Despite the demise of Google Stadia and the less responsive reception of PlayStation Now, Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass Ultimate service has become a gold standard for cloud game streaming since introducing xCloud in 2020, especially with the 1080p update. Thanks to Microsoft being a frontrunner for cloud gaming, xCloud is light years ahead for streaming console-quality games on Android devices.

The sheer library size, optimized controller compatibility options, and accessible connection speeds make the whole platform attractive for Android gamers; the notable touchscreen feature of xCloud even makes games playable without any setup. Many titles utilize pre-set prompts inspired by the Xbox controller or controls explicitly customized for the game. With dozens of games available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and its xCloud streaming service, it can become overwhelming. Today's list of xCloud games representing various genres while also offering touch controls is a great starting point.

1 As Dusk Falls

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As Dusk Falls is a narrative-focused interactive adventure created by Interior Night and focuses on the lives of two families becoming intertwined following a botched robbery. Considering the developers behind the game are former Heavy Rain and Detroit: Beyond Human studio members, Quantic Dreams, expect the same multi-layered choice system alongside multiple endings. Because As Dusk Falls contains more choice-based and the timing for quick time events feels a bit more forgiving, it’s easy to enjoy this game on a mobile device, even on lower-speed connections.

2 Yakuza: Like A Dragon

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Unlike previous games in Sega’s Yakuza series, Yakuza: Like A Dragon ditches beat-em-up combat for a more turn-based RPG style of gameplay. Of course, mini-games, including kart racing and golf, in addition to classic Sega games like Outrun and Virtua Fighter, all make an appearance, though mini-games can grow frustrating if a connection isn't good enough. Luckily the core game is a blast to play on mobile devices, thanks to the included touch controls. Most importantly, the series’ clever mix of Japanese culture, crime drama, and unique quirkiness all work together to create an unforgettable experience.

3 Shadowrun Returns

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Released in 2013 following a successful crowdfunding campaign, Shadowrun Returns was a welcome return for a franchise that had been dormant since 2007. Already available through Google Play, individuals who haven’t tried Shadowrun Returns will find a satisfying RPG that makes good use of its fantasy/sci-fi pen-in-paper inspiration through xCloud. The game also offers one of the best transitions between console, PC, and mobile, considering the tactical turn-based nature of the combat that's accessible on any format. Outside of the main campaign, the expansions Dragonfall and Hong Kong are also available.

4 Stardew Valley

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Also available through Google Play, Stardew Valley is a farming simulator/RPG inspired by Harvest Moon. Players in this game create a custom character and set out to cultivate land inherited from their grandfather in the titular location. Throughout Stardew Valley, gamers can literally create the farm however they want outside of interacting with local non-playable characters. Besides managing a farm, players must also look out for themselves by ensuring that they’re well-hydrated and have energy. At the start, Stardew Valley is simple to get into, but the way it opens up should have gamers playing for dozens of hours.

5 Wasteland 3

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All three Wasteland games in the series are currently available to stream through xCloud. However, Wasteland 3 is the most recent entry and allows cooperative play, which means that mobile or tablet users can game alongside friends on another similar device in addition to consoles and PC. Expect the well-thought-out isometric squad-based RPG featuring turn-based combat to provide a story with multiple choices and endings alongside a very immersive post-apocalyptic world.

6 Gears Tactics

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The mainline Gears of War games are available to play through xCloud with touchscreen controls. Just be mindful that the third-person cover-based shooter’s controls aren’t exactly optimized without a controller, and connection speeds can hurt gameplay a bit. Individuals looking to get their Gears fix on the go can look to the slower-paced Gears Tactics. A prequel to the first game in the series, the look and feel of the franchise that introduced the chainsaw gun is all here, but with turn-based tactical combat that feels great on a touchscreen.

7 PowerWash Simulator

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Developed by indie studio FuturLab, PowerWash Simulator sees players taking over a power washing business to earn money. Some of these jobs include power washing a backyard, business, and vehicles. Making sure every angle of an item is clean with every job can take hours. Earning money with every gig, users can buy more tools to improve their power wash in various ways. Because of the game’s slow pace, the first-person perspective and the controller layout make PowerWash Simulator a great way to pass the time.

8 Peggle 2

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A game that blends the drop ball concept of pachinko with billiards, Peggle became a huge hit when first released in 2007. The 2013 sequel Peggle 2 improved on many aspects of its predecessor. Sort of like playing a reverse version of Bust a Move with an incredibly bouncy ball; the goal is to clear orange pegs with a limited amount of balls shot from a cannon at the top of the screen. The xCloud version of Peggle 2 features optimized touchscreen controls, making scoring combo chains a breeze.

9 Persona 5 Royal

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Atlus' Persona games have sparingly left the PlayStation ecosystem in the last few years, mainly Persona Q (spinoff) on the Nintendo 3DS and Persona 4 Golden made its debut on PC. Eventually, Persona 5's unofficial sequel, Persona 5 Strikers, released multi-platform. But to neatly tie together the famed social sim JRPG, Persona 5 Royal found its way on Game Pass in late 2022 (and other platforms). The playable version on xCloud has top-notch touch controls, including five unique layouts you can pick based on personal preference. Persona 5 Royal is a must-play for any JRPG fan; the stylish turn-based battles are perfect for mobile gaming. In addition, the narrative-heavy scenes drive up so much personality in the dialogue that it feels like an interactive anime playing out on your screen while still being a full-fledged RPG.

10 Overcooked 2

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Overcooked 2 will test your multi-tasking, memorization, and cooperation skills for overcoming all the levels in the main campaign. As charming and adorable as the game appears, Overcooked 2 can become deceptively challenging yet still considered casual-friendly. The game's premise is to work alone or up to three other players to fulfill orders in each stage; stages have gimmicks like moving platforms and switches, so it becomes (somewhat) of a puzzle to efficiently set up your cooking station and delivery. It supports local multiplayer that can share with a single controller. Thanks to the simple gameplay, the displayed touchscreen controls become much more manageable and don't immediately clutter your view/experience.

Receive the best experience when streaming over Xbox Cloud Gaming

Even though cloud gaming sounds like a fruitful option for playing high-quality games, there are some caveats. Microsoft's xCloud works best with a quality wifi system, requiring at least 20Mbps for a comfortable experience. When using mobile data, signal strength will have to be high for gaming through the cloud. Be mindful that streaming games through xCloud can utilize up to 3GB per hour. The entries on this list consider the connection and processing powering average users can access while the experiences don't become held back on the touch screen. More intense games like Gears 5 or Forza Horizon 5 play best with a controller, which is outside the bounds of today's list, nonetheless still excellent titles to stream over xCloud.