How to sign up and play Xbox Project xCloud Preview tests on iOS and Android

Xbox Project xCloud Source: Windows Cardinal

Xbox One soon reaches for the skies, with Microsoft on track to deliver its Project xCloud game-streaming service. Bringing full-fledged console gaming to smartphones, the ambitious platform provides the best of Xbox while on-the-go. Hither's what to expect from ongoing Project xCloud preview trials across the earth.

What is Project xCloud?
Where is xCloud available?
Which phones support xCloud?
How to sign up for Project xCloud
Best phones and accessories for xCloud

What is Xbox Project xCloud?

Poised to mobilize Microsoft'south gaming portfolio, Project xCloud is an upcoming cloud-based game streaming service based on the existing Xbox One family. Leveraging the business firm'south cloud dominance, Projection xCloud expands Xbox gaming across physical consoles, reaching an untapped gaming oversupply. Get-go targeting depression-latency mobile streaming, the service brings the power of an Xbox I to your existing mobile. And for select registrants, the service is finally on rail for at-home testing.

While Project xCloud will allow anyone to stream Xbox One games, the service formally divides between 2 separate components. At its heart lies true remote streaming, utilizing cloud-hosted consoles to serve games on your mobile telephone. Since information technology'southward fix to expand Microsoft's lineup of Xbox services, some form of subscription volition likely tie into these offerings when officially releases. Only for now, Microsoft has kickstarted Project xCloud trials in "Preview," available for free to all accepted applicants.

Project xCloud "Panel Streaming" is an accompanying culling for existing Xbox One owners, streaming your home console over the net. This feature is free for those with an Xbox One console and takes the horsepower and games library on the move. Console Streaming is now available globally, beyond all Xbox markets.

Related: Xbox Project xCloud Games List

Where is Project xCloud available?

Xbox Project xCloud Servers Source: Microsoft

While Microsoft's established cloud infrastructure spans worldwide, custom Xbox server blades used past Project xCloud take starting time rolled out to select regions. The low-latency nature of game streaming requires relative proximity and will limit who can play initial public tests. The get-go wave of testing focused on the Us, United kingdom, and Republic of korea — with Canada recently added.

Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Gaming Cloud Kareem Choudhry confirmed thirteen Azure regions were packing xCloud hardware in 2022, with "an initial emphasis on proximity to key game evolution centers." As unveiled at X019, Microsoft side by side sets sights on Republic of india, Japan, and Western Europe throughout 2022.

Right now, the full listing of regions is as follows.

Belgium
Canada
Denmark
Finland
French republic
Frg
Ireland
Italian republic
Netherlands
Norway
South Korea
Sweden
Spain
Usa
Great britain

Which phones will support Project xCloud?

Project xCloud Source: Microsoft

Microsoft indicates that Project xCloud will somewhen bear upon devices of all shapes and sizes, though the initial pitch doubles down on mobile gaming. Showcases take focused exclusively on Android devices, with iOS compatibility now available.

During the Projection xCloud Preview, users will require an Android 6.0 or iOS 13.0 compatible device, with Bluetooth 4.0 or higher. While Project xCloud will hit nearly modern phones, pre-release marketing heavily features Samsung Galaxy devices, bolstering its continued mobile partnership. A Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One controller is also required, roofing all revisions dropped since mid-2016. We've wrapped upwards an easy guide to hardware requirements (and recommendations) for the Project xCloud Preview.

Requirements for Android

Android 6.0 device, or higher.
Bluetooth 4.0 device, or higher
5GHz Wi-Fi or mobile information connexion 10Mbps down
Xbox Project xCloud-compatible controller with Bluetooth
Xbox One controller phone mount (highly recommended)
No Xbox One console required

As previously outlined, all applicants must too reside in the U.S., Uk, Canada, and Republic of korea.

Requirements for iOS

An iPhone or iPad running iOS 13.0 or higher.
Bluetooth 4.0 device, or higher
5GHz Wi-Fi or mobile information connection 10Mbps down
Xbox Projection xCloud-compatible controller with Bluetooth
Xbox Ane controller telephone mount (highly recommended)
No Xbox One console required
Due to Apple tree's restrictions on its platform, iOS users won't gain access to direct Xbox console streaming.

All applicants must too reside in i of the supported regions. Every bit of writing, the iOS beta is full, but you can still sign up for a chance to exist included in the future.

How to sign-up for Project xCloud Preview tests

Initial Project xCloud trials focus on the cloud streaming feature of the service, with a requirement for a compatible Android or iOS-based device, but no Xbox console. The service currently features over lxxx Xbox Ane games bachelor for free, with more regularly introduced, like Halo: The Main Main Collection and Destiny 2..

Projection xCloud sign-ups are at present live below. Applicants must provide details on their location, mobile hardware, carrier, and more.

Xbox Project xCloud Sign-Upward
Xbox Project xCloud Sign-Upwardly (Korea)

Microsoft continues to regularly distribute Project xCloud invites equally a public launch nears. Expect more than news on the first wave of Project xCloud availability in the coming weeks ahead of the first scheduled tests.

Our top equipment picks

Converting whatever existing Xbox One controller into your portable gaming companion, the PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip delivers an xCloud-ready phone mounting solution. Its officially-licensed clip-on blueprint is piece of cake to attach (and disassemble) from gamepads, and is paired with an adjustable clamp that maintains a firm grip on your phone.

Strapped

PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip

Make your telephone and Xbox Ane controller an easy pairing

The idea is simple, but the execution with this licensed phone clip makes it a no-brainer if y'all're playing the Project xCloud preview.

If you lot need a Project xCloud controller, Microsoft's entry-level third-generation controller is your best pick. Packing the required Bluetooth connectivity and a streamlined blueprint, it'due south primed for your game streaming sessions.

Proceeds Control

Microsoft Xbox One Controller

An easy essential for Project xCloud testing.

Pick up Microsoft'southward signature controller is a streamlined and unproblematic finish. Official entry-level controllers start as low as $44 via Amazon.

Google'south low-price entries to the Pixel lineup balance impressive hardware at an affordable price, retaining much of its love premium handsets. Loaded with clean Android for Project xCloud and as well among the starting time Google Stadia-compatible mobiles, there's no better game-streaming handheld on the market.

All-time Budget Android

Google Pixel 3a

An affordable Project xCloud phone

With a large 6-inch HD display and impressive accompanying hardware, the Google Pixel 3a 40 volition describe the best from Project xCloud at launch. Bundling the all-time of the premium Pixel lineup for a fraction of the toll, it'south our top Android choice for budget gaming.

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