Xbox Game Pass launches on iPhone, iPad

AppleInsiderAppleInsider
Posted:
in iPhone edited June 2021
Xbox has launched a Safari-compatible version of its Game Pass streaming service on iPhone, and select controller partners are offering three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for free.

Get three months of Game Pass Ultimate with the purchase of Backbone One
Get three months of Game Pass Ultimate with the purchase of Backbone One


Xbox Game Pass exits closed beta testing, and is now available via Safari on iPhone and iPad to all Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. Users can stream games and play with their touch screen or external controllers.

Apple doesn't allow native game streaming apps on iOS or iPadOS, but Microsoft is able to run Game Pass from the Safari browser. Like with Nvidia GeForce Now, users need only add the streaming service website to their Home Screen for easy access to the service.

Once added, Game Pass will appear as an app icon and launch a Safari window without the usual UI surrounding the page. Then, users will only need to log in to their account to begin playing games.

Alongside the Game Pass launch, Xbox has partnered with select controller retailers for a special offer. Those who purchase the Backbone One or new Razer Kishi will get three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Both controllers snap onto a user's iPhone and connects via Lightning. They transforms the iPhone into a facsimile-gaming handheld complete with a game launching system through a dedicated app.

The Razer Kishi grips the iPhone with its attachment system
The Razer Kishi grips the iPhone with its attachment system


Both controllers offer similar functionality and attachment mechanisms. The difference will lie in customer preference -- the Kishi having thicker chassis and grip versus the Backbone One being slimmer, but less compact for carrying.

The Backbone One can be purchased for $99 through the Backbone website. The Razer Kishi can be purchased via Razer's website.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is normally $14.99 per month and can be cancelled at any time.

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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 20
    BeatsBeats Posts: 3,073member
    Those are some nice controller attachments. Usually these companies have no style.
  • Reply 2 of 20
    XxterrorizexxXxterrorizexx Posts: 2unconfirmed, member
    My xcloud still says it’s a beta build 
    just checked now….
    still in beta ?
  • Reply 3 of 20
    sagan_studentsagan_student Posts: 187member
    It looks like this is the, often predicted, start to the decline of console gaming. Consoles will continue to become more and more ubiquitous from here on out. Considering all that is at stake with this transition, I’m very interested in seeing how Nintendo handles it.  

    Inspired by, but not related to the article. 
    This actually made me see Epic’s side of it. I totally appreciate that many of you have already articulated this, but I feel like I can now too; and this is me just getting it out. Critiques welcome.

    The way I’m seeing it now, is that Epic has amassed the means to support their own distribution, storage, etc.; and in doing so, they can save money. So their argument is based on the fact that they don’t need Apple’s expertise or storage or whatever, for any of that, save for development tools (however I do think that development tools are something that should be paid by Apple. If they want people to build apps for them then they need to develop that.). Them doing it themselves saves money. 

    But, I am failing to see the endgame. So epic does this and then offers other companies games and apps in their store, making it easier for them to offset their development costs because they are charging for their services. And IMO, putting them at an advantage over the other developers that they are hosting. 

    The problem with this is where does it end? All of these companies are software companies. They would not exist without hardware. And now, they want to open a store based solely on code with nothing tangible to a physical product.

    This new perspective still doesn’t change my position, I still side with Apple. However, I do think that there could be a clause that says the cost to play is 15% or pay for your own (edit: but unable to host others [is this side-loading?]) save for an annual fee. 
    edited June 2021
  • Reply 4 of 20
    tpurdytpurdy Posts: 40member
    Very excited about this, but can someone please break down the pros and cons for me? I assume there are latency issues (especially if I’m playing over cell service, although I do live in a 5G / 5GUW area), but is it enough to affect the quality of gaming? If I play multiplayer and keep dying, can I blame the cloud or am I really just that bad? 

    Long story short - I just bought an Xbox Series X, and other than getting 4K when connected directly to my TV, what advantages does the console give me now that I can play on my iPhone and iPad?

