Key Takeaways
1. Xbox Game Pass prices have increased, leading to criticism, but improved streaming quality may retain subscribers.
2. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access enhanced 1440p graphics, while Essential and Premium plans offer lower quality and longer wait times.
3. The Xbox Cloud Gaming experience has significantly improved, with games like The Witcher 3 showing better resolutions and frame rates.
4. Currently, only a limited selection of games are optimized for the new streaming quality, and there’s no clear indication of which games have received upgrades.
5. GeForce Now remains a stronger option for cloud gaming, offering better value and a larger game library compared to the new Xbox Game Pass pricing.
Microsoft is facing criticism over the recent increase in Xbox Game Pass prices. Nevertheless, the enhanced streaming quality might make gamers think twice before they decide to cancel their subscriptions. Now that the beta phase for Xbox Cloud Gaming has ended, some games are displaying better resolutions and frame rates. Jez Corden from Windows Central showed how Xcloud could be a strong alternative to Nvidia GeForce Now.
Subscription Details
With the new subscription tiers, users must have Game Pass Ultimate to access 1440p graphics. The Essential and Premium plans also allow cloud gaming, but at lower quality levels and with longer waiting periods. For gamers who are willing to spend $29.99 each month on the top tier, they may find the advancements in streaming performance quite surprising.
Impressive Performance
In a video on Windows Central, Corden tried out various Xbox Cloud Gaming titles on the ROG Xbox Ally handheld. The Witcher 3 stood out with its 2560 x 1440 resolution and consistent 60 frames per second. Corden noted that there is a “night and day” difference compared to earlier streaming experiences, and any latency was nearly imperceptible.
Limited Game Selection
Sadly, only a few games are currently taking full advantage of the enhanced performance. Fallout 4 and Cyberpunk 2077 are two other titles that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can try out. It is quite annoying that there isn’t a clear label to indicate which games have received these upgrades yet.
When it comes to streaming quality, GeForce Now is usually the go-to choice for many gamers. With its Performance tier streaming at 1440p, it still outperforms Microsoft due to a more extensive library of compatible games. The Ultimate plan boosts the streaming quality up to 4K and beyond. However, players must deal with session limits and a cap of 100 hours per month.
Value Comparison
For those who focus on cloud gaming, GeForce Now offers a better deal. After the price hike of Xbox Game Pass, the Ultimate plan costs three times more than Nvidia’s 1440p tier. If gamers aren’t interested in day-one releases and additional benefits, they might prefer a standalone streaming service. There are whispers of a free ad-supported plan coming soon, but it likely won’t deliver the highest quality streaming experience.
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