No Console Required: Xbox Moves Into Millions of Smart TVs
Gaming2 views2026-07-31
Microsoft has started expanding the Xbox app to millions of VIDAA OS-powered Smart TVs manufactured between 2024 and 2026, including supported Hisense models.
The rollout allows players to stream Xbox games directly through a compatible television without purchasing an Xbox console. Users only need a supported Smart TV, an eligible Xbox Game Pass subscription, a compatible Bluetooth controller and a reliable high-speed internet connection.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential subscribers can access supported cloud games through the television app. The available library may vary depending on the user’s subscription plan, device and region.
Players can also stream selected games they already own, including supported titles that are not currently included in the Game Pass catalogue. Game progress remains connected to the player’s Xbox account, allowing an adventure started on another device to continue on the television.
Compatible televisions must be updated to VIDAA OS 9.6 or later. After installing the update, the Xbox app should appear on the television’s Home Page or inside the Games section of the main menu.
The service supports several Bluetooth controllers, including the Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, PlayStation DualSense and PlayStation DualShock 4.
Availability is expanding gradually as Microsoft and VIDAA release updates for additional television models and regions. This means the application may not appear immediately on every Hisense television that could eventually receive support.
By removing the need for dedicated console hardware, the new Xbox app gives more television owners access to cloud gaming while expanding Microsoft’s strategy of making Xbox games playable across a wider range of devices.
The rollout allows players to stream Xbox games directly through a compatible television without purchasing an Xbox console. Users only need a supported Smart TV, an eligible Xbox Game Pass subscription, a compatible Bluetooth controller and a reliable high-speed internet connection.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential subscribers can access supported cloud games through the television app. The available library may vary depending on the user’s subscription plan, device and region.
Players can also stream selected games they already own, including supported titles that are not currently included in the Game Pass catalogue. Game progress remains connected to the player’s Xbox account, allowing an adventure started on another device to continue on the television.
Compatible televisions must be updated to VIDAA OS 9.6 or later. After installing the update, the Xbox app should appear on the television’s Home Page or inside the Games section of the main menu.
The service supports several Bluetooth controllers, including the Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, PlayStation DualSense and PlayStation DualShock 4.
Availability is expanding gradually as Microsoft and VIDAA release updates for additional television models and regions. This means the application may not appear immediately on every Hisense television that could eventually receive support.
By removing the need for dedicated console hardware, the new Xbox app gives more television owners access to cloud gaming while expanding Microsoft’s strategy of making Xbox games playable across a wider range of devices.