    Thanks my peeps!!
  • Reply 5 of 20
    foregoneconclusionforegoneconclusion Posts: 2,847member
    tpurdy said: Long story short - I just bought an Xbox Series X, and other than getting 4K when connected directly to my TV, what advantages does the console give me now that I can play on my iPhone and iPad?
    The proper way to view the mobile version of Game Pass is that it's essentially a Greatest Hits collection of older Xbox titles. So you're going to have Halo, Gears of War, Forza, Fable, Fallout, Elder Scrolls + a few 3rd party classics like GTA V and No Mans Sky. Microsoft doesn't have an incentive to undercut Series X sales, so they're going to limit what mobile users have access to.
    edited June 2021
  • Reply 6 of 20
    foregoneconclusionforegoneconclusion Posts: 2,847member
    sagan_student said: The way I’m seeing it now, is that Epic has amassed the means to support their own distribution, storage, etc.; and in doing so, they can save money. So their argument is based on the fact that they don’t need Apple’s expertise or storage or whatever, for any of that, save for development tools (however I do think that development tools are something that should be paid by Apple. If they want people to build apps for them then they need to develop that.). Them doing it themselves saves money. 
    Epic's argument is what Apple says that it is: a business grievance, not an antitrust issue. Epic definitely wants access to Apple's users, but Apple's users don't exist because of Epic. They exist because of all the R&D and risk that Apple took in developing their own hardware and OS for mobile. So if Epic wants to access the users without paying Apple an App Store commission, then they can do it through the web browser like Amazon and Microsoft. 
  • Reply 7 of 20
    CloudTalkinCloudTalkin Posts: 916member
    tpurdy said:
    Very excited about this, but can someone please break down the pros and cons for me? I assume there are latency issues (especially if I’m playing over cell service, although I do live in a 5G / 5GUW area), but is it enough to affect the quality of gaming? If I play multiplayer and keep dying, can I blame the cloud or am I really just that bad? 

    Long story short - I just bought an Xbox Series X, and other than getting 4K when connected directly to my TV, what advantages does the console give me now that I can play on my iPhone and iPad?

    Thanks my peeps!!
    Coupla things.  Congrats on snagging the Series X.  Still hard to find at MSRP in a lot of places.   
    Now about xCloud. 
    1.  You simply need a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a qualifying device: iPhone, iPad, PC → stream via web app from your browser (Chrome, Edge, or Safari).  Android devices stream natively, no web app or browser involved.  The advantage of xCloud is you don't need a console to use it, can play anywhere and you aren't tied to a static location.  The advantage of the console is it removes a layer of potential latency that streaming introduces.  Has a much larger catalog (right now) of games.  As you already mention, a higher level of fidelity (4K/60) and more customization.  Wired gaming.  For some, wifi/cellular gaming is fine.  Even for me it'll do in a pinch.  Nothing beats the wire imo.
    2.  xCloud is subject to the same latency issues as any gaming scenario.  The better the connection (speed, bandwidth, network congestion), the less affected you tend to be.  The xCloud servers are now custom Series X consoles so when your conditions are right the service should be just fine. Even when everything isn't perfect, you can still have a great gaming experience.  You're never going to be as latency free as some rando on a dedicated rig with a wired connection, so I'd set my expectations accordingly.  
    3.  Works with XBox, PlayStation, and other controllers compatible to your devices.




