Xbox Cloud Gaming iOS Beta Test: Microsoft Goes Mobile

The desirable imagination of what it would be like to play Xbox on the go has reached a breakthrough. Xbox Game Pass officially launched its Beta tests phase for iOS devices. This allows current generation iPhone and iPad users to finally join in on the Xbox action. But after trying the service for a few weeks, is it worth the time and money to invest in it? How is it going overall with regards to graphics, frames, resolution and consistency? Here’s our review of the beta phase of the Xbox Cloud Gaming platform for iOS.

Xbox Cloud performance and appearance: getting started

First of all, the overall performance of the platform is good to say the least. Keep in mind that the service is currently in beta, so expect to run into some bugs. But like the initial introduction of Xbox to iOS mobile devices, it’s a good start. When Game Pass started, I immediately noticed how fast it was loading games, regardless of their size. I tested a few different titles, and they all started up and performed quite well. Since the games are streamed, there will be a decent share of groundbreaking lags and bugs. Although it is irritating if you are immersed in the game, the loading of Game Pass was as fast as the first loading.

When it comes to graphics consistency with gameplay, it’s hard not to be impressed with the overall presentation. All the games I played were spectacular on my iPhone. There’s an obvious slight drop in quality from what you might expect from Xbox One X and Xbox Series X | S consoles, but that’s to be expected. If you have a good stream while using your Wi-Fi, you will get the best of the best resolution. If you’re really on the go (for a little trip to the gas station or on vacation) I wouldn’t recommend logging in at all.

When my old man picked me up for a ride, I decided to give the service over mobile data a try. What I went through was something similar to a game that completely crumbles in front of you because of a horrible server. With just a minute of play to Eternal DOOM, MCC Halo, and Clustertruck, my connection became so interrupted that I fell behind with every match and jump. Eventually that would just give way and the service would kick you out of the game if it couldn’t reestablish a strong connection.

Audio bits and input rips with Xbox Cloud Gaming

I really see myself playing games to pass the time. In truth, it might not be wise to dive into a new game in the hope of great sound. Audio is a big deal that genuinely doesn’t help with early beta testing. For every game I’ve played (Eternal DOOM, MCC Halo, Clustertruck, Descenders, Shadow warrior 2, Sstate of decomposition 2, and Grand Theft Auto V), there was always a drum line in the audio. Whether it was an explosion, a musical kick, or a dialogue, the audio ticking, ticking, ticking, to the point where I had to make sure it wasn’t was not my phone. Fortunately, it wasn’t, but unfortunately it is for the Xbox Cloud Beta for iOS.

Aside from annoying audio tics, game sounds stay alive with active gameplay; a plus, given that I have experienced many lags. Despite the negatives here, it was still great to hear the sound of various games without resorting to a TV and sofa.

While the Xbox for iOS experience still needs a big helping hand to fix the consistency of the flow, it’s a big step. We’ve always wondered what Microsoft would do if it made its own portable gaming device. Sony had the PSP and its variants to complement their successful home consoles; Nintendo was always on top with the Gameboy, but they really own the show with the Switch. But what about Microsoft? Well, we may never have an official device, but have their games being available near everywhere is a decent business.

Xbox and mobile controllers for iOS

With a strong clip, you can connect your Xbox controller to the iPhone. If this isn’t your way of playing social games and being outdoors, you can always purchase a compatible mobile controller. Microsoft in fact announces the backbone one and Razer kishi on their website, so they’re really investing seriously. I personally purchased a GameSir X2 for the service and this review. This is where I struggled with some input lag with the platform.

To see if it was just the GameSir, I connected my Xbox controller to my iPhone and witnessed the same. In short, whether you are using a mobile controller or the Xbox, you will experience input lag. At most, he’s delayed by half a second, but that half a second could mean life or death for any game in progress. That’s why I don’t recommend playing multiplayer titles yet. I am convinced this is just a beta hiccup, but avoid the stress and embarrassment by getting laid back.

In conclusion…

There is a lot of potential for Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS. The wide array of readily available titles is overwhelmingly amazing. Just the fact that I can take my Xbox game on the go is exciting, but the service still needs fixing. Of course, it’s still in beta, so some bugs are expected, but there are too many to be mistakenly encountered. It becomes tedious and maddening not being able to play all the games without encountering audio and streaming issues. Ultimately, the service will no longer be in beta, but we don’t know exactly when that will take place. But for now, it’s a good way to catch up on some gambling if you’re away from home. Make sure to stick with easy, casual games until the multiplayer titles are polished.