Upgraded Xbox Cloud Gaming Demo Shows Enhanced Performance
Fans are reacting to the initial hands-on experiences with the improved Xbox Cloud Gaming service. Demonstrations reveal demanding open-world games like The Witcher 3 streaming smoothly at 1440p resolution and 60 frames per second.
Performance Compared to GeForce Now
The upgraded streaming quality is available through the more expensive Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and rivals the performance found in some GeForce Now plans. Despite Microsoft facing criticism over recent Xbox Game Pass price hikes, this enhanced streaming may encourage gamers to retain their subscriptions.
Subscription Tiers and Streaming Quality
- The Xbox Cloud Gaming beta has ended, enabling some games to run at higher resolutions and frame rates.
- Jez Corden from Windows Central highlighted Xbox Cloud Gaming as a potential strong competitor to Nvidia GeForce Now.
- Only Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can enjoy 1440p graphics with improved streaming.
- Essential and Premium plans also provide cloud gaming but at lower visual quality and with longer queue times.
- The highest tier, costing $29.99 per month, offers the best streaming experience.
Hands-On Testing Results
In a Windows Central video, Corden tested multiple Xbox Cloud Gaming titles on the ROG Xbox Ally handheld device. The Witcher 3 ran impressively at 2560 x 1440 resolution while maintaining a consistent 60 fps.
Described as a “night and day” difference from previous streaming sessions, any latency was also hard to detect.
However, currently only a limited selection of games take full advantage of this upgraded streaming performance.
Author’s Summary
The enhanced Xbox Cloud Gaming now streams some demanding titles at 1440p/60fps, offering a notable leap in quality that may justify the higher cost of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.