Xbox’s continued cloud climb: Samsung TVs, more nations, games outside Game Pass

Enlarge / Though we're not quite to the point of Microsoft releasing an Xbox-focused streaming device, getting a built-in Xbox Cloud Gaming app on current and future Samsung TVs is a start. (credit: Microsoft)

Ahead of its annual summer "new games" presentation, Microsoft's team at Xbox pre-briefed members of the press with announcements that don't revolve around gameplay-filled reveal trailers. We thus picked through a 45-minute presentation full of corporate-speak to find news of actual interest, and the biggest announcements unsurprisingly come from the world of Xbox Cloud Gaming.

From this year forward, every "smart TV" sold by Samsung will include built-in support for the Xbox Cloud Gaming app, installable directly on those TVs the same way owners might install video-streaming apps. A Samsung rep clarified to Ars Technica that this includes models already on sale in its "Neo QLED" line of 4K and 8K sets.

More places to play, more games to play

After installing the Xbox app, a compatible Samsung TV will enable Bluetooth device pairing and present step-by-step instructions for wirelessly connecting an official Xbox Wireless Controller, a Bluetooth-compatible PlayStation controller (both DualShock 4 and DualSense), Amazon's Luna controller, or other generic Bluetooth controllers. With at least one controller paired, users will then gain access to the same streamed-games interface used by Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, which is currently available on Chrome and Edge web browsers and all Xbox consoles from the base Xbox One generation upward.

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