Microsoft has announced that, from 30 June, Samsung TVs will be able to play Xbox games without the need for another device. This will be achieved through its Xbox Cloud Gaming app.
Microsoft says it will launch the feature on Samsung TVs first and then pursue partnership deals with other TV manufacturers thereafter.
Why can’t we have nice things too, Xbox?
Cloud Gaming, which is still technically in beta, has been available on PCs, Xbox consoles and mobile devices as part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription for a while. But this new collaboration means you can achieve the same result without needing to own a PC or console. You will need to own a Bluetooth-enabled controller, however.
Microsoft says the app will offer “a seamless experience, similar to using other streaming apps on your TV.” All you’ll have to do is launch the app, connect your controller, and get gaming.
Unfortunately for South Africans, while we’ll be receiving Samsung’s 2022 TVs, ours won’t play Xbox games without a console. Not yet, anyway. Microsoft didn’t specifically say the Xbox app wouldn’t work in on Samsung TVs in SA. But because it uses the company’s Cloud Gaming service, which isn’t available here, chances of the app working in SA are slim.
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That probably won’t stop some from trying. Netflix and Spotify weren’t always available in SA but with the use of a VPN, users with a bit of know-how could make use of those services. We’re not saying that’s possible here, but we aren’t not saying that either.
Together with the announcement, Microsoft also revealed that Cloud Gaming is headed to Argentina and New Zealand. The company is still expanding its list. Maybe support in South Africa isn’t too far away. For now, we can only hope. And jealously watch.
Source: Xbox