Are you looking at buying an Xbox, but worried about having to fork out nearly £600 for a brand-new console?
Xbox consoles can cost up to £589.99 (Xbox Series X 2TB) or £349.99 (Xbox Series S 1TB).
But what if I told you there was a way to play Xbox games without having to buy the console, helping you save £540.
Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud Gaming allows you to play your favourite games on devices you already have, so you don't have to buy a new console.
Cloud Gaming is compatible with:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android phones (OS 12.0 and later)
- Apple iPhones (iOS 14.4 and later)
- Apple iPads (iPadOS 14.4 and later)
- MacBooks (MacOS 14.1.2 and later)
- Windows devices (Windows 10 version 20H2 and later)
- Smart TVs
- VR headsets
You will need to purchase an Xbox Game Pass to access Cloud Gaming, which will cost £6.99 (Essential), £10.99 (Premium), or £16.99 (Ultimate) per month.
The number of games available varies with each pass, but I tried the Ultimate Game Pass, and there was an extensive range available from Halo: The Master Chief Collection to Grand Theft Auto V.
This is not necessarily an additional cost, as even physical games played on an Xbox console require a Game Pass for online multiplayer.
How to save money on Xbox controllers
You will still need a controller to play on Xbox Cloud Gaming.
A wireless Xbox controller can cost up to £47.99 (Xbox website), but there are cheaper alternatives, including at Argos and Amazon (£39.99).
Or you could check Vinted for anyone selling controllers at a reduced price.
You can also get a Wireless Mobile Game Controller from someone like GameSir.
I tried the GameSir X5s Wireless Mobile Game Controller, which costs £49.99, and it was fantastic.
Extremely responsive controls, my iPhone fitted in perfectly, and it was easy to set up. I would highly recommend it.
I saved £540 and still got the full Xbox experience
So by purchasing a wireless GameSir X5s Wireless Mobile Game Controller (£49.99) along with the Ultimate Game Pass (£16.99), I was able to save myself £540, and didn't need to buy an Xbox console.
I still get the full Xbox gaming experience, plus I can play Xbox games anywhere I go, provided I have internet access.
If you're looking to treat yourself and expand your gaming setup, be sure to get the Tempest RGB Ergonomic PC Gaming Chair with LED Lights from X Rocker (£139.99).
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This will help you game in comfort and style, with the chair offering a padded foam seat and app-controlled LED lights.
So don't worry about spending £550+ on a new Xbox console, simply buy a wireless mobile game controller and an Xbox Game Pass, and you're all sorted. All for under £100.
Have you tried Xbox Cloud Gaming before? Let us know what you thought in the comments below.
