Xbox has announced a new partnership with TCL, adding the Xbox App to select TCL TV models. This means that some TCL TV users can experience cloud gaming features by subscribing to Xbox Game Pass monthly, without needing to spend $500 on an Xbox Series S or $800 on an Xbox Series X—though monthly playtime is limited to a few hours, after which additional payment is required to continue playing.
Foreign media outlet GameSpot published an article expressing skepticism about the new agreement between Xbox and TCL, stating that "the timing of the partnership is terrible, as Xbox expands cloud gaming to TCL TVs while significantly reducing cloud gaming hours." Previously, Xbox had reached a similar partnership with LG, introducing the Xbox App into LG smart TVs.
If your TCL TV supports Xbox Game Pass, simply subscribe to Game Pass and equip yourself with an Xbox controller to start playing. Xbox Game Pass also offers a rich game library; once registered and logged in, you can start playing immediately. Note that cloud gaming hours are limited depending on your Game Pass subscription tier. The most affordable Game Pass Essential plan provides 5 hours of cloud gaming. The Game Pass Premium plan offers 10 hours, while the Game Pass Ultimate plan provides 15 hours. Prices for additional cloud gaming top-up packages have not yet been announced.
This announcement comes during a busy period for Xbox, with its next major first-party title, Gears of War: E-Day, approaching release. Over the past year, the Xbox platform launched 75 day-one titles through its subscription service. Additionally, more Game Pass games will be added throughout September, led by new releases such as Runner2: Speed King and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.
TCL TVs are generally positioned in the mid-to-low-end market, which may allow Xbox to reach millions of consumers who would not otherwise purchase its expensive consoles. The Azure servers used by Xbox for game streaming belong to its parent company, Microsoft, and these servers have already begun generating significant profits for Microsoft. Microsoft recently reported Azure server sales of $29.4 billion for the previous quarter, but Amazon Web Services (AWS) still far exceeded Microsoft with quarterly revenue of $42.2 billion.
Official Xbox Statement
Today, we announce a new partnership with TCL, with the Xbox app coming to select TCL smart TVs in the coming months.
We aim to be the preferred platform for gamers worldwide. This means giving players more choices in how and where they play, making the Xbox gaming experience more accessible. Bringing the Xbox app to select TCL smart TVs is another step toward this goal. By working together, we are making Xbox games more accessible than ever, enabling millions of TCL TV users across 25 countries/regions to enjoy Xbox games on their existing smart TVs.
To start playing, you need a compatible smart TV with the Xbox app installed, as well as a supported controller. Additionally, you need cloud gaming hours included in your Xbox Game Pass subscription (also available for separate purchase). If you have Game Pass, you can instantly access a vast library of cloud games.
On supported TCL smart TVs, players can access Xbox Cloud Gaming through the Xbox app using their Game Pass subscription, allowing them to play supported Xbox games directly on their TV. Eligible Xbox Game Pass subscribers can instantly access a vast library of games, including major titles, classic series, and indie hits, using their cloud gaming hours.
Whether you're playing on a supported TCL smart TV, console, or PC, your games, friends, achievements, and saves travel with you across the Xbox ecosystem, allowing you to play easily anytime, anywhere.
By bringing the Xbox app to select TCL smart TVs, we are providing players with another simple way to play games and stay connected with the gaming community.
As we continue to bring Xbox to more devices, partners like TCL help us provide greater flexibility for players, allowing them to play their favorite games in the way they prefer.