Project xCloud beta starts next month, Sign up for it now

Microsoft has opened up registrations for their game streaming service Project xCloud. Users can now sign up for a chance to test out the futuristic new way of playing console-quality games on their mobile devices when the Beta starts next month. Head on over to the official website to register yourself.

Last year, the world first heard about Microsoft’s ambitious plans to bring console gaming to possibly all devices when they unveiled Project xCloud. Streaming games over the internet isn’t exactly unheard-of, with companies like OnLive and Gaikai having proved that it is technically possible many years ago. But in reality, the concept hasn’t really managed to break out into mainstream success. While OnLive went defunct, Gaikai lives on as PS Now.

Project xCloud (Preview) is by invite only. We welcome all players with an eligible mobile device and controller to sign up. However, we anticipate many people will register for a limited number of spots and invites may not be sent until several months after registration.

What Microsoft can bring to the table however, is an unprecedented capable backbone in form of their Azure servers. Located all over the world, Microsoft could very well be able to make game streaming feasible for a large portion of users. With the advent of next-gen consoles in front of us, there’s also the high probability that Microsoft aims to establish Project xCloud (or whatever its final name will be) as a main pillar of the future of Xbox. Imagine a world where you no longer have to invest in a pricey console and instead only have to purchase games. Playing them also will become more convenient. You could play on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, PC or Smart TV.

For now, the Project xCloud Beta will take place on Android devices, but it’s no question that once the service goes live sometime in the future, other operating systems like iOS, Windows etc. will get their own clients, too.