Xbox February Update: Invite Links, Cloud Gaming Enhancements, and Additional Features

Exciting developments are happening for Xbox enthusiasts as a fresh wave of updates rolls out today. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers now have a new way to enhance their gaming sessions: a single, shareable link they can send to friends to join Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) sessions. Alongside this, players can look forward to an expanded selection of games available for cloud play. Additionally, Xbox is diving into AI research, and earlier this year launched some notable updates, including a network quality indicator and an upgraded controller for improved gaming experiences. Let’s dive into the full details:

Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)

Invite your friends to join your gaming sessions with just a link

Starting today, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members using Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) on browsers and supported TVs can generate an easy invite link for other Game Pass Ultimate members to hop into their multiplayer adventures.

Creating an invite link is straightforward. As you enjoy any multiplayer game via Xbox Cloud Gaming, head to the game’s invite menu either through the Guide or from within the game itself. Navigate to the “Anyone” tab, copy the invite link, and send it to friends. Whether through direct messaging, a group chat, or even a social media post, getting your friends into the action has never been easier. They simply need to click the link to join the session from their web browser or compatible TV.

Joining Instructions:

• Web Browser or Mobile Device:

  • Open the invite link with a supported browser.
  • Log in with an Xbox profile.
  • Click “Play with Ultimate.”
• Television:
  • Use a PC or mobile device to open the invite link.
  • Click “Join on a different device” and jot down the short code provided.
  • On the TV, open the Xbox Guide, select “Have a game session code?” and enter the code.

Important Notes:

• All participants need an Xbox account, and certain games demand Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
• Everyone must own the game being played.
• Player limit depends on the game’s specific multiplayer capabilities.
• The creator of the link can retract it anytime, stopping new players from joining, and removing participants depends on the game’s settings.

Stream Your Own Game

Even more games are joining the cloud lineup this month, giving Game Pass Ultimate members access to over 50 games they own.

Recent Additions:

• Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
• Slime Rancher 2
• Subnautica
• Subnautica: Below Zero
• The Talos Principle 2
• Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered

Upcoming Titles:

• Atomic Heart
• Cult of the Lamb
• Hotline Miami
• Killer Frequency
• Neva
• Overcooked! All You Can Eat
• Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate
• Serious Sam Collection
• Trepang2
• Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition

Eager to explore? Check out the complete list of cloud games available for streaming on supported devices, with further details available.

Catching Up on Recent Updates

In case it slipped under the radar, Xbox is currently examining groundbreaking possibilities in AI research. In January, they rolled out a network quality indicator for smoother cloud gaming, alongside a firmware update for controllers and optimizations for PC gaming that refine stability and game discoverability.

Breakthroughs in Generative AI:

Xbox recently unveiled “Muse,” a generative AI tool designed to spark game development ideas. This tool promises to revolutionize gaming by facilitating the faster creation and iteration of games, as well as reviving beloved classics. For those curious about this advancement, more information is available in the original article.

Upgrades and Enhancements

The newly introduced network quality indicator is available to everyone, offering insights into any network issues affecting game streaming. This tool will help players monitor potential network disruptions that might cause audio or video glitches during gameplay. Access it by navigating through your profile picture > Settings > Streaming > Network quality indicator, and find detailed guidance and troubleshooting tips.

Xbox has also released a firmware update for the Xbox Wireless Controller, refining features like thumbstick auto-centering, trigger adjustments, and an innovative mouse-to-thumbstick conversion. This update is available via the Xbox Accessories app on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs.

Get Involved with Xbox

Stay connected with Xbox Wire for more updates and exciting news. For support related to Xbox’s latest features and updates, the official Xbox Support site has you covered.

Your feedback is invaluable to us. Whether it’s ideas for new features or ways to enhance current ones, we’re always eager to hear from the community. If you’re keen on shaping the future of Xbox while getting a sneak peek at new features, join the Xbox Insider Program through the Xbox Insider Hub on consoles or PCs.

Enjoy gaming!