History of Xbox Cloud Gaming in Timeline

Xbox Cloud Gaming, a service of Microsoft Gaming, allows users to play Xbox games on various devices via cloud streaming. Launched publicly in September 2020 for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, it provides access to a library of games without requiring local downloads or powerful hardware. Games are run on remote servers, streamed directly to the user's device. Subscribers can play games on compatible PCs, mobile devices, and Xbox consoles, extending the reach of Xbox gaming beyond dedicated hardware.

2016: Cloud Gaming Ideas within Microsoft

Around 2016, ideas for a cloud gaming service emerged within Microsoft, coinciding with Kareem Choudhry's development of Xbox 360 backwards compatibility for the Xbox One. Choudhry proposed providing games without needing a console, leading to a small team exploring the feasibility of cloud gaming.

Xbox 360 250GB Slim Console - (Renewed)

Check it on Amazon

October 2018: Project xCloud Formally Announced

In October 2018, Microsoft formally announced Project xCloud, several months after teasing the service at E3 2018.

2018: Initial Hardware for Xbox Cloud Gaming

In 2018, the hardware used for the Xbox Cloud Gaming teaser consisted of servers with four customized Xbox One S-based units.

March 2019: Project xCloud Demonstration

In March 2019, Microsoft demonstrated Project xCloud with Forza Horizon 4 playing on an Android smartphone with an Xbox One controller.

May 2019: Project xCloud Home Testing Phase

In May 2019, Project xCloud entered its home testing phase, expanding its usage beyond the lab environment.

October 2019: Trials of Xbox Cloud Gaming Began

Trials of the Xbox Cloud Gaming service began in October 2019.

November 2019: Service Hosts 50 Games

As of November 2019, the Xbox Cloud Gaming service hosted 50 games, with support in testing for iOS devices and DualShock controllers.

November 2019: Xbox Cloud Gaming Beta Testing

In November 2019, Xbox Cloud Gaming was initially released in beta testing.

2019: Doubled Units per Server at Launch

For the service's launch in 2019, the number of customized Xbox One S-based units per server was doubled to eight in a 2U enclosure.

February 12, 2020: Project xCloud Launched on iOS

On February 12, 2020, Project xCloud launched in a preview version on Apple’s iOS mobile operating system.

May 5, 2020: Project xCloud Preview in Spain

On May 5, 2020, Project xCloud became available in preview in Spain (Europe).

August 2020: iOS Testing Halted

In August 2020, Microsoft halted iOS testing for xCloud due to Apple App Store policies limiting functionality.

September 15, 2020: Xbox Cloud Gaming Officially Launched

On September 15, 2020, Xbox Cloud Gaming officially launched for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers at no additional cost.

September 2020: Apple Altered Rules for Cloud Gaming Apps

In September 2020, Apple altered its rules to allow cloud gaming apps like xCloud on iOS, but with restrictions that each game must be offered as an individual download on the iOS store.

October 2020: Consideration of Individual Game Applications

According to The Verge, based on emails uncovered during the Epic Games v. Apple trial, Microsoft had considered making each game its own application in October 2020 to satisfy Apple's requirements.

March 2021: Cloud Play Support for Original Xbox and Xbox 360 Titles

In March 2021, Microsoft introduced cloud play support for selected original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles using its backward compatibility program, including 16 titles such as Crimson Skies®: High Road to Revenge™.

March 2021: Android Client Update for Dual-Screen Devices

In March 2021, Microsoft released an update to the Android Xbox Cloud Gaming client that allows dual-screened devices like the Surface Duo to use the second screen to host the touch controls. Several games like Minecraft Dungeons and New Super Lucky's Tale support the dedicated gamepad on the second screen.

April 20, 2021: Invite-Only Beta Test of Browser Version Started

On April 20, 2021, Microsoft started an invite-only beta test of the browser version of Xbox Cloud Gaming.

June 2021: Transition to Xbox Series X-Based Servers

In June 2021, Xbox Cloud Gaming began to transition its hardware from Xbox One S-based blade servers to Xbox Series X-based servers.

Xbox Series X – 1TB Digital Edition

Check it on Amazon

June 28, 2021: Full Browser Version Released

On June 28, 2021, the full browser version of Xbox Cloud Gaming was released for all Xbox Game Pass subscribers.

August 9, 2021: Xbox Cloud Gaming Beta for Windows Users

On August 9, 2021, Xbox Cloud Gaming was released in its beta form for Windows users as a perk of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, requiring users to be registered in the Xbox Insider program.

September 14, 2021: Official Release on Xbox App for Windows

On September 14, 2021, Xbox Cloud Gaming was officially released as part of the Xbox app for Windows, along with Remote Play support from Xbox consoles to Windows computers. Microsoft also introduced a Clarity Boost feature for Windows users through the Edge browser.

September 2021: Expansion to Australia, Brazil, Japan, and Mexico

In September 2021, Microsoft expanded Xbox Cloud Gaming to Australia, Brazil, Japan, and Mexico.

October 2021: Xbox Cloud Gaming Testing on Xbox One Consoles

In October 2021, Microsoft began testing Xbox Cloud Gaming for Xbox One consoles on test channels, enabling users on those consoles to play Xbox Series X/S games.

Microsoft Xbox One Special Edition inMatte Blackin 500GB (video game)(Renewed)

Check it on Amazon

November 17, 2021: Cloud Gaming on Xbox One and Series X/S Consoles

The feature to bring cloud gaming to the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles was made available on November 17, 2021, which also allowed Xbox One users to play games that are only able to run on the Series X/S consoles.

Microsoft Xbox One Special Edition inMatte Blackin 500GB (video game)(Renewed)

Check it on Amazon

2021: Server Blades Upgraded to Xbox Series X Hardware

In 2021, Microsoft upgraded its Xbox Cloud Gaming server blades to the more capable Xbox Series X hardware.

Xbox Series X – 1TB Digital Edition

Check it on Amazon

May 2022: Streaming Device in Development

In May 2022, Microsoft confirmed that a streaming device, codenamed Keystone, was in development to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to smart TVs and streaming sticks.

June 2022: Expansion to Argentina and New Zealand

In June 2022, the Xbox Cloud Gaming service expanded further to include Argentina and New Zealand.

July 2022: Xbox Cloud Gaming on Samsung Smart TVs

In July 2022, Xbox Cloud Gaming was launched on select Samsung Smart TVs and Smart Monitors via the Xbox app, with support for Bluetooth controllers.

November 2022: Development of Streaming Device Ceased

By November 2022, Microsoft ceased development of the Keystone streaming device due to high costs compared to the Xbox Series S.

Microsoft Xbox Series S 512GB SSD Console - Includes Xbox Wireless Controller - Up to 120 frames per second - 10GB RAM 512GB SSD - Experience high dynamic range - Xbox Velocity Architecture

Check it on Amazon