Microsoft is launching its long awaited Xbox app on Samsung TVs through the Samsung Gaming Hub at the end of this month. The app will allow Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream cloud-based console-quality games directly without a console. Upon launch, subscribers will be able play 100 game titles on the platform – almost a third of the games Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers currently have access to on console devices .
Microsoft has said it intends “to explore other TV partnerships as part of this next evolution in our vision.”
Samsung Gaming Hub was first announced ty the smart TV manufacturer at CES in January and is a feature of most of the company’s 2022 TV models, including Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, QLED (BU8000 series and above) TVs and 2022 Smart Monitor computer monitors. The Gaming Hub serves as a portal for users to access both cloud-gaming services and consoles on their connected TV. Its current partners include Nvidia, GEForce Now, Google Stadia, and Utomik.
Vice President of Gaming Experiences and Platforms, Xbox Corporate, Ashley McKissick said: “Playing Xbox games on 2022 Samsung TVs will be a seamless experience, similar to using other streaming apps on your TV.
“We’re super excited by what this next step means for all you gamers out there. With this rollout, we’re making it easier than ever to play games on the devices you already own. With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and a controller, you can easily jump into the world of gaming and connect with your friends and communities on Xbox.”
Players will be able to connect a range of Bluetooth-enabled controllers (including the Xbox Wireless Controller, Elite Series 2 Controller and the DualSense controller) to their Samsung TVs. Xbox’s Game Pass Ultimate subscription currently costs $15 per month, but as part of an offer, new sign-ups will pay $1 per month for the first three months.
