Xbox Cloud Gaming coming to Hisense and V homeOS TVs in early 2026
Microsoft expands its cloud footprint to Hisense displays, allowing Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream games without a console starting next year.
Microsoft has announced that Xbox Cloud Gaming will launch on select Hisense and V homeOS smart TVs beginning in early 2026. According to the official announcement from Corporate Vice President Lori Wright, the rollout will allow Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream titles directly to their televisions without the need for a console.
This partnership marks the latest step in Microsoft's strategy to decouple the Xbox ecosystem from proprietary hardware. The integration targets the V operating system, formerly known as VIDAA, which powers Hisense displays. If you have been waiting for a reason to pair a Sony DualSense controller with a Hisense TV to play a Microsoft game via the cloud, your very specific dream is about to come true.
Hardware and Input Support
The service functions similarly to the existing Xbox apps found on Samsung and Amazon Fire TV devices. Users will need a compatible smart TV model and a robust internet connection. The announcement confirms support for standard Bluetooth controllers, including the Xbox Wireless Controller, the PlayStation DualSense, and the DualShock 4.
Library and Availability
The integration provides access to the standard Xbox Game Pass library. Microsoft specifically highlighted access to titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and the perpetually anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong. The inclusion of Silksong in the lineup suggests that by 2026, the wait for Team Cherry's sequel might finally be over.
Beyond the subscription catalog, the app supports the ability to play select games owned digitally. This feature allows users to stream purchased titles that are not currently in the Game Pass rotation. It serves as a necessary bridge for those of us who still prefer buying video games rather than renting them.
The Preservation Angle
For collectors and preservationists, the continued expansion of cloud gaming is a double-edged sword. While it lowers the barrier to entry, it relies entirely on server availability and licensing agreements. When the servers eventually go dark, the "console" inside your TV simply ceases to exist. However, for casual play or testing a title before committing shelf space to a physical copy, the utility is undeniable.
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