Xbox is expanding beyond consoles with a new partnership with TCL. The company will bring the Xbox app to select TCL Smart TVs in the coming months. It allows users to play supported Xbox games directly on their television without buying an Xbox console.
The partnership will roll out across more than 25 countries. To use Xbox on a compatible TCL TV, players will need the Xbox app, a supported Xbox controller, and access to Xbox cloud gaming through Game Pass or separately purchased cloud gaming access.
The biggest advantage is that players can access supported Xbox games without owning an Xbox Series X or Series S. Game Pass subscribers will also be able to access supported games from the Game Pass library through the TV.
Read: With Cloud Gaming Everywhere, Do We Still Need Consoles?
Microsoft is also carrying over much of the Xbox experience across devices. Players can access their existing saves and achievements, while Xbox friends and other account features remain connected to the same ecosystem. This means the TV is effectively becoming another Xbox gaming screen rather than a separate platform.
The move is part of Microsoft’s broader push to make Xbox available on more devices. Instead of requiring players to buy dedicated Xbox hardware, Microsoft is increasingly bringing its games and services to the devices people already own.
This could make getting into Xbox gaming much simpler for TCL TV owners. There is no console to set up or connect to the TV. Players only need a compatible TCL television, an Xbox controller and access to the required cloud gaming service.
The partnership also shows how Microsoft is changing its approach to Xbox hardware. The company is no longer relying only on console sales to bring players into the Xbox ecosystem. By putting the Xbox app directly on TVs, it can reach people who may never have considered buying an Xbox console.
Xbox on TCL TVs is expected to arrive in the coming months across more than 25 countries. Microsoft has not yet announced the complete list of supported TCL TV models or all launch markets.
