Upgraded Xbox Cloud Gaming Shows 1440p/60fps Performance
Early impressions of the enhanced Xbox Cloud Gaming service highlight major strides in streaming quality. Players report smoother gameplay and improved resolution across several graphically intense games.
Stronger Performance for Demanding Titles
Videos circulating online display open-world hits like The Witcher 3 streaming seamlessly at 1440p. The performance, found in the more expensive Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, rivals mid-tier GeForce Now plans.
Subscription Tiers and Requirements
Access to 1440p streaming will require a Game Pass Ultimate membership. The Essential and Premium tiers continue to include cloud gaming, though with lower resolutions and longer queue times. Subscribers opting for the $29.99 monthly Ultimate tier experience noticeably faster and sharper gameplay.
Technical Improvements and Community Feedback
With the beta phase completed, Xbox Cloud Gaming now delivers higher frame rates and resolutions. Jez Corden from Windows Central tested several titles on the ROG Xbox Ally handheld, noting that the experience was substantially improved from earlier versions.
“The Witcher 3 impressed at 2560x1440, while maintaining a steady 60 frames per second,” said Corden, describing the results as a “night and day” shift from previous sessions.
Players also observed minimal latency issues, marking a significant step forward for Microsoft’s streaming infrastructure. However, the company still faces criticism for recent Game Pass price hikes.
Outlook for Xbox Cloud Gaming
Improved performance and visual fidelity could convince many to keep their memberships, as the service becomes a viable alternative to Nvidia’s GeForce Now.
Author’s summary: Xbox Cloud Gaming’s 1440p 60fps upgrade delivers smoother visuals and performance, potentially offsetting backlash over Game Pass price increases.