So, earlier this week Microsoft released their Xcloud service, which is a Netflix like streaming service where you pay a low monthly fee for “all you can play” games. It’s an extension of Microsoft’s Xbox Gamepass. But instead of installing the games on your Xbox or PC, here you are streaming them. The service is only available for console games for right now, and is available on PCs, Macs, Apple mobile devices, and Android mobile devices.
Does it work? Well, if you have a great connection, it will work MOST of the time. I’m doing this on my Mac, which is plugged into a WiFi extender (I’m in the back of the house) via ethernet, but I’ve tried on my iPad, and while my iPad never has connection problems, the service stuttered when I didn’t use a wired connection.
The other thing is you’re gonna need an Xbox controller. I’ve had problems keeping controllers connected to my mac, so when I read the Xbox controller works very well, I was excited. But once I received it, I realized I needed to update the firmware, which I couldn’t do on Mac. I had to connect it to my dad’s PC. However, once I updated the firmware, it has worked perfectly.
I like to pick at games like I’m at a buffet. So a service like this really appeals to me, especially because I don’t have a gaming computer. I assume eventually Microsoft will open this up to PC games too.
I don’t know, I know people like consoles and physical games. But for me, services like this would be very convenient and preferred.
XCloud might be a good alternative to purchasing the Xbox console itself. How much does the membership cost?
I still like having physical copies of games, but I'm just old fashioned.
Nothing wrong with that! You should see my closet full of books! 
I'm never going to be on the streaming bandwagon. I've also been trying to remove Microsoft from as many aspects of my life as possible. When Gametap was a thing I did kind of dabble with that until I got into 7th gen systems.
I understand. I have a million books. I go back and forth on my relationship with Microsoft.
Gametap was that shit. I got introduced to so many PC classics that way, like Baldur's Gate 2.
I mostly liked the old arcade games on the service, since back then only Namco's arcade classics were easily available. I was also introduced to Phantasy Star and Shining Force on Gametap.
I've tried it on my phone. My connection isn't good enough to play without a lot of lag but I do it from time to time to get rewards points and such. It's all about that lag. If I had access to a superfast internet service it would be great. I'm tired of waiting for downloads and clearing my memory because it's full.
Yeah, you defintely need a good connection. But in five, ten years? This stuff will be working everywhere.
I wonder how it all runs on 5G. That's already coming out.
What kind of specs do you need on PC though to run anything recent? You only mention the connection requirements.
No, I don't think you need a powerful computer, because I don't have one. It's really just streaming. But my Mac did tell me at one point that the browser with XCloud open in it was taking up a lot of system resources. The other thing is you really need an Xbox controller. I have to say though, I really like the one I bought.