Xbox Set To Release Streaming Device, Giving Anyone Access To Game Pass

As much as I'd like to think that the days of console wars are over, there’s still plenty of debate on whether PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass is the better offering. Perhaps sensing its inferior favour, PlayStation Plus is soon set to release its overhauled subscription service. 

Even if you're a die-hard PlayStation gamer, you can’t deny that Game Pass boasts an enviable library but now more than ever, not everyone has hundreds of pounds available to fork out on a new console so Game Pass remained out of reach. It looks like that will soon change thanks to a brand new streaming device.

Take a look at this incredible gamepad add-on that allows this gamer to play his Xbox one-handed.

According to VentureBeat, Microsoft is working on a streaming device that will allow people to play Xbox games without owning an Xbox console - and the device could be released “in the next 12 months”. The streaming device is set to allow users to access Xbox’s highly sought after Game Pass via Xbox Cloud Gaming whilst also containing today’s usual movie and TV streaming platforms.

It follows Microsoft’s announcement at last year’s E3 where they outlined their intentions to create an Xbox streaming device. It’s also thought that Microsoft is working on a native app for Samsung smart TVs that will allow users to access the same features as the potential streaming device without having to purchase the device. This too could arrive within the next 12 months.

Liz Hamren, CVP of gaming experiences and platforms, previously talked about an Xbox streaming device. “We’re working with global TV manufacturers to embed the Game Pass experience directly into internet-connected TVs, so all you’ll need to play is a controller. Beyond that, we’re also developing stand-alone streaming devices that you can plug into a TV or monitor, so if you have a strong internet connection you can stream your Xbox experience,” she said. With the Xbox Showcase set for 12 June 2022, we could very well hear more about this then.