Xbox Game Streaming (Preview)

REVOLUTIONISING MOBILE GAMING.

Free (Requires Signup, Android Only)

One of the major limitations of a mobile device has been the inability to play consolegrade games. Sure, there are apps that allow you to stream a game from an existing console, but few that allow that option without a hefty $500 or more investment. Xbox is the first company to introduce a beta product for Cloud gaming into Australia, but does not currently require any subscription fees.

The preview app does require a Bluetooth game controller, although this can be any Bluetooth game controller supported by the phone, and there are many cheap or second-hand ones available for a low price on Amazon or eBay. Once connected to the phone, you boot up the app and are presented with the option of playing 25 different games across a wide range of genres, from racing to shooting, adventure and platforming.

Playing the game is a matter of simply tapping the Play button – which shoots you off into a brief loading screen (behind the scenes, Xbox is setting up a virtual Xbox One with the game and streaming the video to your device) and before long, you’re at the start screen and ready to play.

Xbox says that, currently, the preview only requires a 10mbit connection (the average connection in Australia is 60mbits, 4G/5G is 120-200mbits) but is currently restricted to 720p resolution and 30 frames per second. This will eventually become the lowest option in the final product, with plans to bring the newest Xbox Series X hardware into the cloud to allow for 4K and 60 frames per second.