Thanks to Xbox Cloud Gaming, you are able to play multiple titles and many AAA games on any device that you have, especially a Mac. The only requirement is for you to have a good internet.
However, the access to the cloud is not as easy as you might think. You need to understand properly how to sign up and use the service on popular devices such as Mac.
Therefore, let us take a look in detail at how you can play Xbox Cloud Gaming on Mac.
Quick Summary
By the end of this article, we will take a look at:
- About Xbox Cloud Gaming
- How to play Xbox Cloud Gaming on Mac
- Playable titles on Xbox Cloud Gaming
Let’s go through it.
What is Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Xbox Cloud Gaming is one of the most popular services Microsoft has released over the years. It was initially released in beta testing in 2019 and then officially in 2020 for subscribers.
This service allows you to play a number of games and Xbox Game Pass titles anywhere on any devices that supports it as long as you have a stable internet connection to make it work.
The project was previously known as Project xCloud and has been upgraded since its release. Through the service, you can stream any game through the cloud without any download required.
What are the requirements to use the service?
You cannot avail the service when you do not have some of the requirements taken care of. Apart from a good internet connection, you do require the subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
How to Play Xbox Cloud Gaming on Mac?
As Mac is one of the more popular devices through which the service can be availed, it is important to understand how it works. This way, you can have one of the best experiences.
You can Xbox games on Mac in multiple ways such as through the use of Parallels or through the app called OneCast. However, for Xbox Cloud Gaming, not much is required.
Pair the Controller
You cannot play the games you want when your controller isn’t paired with your Mac. Therefore, first you need to learn how to do that.
Step 1: Turn the controller on
In order to use the controller, you will first need to switch it on. To do this, all you simply have to do is press the Xbox button in the middle of your controller.
Step 2: Pairing mode
Now that you have switched the controller on, you have to press and hold the Connect button that is on top of the controller for 3 to 5 seconds so it enters the Pairing mode.
Step 3: Use the Mac
With your controller in Pairing mode, you have to connect your Mac to it. For this, you open up the System Preferences on the Mac.
Step 4: Bluetooth
After you have opened up System Preferences, you have to go to Bluetooth in the Preferences panel.
Step 5: Connect the controller
You might see multiple devices in the list. You have to locate your Xbox controller in it and select it.
Xbox Cloud Gaming
With this, your controller will be paired with you Mac in order to allow you to play. Next step is to work on the Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Step 1: Open Safari
In order to start the service, you need to open up Safari on your Mac. it is a browser made by Apple and serves as the default for many devices due to its advanced interface.
Note: You can use Chrome as well. However, Safari is recommended due to its speed and interface.
Step 2: Open website
With the browser open, you can search and navigate to the website. The link is xbox.com/en-US/play
Step 3: Log in
If you have a Microsoft account, this step would be easy for you. You would just have to log in to that account. Otherwise, you need to sign up in order to avail the service.
Step 4: Browse the games
With all the requirements in place, you need to browse the list of games the service offers. There will be a plethora of games available so you can choose any that you prefer.
Now you are ready to play any game as long as you want on your Mac through the Xbox Cloud Gaming service.
What Are Some of the Playable Titles?
One of the major benefits of Xbox Cloud Gaming is that you have access to a larger library of playable titles you can easily stream through the cloud as long as your device supports it.
Can the playable titles be different for each person?
These playable games can vary from region to region. This means that the type of games available change according to your location. Playable games are marked with a cloud on them.
Many major games are available for you to play if you have the Game Pass. These include games such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Forza Horizon 5, Life is Strange, Halo etc.
There are free-to-play games available as well that don’t require installation such as Fortnite. Another added benefit of the cloud is that it has backward compatibility games to offer as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does cloud gaming work on Xbox?
Yes, it works on the Xbox. Initially, the service was limited only to Android mobile devices. However, with time, it has expanded to PC’s with Windows 10 and all the Xbox consoles. You do have to connect your phone to a server in the cloud however.
How much does Xbox cloud cost?
Xbox cloud cost around $14.99 a month. This is a bit expensive than the base subscription range but with the extra cost, you do get access to Xbox Cloud Gaming as well as the Game Pass service.
Is Xbox Cloud Gaming in 4K?
Microsoft has been constantly upgrading and improving the service since its release. It is now able to stream games in 1080p and 60fps. However, 4k streams are still not supported.
Wrapping It Up…
It is quite evident that Microsoft has worked hard to develop Xbox Cloud Gaming into a high-quality platform for you to stream games. Therefore, you should be able to access it.
The differences between Apple and Microsoft should not be an obstacle between you and the service. With just a few steps, you can easily avail the service on your device such as Mac.
The large library of video games you are able to stream as well the ability to save your data on the cloud makes the service a must-have as the data carries between the platforms easily.
If you get to experience Xbox Cloud Gaming, do let us know what you think of the service.
