Xbox could finally allow cloud streaming of the games you own.

Xbox is preparing a significant advance in its cloud gaming platform, allowing users to stream games they own, rather than being limited solely to titles available on Xbox Game Pass. This new functionality, which is part of the project known as Project Lapland, will initially be tested in the Xbox Insider program starting in November. Reports suggest that it is expected to become available to a wider audience later on, although likely only for subscribers of the Ultimate tier.

Until now, Xbox had only allowed streaming of games that were part of the Game Pass catalog, which could be played on various devices, including mobile phones and Amazon TVs. Accessing these games often required the use of a web browser, although the company has been rolling out standalone apps for devices such as smart TVs, and will now be integrating the Xbox and Game Pass apps into a new mobile application. While using a browser will remain necessary for cloud streaming, users will be able to browse the catalog and access Game Pass benefits.

Additionally, a recent court ruling in the antitrust dispute between Epic Games and Google will allow Xbox to offer users the option to purchase games directly from its app on Android devices. Previously, Google had restricted app developers from establishing third-party payments through its Play Store, but this new regulation will open up options and flexibility for consumers.

Xbox has been developing these initiatives for some time. The ability to stream games purchased through the cloud was an initial promise of its streaming service, previously known as Project xCloud. In 2019, Xbox leaders explained that they were committed to giving players the freedom of choice. In 2020, they planned to allow users to stream the games they had already purchased. These intentions were reaffirmed in 2022 when Ashley McKissick, Vice President of Gaming Experiences and Platforms, announced that Game Pass Ultimate subscribers could access their purchased games, as long as they were cloud-enabled.

On another note, in the accessories area, Microsoft has launched a series of transparent controllers that will be available for pre-order. The new Xbox Elite Wireless controller series includes six color options and allows users to customize the colors of components like buttons and the joystick through the Design Lab. The price for the base model will be $150.

Finally, the Xbox Game Pass service continues to add new titles, especially in genres like simulation and strategy, in response to the preferences of its subscribers. Among the latest additions is the release of Frostpunk 2, a city-building game that challenges players to survive in an apocalyptic environment.