Between 2020 and early 2024, Xbox Cloud Gaming served as a full-time gaming solution for many—including those without an Xbox or gaming PC. With a strong internet connection, particularly in regions like South Korea, the service allowed access to a massive Game Pass library across laptops, phones, tablets, and even smart TVs. However, it was far from perfect. Long loading times, frequent game launch failures, and a shaky pricing strategy made it a tough sell in the long run.

By early 2024, many users—including the one in this review—moved on, especially after picking up devices like the Steam Deck. But as of 2025, there’s been a renewed interest thanks to some key improvements.

Web App, Keyboard Support, and Platform Performance (Xbox Cloud Gaming 2025) 

Microsoft has shifted the preferred method for Xbox Cloud Gaming to the web app, especially for phones, tablets, and macOS. This browser-based approach supports better responsiveness and layout scaling and allows players to create app-like shortcuts on devices for a cleaner UI.

Controller support remains strong, and there’s now full keyboard and mouse compatibility. That upgrade alone makes a major difference for FPS and strategy titles. While the feature set has expanded, the resolution hasn’t. Cloud gaming still streams at 1080p max, which feels dated in 2025. On laptops and tablets, the quality holds up reasonably well, but on phones, the compression is too aggressive—often dipping below 720p in perceived sharpness.

Performance also varies depending on the game and platform. The Mac web app delivers smoother gameplay than Android or iPad OS, and newer games like Call of Duty seem to run better than others like GTA V Enhanced Edition or Forza Horizon 5. Input delay and visual fidelity fluctuate, suggesting Microsoft optimizes cloud performance more aggressively for certain franchises.

Game Library in 2025: A Strong Lineup with Room to Grow

Game selection remains Xbox Cloud Gaming’s biggest draw. With Microsoft owning major studios like Bethesda and Activision and maintaining strong third-party ties with EA, Ubisoft, Rockstar, and 2K, the Game Pass library continues to expand. New additions like Indiana Jones and Black Ops 6 headline the current rotation.

However, the indie game pipeline hasn’t seen major growth, and the rollout of keyboard-compatible titles is still limited. Still, that section is growing and provides strong value for low-end laptop users or those without discrete GPUs.

A consistent drawback remains: rotating availability. Like Netflix, games cycle in and out, which can cut short progress on titles you’re enjoying. Thankfully, you now receive advance notice before removals.

Biggest Update Yet: Streaming Owned Games

The most important improvement came in late 2024—users can now stream games they own digitally via Xbox Cloud Gaming. This means you’re no longer dependent on Game Pass availability. You can access your purchased library and synced save data from any supported device, even if you sold your console. This update adds massive value to the $20/month Ultimate tier.

Currently, the list of supported owned games is still small—around 50 to 60 titles—but it’s growing. Combined with Microsoft’s plan to push its Xbox store onto iOS and Android, this signals long-term investment in cloud gaming as a core product.

The Pricing Problem—and a Future Fix? (Xbox Cloud Gaming)

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $20 per month globally (or less in certain regions). While previously criticized for locking Xbox Cloud Gaming behind its priciest tier, the addition of owned-game streaming makes this price more justifiable. Users get access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, online multiplayer, and all Game Pass content across multiple devices.

Still, there’s no denying the current structure alienates casual players. A lower-cost, cloud-only tier—or one focused purely on streaming purchased titles—could expand the service’s reach significantly. Microsoft may be holding off on this until it fully launches its mobile storefront, but that change would shift Xbox Cloud Gaming into a more accessible direction.