Microsoft is working on an Xbox streaming stick and TV app

By Andrew Zucosky Published June 10, 2021

Microsoft announced that it is working with TV manufacturers to allow the Xbox app to work on the TVs themselves, without the need for a console. Using its xCloud technology, Microsoft is bringing the Xbox Game Pass service to gamers who don’t have their PC or console nearby or do not even own one.

Microsoft is working with TV manufacturers around the world to allow televisions with internet access to stream games from the Xbox app. Smart TVs will only require a controller or a gamepad to play the 100-plus games that can be found on Xbox Game Pass.

Microsoft also stated that it is currently working on an Xbox app plug-in device, like a streaming stick, for TVs that do not have Smart TV infrastructure. That means players will not have to upgrade their TV or own a console to access Xbox games.

Little is still known about when Microsoft will be rolling out its Xbox app onto Smart TVs or when it will release the plug-in device for older TVs. Xbox chief Phil Spencer hinted at both of these new means of playing Xbox games in 2020, and we are now just seeing confirmation. There’s currently no release window or price set.

Xbox has stated that its E3 presentation will mainly focus on upcoming games so it is unlikely that we will hear new information about Xbox TV integration. While this is a whole new path for Xbox, and gaming in your living room in general, Xbox is still committed to creating consoles in the future.

Topics

Andrew has been playing video games since he was a small boy, and he finally got good at them like a week ago. He has been in…

Gaming

Fable finally shows off some gameplay at the Xbox Games Showcase

One hero passing a sword to the other in Fable.

Fable finally got a big blowout trailer showing off some gameplay during the Xbox Games Showcase. It still does not have a firm release date, however.

Fable was first announced back in 2020, and since then fans have been chomping at the bit for any new information. After another yearly check-in with Fable, developed by Playground Games, we now know the game is set to release in 2025.

Gaming

Doom: The Dark Ages launches next year, and Xbox is bringing it to PS5

Doom: The Dark Ages Doomslayer

During the June 2024 Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft revealed Doom: The Dark Ages. It's a medieval take on the first-person shooter series that's typically set during contemporary times. It's set to launch in 2025 for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5. The game will also launch on Xbox Game Pass.

Doom: The Dark Ages is a prequel, with the Doomslayer donning animal fur and spikes on his shoulder-blade armor. With his trusty and classic shotgun, he's ready to take down demons. However, he now has a new shield with blades that he can rev up like a chainsaw. The trailer shows the Doomslayer even throwing his shield at them like Captain America. He will also be able to ride a dragon at some point in the game, highlighting the fantasy elements of the game.

Gaming

Amazon’s ambitious MMO New World is finally coming to PS5 and Xbox this October

Key art for New World Aeternum.

Amazon is finally bringing its MMO New World to consoles this October, and that’s coming as part of a larger rework of the fantasy game called New World: Aeternum.

When New World hits consoles on October 15, it will also add crossplay, so you can group up with your friends on different platforms. That said, it won’t feature cross-progression, as the characters you make will be locked to whatever platform you made them on. The controls and UI have also been reworked to function better with a controller, and Amazon Games expects New World to keep update parity across all three platforms starting this October.