Back in January at CES, Microsoft announced it had partnered with LG to bring the Xbox app and cloud gaming to LG TVs through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Now the functionality is rolling out.
Following the rollout for Samsung TVs in 2023, the app for LG’s webOS televisions available now in 25 countries, enabling users to enjoy some of the best Xbox games without a console.
However, it’s not a case of a blanket launch across webOS sets. Gamers will need a TV from 2022 or newer. Which is quite annoying for me considering I have a 2021 OLED model and Samsung sets from all the way back in 2020 are able to access the Xbox app from the manufacturer’s Gaming Hub.
“Available on LG TVs with webOS 24 or newer versions,” Microsoft says. “This includes select 2022 and 2023 models which have been updated to software version 23.20.01 or higher, including 2022 OLED TVs, and 2023 OLED, QNED, Nanocell, and UHD TVs.”
LG’s StanbyME screens and smart gaming monitors running webOS24 will be the update in due course, but for now you’ll need one of the best LG TVs.
You will of course need a Game Pass Ultimate membership as well as a Bluetooth enabled wireless controller. If you tick all the compatibility boxes the path to play is described as follows:
- Navigate to the LG Gaming Portal from either Gaming Q-Card or LG Gaming Portal on the Home Page.
- Download and launch the Xbox app.
- Sign into or create your Microsoft account.
- Connect a compatible Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller. Controllers like the Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, PlayStation DualSense, or DualShock 4 controller are all compatible.
- Pick a game and start playing!
Opinion
Well I’m upset and I don’t mind telling you about it. Hopefully LG and Microsoft can get the app to older LG sets as time goes on, but I’m not holding out much hope on that front. Microsoft’s blog didn’t mention any further expansion beyond the current sets – only monitors and the StanbByME screens.
