I’ve owned the Xbox Series S, which I affectionately call the baby Xbox, since the day it was released. And yet, compared to my other devices, I almost never play games on it. Why? Because until recently I didn’t have the option to stream Xbox games to my Steam Deck. Thanks to a little app called XBPlaywhich costs $7 but is worth every penny, I will finally fire up my Xbox as often as I do my PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and my PC.
Let me explain: I just love playing video games in handheld mode. Sure, I have two computer monitors and a very impressive TV, but handheld gaming has huge advantages – namely, I can play games and watch TV in the background at the same time. (Like a less unhinged version of the three-TV lifestyle.) Especially if, for example, it’s a huge RPG with lots of little side quests Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Getting PS5 Remote Play to work on the deck was a big challenge; It requires the use of a tool called Chiaki
I recently got it Metaphor: ReFantazio for the Xbox, which started out quite well for me when I played it on a big screen. However, I soon realized that this massive (but delightful) RPG would be much better if I could also participate in some gaming sessions in handheld mode. I remembered how annoying it was to get PS5 Remote Play to work on my Steam Deck, and I figured I’d have to go through a similar effort this time.
No. Not even close! There’s currently a $7 app on the Steam store called XBPlay, and guys, it just works. I can’t believe how well it works and how great it is Metaphor: ReFantazio
Ever since I installed XBPlay, I’ve been preaching it to everyone I know who owns an Xbox. At this point I’ve used it so much that I have to shout it from the rooftops (that is, post about it on Polygon dot com). If you have an Xbox and a Steam Deck, this app is a must. Don’t hesitate.