Microsoft is testing a higher resolution streaming solution for the streaming service Xbox Game Pass Cloud gaming previously known as xCloud, ahead of a major upgrade to the service later in the year.
According to a new WindowsCentral report, an unnamed (but trusted) game developer source recently shared an image of Hellblade running over xCloud. This revealed that the resolution of the game being streamed was 1080p – a big improvement over the limited 720p available through the service until now.
Most cell phones operate at a resolution of at least 1080p. So increasing the resolution at which you can play can help Xbox entice more gamers to use the cloud gaming streaming service and play more Xbox Game Pass titles on their handheld devices.
Games have been limited to 720p for xCloud streaming to improve stability and ensure a smooth connection. However, if you’ve used the service, you’ve undoubtedly seen how games can sometimes run a bit blurry and undefined.
Microsoft intends to upgrade the Xbox Cloud streaming servers from the Xbox One architecture to the Xbox Series bring. It therefore makes sense to ensure that the service supports uninterrupted 1080p streaming.
Microsoft undoubtedly wants to ensure that its own cloud gaming streaming service is up to the challenge of competing with rival companies that already offer 1080p game streaming to their customers. Google Stadia, Amazon Luna, GeForce Now and others already offer this feature.
Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming launched in September in 22 countries with a selection of over 150 games. Our own Alex Donaldson was very impressed with xCloud when he tried it out for the first time.