After several months of effort, Microsoft has completely switched its servers for cloud gaming to newer and more powerful hardware.
Last June, Microsoft began to migrate its servers dedicated to xCloud from an Xbox One S architecture to an Xbox Series X architecture. The American group announced on October 7, 2021 at The Verge that it had "recently" completed the upgrade.
When is 4K?
Previously limited to 720p, xCloud is now available in 1p quality. The hardware change of the platform infrastructure also allows for better framerate (up to 080 frames per second) and faster loading times.
We are therefore witnessing a great improvement in the streaming game experience on the Game Pass Ultimate (the only way to access xCloud). But we also note that if the new servers are based on the technical specifications of the Xbox Series X, we have not yet reached the level of local performance of the console, since it is theoretically capable of assuming 4K at 120fps.
Next step: xCloud on console and TV
It's likely that Xbox will attempt to deliver 4K quality via xCloud at some point. For now, this is not an emergency, as 4K may be considered superfluous on mobile or computer screens. But we know that by the end of the year, xCloud should also be accessible from Xbox One and Series. In addition, it seems that Microsoft is preparing an application for televisions and TV boxes, at least on Android TV. At that point, being able to benefit from 4K will become very interesting on our compatible TVs. A Chromecast TV dongle is also in the box to facilitate access to xCloud on TV.
Finally, Microsoft recently clarified that xCloud is available to one billion gamers. The service was launched at the end of September in Japan, Brazil, Australia and Mexico.
