Xbox is partnering with Amazon to allow Xbox games to be streamed via Fire TV devices – WGB

Xbox is continuing to expand how and where you can play its games. Speaking on the Xbox Wire, Ashley McKissick, Corporate Vice President, Xbox Experiences and Platforms Engineering, today announced a new partnership with Amazon to allow game streaming through Amazon’s Fire TV devices.

“Over the past several years, we have been on a journey to deliver cloud gaming to more devices and to more people around the globe,” said Ashley McKissick. “We are excited to add Fire TV to our growing family of cloud gaming devices and eager to welcome new players into this experience.”

According to Xbox, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will soon be able to download an Xbox app on their Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) or Fire TV Stick 4K (2023 and stream games through it.

Here’s how Xbox describes the simplicity of the system:

• “Simply install and launch the Xbox app from your Fire TV device.
• Sign in with your Microsoft account to play. If you’re an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member, you’ll have instant access to hundreds of cloud-enabled games.
• Not a member? No worries! You can join Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for one low monthly price, or check out Fortnite without a membership.
• Connect a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller. Controllers like the Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation DualSense, or DualShock 4 controller are all compatible.
• Start Playing!”

Speaking on its own blog, Amazon commented that: “This announcement is an extension of Amazon’s commitment to bringing the best entertainment experiences to our customers, including top-tier cloud gaming options. For casual gamers or those new to the hobby, it provides an easy, low-cost entry point to explore the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate library. Hardcore gamers can use it as a convenient way to play on another TV or take their games on the go.”

Game streaming can be pretty hit or miss and is, of course, largely dependent on the strength of your Internet connection. Personally, I don’t use it, but I do find the technology very cool and the idea that I could just fire up a Fire TV stick and stream games is solid. It’ll be interesting to see how many people actually use it.