Remember some years ago when Microsoft got completely taken apart for wanting to release an Xbox that had to have constant internet access and wouldn’t have a disc tray? Fast forward to 2020, the year of the alien invasion. Ok maybe that hasn’t happened, but at this point would it really surprise anyone?
While both Microsoft and Sony have announced a disk tray-less version of their next gen consoles, Microsoft has just taken a very commanding lead with the launch of Cloud Gaming on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. It has over 150 titles available on the cloud. If you’re already a member, you don’t have to pay extra for cloud gaming, you just get it.
How does it work?
To put it very basically, all your games are saved on the internet. What that means is while you technically won’t “own” the game you will have access to it anywhere you go with a decent internet connection. No, you don’t have to take your console or even your laptop with you. As long as you have an Android phone/tablet you’re in the game. Could you imagine playing on your brand new Galaxy Fold 2?
What’s even better is, say you start a Gears 5 on your Xbox console at home, but have to go to Grandma’s (or in-laws). Grab your phone or tablet before you leave and you’ll be able to pick up right where you left off. Isn’t technology great?
Pricing
This is all fantastic but it doesn’t really matter too much if it costs $100 every month. While that may be worth it for some, thankfully Microsoft didn’t go that route. If you’re a new member you can get your first month for only $1! That’s right, you could get your first month for the loose change you find in Grandma’s couch. Unless it’s covered in plastic. If you’ve already been a member you’ll still only have to shell out $15 per month to get your game on.
What about the games?
None of this really matters if the games are horrible. While you might have to weed your way through a handful of games you don’t care about, you can find some real good titles in the mix. This list isn’t exhaustive, but the ones that stand out to me.
- ARK: Survival Evolved
- Batman: Arkham Knight
- Battletoads
- Crackdown 3: Campaign
- Darksiders III
- Dead by Daylight
- Forza Horizon 4
- Gears of War 1, 4, and 5
- Guacamelee! 2
- Mortal Kombat X (not available in Korea)
- Streets of Rage 4
There are a ton more, you can find the full list here. One last thing, you don’t even need to own an Xbox console to take advantage of Game Pass Ultimate. As long as you have a compatible controller paired with an Android phone/tablet or a PC. This has got to be one of the best values in gaming at the moment.
Will you be getting Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? If so, what game(s) are you looking forward to playing? Sound off in the comments!