Microsoft upgraded Xbox Cloud Gaming with Xbox Series X hardware

Microsoft recently upgraded the hardware for the Xbox Cloud Gaming service to include custom Xbox Series X components. This more powerful hardware provides improved frame rates and loading times, although 4k streams are not yet possible.

The company tells The Verge that the game streaming service now runs entirely on the Series X hardware. Previously, Xbox Cloud Gaming, formerly known as xCloud, worked with One S components. Last June the rumor first appeared that Microsoft would like to upgrade the hardware.

With the improved hardware, Microsoft has been able to bring the streaming service to 1080p and 60fps in recent months. However, the Series X hardware could also potentially enable 4k streams, something the company doesn’t offer right now. It is not clear whether and when Microsoft wants to offer this.

Xbox Cloud Gaming is a streaming service from Microsoft that allows games to be streamed to Windows PCs and smartphones. The company is also testing the service for Xbox One and Series consoles. The company is also working on a streaming device and an Xbox TV app to use the service on multiple devices.

Microsoft xCloud blade server with One S hardware, source: Microsoft