Playing Xbox Games on Android Phones just Got Better: Ultimate Guide

Thanks to cloud gaming, mobile users have the ability to play Xbox games on Android smartphones and tablets over the internet without needing a console or a television set. Seeing as we live in a world of smartphones now, this is a liberating experience allowing you to game anywhere and at any time you choose.

Being able to play Xbox games on Android is simply a beauty of convenience and accessibility converged. And you don’t get to play low graphics, low quality games either. It is wireless access to high-quality gaming experiences.

Earlier this year, an update from Microsoft freed game lovers from needing a controller to play Xbox games on their devices. You can use it if you want, but that update made it possible for you to play your games with just the on-screen controls in the Xbox game app. But it gets better.

In October 2024, a US court ruled against Google, forcing the giant to open up the Play Store to allow third-party app stores to be publicly visible within the store and operate freely.

As a result of that injunction, Microsoft has announced that from November 2024, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android devices [1].

Before this development, you could only buy a physical copy or a digital copy through the store on the Xbox console. From November, however, you will also have the option of buying games directly through the Xbox app on your Android phone or tablet.

Key takeaways

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• Playing Xbox games on Android allows you to game anywhere without needing a TV or console setup.
• There are two ways you can play Xbox games on Android devices: the first is to use Xbox Cloud Gaming with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription, and you do not need a console to be able to use this method. The second is to use Xbox Remote Play. Note that this second method requires an Xbox console to use.
• Whichever way you choose to go, you will need an Android smartphone or tablet, a fast and stable internet connection, and either a Game Pass Ultimate subscription or an Xbox console.

Now let’s get into the details of how it works.

What games are available on Xbox remote play on Android?

With Xbox Remote Play, you can play most games installed on your Xbox console, including titles available through Xbox Game Pass. However, there are some limitations:

• Backward Compatibility: Games from the Xbox 360 or original Xbox that are backward compatible are not supported for remote play.
• Game Pass Titles: Any game available on Xbox Game Pass can be played remotely, provided it is installed on your console.

This means you have access to a wide range of games, from the latest releases to popular Game Pass titles.

How to setup Xbox games on Android phones or tablets with Game Pass Ultimate (Cloud Gaming)

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (Cloud Gaming) on your Android device:

1. Subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: This subscription provides access to a library of Xbox games that can be streamed to your Android device over the internet.
2. Download the Xbox Game Pass app: Install the Xbox Game Pass app from the Google Play Store.
3. Log in with your Microsoft account: Sign in using the same Microsoft account you use for Xbox Game Pass.
4. Start playing: Browse the library and select a game to start playing.

How to setup Xbox games on Android phones or tablets with Remote Play

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up Xbox Remote Play on your Android device:

1. Prepare Your Xbox Console:
   • Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
   • Go to Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Remote features.
   • Check the box for Enable remote features.
   • Under Power options, select Sleep. This ensures your console is ready for remote play.
2. Connect Your Console:
   • Open the Xbox app on your Android device. If you do not have it installed on your device yet, proceed to download and install it from the Play Store.
   • Sign in with the same Microsoft account you use on your Xbox console.
   • Tap the My Library icon and select Consoles.
   • Choose your console from the list and tap Remote play on this device.
3. Connect Your Controller:
   • Pair your Xbox Wireless Controller with your Android device via Bluetooth or use a USB cable. Don’t forget that you can now play games without the need for a controller, so this is an optional step.
4. Start Playing:
   • Once connected, you can start playing games installed on your Xbox console directly on your Android device.

Enjoy the freedom of playing Xbox games on your Android smartphone or tablet. May the force be with you!

References

1. Players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android. (source)