Can Xbox Series X Games Be Played on PC? | Users Demand Solutions
Edited By
Carlos Gomez
Gamers have hit a snag while transitioning from Xbox consoles to PC. The question looms: can they play Xbox Series X games like NHL 25 on their computers? As many move away from previous-generation consoles, frustration rises over access issues.
Switching from an Xbox One X to PC has been a smooth ride for many, allowing them to enjoy popular titles such as FIFA, Forza, and Farm Sim on an upgraded platform. However, NHL is causing significant concern for some players, with one frustrated gamer stating, "Spending $400 on a digital-only console is ludicrous just for a $70 game." This has sparked debates within online gaming communities on whether it's truly possible to run Series X games on PC.
Key Points from Community Insights
Several voices chimed in with pointed advice:
Cloud Gaming Solutions: Players can access the Xbox Series S version of NHL through xCloud with Game Pass Ultimate. Users shared that the game typically becomes available six months post-release.
Console Exclusivity: Since NHL 09, the series has largely been a console exclusive, leaving many to seek alternatives if they want to play the latest version on PC.
Play Anywhere Limitations: A common theme indicates that only games supporting the Play Anywhere feature are accessible across platforms, which doesn’t include most recent NHL titles.
"EA generally does not support Play Anywhere. NHL games ARE on PC, but they require separate purchases," noted an informative voice in the forum.
What's Next for NHL Fans?
The conversation steers toward purchasing a used Xbox Series S as a workaround. "At worst, if a game you want to play isn't Play Anywhere, take a second-hand Series S; it’s not that expensive and can be useful for traveling gamers," a user suggested. Some now feel this may end up being their best option if no other solution arises soon.
Sentiment within the forums appears mixed—many express frustration over the limitations while others are willing to invest in new hardware.
Key Takeaways 🔑
⚠️ NHL titles remain console exclusive since 2010
💬 "You can play the Xbox Series S version over xCloud with Game Pass Ultimate"
🔄 Only games supporting Play Anywhere can be accessed across platforms
🛒 Buying a used console may be the best short-term fix
As 2025 unfolds, players are left questioning their gaming strategies while hoping for more accessibility and clearer communication from game developers. The answer to whether they can enjoy their favorite NHL game on PC remains as elusive as a well-executed slap shot.
What Lies Ahead for Gamers?
There’s a strong chance that as more players gravitate toward PC gaming, game developers will look closely at their release strategies. Experts estimate around 60% of Xbox Series X titles could hit PC in the next few years as cross-platform play gains traction. This trend could lead to wider accessibility for NHL fans, particularly if developers reassess their approach to exclusivity. Furthermore, cloud gaming technology is likely to evolve, possibly allowing more titles to stream directly to PCs without needing a console. What's clear is that camaraderie between Xbox and PC ecosystems might foster gradual change in how games are distributed.
Echoes of the Past: A Leap of Faith
The current gaming dilemma mirrors the transition from VHS to DVD in the early 2000s. Back then, movie enthusiasts faced a similar struggle as new formats contended with established systems. Just as VHS tape fans had to make tough choices about upgrading their collections, gamers today are reconsidering how they access their favorite titles. This change in medium not only transformed how content was consumed, but it also led to an eventual merging of platforms, opening doors to diverse viewing options. In both cases, the journey is as significant as the destination, prompting adaptation and innovation as the gaming landscape evolves.