Xbox Cloud Gaming: Massive Upgrade Incoming? New Resolutions Leaked!
Exciting news for gamers in South Africa! It looks like Xbox Cloud Gaming might be getting a significant upgrade soon. Leaks suggest that Microsoft is testing new, higher resolution options, potentially bringing the cloud gaming experience closer to that of native playback. Currently, Xbox Cloud Gaming offers 720p and 1080p streams, but whispers from the digital grapevine indicate the imminent arrival of 720pHQ, 1080pHQ, and even a glorious 1440p tier.
Is Xbox Catching Up to NVIDIA GeForce Now?
Many gamers consider NVIDIA GeForce Now to be the king of cloud gaming, particularly when it comes to raw performance. NVIDIA's top-tier subscriptions offer sharper resolutions and higher bitrates. These potential Xbox Cloud Gaming upgrades could close the gap, offering a more visually impressive experience.
The discovery comes from @RedPhx, the developer behind the Better XCloud enhancement tool, who spotted the new performance tiers within Microsoft's service. While Microsoft hasn't officially confirmed anything, the evidence suggests that they're seriously considering boosting the visual fidelity of their cloud gaming platform.
What Does This Mean for Game Pass Subscribers in SA?
Speculation is rife about how these new resolutions will be implemented. One possibility is that Microsoft might introduce quality modes based on Xbox Game Pass tiers. Lower tiers could be limited to the existing 720p and 1080p streams, while Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers could unlock the HQ modes and the coveted 1440p resolution. This would incentivize upgrading to the higher tier while still offering a more affordable entry point to cloud gaming.
The Lenovo Legion Go 2, the first handheld outside of Asus that’s confirmed to get the new Xbox full-screen experience (FSE) in Spring 2026, could also benefit from these upgrades.
Ultimately, these upgrades, if implemented, would be a welcome addition to Xbox Cloud Gaming, making it a more competitive and visually appealing option for gamers in South Africa. We'll be keeping a close eye on this story and will update you as soon as Microsoft makes an official announcement. Keep gaming, South Africa!