We suppose it was only a matter of time before it happened—with Microsoft heavily advertising its Xbox cloud gaming features over the past few years and TV manufacturers integrating streaming technologies into newer products, the convenience of playing games without the need for a console (RIP Stadia) has more or less matured.
CHECK OUT: LG’s New Monitors are Here, and they’re Packed with AI Features
With that in mind, LG recently announced the launch of a dedicated Xbox app for compatible LG Smart TVs, which will let users stream Xbox games directly onto their TV without the need for an actual console unit in the mix. Available for users in over 25 countries, the Xbox app will be accessible via the Gaming Portal and LG Apps on LG TVs and select smart monitors. It should be noted that your TV or monitor needs to be on webOS 24 and later versions, and LG adds that it’s planning future availability for StanbyME screens.
The app will also support Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, giving subscribers access to a library of titles from a wide selection of studios and developers including Activision, Bethesda, and Xbox Game Studios, and will even work with external controllers. Furthermore, LG says that the service will let users stream select games that they have purchased separately. LG states that this integration aims to enhance users’ home entertainment experiences via its smart TV platform and display technologies (such as OLED and QNED) with high-resolution visuals for cloud-based gaming.
Earlier this year, LG showed off its OLED evo M5 and G5 monitors with new hardware features, software enhancements, and integrated AI capabilities including Microsoft Copilot support. The monitors run on LG’s webOS interface, with a personalized home screen and integration with the Home Hub for managing IoT devices across ThinQ and Google Home platforms. The 2025 OLED evo TVs also come with LG’s Brightness Booster Ultimate and feature 4K resolution with a 165Hz refresh rate which make them ideal for gaming.
CHECK OUT: AYANEO Enters the Gaming Tablet Scene with its Latest Device
As for Xbox, Microsoft’s console gaming efforts haven’t been in the best of situations lately (especially considering recent sales figures), although this hasn’t stopped the veteran tech giant from branching out into more categories, as seen with its new cloud-based approach. Interestingly though, a report from Windows Central states that we could see an Xbox-branded handheld gaming system in the future, although details remain scarce at the moment. Codenamed “Keenan”, it’s expected that Microsoft might partner with select hardware manufacturers (such as ASUS for example) to bring its Xbox games onto much smaller screens.
As for availability, LG’s Gaming Portal is available on LG screens running webOS23 and beyond in Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkiye, UK and the USA. LG says that it will expand this to more regions and devices by the second quarter.
