In any case, Microsoft is continuing its campaign to make Xbox accessible to everyone. On that note, the company has reportedly launched an “Xbox Everywhere” initiative, which kicked off by bringing Fortnite to Xbox Cloud Gaming, giving gamers the option to play it on iPhones, Android devices, and Windows PCs through the web browser.
Allowing gamers to play a vast library of Xbox games without a console could give Microsoft an edge over its main rival, Sony, particularly at a time when the demand for consoles exceeds supply. With a streaming stick, customers could play hundreds of Xbox Game Pass games while skipping the hassle of finding a console in stock and then paying for expensive hardware.
Whether this streaming stick will convince consumers to forgo buying an Xbox console remains to be seen. The accessory will need to be priced competitively and deliver a compelling gameplay experience compatible with what the Xbox Series X and Series S offer. I’m particularly interested to see what resolution the streaming stick will support, and at what frame rates. As it stands, Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) plays at 1080p at 60 fps by default.
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Cloud gaming on a streaming stick or directly from an app might not interest competitive gamers who need low latency, and it won’t be a viable solution for those with a poor connection. However, if properly implemented, this could be a popular option among casual gamers who can’t justify spending up to $500 on a console—or anyone who is tired of waiting for this supply hell to end.