Upgraded Xbox Cloud Gaming Demo Runs at 1440p/60fps
Fans are reacting to the first hands-on impressions of the enhanced Xbox Cloud Gaming service. New footage showcases demanding open-world titles such as The Witcher 3 running smoothly at 1440p resolution and 60 frames per second.
Improved Streaming and Subscription Tiers
The upgraded performance, available through the higher-priced Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier, now rivals certain GeForce Now plans. Although Microsoft recently faced criticism over subscription price hikes, the boost in quality could make some players reconsider canceling their plans.
Higher Quality after Beta
With the beta phase concluded, several titles are displaying sharper visuals and enhanced frame rates. Jez Corden from Windows Central highlighted how Xcloud is evolving into a strong alternative to Nvidia’s GeForce Now.
As Corden noted, the experience was a “night and day” difference from previous sessions, with latency nearly imperceptible.
Testing on ROG Xbox Ally
In testing on the ROG Xbox Ally handheld device, The Witcher 3 maintained stable performance at 2560×1440 resolution and 60 FPS. However, only a handful of games currently benefit from the improved system.
- Ultimate subscribers access 1440p streaming.
- Essential and Premium tiers offer lower quality with increased wait times.
- The highest plan costs $29.99 per month.
Overall Impression
The streaming upgrade positions Xbox Cloud Gaming as a more serious competitor in the cloud gaming space, potentially shifting user preferences toward Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Author’s Summary: The new 1440p/60fps upgrade enhances Xbox Cloud Gaming’s appeal, narrowing the gap with GeForce Now and possibly offsetting recent subscription cost concerns.