Gaming Chromebooks are becoming more common, but the term is flexible. Companies improve mechanical keyboards and screens, and some models support Steam directly.
However, most users rely on cloud gaming to enjoy games on these lightweight and budget-friendly Chromebooks.
After Stadia closed, GeForce Now, Luna, and Xbox Game Pass became the main options. The focus is on Xbox Game Pass.
Earlier, it worked in beta at 720p on Chrome. Now, xCloud runs at 1080p with higher frame rates and better performance, making it easier to use.
Open your Chromebook, connect a Bluetooth controller, and follow these steps to play Xbox Game Pass on Chrome OS.
Requirements for Game Pass (xCloud) on Chrome OS
You must subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to access cloud gaming. Windows Central explains the differences between Game Pass tiers, but Ultimate costs $15 monthly, including console, PC, and cloud gaming.
The standard plan costs $10 monthly but only works on a PC or a console.
You need the Ultimate plan to play on a Chromebook, iPhone, Android phone, Android tablet, or any Chromium browser.
A stable xCloud experience requires at least 20Mbps on a 5GHz WiFi or mobile connection. Faster speeds improve performance.
If your Chromebook has an ethernet port and you can connect near a router, the experience will be better.
You must use a Bluetooth controller. A Chrome extension supports a keyboard and mouse, but users give mixed reviews.
Microsoft lists compatible controllers, and the Xbox Wireless Controller works best.
How to Use Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming on a Chromebook?
Ensure you have an Xbox account and a supported controller before you begin. Follow Microsoft’s guide if you need to create an account.
Avoid using the Xbox app from the Play Store. It is made for mobile and won’t fully use your Chromebook’s screen.
Instead, open the Chrome browser or another Chromium-based browser.
Steps to Set Up Cloud Gaming
- Visit the Game Pass Ultimate page and subscribe to a one-month trial if needed.
- Open your Chromebook’s browser and go to xbox.com/play. Click login and enter your Xbox details.
- Click the “…” button in the top-right corner of Chrome (hovering over it should display “Customize and control Google Chrome”).
- Select More tools and then Create Shortcut.
- In the pop-up, name the shortcut (it will default to Xbox Cloud Gaming) and choose if it should open in a new window. Click Create.
- Open the Launcher, right-click the shortcut, and select Pin to shelf for quick access.
Now, Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming will work like an installed app. The last step is to connect your controller.
How to Connect a Controller?
- Open Launcher and go to Settings.
- Under Bluetooth, select Pair new device.
- Turn on your Xbox controller and hold the Pair button until the Xbox button flashes white.
- On your Chromebook, find Xbox Wireless Controller (or the name of your third-party controller) under Available devices and select it.
Your controller is now connected, and you can start playing.
Start Gaming on a Chromebook
Playing Xbox Game Pass cloud games on a Chromebook is easy. Log in, select a game, and start playing.
For more gaming options, play Steam games on a Chromebook. Many Steam games work with ChromeOS without extra steps. You must buy them, but they don’t depend on internet speed.
To run Steam, use a Chromebook with an 11th-Gen Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 8GB of RAM. Recommended models include the HP Dragonfly Pro and Acer Chromebook 516 GE.
These devices provide better displays and refresh rates, improving native gaming and Game Pass performance.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
$14.54 – Green Man Gaming
$14.99 – Amazon
Play hundreds of games on popular devices like laptops, phones, tablets, and TVs.
Enjoy Xbox and Bethesda titles, including Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and Gears of War 5, directly on your Chromebook.
Xbox Wireless Controller
$44 – Amazon
$45.49 – Amazon
The Xbox Wireless Controller offers a comfortable grip and works with Game Pass and Steam. Use it with Game Pass Ultimate cloud gaming without worrying about button issues.