  • Reply 8 of 20
    CloudTalkinCloudTalkin Posts: 916member
    foregoneconclusion said:
    tpurdy said: Long story short - I just bought an Xbox Series X, and other than getting 4K when connected directly to my TV, what advantages does the console give me now that I can play on my iPhone and iPad?
    The proper way to view the mobile version of Game Pass is that it's essentially a Greatest Hits collection of older Xbox titles. So you're going to have Halo, Gears of War, Forza, Fable, Fallout, Elder Scrolls + a few 3rd party classics like GTA V and No Mans Sky. Microsoft doesn't have an incentive to undercut Series X sales, so they're going to limit what mobile users have access to.
    That is not a proper way to view Game Pass.  It is the same slanted and incorrect view of Game Pass that you've pushed in another thread.  New consoles and new games have been available for less than a year.  So yeah, the vast majority of games are older.  As new content is intro'd, it will be added.  It's fairly obvious to anyone who's paying attention, Microsoft's main focus is Game Pass, not the consoles.  They want Game Pass literally (figuratively speaking) everywhere.  To further that goal, they're looking to introduce a Chromecast/Firestick type of dongle for Game Pass.  They're also trying to get a Game Pass app directly on smart tv's.  They have a native Game Pass app on Android.  xCloud for iOS, iPad OS, and PC.  Almost everything they're doing undercuts the need for a console.  The Series X might be their last console.  They seem to be finally realizing the future they tried to push (with spectacular failure) when they introduced the OG XBOX One.  
    muthuk_vanalingam
  • Reply 9 of 20
    foregoneconclusionforegoneconclusion Posts: 2,847member
    CloudTalkin said: That is not a proper way to view Game Pass.  It is the same slanted and incorrect view of Game Pass that you've pushed in another thread.  New consoles and new games have been available for less than a year.  So yeah, the vast majority of games are older.  As new content is intro'd, it will be added.  It's fairly obvious to anyone who's paying attention, Microsoft's main focus is Game Pass, not the consoles.
    Microsoft would be shouting from the rooftops that the mobile version of Game Pass would duplicate the Series X gaming library if that's what they intended. There's nothing in the current marketing for mobile that says that. They make a generalized promise that "new games will be added" and nothing more. My point of view is entirely based on the list of games currently available + Microsoft's actual marketing language for the mobile version. Your point of view sounds like it's what you personally believe MS will be doing with the mobile version without any evidence to back it up. 
  • Reply 10 of 20
    CloudTalkinCloudTalkin Posts: 916member
    foregoneconclusion said:
    CloudTalkin said: That is not a proper way to view Game Pass.  It is the same slanted and incorrect view of Game Pass that you've pushed in another thread.  New consoles and new games have been available for less than a year.  So yeah, the vast majority of games are older.  As new content is intro'd, it will be added.  It's fairly obvious to anyone who's paying attention, Microsoft's main focus is Game Pass, not the consoles.
    Microsoft would be shouting from the rooftops that the mobile version of Game Pass would duplicate the Series X gaming library if that's what they intended. There's nothing in the current marketing for mobile that says that. They make a generalized promise that "new games will be added" and nothing more. My point of view is entirely based on the list of games currently available + Microsoft's actual marketing language for the mobile version. Your point of view sounds like it's what you personally believe MS will be doing with the mobile version without any evidence to back it up. 
    I said as new games are intro'd, they will be added.  You said they make a generalized promise that "new games will be added".  That's the same thing.  
    You actually made two points.  1. The catalog is primarily older games.  This is true, but logical considering where we are in the new console cycle.  It would be impossible for it to be any other way.  2. MS would limit mobile to protect console sales.  Anecdotal evidence says that's not true at all.  The things they're doing say the opposite in fact.
    muthuk_vanalingam
  • Reply 11 of 20
    foregoneconclusionforegoneconclusion Posts: 2,847member
    CloudTalkin said: I said as new games are intro'd, they will be added.  You said they make a generalized promise that "new games will be added".  That's the same thing.  
    No, it isn't. Microsoft doesn't specifically promise Series X games will be added. That's the problem with your claims. There's nothing in Microsoft's marketing for mobile Game Pass that would make you think MS wants to do that. "New games" most likely means additional older releases from 1st/3rd parties or perhaps the Xbox One versions of some games that will also release for Series X (like EA sports titles).  
  • Reply 12 of 20
    crowleycrowley Posts: 10,453member
    tpurdy said: Long story short - I just bought an Xbox Series X, and other than getting 4K when connected directly to my TV, what advantages does the console give me now that I can play on my iPhone and iPad?
    The proper way to view the mobile version of Game Pass is that it's essentially a Greatest Hits collection of older Xbox titles. So you're going to have Halo, Gears of War, Forza, Fable, Fallout, Elder Scrolls + a few 3rd party classics like GTA V and No Mans Sky. Microsoft doesn't have an incentive to undercut Series X sales, so they're going to limit what mobile users have access to.
    Pretty much every game Xbox/Bethesda announced at E3 was Day One Game Pass, and there's been no indication that the long term strategy for mobile is any different from non-mobile, so I don't think Microsoft agree with you about undercutting hardware sales.  They'd rather you buy the regular monthly subscription.

