Main points
- Xbox Cloud Gaming offers game streaming on a variety of devices through Game Pass Ultimate.
- Keyboard and mouse support on Xbox Cloud Gaming is in beta for some games.
- You can access Xbox cloud gaming on multiple devices without owning an Xbox console.
Cloud gaming is almost certainly the future. This technology allows players to launch a game instantly without downloading a ton of files or even having a PC or console powerful enough to run the game and start playing. With the demise of Stadia, Xbox Cloud Gaming is the current king of the game streaming market for PC or Xbox consoles.
So as long as you’re a subscriber to Game Pass Ultimate, the highest tier of Xbox’s gaming subscription service, you can access (currently in beta) Xbox cloud gaming on smartphones, tablets, laptops, PCs, smart TVs and Xbox consoles. The only limitation, at least for now, is that you need to use a controller when streaming games. With a recent update, Xbox cloud gaming is finally giving players more options with the introduction of keyboard and mouse support.
However, if you’re just launching Xbox Cloud Gaming right now, you may find that it still requires you to connect a controller. There are a few dos and don’ts to know about using a keyboard and mouse, so let me fill you in on all the details.
Xbox Cloud Gaming game list, prices, platforms and everything you need to know
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cloud gaming offers more than 100 games that can be played on mobile devices, PCs and Macs. Here’s everything you need to know.
How to use keyboard and mouse with Xbox cloud gaming
Adding mouse and keyboard support to Xbox cloud gaming is great for gamers who appreciate the precision and speed these gaming accessories provide. Previously, you had to use a controller, which wasn’t always the best option for some games.
become an insider
Just like Xbox cloud gaming itself is technically still in beta, keyboard and mouse support is only in preview. This means that it won’t be available to all Xbox Cloud Gaming users by default, but will only be available to those who opt into the Xbox Insiders program and use the browser version of Xbox Cloud Gaming on Edge or Chrome, or via Xbox on PC app. If you are not a member of the Insider program, please follow these steps to join:
- Download the Xbox Insider Hub app via the Microsoft Store.
- Open the program and click join in.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- choose Preview on the left menu and select Computer Games.
- choose join in.
- choose manage and Load preview.
Now that you’re in the Insider program, you can load Xbox Cloud Gaming through the app or browser to start testing keyboard and mouse support for select games.
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Which Xbox Cloud games support mouse and keyboard?
Full game list
Since keyboard and mouse support is still in testing, there are currently a limited number of games that support it. More are expected to be added over time. However, currently your options include:
- fortnite
- ark survival evolved
- sea of thieves
- ground
- Halo: Infinite
- atomic heart
- Sniper Elite 5
- deep rock galaxy
- noble life
- zombie army 4 death battle
- gear tactics
- repentance
- Doom 64
- age of empires 2
Note that even for the games listed above, there are some issues with keyboard and mouse support, as it’s still in beta.
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FAQ
Q: Can you use a keyboard and mouse with the console version of Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Can’t. At least for now, keyboard and mouse support is only available when using Xbox Cloud Gaming via a browser or the Xbox app on a PC.
Q: On which platforms can I use Xbox Cloud Gaming?
You can access Xbox Cloud Gaming on any Xbox console from Xbox One and above, as well as on the following devices:
- iPhone – iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 12/mini/Pro/Pro Max
- iPad – iPad Air 3rd/4th generation, iPad Pro 11, iPad Mini 5th generation, iPad 8th generation
- Windows – Surface Go, Surface Go 2, Surface Pro 6, Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 7+, Surface Laptop, Surface Laptop 3, Surface Book 2.
- Android – All devices running Android 6.0 or higher.
Q: How much do Xbox Cloud Gaming games cost?
Xbox Cloud Gaming is not sold separately, but is included as part of Game Pass Ultimate, which costs $17 per month.
Q: Do I need an Xbox to play Xbox cloud games?
No, you don’t need to own any Xbox console to play Xbox cloud gaming. All you need is one of the supported devices listed above, a free Xbox account, and a Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Q: In which countries is Xbox Cloud Gaming available?
Xbox cloud gaming is not yet available in all regions around the world, but it is available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and more. For a full list of supported countries and regions, check out the official list here.
Q: What games are available on Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Currently, hundreds of Xbox Series, Xbox One, and Xbox 360 games are available on Xbox Cloud Gaming, but not all. You can browse the entire library here without a subscription and see if your favorite games are there before spending money.