How To Play Xbox Games On Phone?

If you are looking for an answer, here is how to play Xbox games on phone. The Xbox has been one of the pinnacles of video gaming for decades.

The neverending debate of PlayStation vs Xbox might never end, but it’s all about personal preferences. Objectively speaking, Xbox consoles are a powerful and fun way of experiencing your favorite video games. 

We have been introduced to new systems with new technologies and capabilities for years. One such technological advance in Xbox’s case is the ability to play Xbox games on a mobile phone. It is possible to bring your high-definition console games down to your smartphone. 

Is It Possible To Play Xbox Games On Mobile Phones?

Xbox has long been one of the most popular gaming consoles on the gaming scene. But people have always wondered if they could get the experience on a handheld device.

We had the PlayStation Portable, but nothing similar ever came out in the case of Xbox. With the rise of mobile gaming and the increasing power of mobile phones, many gamers began to wonder if mobile phones might solve that problem. 

The good news is, yes, getting the Xbox experience on a smartphone is possible. There are two different ways you can do so. Either through the Xbox Remote Play or with the help of an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. 

Both methods have their own requirements, limitations, and benefits. They are very different from each other in multiple aspects, which might influence how you go. Regardless, both methods remain credible and helpful for anyone wanting a genuine Xbox experience on a mobile phone. 

Ultimately, it depends on your preferences, expectations, system specifications, and will to spend money. It is easier to make a decision when you are fully informed. This guide will help you in that aspect. Here’s all you need to know about how to play Xbox games on your phone. 

Is Owning An Xbox Necessary To Play Xbox Games On A Phone?

Owning an actual Xbox would be a basic prerequisite to running an Xbox game on any other device. But surprisingly, that’s not the case. At least not if you will use the Xbox’s official cloud gaming service. Formerly known as xCloud, the Xbox Cloud Gaming service can be accessed through a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. You don’t need to own a console as long as you have a subscription. This is one of the reasons many opt to go this way instead of Remote Play. 

Remote Play requires you to own an Xbox to get a game on your phone. That is not true if you have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. You can take advantage of the capabilities of cloud gaming to play an Xbox game on your phone even if you have never touched the console. Here is how to do it.

How To Play Xbox Games On Phone Using Xbox Cloud Gaming

As the name suggests, Xbox Cloud Gaming is the name of Xbox’s cloud gaming service that first appeared in 2019. After around a year of beta testing, Microsoft finally rolled it out for users in 2020. Cloud gaming has groundbreaking potential, and it only made sense for an innovator like Microsoft to get into it. 

In simple terms, Xbox Cloud Gaming turns any video game into an online game you can stream without installing it on a system. It takes the operating system out of the question. You are good to go as long as a device has an internet connection to stream the game. 

Xbox Cloud Gaming is not a standalone service yet and does not have an exclusive platform. To access it, you need a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. You don’t have to pay extra for it, however. It is simply one of the many benefits of the subscription. 

Setting Up Xbox Cloud Gaming 

Before getting into anything, you need to subscribe to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to access this service. The Game Pass is a service offered by Microsoft that gives users access to a wide catalog of games. The selling point is that you don’t have to pay for those games.

The subscription lets you download and play games without buying them. As long as you are subscribed, you can keep playing your favorite games. Cloud Gaming is one of the many benefits of the subscription. Here is how you can easily get access to Xbox Cloud Gaming.

1. You need to subscribe to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate first. To do so, go to the official Xbox website and click on Game Pass.
2.  Click on “Join Now” and you will see three different Game Pass plans. 
3. Click on “Join Now’ under the Ultimate option. Complete the formalities to confirm your subscription. 
4. The next step is to access Xbox Cloud Gaming. Download the Xbox Game Pass app from your respective official app store.
5. Open the app and sign in with your account.
6. Click “Let’s Play” and go to the “Cloud” tab.
7. This will reveal all titles that are supported for cloud gaming. Click on any game to start streaming it.

You might need to connect a controller to play many Xbox games on a smartphone. There are plenty of games that you can play without a controller, just with the touchscreen too. The Xbox app has a separate “Play with touch” section for games that can be played with touch.

System Requirements For Xbox Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming mostly depends on your internet connection and less on the capabilities of your processors and drivers. You are good if you have a device with a minimum of Android 6.0 or iOS 14.4.

However, your internet connection needs to be strong enough to handle the streaming. Xbox Cloud Gaming requires speeds of at least 7-10 Mbps to run a game. Wi-Fi and mobile data work as long as the connection is strong and stable.

Is Xbox Game Pass Worth It?

Cloud gaming isn’t the only perk of subscribing to the Xbox Game Pass. You get access to hundreds of free games, discounts, and other membership benefits. If your main concern is playing Xbox games on phones, it’s still worth it. Especially, if you do not have an Xbox and aren’t intent on buying one. 

Game Pass works on a monthly subscription. You can keep playing supported Xbox games on your mobile phone if you keep paying for them. If you want to know how to play Xbox games on phone without paying for a subscription, the remote play method will suit you.

How To Play Xbox Games On Phone Using Xbox Remote Play

Xbox Remote Play lets you bring the full Xbox experience to a mobile screen. It does not require a subscription, but you must own an Xbox console for this method. This method is for those who do not see the Game Pass as worth spending. You might also find it helpful if Xbox Cloud Gaming is unavailable in your region. You can start playing remotely using these easy steps:

1. First, you need to turn on Remote Play on your console. To get started, press the Xbox button present on your controller. 
2. Make your way to “Profile & System” before finding “Settings” and then clicking on “Devices & Connections”.
3. Go to “Remote Features” and click “Enable remote features”.
4. Put your console to sleep to continue. 
5. Download and open the Xbox mobile app. Make sure you are signed in with your account.
6. Go to “My Library” and then the “Consoles” section. Click on your device when you see it here to connect it. 
7. Click on “Remote play on this device”.

Be aware that you will need a controller to play Xbox games remotely. Both wireless and wired controllers work. 

Can You Play Xbox Games On A Phone With Emulators?

Emulators have been one of the cornerstones of video gaming for ages. Unfortunately, no reliable emulator can successfully emulate Xbox games on a mobile phone. Many applications claim otherwise, but you can trust them at your own risk. 

Conclusion

As you can see, we have come a long way in the gaming industry. Gone are the days when you were forced to be limited to a console or a PC to get a taste of quality video games.

Smartphones are getting more and more powerful and capable of running heavy games. Hence, it is no surprise that you can even run an Xbox game on one. The best part is that you don’t need to use unofficial methods. 

There is no need for emulators when you have a breakthrough in the form of Xbox Game Pass and Remote Play. Whether you own a console or not, these methods allow you to play your favorite Xbox games on a mobile phone.