Exciting Features Coming To Xbox!

By the time you read this, there is a very good possibility that the Xbox/Bethesda showcase at E3 will have already happened.  If so, it’s possible that more details will have been shared about this.  However, I’m going to mention two very interesting and potentially massive features that are in the works and highlight some benefits of them.

                            xCloud Gaming and Try Before You Download.

Now I know what you’re saying out there.  “Wait a second, xCloud gaming has been around for a little while already.”  This is actually true.  I’ve been using it myself for a little while on a mobile device and love it.  What I’m talking about is completely different though and it’s a game changer.

Soon, xCloud will be available on your console as well!  This is awesome news.  Especially how it will open up the availability for other games that can be played via xCloud.  Before too long, all you Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will get access to the wonders of xCloud on mobile, console and PC.

Now then.  Let’s talk about the upcoming feature that has me the most excited I’ve been in a while.  It’s something that should get you all excited too!  Try before you download.

Before I continue though, it’s important to note that “Try before you download” likely will not be what it’s called, but it’s the best way to describe it right now.

With the addition of xCloud streaming to consoles and PC, try before you download will soon be a reality.  What this is going to allow you to do is try out games you might be interested in before downloading them obviously.  Think about the potential this has.  Sure we all have seen game trailers and game play footage and thought “This game looks amazing!” or “I can’t wait to play that!” only to be let down after buying or downloading it.  Not anymore!

Soon those days will be gone completely!  When this becomes available, you will actually get to play a game through xCloud and see what you think before making the crucial ownership decision.  Like the game?  Then feel free to drop that hard earned cash on it or download it from Game Pass and enjoy.  Not so impressed with it?  That’s ok because you can give it a pass and hold onto that cash and your precious hard drive space.

It could be quite literally the ultimate demo program!  Plus, there’s another benefit here.  Ever have one of those Day One games that you’re eager to jump into and play as soon as it’s available, but you forgot to pre-download?  That’s right!  Now you’ll be able to dive right in with xCloud and enjoy that game right away, then download it later when time allows you to.

Clearly you can see why I’m so pumped for these two new features to show up on my Series X (hopefully later this year).  Expanding game play options is always something to be hyped up about.  Keep your eyes and ears open for more information later on this year, hopefully sooner.  See you all out there in the gaming world!

James Parker is an avid gamer for 35+ years.  Known as EpicQuiet on Xbox and Twitter.