Another addition to Gaming Convenience... is here!
In a sweet collaboration, Xbox and Amazon have joined forces to deliver Xbox games through Amazon hardware. The announcement brings the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate library to your TV screen, and the best part? You don’t need a console or a PC!
"Microsoft is doing a Microsoft again, because... why in the heck would I buy an Xbox console when I can get the benefits elsewhere? I'm not complaining... I'm just saying. I mentioned an Xbox streaming console years back, but... I never thought they'd go in this direction. Works for me!" - Blu
Let’s dive into the details:
Starting this July, you can install the Xbox app on two of Amazon’s latest Fire TV devices: the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023 or later) and the Fire TV Stick 4K (2023 or later). These affordable streaming sticks now double as gaming portals, allowing you to access hundreds of incredible games directly from the Xbox app.
How It Works
- Grab Your Gear: All you need is a compatible Fire TV Stick, a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller (like the Xbox Wireless Controller or even a PlayStation DualSense), and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership.
- Launch the Xbox App: Install and fire up the Xbox app on your Fire TV device.
- Sign In: Use your Microsoft account to log in.
- Game On!: As an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member, you’ll gain instant access to a treasure trove of cloud-enabled games. From epic RPGs like Starfield to high-octane racers like Forza Horizon 5, the gaming world is your oyster.
But what does this mean for the future of gaming? Here are some exciting possibilities:
- Console-Free Gaming for PlayStation & Nintendo: For those new to console gaming or looking for an alternative, this collaboration offers a budget-friendly, convenient, and portable way to enjoy top-tier Xbox games. No bulky hardware required! Will this open a door that PlayStation and Nintendo may walk through? Its a possibility, but I believe Nintendo would hold out the longest.
- Xbox-Branded Fire Stick?: Could Amazon create an Xbox-branded Fire Stick? Imagine a sleek Xbox branded device with Amazon’s Fire Stick engine under the hood. If they go that far, they might as well make an Xbox branded remote and create a bundled Xbox controller option too.
- Affordable gift for the gamers in your life: This is a win for parents who are in the market for purchasing their gamer an Xbox. If you buy an Xbox, you're going to need games, and if they want to play the latest games without buying each of the games individually, Xbox Game Pass is required. If they're going to play online, you might as well go with the Game Pass (in this case the Ultimate). The Xbox X|S consoles are hundreds of dollars compared to the one time purchase of a $50 to $60 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (Max), and $17/month or less for Game Pass Ultimate.
- Easy transport: Rather than lugging around an Xbox console and games in your bookbag, all you require are your controller, the Fire TV stick, and the remote. These essentials can easily fit into a universal controller case that slots neatly into your backpack. This doesn’t eliminate handheld gaming; it’s simply an added benefit for Xbox enthusiasts!
