Get ready, UK gamers: Xbox Cloud Gaming will debut on select Amazon Fire TV devices this July, changing how gaming fans can access and play games, as a bulky console is no longer necessary – and instead, you can use a device many people already own.
This collaboration between Microsoft and Amazon brings console-quality gaming to Fire TV sticks, potentially transforming these small streaming devices into portable gaming platforms.
However, while this addition offers exciting possibilities for gamers, it’s not without limitations. The service will only be available on specific Fire TV models (see below), and users will need to navigate subscription requirements and controller compatibility.
Xbox On Firesticks: Which Devices and Where?
This week, Amazon announced a collaboration with Microsoft to bring the Xbox App to select Fire TV devices in 25 countries, starting in July 2024.
Amazon confirmed to us that the UK is among the lucky 25 countries getting this gaming treat, alongside the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, and others.
Firestick owners in those countries will be able to access and play hundreds of games directly through the Xbox app via cloud gaming, without the need for a console.
However, there’s a catch – this is only coming to the newest Fire TV devices: the Fire TV 4K 2nd Gen and Fire TV Max 2nd Gen, both from 2023.
Surprisingly, even the usually powerful Fire TV Cube is sitting this one out, likely due to running an older version of the Fire TV OS.
Some users have been “sideloading” Xbox Game Pass onto Firesticks for a while now, but those methods were never perfect, in addition to not being official.
How It Works and What You Can Play
To access Xbox Cloud Gaming on Fire TV, users will need one of the two compatible Fire TV sticks. These devices start at £59.99, but they’ll probably be cheaper in the upcoming Prime Day sale next month.
Users can then download the Xbox app from the Amazon Appstore and sign in with their Microsoft account.
To play games, you also need a compatible Bluetooth controller.
Supported controllers include the Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, DualSense, and DualShock 4 controllers. Curiously, Amazon’s own Luna wireless controller isn’t mentioned as being supported.
Once you have the hardware in place – you’ll need an Xbox Game Pass subscription.
Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s subscription-based gaming service, often described as a “Netflix for games”.
For a monthly fee, subscribers gain access to a large library of games that can be downloaded and played on Xbox consoles or PC, or streamed via cloud gaming on compatible devices (such as some Samsung Smart TVs).
The service includes a mix of titles from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda Softworks, and various third-party publishers. Games are regularly added to and removed from the service.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the highest tier, combines Xbox Game Pass for console and PC with Xbox Live Gold (for online multiplayer) and access to EA Play. It also offers cloud gaming capabilities on mobile devices and, now, select Fire TV devices.
For those not currently subscribed, the Fire TV Xbox app will offer the option to sign up for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Additionally, Fortnite can be played for free without a subscription.
The service’s game library includes titles across various genres. Notable games available include Starfield, Fallout 4, Forza Horizon 5, and the upcoming Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
Cloud Gaming On Fire TV: The Bigger Picture
This Xbox Cloud Gaming news follows Amazon’s own cloud gaming service, Luna, which made its UK debut last year.
Luna offers its own (somewhat limited) selection of games and pricing tiers, including Luna+ at £8.99/month and Ubisoft+ Multi Access at £14.99/month, Amazon Prime members also get access to a rotating selection of free games each month.
With both Luna and Xbox Cloud Gaming available on Fire TV devices, we might be seeing a real shift in our thinking about gaming.
Your TV streaming device is now a potential gaming powerhouse – no console is required. Portability is also important – you can easily move your cloud gaming setup from the living room to a different room or even take it on the road.
As long as you have a solid internet connection, your compatible Fire TV Stick, and a controller, your entire game library and saved progress travels with you.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated player, cloud gaming is opening up new possibilities – albeit only if you have the newest Fire TV devices.