Microsoft announced today that Xbox Project xCloud will officially launch on Android as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on September 15th at no extra charge for subscribers to the service.

But what exactly is Project xCloud, and how can it benefit you? We've put together a brief guide featuring some commonly asked questions about the service below.

What Is Project xCloud?

Project xCloud is a cloud streaming service provided by Microsoft that allows you to play Xbox games via the internet on your Android phone or tablet.

It will launch on September 15th as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, meaning if you subscribe to that service, you'll get access to over 100 Xbox games that will be fully playable.

Project xCloud will be available in the following countries at launch:

"Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States."

How Does Project xCloud Work?

You'll be able to access Project xCloud games via the Xbox Game Pass app on your Android device, which will present you with a list of titles that you can instantly begin playing via cloud streaming.

All you'll need is a compatible Bluetooth controller (such as the Xbox One Bluetooth Wireless Controller), and you'll be good to go.

What Are The Requirements For Project xCloud?

To use Project xCloud, you'll require the following:

  • A phone/tablet with Android version 6.0 or greater, Bluetooth version 4.0+
  • Xbox Game Pass app with Ultimate membership
  • A compatible controller with Bluetooth

Microsoft also recommends that you use a 5GHz Wi-FI or mobile data connection 10Mbps down.

Why Isn't Project xCloud Available On iOS Yet?

Microsoft hasn't officially gone into detail about this, but it appears to be related to Apple App Store policies.

Which Games Are Included With The Service?

Over 100 games will be included with Project xCloud when it launches on September 15th, but Microsoft hasn't released the full list just yet - it says it will provide more details nearer the time.

That said, Minecraft Dungeons, Destiny 2, Tell Me Why, Gears 5, Yakuza Kiwami 2 and more will all definitely be included, and Microsoft is also intending to continually provide day-one access to new titles from Xbox Game Studios.

What's The Performance Like? Is There Any Lag?

We don't know this for sure until Project xCloud launches in September, but based on the preview version of the app, the performance is very good. Input delay is minimal, and the quality is excellent.

What Controllers And Accessories Are Supported With xCloud?

Microsoft has unveiled a selection of mobile gaming accessories for Project xCloud that you can purchase, and both the Xbox One Bluetooth Wireless and PlayStation DualShock 4 controllers will also be compatible.

To enhance the mobile gaming experience, we’re partnering with Razer, PowerA, 8BitDo, and Nacon to create all-new accessories specifically designed for cloud gaming. These include different types of phone clips that adapt to a wide range of devices, travel controllers that fit in any bag, and exclusive Xbox-branded controllers that split apart and attach to the side of your phone. You can also play with your Xbox One Bluetooth Wireless and PlayStation DualShock 4 controllers.

My Internet Isn't Great - Will It Still Work?

We can only give you our thoughts based on the preview version of the app with this one. We've tested this version of Project xCloud on a slow 10-15mbps download and 1mbps upload connection, and the input delay isn't an issue - but the picture occasionally loses fidelity and issues connection warnings. That said, it's still playable.

Can I Use Project xCloud Without Xbox Game Pass?

Project xCloud is launching with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on September 15th, so you'll need to be subscribed to the service to take advantage for now. Microsoft is planning to roll out Project xCloud in other ways in the future, but is initially focusing its efforts on integrating it within Xbox Game Pass.

Have you got any other questions for us about Project xCloud? Let us know in the comments.

Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.