Microsoft is preparing to launch its xCloud game streaming feature on Android in September. So, ahead of its official launch, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can try xCloud on Android in beta from today (August 11).

Once up and running, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will let you play the best Xbox games on your Android device by streaming games from the cloud. And you can try it right now by downloading the Xbox Game Pass (Beta) app from the Google Play Store.

How to Try xCloud on Android

To clear up any confusion, you may have heard about Microsoft's cloud gaming effort as "Project xCloud." However, Microsoft isn't using this name any more. Project xCloud is now a part of the Xbox Game Pass. As such, you'll need to download the Xbox Game Pass app for Android to join in with the beta test.

Unfortunately, iOS users are not invited to the party. This is because Apple has banned the Xbox Game Pass and other cloud gaming apps from its platform.

The second caveat is that only Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can play games in the cloud. Both during the beta testing phase and after launch. As such, you should grab the Ultimate tier if you want to play Xbox games on your mobile device.

This is also a limited beta without the full library of games. While the full service is expected to feature around 100 games, the beta will only offer around 30 games.

Microsoft Tests Cloud Gaming on Android

In a statement to The Verge, a Microsoft spokesperson said:

"As we approach the launch of cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on September 15, we're entering a limited beta period to ensure a smooth transition of the cloud gaming experience to the Xbox Game Pass app on Android.

"Existing Xbox Game Pass (Beta) app users will get the opportunity to test a subset of the available titles as we ready the experience for broader availability next month. This limited beta is critical to providing the best possible experience for members at launch and should not be considered indicative of the final experience or library."

If a limited library and potential bugs put you off, never fear; the app's official release date isn't too far away. Mark your calendars for September 15 when Microsoft will officially launch Xbox Game Pass on mobile devices. Which will make the full game library available to stream on Android.

Everything You Need to Know About Xbox Game Pass

If you love cloud gaming, be sure to grab the Xbox Game Pass (Beta) app and upgrade to an Ultimate pass. Which will allow you to try out Microsoft's cloud gaming feature on Android ahead of its full release on September 15.

And if you're completely in the dark about what a subscription gets you, here's everything you need to know about Xbox Game Pass.