Microsoft has announced a collaboration with Amazon to allow Xbox games to be played on Fire TV devices through cloud streaming. This new feature is available to subscribers of Game Pass Ultimate.
Setting up this console-free gaming experience on Fire TV is quite simple. All you need to do is download the Xbox app on a compatible device, such as Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K or Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and log in using an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate account.
Once logged in, you will have access to Microsoft’s vast library of streamable Xbox Game Pass games. For optimal performance, it is recommended to have a 20 Mbps internet connection over 5GHz Wi-Fi. Additionally, you will need to pair a Bluetooth-enabled controller to play. Controllers like the Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, and PlayStation DualSense are all supported.
This new Fire TV rollout, now available in 25 countries, comes on the heels of Microsoft’s launch of the Xbox app for Samsung TVs in 2022. Xbox chief Phil Spencer had previously mentioned that this app represents Microsoft’s new strategy for making cloud gaming more accessible to the general public, especially after discontinuing its own Xbox cloud gaming device, Keystone, in 2022.
A leaked patent revealing the external design of the Keystone device has surfaced online, resembling the “old prototype” version that garnered attention when it was spotted on Phil Spencer’s shelf in October 2022.
The collaboration between Microsoft and Amazon to bring Xbox games to Fire TV devices is a significant step towards advancing cloud gaming accessibility. By expanding the reach of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to Fire TV users, Microsoft is broadening the availability of its gaming ecosystem to a wider audience.
Cloud gaming offers a convenient way for players to enjoy high-quality games without the need for expensive gaming hardware. With Fire TV support now in place, gamers can seamlessly transition from playing on their Xbox console to streaming on their Fire TV device, providing flexibility and freedom in their gaming experiences.
As technology continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between Microsoft and Amazon demonstrate the industry’s commitment to innovation and accessibility in gaming. By leveraging the power of cloud streaming, players can access a diverse range of games on various devices, making gaming more inclusive and convenient for all.