The Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S are powerful standalone VR headsets that offer immersive gaming experiences. Beyond native VR titles, you can also play Xbox games on these devices using Xbox Cloud Gaming, eliminating the need for a physical Xbox console.
This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of setting up and playing Xbox games on your Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S, along with tips to optimize your experience.
What You’ll Need
Before diving in, ensure you have the following:
- Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S: The headset must be updated to the latest software (version 60 or higher).
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscription: This is required for Xbox Cloud Gaming, priced at approximately $16.99/month, though trial offers may be available.
- Compatible Controller: Supported controllers include Xbox Wireless (with Bluetooth), DualShock 4, Nintendo Switch Pro, or third-party wired Xbox controllers connected via USB-C.
- High-Speed Internet: A stable connection with at least 7 Mbps (preferably 20 Mbps or higher) is essential for smooth cloud streaming.
- Meta Store Access: You’ll need to download the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) app from the Meta Store.
Step-by-Step Setup
Follow these steps to get Xbox games running on your Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S:
- Update Your Headset
Ensure your Meta Quest 3 or 3S is running the latest software. Go to Settings > System > Software Update in the headset to check for updates. Version 60 or later is required for the Xbox Cloud Gaming app to function. - Download the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) App
- From the Meta Quest home screen, open the Meta Store (the shopping bag icon on the toolbar).
- Search for “Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta).”
- Select the app and click Get to download and install it. The app is free and available to all users, despite its beta status.
- Pair a Compatible Controller
- Turn on your controller and put it in pairing mode (for Xbox Wireless, press the sync button until the Xbox button flashes).
- Open the Xbox Cloud Gaming app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect the controller.
- If using a wired controller, connect it to the headset’s USB-C port.
- Note: Some users report issues with wireless controller recognition. If this happens, restart your headset and try again, as this is a known workaround.
- Sign In to Your Xbox Account
- Launch the Xbox Cloud Gaming app.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account that has an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
- If you don’t have a subscription, you can sign up directly through the app or at xbox.com/gamepass.
- Customize Your Experience
- Once signed in, you’ll see the Xbox Game Pass dashboard on a virtual screen.
- Choose from four display sizes (Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large) to adjust the screen to your preference. Larger screens offer a cinematic feel, while smaller ones may reduce visual artifacts.
- You can toggle between an Xbox-themed virtual environment or use the Quest’s passthrough mode to see your real-world surroundings.
- For seated gameplay (common for Xbox titles), adjust your Quest boundary settings to avoid interruptions. Go to Settings > Boundary and tweak the sensitivity or set a stationary boundary.
- Start Playing
- Browse the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate library within the app.
- Select a game, wait for it to load (loading times depend on your internet speed), and start playing.
- Popular titles like Starfield, Forza Motorsport, Halo Infinite, and Fortnite are available, alongside hundreds of others.
Tips for an Optimal Experience
- Internet Stability: Cloud gaming relies heavily on your internet connection. Use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network or connect your router via Ethernet for the best performance. A weak connection can cause lag or reduced image quality.
- Controller Troubleshooting: If your controller doesn’t connect, ensure it’s in pairing mode and restart the headset. Wired controllers are more reliable until beta app fixes are released.
- Screen Positioning: To reposition the virtual screen (e.g., for lying down), press the Oculus button to open the quick menu, grab the toolbar, and move it to adjust the screen’s position. This workaround compensates for the app’s lack of direct positioning controls.
- Battery Management: Cloud gaming can drain the headset’s battery. Keep it charged or use a compatible USB-C cable for extended sessions.
- Report Issues: If you encounter bugs, use the in-app reporting feature (with screenshots) to help improve the beta app.
- Comfort Setup: For long sessions, consider a VR stand or adjust your headset straps for comfort. Take breaks to avoid eye strain or fatigue.
Limitations to Understand
- Not True VR: Xbox games are streamed in 2D on a virtual screen, not as native VR experiences. Games like Microsoft Flight Simulator won’t have VR mode unless played through a PC with additional setup.
- Image Quality: The app streams at up to 1080p, but compression may introduce texture muddiness or visual artifacts, especially on larger screens. This is less noticeable on smaller display settings.
- Beta Bugs: As a beta app, you may face occasional glitches, such as controller issues or login problems. Restarting the headset often resolves these.
- No Console Streaming: The Xbox Cloud Gaming app doesn’t support direct streaming from a physical Xbox console. For that, you’d need to sideload apps or use a PC with Virtual Desktop, which is more complex.
Alternative Method: Streaming from Your Xbox Console
If you own an Xbox console and prefer to stream games directly from it (avoiding cloud latency), you can use Remote Play:
- Sideload the Xbox App: Use SideQuest to install the Xbox Android app on your Quest. This requires a PC and some technical know-how.
- Set Up Remote Play: On your Xbox, enable Remote Play in Settings > Devices & Connections > Remote Features. Connect the sideloaded app to your console over the same Wi-Fi network.
- Play Locally: This method streams games from your console to the Quest, potentially offering better quality (up to 720p) but requires a strong home network.
This approach is less user-friendly and not officially supported, so the Xbox Cloud Gaming app is recommended for most users.
Why Play Xbox Games on Meta Quest?
Playing Xbox games on the Meta Quest 3 or 3S offers unique advantages:
- Portability: No need to carry a console or rely on a TV. Play anywhere with a strong internet connection.
- Immersive Display: The virtual screen feels massive, rivaling a home theater experience.
- No Console Required: Access hundreds of Xbox titles without owning an Xbox, ideal for travelers or those without a gaming setup.
Whether you’re battling in Halo Infinite or exploring Starfield, the combination of Xbox Cloud Gaming and Meta Quest delivers a versatile gaming experience. As the app evolves, expect improvements in stability and features, making this an exciting option for gamers.
Conclusion
Setting up Xbox games on your Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S is straightforward with the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) app. With a Game Pass Ultimate subscription, a compatible controller, and a solid internet connection, you can dive into a vast library of Xbox titles on a giant virtual screen. While the beta app has some quirks, it’s a fantastic way to blend VR hardware with console gaming. Follow the steps above, tweak your settings, and enjoy gaming in a whole new way.