After a soft launch in the US and the UK late last year, Microsoft is now expanding the Xbox Console Streaming preview to more markets. The feature is still under beta as it’s only available to Xbox Insiders, but now those living outside the US and UK can also try out the feature and provide their feedback to help the company weed out bugs and odd behaviors. To be clear, Xbox Console Streaming is not to be confused with Project xCloud – Microsoft’s cloud game streaming service. Instead, Console Streaming lets you play your locally installed Xbox One games on your Android phone or tablet — just like PlayStation Remote Play.
To participate, you’ll need to be an Xbox Insider and enroll your Xbox One console in one of the Update Preview Rings. You’ll also need to install the Xbox Game Streaming preview app from the Google Play Store. The app will walk you through the setup process on your Xbox One and will also run a set of tests to ensure that your network connection, console, and controller meet the minimum speed and performance requirements for a smooth experience. Here’s what you’ll need to get Xbox Console Streaming running:
- A phone or tablet running Android 6.0 or higher, with Bluetooth 4.0
- A Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One Wireless Controller
- A Microsoft Account with Xbox profile, and high-speed Internet
- Upstream bandwidth: At least 4.75 Mbps required, 9 Mbps preferred
- Network latency: 125 ms or less required, 60 ms or less preferred
- Console settings: Power setting must be Instant-on
Once set up, you should be able to stream any of your installed Xbox One games, including Xbox Play Game Pass titles, to your Android phone. Expanding the Xbox Console Streaming preview to more markets will allow Microsoft to gather more feedback from a broader userbase with their unique challenges and different playing environments and help further improve the service ahead of its public release.
Microsoft hasn’t given any timeframe as to when they plan to make the Xbox Console Streaming service available to all user.