    https://www.denofgeek.com/games/xbox-game-pass-redfall-starfield-halo-infinite/
    muthuk_vanalingam
  • Reply 13 of 20
    foregoneconclusionforegoneconclusion Posts: 2,847member
    crowley said: Pretty much every game Xbox/Bethesda announced at E3 was Day One Game Pass, and there's been no indication that the long term strategy for mobile is any different from non-mobile, so I don't think Microsoft agree with you about undercutting hardware sales.  They'd rather you buy the regular monthly subscription.
    I consider the total lack of marketing language that promises things like that for the mobile Game Pass library to be an "indication". Why wouldn't they use that as the primary marketing tool for mobile Game Pass? Any ideas as to why MS wouldn't promote the idea of mobile Game Pass as a substitute for buying a Series X if that's what they intended? 
    edited June 2021
  • Reply 14 of 20
    crowleycrowley Posts: 10,453member
    crowley said: Pretty much every game Xbox/Bethesda announced at E3 was Day One Game Pass, and there's been no indication that the long term strategy for mobile is any different from non-mobile, so I don't think Microsoft agree with you about undercutting hardware sales.  They'd rather you buy the regular monthly subscription.
    I consider the total lack of marketing language that promises things like that for the mobile Game Pass library to be an "indication". Why wouldn't they use that as the primary marketing tool for mobile Game Pass? Any ideas as to why MS wouldn't promote the idea of mobile Game Pass as a substitute for buying a Series X if that's what they intended? 
    Why would they call that out specifically?  Just saying that you can play on any device is enough, which is exactly what they do.

    Right on the front screen of https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/xbox-game-pass


    Xbox Game Pass

    Immerse yourself in a library of over 100 high-quality games. Enjoy the benefits of Xbox Live Gold, EA Play, and play across devices from the cloud when you join Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. For a limited time, get your first 3 months of Ultimate for £1.

    muthuk_vanalingam
  • Reply 15 of 20
    crowleycrowley Posts: 10,453member
    Sorry, that;'s not even the best link:  https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/xbox-game-pass/cloud-gaming

    Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) with Xbox Game Pass

    Play 100+ high-quality console games on the devices you already have with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

    Seems to me that they're doing exactly what you're claiming they're not doing.
    muthuk_vanalingam
  • Reply 16 of 20
    foregoneconclusionforegoneconclusion Posts: 2,847member
    crowley said: Seems to me that they're doing exactly what you're claiming they're not doing.
    I've never claimed that you can't play the games listed in the mobile Game Pass library. What I've said is that there's nothing in Microsoft's marketing for mobile Game Pass that makes specific promises per access to Series X library games. There's no reason for MS not to have a huge headline screaming "GET DAY ONE ACCESS TO MICROSOFT'S SERIES X RELEASES" on the mobile Game Pass promo pages if that's what they intended to do. That would obviously be a powerful marketing point to make...but they're not making it. 
  • Reply 17 of 20
    CloudTalkinCloudTalkin Posts: 916member
    foregoneconclusion said:
    CloudTalkin said: I said as new games are intro'd, they will be added.  You said they make a generalized promise that "new games will be added".  That's the same thing.  
    No, it isn't. Microsoft doesn't specifically promise Series X games will be added. That's the problem with your claims. There's nothing in Microsoft's marketing for mobile Game Pass that would make you think MS wants to do that. "New games" most likely means additional older releases from 1st/3rd parties or perhaps the Xbox One versions of some games that will also release for Series X (like EA sports titles).  
    Wait, let me get this right.  You're claiming nothing supports my claims ( 'cept common sense), but have the temerity to put forth the notion that "new games" most likely means additional older releases... without -how did you put- any evidence to back it up.  I mean, there's nothing that backs your claims either.  

