Xbox Cloud Gaming app coming to Samsung TVs on June 30

Microsoft’s gaming business Xbox has announced the imminent launch of a dedicated standalone app for Samsung TVs.

The app will allow Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream more than 100 console-quality games like Halo Infinite from the cloud in 1080p 60fps directly to their TVs. Xbox also has a deal with Epic Games to allow Fortnite users to stream the game even if they aren’t Game Pass subscribers.

The app will launch on June 30 in 27 countries on Samsung’s gaming hub – a feature only available in 2022 models. It currently remains unclear if the app will come to older Samsung TVs, or whether Xbox’s deal with Samsung is exclusive.

In a blog post, Xbox corporate vice president of gaming experiences and platforms Ashley McKissick wrote: “Playing Xbox games on 2022 Samsung TVs will be a seamless experience, similar to using other streaming apps on your TV.

“We’re super excited by what this next step means for all you gamers out there. With this rollout, we’re making it easier than ever to play games on the devices you already own. With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and a controller, you can easily jump into the world of gaming and connect with your friends and communities on Xbox.”

This launch represents the delivery of a long-time promise from the company to make Xbox Cloud Gaming available on the big screen without a console. Last month, Microsoft confirmed that it is working on a dedicated streaming dongle, but a “decision to pivot away from the current iteration” means it is extremely unlikely we will see anything on this front before 2023.