NXCloud has launched as a new unofficial XBOX Cloud Gaming client for modified Nintendo Switch consoles. Created by denpingus, the app gives you an XBOX-style home screen where you can browse games, see who’s online, check messages and start playing through the cloud.
We covered Green-NX back in July, and NXCloud gives Nintendo Switch owners another homebrew option. Beyond the launcher, there’s an in-game menu where you can check messages and change streaming settings. You can even return to the launcher without ending your game session.
NXCloud Includes An XBOX-Style Launcher And Social Features
NXCloud is split into two parts. The launcher handles your game library, achievements, friends, and messages, while a separate application called NXStream handles cloud gaming.
Open the launcher and your most recently played game appears at the top of the home screen. Six tabs give you access to Recent, Discover, All, Favorites, Friends, and Messages. You can search for games, sort and filter the library, or save favourites for later.
The Discover tab groups Game Pass games under Recently Added, Most Popular, Leaving Soon, and Coming to Game Pass. Game details include artwork, achievement progress, and an estimate of the cloud gaming queue. The launcher also supports friend requests, online status, and messages, with notifications as updates arrive.
NXCloud caches the library, game details, and artwork on the SD card, so you can browse them offline. Streaming a game still requires an internet connection.
Those social features remain accessible after a game starts. Press Plus and Minus together to open an XBOX Guide-style menu with friends, messages, and streaming settings. Choosing Back to NXCloud returns to the launcher without ending the current game session. Choose Leave the Game instead, and the session ends.
Streaming Supports Hardware Decoding And Touch Controls
NXStream uses the Nintendo Switch’s hardware video decoder for streams at 720p or 1080p. It supports sound, HD Rumble, and optional gyro aiming. The player can adjust bitrate as network conditions change, with settings that prioritize lower lag, balanced performance, or picture quality.
You can also enable a performance overlay showing resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and network latency while playing.
Handheld mode includes a virtual controller on the touchscreen. You can move and resize the buttons, turn individual buttons into toggles, and adjust their opacity. The menus also work through touch, allowing you to use NXCloud without Joy-Con controllers.
NXCloud version 0.5.1-beta is available now on GitHub.
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