Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Offers Game Pass, xCloud-Optimized Controller Bundle

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 was shown off in the Galaxy Unpacked first-ever streaming event today. In addition to the phone announcement, Samsung and Microsoft unveiled a unique partnership. They are offering a Galaxy Note 20 gaming bundle that includes three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with MOGA XP5-X Plus mobile controller. It’s been said that both the phone and controller are made specifically with Project xCloud game streaming in mind; Note 20 includes optimizations to help reduce input lag and XP-5 X Plus design lets you charge while gaming.

In case you need more variety in how you play though, Microsoft also got you covered. Following the announcement that Project xCloud will be released free with Game Pass on September 15th, Microsoft is bringing out officially licensed dedicated mobile controllers that will support xCloud and Xbox gaming on the go as well. In total there are four different controllers from three hardware manufacturers you can choose from. However, aside from XP-5 X Plus, they are not a part of Galaxy Note 20 bundle:

1. MOGA XP5-X Plus that’s shaped just like regular Xbox controllers and XP7-X Plus that have a similar look to Nintendo Switch’s Joy-con from PowerA
2. Razer Kishi that also looks like Joy-con
3. and a retro-themed SN30 Pro from 8BitDo

Together with the Game Pass and controller bundle, Microsoft is launching an exclusive version of the Xbox Game Pass app in Samsung’s Galaxy Store. On top of simply streaming games and seeing your achievement lists like in the Google Play Store version, using the Galaxy Note 20’s app you will be able to redeem tokens and make in-app purchases such as buying DLCs. This move might be a way for Microsoft to avoid Google’s 30% app tax and for Samsung to weaken Play Store’s foothold on the majority of Android phones.

Unfortunately, while Microsoft strengthened its grip on Android devices through this Samsung Galaxy Note 20 partnership, there is still no news regarding Project xCloud support on iOS.  Granted, that could be blamed on Apple themselves who prioritizes pushing Apple Arcade instead and blocking access for its competitors from getting into their platform.

The 6.7 inches wide Galaxy Note 20 is equipped with Super AMOLED Plus, 2345 x 1084 resolution, and 60 Hz refresh rate screen. Available in three different color schemes; Mystic Green, Mystic Gray, and Mystic Bronze; the phone is priced at $999. Interested in getting a Galaxy Note 20 yourself to use it as an “Xboy”? Tell us what you think of this announcement in the comments below.