Microsoft’s game streaming service Project xCloud is rolling out in select regions around the world. Australia’s not a part of the initial launch, but we may not have to wait long for the service to arrive on our shores. In a response to Twitter user SkillUpYT, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer confirmed the service was currently undergoing testing with local teams for a planned 2021 launch.
Yes you can. Should be in early 2021, we are doing internal testing with our local Australia teams now. Those upgraded intertubes help a ton….
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) September 18, 2020
If you’re not familiar with the service, Project xCloud is a game streaming service enabling Xbox Game Pass Ultimate users to stream games to their mobile and tablet devices via cloud-based data centres. It does require a solid internet connection and this is likely part of the reason why Australia’s launch has been delayed. On the Xbox Game Streaming hub, there’s a reccomendation for at least 5GHz Wi-Fi or mobile data connection with 10Mps down.
In the years since cloud gaming began entering the mainstream conversation, Australia’s internet has improved greatly, but even with this progress we’re still ranked as having the fourth slowest internet among other developing countries. It’s for this reason we often miss out on great services like Project xCloud and PlayStation Now (still yet to launch, all these years later).
You will need to be an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member to access the service, but it comes as a free add-on to Ultimate membership, which will set you back $15.95 a month. For access to over 100 titles (the Xbox Game Pass line-up genuinely is mind-boggling) including brand new releases on Windows PC and Xbox One/Series X/S, it’s great value and well worth the price of entry.
The arrival of Project xCloud’s game streaming add-on in Australia would be icing on a very tasty Xbox cake.
Project xCloud is currently available in North America, Europe and South Korea with further launches planned across the following months and years. Stay tuned for news of its eventual Australian release — it may be sooner than we all think.
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