    It would make no sense for MS to limit xCloud to xB1 versions when xCloud will be running on custom Series X servers.  It would also make no sense because they want that sweet, sweet reoccurring subscription revenue.  No would subscribe for access to a back catalog only.  That silly.  Regardless, this is getting tiring.  You think one thing, I think another.  Time will be the arbiter of veracity.

    muthuk_vanalingam
  • Reply 18 of 20
    foregoneconclusionforegoneconclusion Posts: 2,847member
    CloudTalkin said: Wait, let me get this right.  You're claiming nothing supports my claims ( 'cept common sense), but have the temerity to put forth the notion that "new games" most likely means additional older releases... without -how did you put- any evidence to back it up.  I mean, there's nothing that backs your claims either.  
    Exhibit A: all the games currently listed in the mobile Game Pass library are Xbox 360 or Xbox One releases.
    Exhibit B: Microsoft makes no mention of access to Series X games anywhere in the mobile Game Pass promotional material.

    Your "common sense" is to ignore both A & B while also believing that MS wants to treat Android/iOS as equals to Windows/Series X when it comes to game access. 
  • Reply 19 of 20
    crowleycrowley Posts: 10,453member
    CloudTalkin said: Wait, let me get this right.  You're claiming nothing supports my claims ( 'cept common sense), but have the temerity to put forth the notion that "new games" most likely means additional older releases... without -how did you put- any evidence to back it up.  I mean, there's nothing that backs your claims either.  
    Exhibit A: all the games currently listed in the mobile Game Pass library are Xbox 360 or Xbox One releases.
    Exhibit B: Microsoft makes no mention of access to Series X games anywhere in the mobile Game Pass promotional material.

    Your "common sense" is to ignore both A & B while also believing that MS wants to treat Android/iOS as equals to Windows/Series X when it comes to game access. 
    Given that there are practically zero Series X|S exclusives currently out, your exhibits are pretty much meaningless. 

    What Series X|S games are on Game Pass but aren't available for the cloud?
    edited June 2021
  • Reply 20 of 20
    CloudTalkinCloudTalkin Posts: 916member
    crowley said:
    CloudTalkin said: Wait, let me get this right.  You're claiming nothing supports my claims ( 'cept common sense), but have the temerity to put forth the notion that "new games" most likely means additional older releases... without -how did you put- any evidence to back it up.  I mean, there's nothing that backs your claims either.  
    Exhibit A: all the games currently listed in the mobile Game Pass library are Xbox 360 or Xbox One releases.
    Exhibit B: Microsoft makes no mention of access to Series X games anywhere in the mobile Game Pass promotional material.

    Your "common sense" is to ignore both A & B while also believing that MS wants to treat Android/iOS as equals to Windows/Series X when it comes to game access. 
    Given that there are practically zero Series X|S exclusives currently out, your exhibits are pretty much meaningless. 

    What Series X|S games are on Game Pass but aren't available for the cloud?
    Pay him no mind.  His argument can generously be classified as specious.  When a new console is introduced, almost all games during that initial launch year feature back compatibility with the new console's predecessor.  Heck, through Game Pass, xCloud even has access to Sony's latest MLB the Show 21... which was released in April.

    Microsoft is even looking at using xCloud to bring newer games to the XBOX One consoles. Games that are beyond the hardware capabilities of the older console.  So much for trying to protect the Series X.  The aren't.
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