the constant need to manage storage space actively. Additionally, this development breathes new life into older hardware, allowing devices like the Xbox One to stream Series X-enhanced games, thereby extending their utility.
As Microsoft continues to integrate cloud capabilities into its gaming ecosystem, users can anticipate further innovations aimed at optimizing gameplay experiences while mitigating hardware constraints.
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