If you have an Amazon Fire Stick plugged into your TV then you might have a way to play Xbox games even if you don’t own a games console. Thanks to a surprising new update, selected Fire TV Stick devices will be able download and play top tier Xbox games from July – all you need is a wireless controller and subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
It means you can play any game that Microsoft includes in this specific Game Pass, which you can get for £1 for 14 days. Game Pass is a monthly subscription that lets you play Xbox Games online using cloud services, which will cost the regular £12.99 per month after the first two weeks, but that’s much cheaper than buying a new game every month.
The two compatible Fire TV Sticks are the Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which cost £59.99 and £69.99 respectively – considerably less than an Xbox. Starting next month you’ll be able to download the Xbox app on these devices and start playing any game on Game Pass once you’re signed up to the service. According to an Xbox blog post, the only other thing you need is a Bluetooth controller of some description, though an official Xbox controller is the obvious go-to.
“For people new to console gaming, or for those looking for another way to play, it’s a great low-cost, convenient, and portable option to enjoy a huge library of incredible games,” said Ashley McKissick, Corporate Vice President, Xbox Experiences and Platforms Engineering.
If you want to check everything is working before you commit to the monthly Game Pass subscription, you’ll be able to play the megahit game Fortnite without subscribing.
“This integration brings the vast Xbox Game Pass Ultimate game library to your TV with just a compatible Fire TV Stick and Bluetooth-enabled controller, making gaming more available,” Amazon said in a blog post. “From epic RPGs like Starfield and Fallout 4 to high-octane racers like Forza Horizon 5, you can experience console-quality gaming through cloud gaming.”
Cloud gaming allows you to stream games over your Wi-Fi connection rather than needing a console with a physical game disc or download. With Xbox compatibility, the Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K Max are powerful enough to hook up to your home’s router and play any game – as long as your Wi-Fi is strong enough.