Microsoft’s Xbox app is now available on select Hisense televisions, allowing users to stream Xbox Game Pass titles without the need for a dedicated console.
How the new Xbox app reaches Hisset and other VIDAA OS TVs
The rollout began this month for Hisense models built on the VIDAA OS platform that were released between 2024 and 2026. The same operating system also powers some Toshiba sets and a handful of European‑brand TVs. According to the company’s announcement, the app will continue to expand across compatible devices as updates are released.
To start playing, owners must go to the Games section on the TV’s home screen and look for the Xbox app. If it is not yet present, updating the TV’s firmware may prompt the installation. Availability is tied to the TV’s software version rather than any external hardware.
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Subscription tiers and hardware requirements
Access to the game library requires an active Game Pass subscription. All tiers except the PC‑only option are supported. An Essential plan costs $10 per month, Premium $15, and Ultimate $23. The Ultimate tier unlocks the largest catalog—over 500 titles—and provides launch‑day access to selected new releases.
Because Game Pass is a streaming service, a stable internet connection is required while playing. Users also need an official Xbox controller or any Bluetooth‑enabled gamepad that the TV can pair with. Microsoft has been testing a feature that would let players stream games they already own for free, but that capability is currently limited to Insider program participants.
The company’s strategy mirrors earlier moves that brought the app to Samsung and LG televisions, as well as Amazon Fire TV devices. The goal, as stated by the gaming division, is to reach consumers who “may not be able to afford or justify buying dedicated gaming hardware.”
From a broader perspective, this approach resembles the way streaming video services expanded onto smart‑TV platforms a few years ago, gradually turning living‑room screens into multipurpose entertainment hubs. While the gaming experience still depends on low latency and reliable bandwidth, the convenience of using an existing TV could lower the barrier for casual players.
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For users who already own a console, the app offers a way to free up the hardware for other purposes or to enjoy games in a different room without moving the console. Meanwhile, households without a console now have a low‑cost entry point into the Xbox ecosystem, provided they have a compatible Hisense set and a reliable internet line.
VIDAA OS, originally created by Hisense, is seeing broader adoption, which may encourage other manufacturers to support the Xbox app in future updates. Microsoft has indicated that the rollout will continue, so availability could improve over the coming weeks.
Overall, the addition of Xbox games on Hisense TVs expands the reach of Microsoft’s subscription service, aligning with a trend toward console‑free gaming experiences that rely on streaming technology and existing hardware.
