New Xbox App Means You Don't Need Console To Play Games

With the launch of the overhauled PlayStation Plus fast approaching in the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, there’s predictably been a whole lot of talk surrounding both Sony and Microsoft’s subscription services. Namely, debating about which one is better, because console wars will never die, apparently. 

Even with the PlayStation Plus’ huge Premium tier game library, people can’t seem to make up their minds on whether or not it’s worth it compared to Xbox Game Pass (obviously, that’s up to the individual, but taking a peek at our breakdown might help you decide). Well, Xbox just earned themselves another notch on their belt, because it’s just been confirmed that an amazing new app is launching this month, which will allow users to play games on their TV without even owning a console.

Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is one of the titles coming to PlayStation Plus' Extra tier game library later this month - take a look at the trailer below.

As reported by VGC, an Xbox app will be launching on 2022 Samsung Smart TVs on 30 June, in 27 countries. Anyone subscribed to Game Pass Ultimate (with a compatible TV, of course) can access their game library and play cloud games on their TV. And, if you’re not subscribed to Game Pass Ultimate, you’ll still be able to play Fortnite for free, if you’re into that. 

“We’re super excited by what this next step means for all you gamers out there,” Microsoft said in a statement (via VGC). “With this rollout, we’re making it easier than ever to play games on the devices you already own.”

Reportedly, although the app is coming to Samsung Smart TVs “first”, Microsoft are intending to explore more potential partnerships in the future, so if you don’t already own a compatible TV, maybe don’t go rushing out to get one just yet. 

Obviously, cloud gaming requires a fast and stable internet connection, so if your internet doesn’t tend to be particularly great, chances are, the app might not be a great alternative to, y’know, just owning a console. We don’t have long to wait and see how it performs, anyway, as it’ll be upon us in just three weeks’ time.