Xbox could launch Chromecast-like dongle for xCloud games

Microsoft is making all-out efforts to promote its xCloud, cloud-based gaming platform. Even as xCloud has expanded its content portfolio and devices, Microsoft is now looking to make the platform available through lower-priced hardware. It could be a plug-in device, similar to Google Chromecast, which will allow users to play xCloud games on a TV without an Xbox.

Speculation around the xCloud dongle comes after an interview of Xbox chief Phil Spencer with a website called Stratechery.

"I think you’re going to see lower-priced hardware as part of our ecosystem, when you think about streaming sticks and other things that somebody might want to just go plug into their TV and go play via xCloud," he is quoted as saying.

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"You could imagine us even having something that we just included in the Game Pass subscription, that gave you an ability to stream xCloud games to your TV and buying the controller,” he added.

As of now, xCloud is available on select devices and platforms. Microsoft also offers xCloud on Android through the Xbox Game Pass application. The company plans to roll out the same on iOS devices as well.

Microsoft’s xCloud platform competes with Google Stadia, which is also a cloud-based gaming platform. Google has also made efforts to expand the footprints of Stadia. It also has a wide content catalogue. Ubisoft will soon roll out games such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Far Cry 6 for Google Stadia.