If you’ve ever dreamed of playing Xbox games without the hefty price tag of a console, you’re in luck! Xbox Game Pass is now accessible on Fire TV Stick, offering a brilliant way to game on a budget. This guide dives into my experience setting it up, testing it, and why it’s a game-changer for casual and family gaming.
My Discovery: Almost Buying Two TVs!
I stumbled across Xbox Game Pass while researching new TVs. Samsung claimed their TVs were the only ones with built-in access to Xbox Game Pass—no console required. I was ready to buy two 55″ Samsung TVs (we have two tellys in our lounge so we can either game or game/watch TV etc) until a quick Google search revealed something amazing: you can turn almost any TV into a gaming hub with an Amazon Fire Stick (new gen: 4K, 4K Max, or Cube).
Setting It Up: What You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Amazon Fire Stick (4K, 4K Max, or Cube):
- Amazon UK – 4K – £59.99
- Amazon UK – 4K Max – £69.99
- Amazon UK – TV Cube (Can connect LAN line) – £139.99
- Bluetooth Controller: PlayStation and Xbox controllers work seamlessly. For example:
- Xbox Game Pass Subscription:
- At £14.99/month, it’s a great way to access hundreds of games. Cancel anytime after signing up if you just want to test it out.
- A Good Internet Connection:
- Cloud gaming relies on stable internet. Ensure no one in your household is hogging the bandwidth during your gaming sessions.
My Setup Experience
I picked up a new Fire Stick from Argos, paired it with my husband’s second PS5 controller, and subscribed to Xbox Game Pass. Within minutes, I was up and running. Here’s what I found:
- Game Options: Xbox Game Pass offers an incredible library of games. At £14.99 a month, it’s an affordable way to explore different genres.
- Ease of Use: The setup was straightforward, and the Fire Stick app worked smoothly.
- Controller Compatibility: My Switch controllers didn’t connect, but any PlayStation or Xbox Bluetooth controller worked after a quick google of how to disconnect them from the original consoles.
Who Is It For?
The Xbox Game Pass on Fire TV Stick is perfect for:
- Casual Gamers: If you’re not a hardcore gamer, this setup is a fantastic way to dabble in gaming on a different console.
- Parents Testing the Waters: Not sure if your child will enjoy gaming? For £15/month, you can trial countless games without splurging on a console and expensive games.
- Switch Players Looking for Variety: As a Switch gamer, I love the portability, but the Xbox Game Pass allows me to explore genres and titles not available on the Switch.
The Pros
- Affordable: No need to buy an Xbox console, which costs upwards of £250, or individual games priced at £50+.
- Game Variety: From indie titles to AAA games, there’s something for everyone.
- Flexibility: Cancel the subscription anytime, making it a risk-free option.
- Couch Comfort: Play on your TV without needing a computer chair or desk setup.
I quickly realised that this setup wasn’t about hardcore gaming or cutting-edge graphics. It’s about accessibility and variety—perfect for a casual gamer like me.
The Cons
- Not for Heavy Gamers: Graphics quality and performance depend on your internet connection, so it’s not ideal for competitive or high-definition gaming.
- Limited Controller Compatibility: Switch controllers didn’t work, but PlayStation and Xbox ones did.
- Internet Dependent: If someone in your household is downloading large files, gameplay may lag.
Games I Tried
- Genshin Impact: Played beautifully with smooth controls.
- Palworld: This surprise gem has quickly become my favourite. I’ve already racked up lots of hours, joined Reddit groups and am very much right in the thick of it. I cannot believe Nintendo didn’t make this type of game with Pokemon.
- Fortnite: I thought this one may not work too well, however, I was pleasantly surprise at how well this worked.
Statistics to Know:
- Over 25 million subscribers enjoy Xbox Game Pass worldwide (source: Xbox).
- Cloud gaming usage grew 36% in 2023 (source: Statista).
- Families who trial game subscriptions save an average of £100/month compared to buying individual games (source: consumer survey).
Dun dun duuuuuuunnnnn…..sooooo is It Worth It???
For casual gamers, parents, and anyone curious about gaming, the Xbox Game Pass on Fire TV Stick is an affordable and versatile option. It’s a great way to explore the gaming world without committing to an expensive console. Whether you’re testing the waters or looking for a secondary gaming option, this setup is a winner!!
Have you tried the xBox cloud gaming yet? Or are you looking to give it a go? I’d love to hear your thoughts below.