Meta’s Quest Game Subscribers Will Be Getting Some Xbox Extras
Meta’s throwing Xbox cloud gaming Into Its Horizon Plus Quest subscription, and converting its controllers to work with it.
Scott Stein
CNET
2 min read
6/10
Key Takeaways
Meta's Horizon Plus subscription will include Xbox cloud gaming, granting access to hundreds of Game Pass titles on Quest headsets.
Quest Touch controllers will be converted to work as Xbox gamepads for cloud streaming, eliminating the need for extra hardware.
The integration leverages Meta's existing partnership with Microsoft, which already embedded Office 365 and Xbox controller support in Horizon Worlds.
No launch date has been announced, but the feature is expected to roll out in phases, likely beginning in late 2024 or early 2025.
Horizon Plus costs $7.99/month and currently offers three free games per month; Xbox cloud gaming adds a large catalog without additional purchase.
Meta is throwing Xbox cloud gaming into its Horizon Plus Quest subscription and converting its controllers to work with it. The partnership, announced without a specific launch date, will allow Quest headset owners to stream Xbox Game Pass titles directly through their VR device, marking a significant cross-platform move for both Meta and Microsoft. The integration extends the Horizon Plus subscription—Meta's $7.99 monthly tier that includes access to three free games and other perks—by adding cloud streaming from Xbox, effectively merging Meta's VR ecosystem with Microsoft's gaming library. For years, Meta has pushed Horizon Worlds and Quest hardware as gateways to immersive experiences, but the limited game library has been a barrier. Now, by bundling Xbox cloud gaming, Meta gains instant access to hundreds of titles like 'Halo Infinite,' 'Forza Horizon 5,' and 'Starfield' without requiring VR-native ports. Microsoft benefits by placing its Game Pass service in front of millions of Quest users, a growing audience for non-console gaming. The controllers are being adapted so that the Quest touch controllers can mimic an Xbox gamepad for cloud streaming—no extra purchase needed. While specific technical details remain sparse, the feature likely relies on Wi-Fi streaming, similar to how Xbox Cloud Gaming works on phones and tablets. This is a strategic win for Meta at a time when the VR/AR market faces slower consumer adoption than anticipated. According to analysts, the news could boost Horizon Plus subscription numbers and make Quest headsets more appealing to console gamers who want a portable cloud option. The move also deepens the existing partnership between Meta and Microsoft, which includes Office 365 for the Quest and Xbox controller support in Horizon Worlds. Looking ahead, the rollout is expected in phases, starting with select regions. Gamers should watch for official announcements from Meta Connect later this year or in early 2025. If successful, this could set a new standard for how VR headsets supplement traditional gaming, blurring the line between console, cloud, and virtual reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Meta is adding Xbox cloud gaming to its Horizon Plus subscription, allowing Quest headset users to stream Xbox Game Pass titles directly on their VR device. The controllers are being adapted to work as Xbox gamepads.
The feature streams games from Microsoft's cloud servers to the Quest headset over Wi-Fi. Users will use their Quest Touch controllers, which will be reconfigured to mimic an Xbox controller layout.
No, the cloud streaming does not require an Xbox console. You only need a Horizon Plus subscription (or an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription) and a compatible Quest headset.
The full Xbox Game Pass library will be accessible, including titles like 'Halo Infinite,' 'Forza Horizon 5,' 'Starfield,' and many more. Specific VR optimizations are not expected.
An official launch date has not been announced. The rollout is expected in phases, possibly starting later in 2024 or early 2025, likely to be detailed at Meta Connect.
