Introduction

Microsoft's intriguing ad campaign boldly declares, "This is an Xbox," and it raises a compelling question: what if your laptop, handheld device, TV, or smartphone could serve as an Xbox console? While most of these devices aren't equipped to run Xbox games natively, the underlying promise is made possible through Xbox Cloud Gaming—a feature of Game Pass Ultimate that offers an experience reminiscent of Netflix, but for gaming.

Accessibility of Game Streaming

Game streaming has been part of the Xbox vision since 2018, yet it has never seemed so accessible as it does now. Users can dive into the Game Pass library with the mere addition of a wireless controller and an Amazon Fire TV Stick. This leads us to a pressing question: Can an Amazon Fire TV Stick effectively function as an Xbox? Microsoft's answer would be yes, but whether it meets your gaming expectations is another story.

Skepticism Around Cloud Gaming

Coming from a long history of gaming—including the nostalgia of unboxing consoles—it's tough to shake off skepticism regarding cloud gaming. There's something inherently special about the tangible joy of receiving a new console. While you won’t find those iconic moments like the joy of unwrapping a Nintendo 64 anymore, Microsoft presents a different allure for those less attached to traditional consoles.

Game Pass Ultimate Subscription

With a monthly subscription of $19.99 for Game Pass Ultimate, players gain access to over 100 titles. This incredibly diverse library offers everything from major hits like *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* and *Persona 3 Reload* to indie gems like *Brotato* and *Inscryption*.

Challenges of Cloud Gaming

Despite having a solid internet connection at about 350 Mbps, comfortably above the recommended 20 Mbps, the compromises of cloud gaming were impossible to ignore. While Microsoft has made strides to deliver a console-like experience, latency and graphic fidelity occasionally falter. In dynamic games demanding precise inputs, like *Call of Duty*, cloud streaming often falls short of the responsiveness we're accustomed to, leaving players longing for the native experience.

Performance with Different Genres

However, if you love turn-based games or visual novels, the streaming experience shines. Titles like *Persona 3 Reload* and *Pentiment* translate well to cloud gaming, allowing a more leisurely pace without the same pressure for precision. In these scenarios, the experience felt almost seamless; yet, even with high-speed internet, video quality sometimes suffered with noticeable compression artifacts and slight input delays.

Adapting to Latency

Adapting to the lag became crucial during action-heavy gameplay. While I could compensate for latency in games like *Brotato*, it reflected poorly on my enjoyment—and perhaps more importantly, my performance. While occasional trips without a console could benefit from cloud gaming, allowing you to play at hotels or gatherings, it’s a far cry from the true console experience.

Benefits for Game Pass Ultimate Subscribers

For existing Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, there’s a valuable bonus: cloud gaming can go anywhere, and your game saves will follow you. Even though various other services like Google Stadia and Nvidia GeForce Now exist, there’s something remarkable about Xbox providing a cohesive gaming experience over the internet.

Conclusion

My conclusion? For some gamers, the Xbox Cloud Gaming app can serve as an adequate substitute for a console, though I find it lacking. If Microsoft intends to showcase the potential of consoles by encouraging gamers to buy into the full experience, they might be onto something worthwhile. If you're genuinely keen on gaming, splurging on a console might be worth it. The Xbox Series S, priced at approximately $300, stands as one of the most affordable entry points for current-gen gaming, alongside the Nintendo Switch. For those wary of such a commitment, consider cloud gaming as a trial—proof of concept, if you will—to determine if you want to dive deeper. At the end of the day, regardless of platform, there's no denying that it’s still an Xbox—though your gaming experiences may vary.