Microsoft is opening a new chapter in gaming by letting players play Xbox games without a console. Soon, owners of selected Hisense TVs will be able to stream Xbox titles directly on their televisions—no physical Xbox hardware required.
This new experience is powered by Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing gamers to access their library instantly. With this move, Microsoft continues its mission to make Xbox available on more devices than ever before.
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A New Way to Play Xbox Games Without a Console
According to GameSpot, Microsoft has announced a new partnership with Hisense that brings the Xbox app to televisions running the company’s proprietary operating system, now known as V homeOS (previously VIDAA).
Simply put, this collaboration allows users to play Xbox games without a console by streaming them directly on compatible Hisense smart TVs. There is no need to purchase a physical Xbox console—your TV becomes the gaming hub.
Xbox Cloud Gaming Makes Console-Free Gaming Possible
This feature relies on Xbox Cloud Gaming, which is included with Xbox Game Pass plans such as Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. Through cloud streaming, games run on Microsoft’s servers and are delivered to your TV over the internet.
Microsoft stated:
“Our vision is that your games, your community, and your achievements are always accessible. Bringing the Xbox app to selected Hisense TVs and devices powered by V homeOS is another step toward making gaming available on more screens, wherever you want to play.”
This innovation ensures that players can access their content anytime, anywhere—with nothing more than a compatible TV and controller.
Xbox Comes to Hisense TVs—But Not Immediately
Despite the excitement, Microsoft has confirmed that this feature will not be available immediately. More details about launch dates, supported regions, and performance requirements will be shared in the coming months.
Hisense TVs are the latest devices to support the Xbox app. Previously, in 2022, Samsung introduced Xbox app support on its smart TVs, allowing users to stream games without a console for the first time on television screens.
Related article: 5 Popular Xbox Game Pass games leaving January 2026
Part of Microsoft’s Bigger Strategy: “This Is an Xbox”
This move is part of Microsoft’s long-term strategy to expand the Xbox ecosystem beyond traditional consoles. The company promotes this philosophy under the slogan “This is an Xbox.”
Back in 2020, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, explained that Xbox’s goal is not limited to selling consoles:
“What we care about is everyone who enters our ecosystem and experiences our first-party or third-party games—whether that happens on an Android phone, a PC, or another console.”
This approach redefines Xbox as a service-first platform, not just a device.
Why Microsoft Focuses on Services Instead of Consoles
Gaming consoles typically generate little to no direct profit, while games and subscription services offer much higher margins. This is why Microsoft is heavily investing in Xbox Game Pass.
By increasing the number of subscribers, Microsoft creates a stable, recurring revenue stream. Making it easier to play Xbox games—especially without a console—directly supports this long-term business model.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s partnership with Hisense marks another important milestone in cloud gaming. Soon, players will be able to play Xbox games without a console, directly on supported smart TVs using Xbox Cloud Gaming.
This shift highlights Microsoft’s commitment to accessibility, flexibility, and service-driven gaming—where the Xbox experience follows you, not the other way around.
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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. With Xbox Cloud Gaming and the Xbox app on compatible Hisense TVs, you can stream games without a physical console.
Yes. Xbox Cloud Gaming is included in certain Xbox Game Pass subscriptions such as Essential, Premium, and Ultimate.
Microsoft has not announced an exact release date yet. More details are expected in the coming months.
Selected Hisense smart TVs running V homeOS (formerly VIDAA) will support the Xbox app.
