Overview
- A pact announced Friday between Microsoft and TCL will put the Xbox app on select TCL Smart TVs in the coming months, making cloud-streamed Xbox games available on millions of sets across more than 25 countries.
- To use the app players will need a supported TCL TV, a compatible controller, and cloud playtime provided through Xbox Game Pass or bought separately, with saves, friends, and achievements carrying across consoles and PCs.
- Microsoft plans a pay-as-you-go cloud-gaming option in November and is testing a free, ad-supported tier, moves that widen access beyond Game Pass subscribers.
- At the same time Microsoft is enforcing monthly cloud-hour limits for Game Pass users — 15 hours for Ultimate, 10 hours for Premium, and 5 hours for Essential — with additional hour bundles sold separately, which could force heavier users to pay more.
- TCL joins Hisense, Samsung, LG, and Fire TV devices in hosting the Xbox app, but Microsoft has not listed specific TCL models, launch dates, or full controller compatibility and some reports say the initial TCL release may be tied to Google TV models.