Xbox is partnering with TCL to bring the Xbox App to TCL Smart TVs in more than 25 countries over the coming months. The app will let owners stream Xbox games directly to their TVs without needing an Xbox console or PC.
Players will need a supported TCL TV, a compatible Bluetooth controller, and access to Xbox Cloud Gaming. This can come through an Xbox Game Pass subscription or, where supported, separately purchased cloud playtime. Xbox features such as achievements, cloud saves, friends lists, and cross-play will also be available through the TV app.
TCL Support Arrives Ahead of Controversial Cloud Changes
The TCL integration comes at an awkward time for Xbox Cloud, with the company preparing to introduce strict monthly limits for Game Pass subscribers.
Starting in November, cloud gaming will be capped based on the user’s Game Pass tier:
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 15 hours per month
- Xbox Game Pass Premium: 10 hours per month
- Xbox Game Pass Essential: 5 hours per month
The limits have drawn significant criticism from the Xbox community, particularly the 15-hour monthly allowance for Ultimate subscribers. For players who use cloud gaming regularly, that could mean burning through their included time surprisingly quickly.
Once those hours are gone, players will have to purchase additional cloud playtime through the Xbox Store.
Cloud Gaming Without Game Pass?
At the same time, Xbox is expanding cloud gaming to players who don’t have a Game Pass subscription. From November, users will be able to purchase cloud playtime to stream select games they own on supported devices. Pricing for standalone cloud playtime and additional Game Pass hours has not yet been announced.
So while the TCL partnership puts Xbox Cloud Gaming on more TVs, the timing is likely to raise some eyebrows. The service is becoming available on more devices just as Xbox is putting tighter limits on how much subscribers can actually use it…
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