Xbox Game Pass is Finally Coming to Google TV, At Least For TCL

Xbox Game Pass Is Coming to Google TV—Here’s What We Know

After years of waiting, Xbox Game Pass is finally arriving on Google TV—but only on TCL TVs for now. At CES 2026, TCL confirmed that its upcoming X11L flagship will be the first Google TV device to support Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming via a dedicated app. This marks a major milestone for Microsoft’s gaming service, which has already expanded to Samsung, LG, and Amazon Fire TV platforms but remained absent from Google’s ecosystem despite early signals of compatibility.

Credit: Google

Why This Move Matters for Cloud Gaming

For cord-cutters and casual gamers alike, streaming high-quality games directly to a smart TV without a console has become increasingly desirable. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate’s cloud gaming feature already offers access to hundreds of titles—from “Starfield” to “Halo Infinite”—so bringing that experience to Google TV opens the door for millions of Android TV users. TCL’s move could signal Microsoft and Google are finally aligning to make cloud gaming more accessible across platforms.

TCL’s X11L Leads the Charge

TCL’s new X11L isn’t just another high-end TV—it’s a strategic showcase for next-gen entertainment. Alongside mini-LED backlighting and Dolby Vision IQ, the X11L will receive an over-the-air (OTA) update to unlock Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming. TCL emphasized the integration will come through its own optimized app, ensuring smooth performance and intuitive navigation. While details remain sparse, the company’s phrasing suggests this isn’t just a short-term partnership but a step toward broader Google TV compatibility.

Is Game Pass Really Locked to TCL?

TCL hasn’t stated that Xbox Game Pass will be exclusive to its hardware. In fact, the company’s announcement carefully avoids such language—instead highlighting its device as the “first” to support the service on Google TV. That’s a crucial distinction. If Microsoft and Google have resolved the technical or licensing hurdles that previously blocked Game Pass on Android TV, a wider rollout could follow swiftly. Industry watchers note that initial exclusivity is common in early platform integrations before scaling globally.

What About Other Google TV Devices?

Owners of Sony, Hisense, or other Google TV–powered sets shouldn’t lose hope. Historically, when one manufacturer debuts a major app like this—especially one as high-profile as Game Pass—it often paves the way for ecosystem-wide adoption. Remember how Disney+ and Apple TV+ rolled out? They typically start with a flagship partner before expanding. While Microsoft and Google haven’t confirmed broader availability, the mere fact that the integration is technically feasible now is promising.

Cloud Gaming’s Quiet Expansion Continues

This TCL announcement is just the latest chapter in Xbox Game Pass’s quiet but steady conquest of the living room. Microsoft has aggressively pushed cloud streaming beyond PCs and consoles, targeting smart TVs and mobile devices to reach casual audiences. With Game Pass now on nearly every major smart TV OS—Tizen (Samsung), webOS (LG), Fire OS (Amazon), and soon Google TV—the service is becoming as ubiquitous as Netflix or YouTube for on-demand entertainment.

Performance Expectations on Google TV

One lingering question is how well Game Pass will run on Google TV hardware, which varies widely in processing power and network optimization. TCL’s X11L is a premium model with Wi-Fi 7 and robust system resources—ideal for low-latency cloud gaming. But budget Google TV sticks or older sets may struggle. Still, Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure has improved dramatically since 2023, and adaptive streaming tech now tailors quality based on real-time connection strength, making the experience smoother even on modest hardware.

A Win for Google TV’s Ecosystem

For Google TV, this is a much-needed boost. While the platform excels in content aggregation and voice search, it has lagged behind in interactive entertainment. Adding Xbox Game Pass not only enhances its value proposition but also signals to developers that Google TV is a viable gaming destination. That could encourage more cloud-native titles or even lightweight native apps down the line—something Google has quietly encouraged through developer incentives since late 2025.

What’s Next for Xbox and Google?

Though neither Microsoft nor Google has issued an official joint statement, sources familiar with the matter suggest deeper collaboration is underway. With both companies investing heavily in AI-driven entertainment and cross-device continuity (think: starting a game on your phone and resuming on TV), Game Pass on Google TV may be just the beginning. We’ve reached out to both companies for clarity on timelines and device support and will update as more details emerge.

Don’t Expect a Console Replacement—Yet

It’s worth tempering expectations: cloud gaming on TV is ideal for pick-up-and-play sessions or trying new titles, but it’s not a full substitute for a dedicated console. Input lag, reliance on internet quality, and limited controller compatibility (most Google TV remotes aren’t built for gaming) mean serious players will still prefer Xbox or PC. That said, for families or casual users, having “Gears 5” or “Forza Horizon 5” instantly available on their living room screen is a game-changer.

Gaming Goes Mainstream

This integration reflects a larger trend: gaming is no longer siloed in basements or behind RGB-lit setups. It’s merging with everyday entertainment. With Game Pass on Google TV, Microsoft isn’t just chasing gamers—it’s courting anyone with a smart TV and a spare evening. And as streaming tech improves and 5G/6G home internet becomes standard, the line between watching and playing will blur even further.

TCL’s X11L bringing Xbox Game Pass to Google TV is more than a spec bump—it’s a signal that cloud gaming has gone mainstream. While early access is limited, the implications are huge: millions of Android TV users may soon stream AAA games without buying a single piece of hardware. For now, keep an eye on that OTA update if you’re getting the X11L. And if you’re not? This might be the perfect excuse to finally upgrade your TV—or at least your internet plan.