Microsoft Is Scaling Back One of Xbox's Biggest Promises – Some Screens Are About to Be Left Behind

Xbox's Experiments With Cloud Gaming Seem To Be Collapsing

An awful lot of things no longer appear to be an Xbox

Microsoft Is Scaling Back One of Xbox's Biggest Promises – Some Screens Are About to Be Left Behind

A few years ago, Microsoft was pushing the idea that almost any screen could become an Xbox, with Xbox Cloud Gaming serving as one of the key technologies behind that vision. In 2026, however, the company’s strategy has shifted considerably: cloud playtime is being capped, and the Xbox app is about to stop working on certain Samsung TVs altogether.   Not long ago, Microsoft was seriously building Xbox around the idea that its games and services …

Dark clouds appear over 'Xbox Cloud Gaming' as it retires apps on some TVs — and the reasons are poorly explained

Microsoft's moves over Xbox Cloud Gaming in recent months have painted a picture of a company that isn't entirely sure of its long-term viability. At one point, it seemed like Microsoft was all-in with Xbox Cloud Gaming, building up marketing campaigns like "This is an Xbox" that actively told consumers that Xbox consoles were stupid, and that in fact, devices like the Samsung Smart Fridge was a far better option for gaming instead. The landscap…