Xbox Users Can Now Buy Games Through the Xbox Store on Android

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Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft will start selling console games on the Xbox store for Android.
  • This move appears to be part of the company’s strategy to expand its mobile gaming presence.
  • It comes after Google was ordered to open its mobile store to alternative payment and app distribution methods.

Microsoft aims to take advantage of a US court ruling against Google by selling its Xbox games on Android. 

Users in the US will soon be able to purchase and then play Xbox games on their Android devices starting next month. This will be possible directly through the Xbox app. The move has been confirmed by Xbox President Sarah Bond on X adding that it will offer more choice and flexibility.

Earlier this week, a US judge ruled against Google ordering the search giant to revise its Play Store billing policies. It forces the company to open its mobile store to its rivals for three years from November 1. This was following the Epic Games lawsuit. With the mandate, third-party app store developers will no longer have to use Google’s Play billing and can set up alternative payment systems. 

Microsoft seems to be the first company to take advantage of the ruling. The Redmond-based tech giant won’t have to give Google a percentage of revenue from in-app purchases. Hence the company can distribute its Xbox games freely on Android. 

Recently Microsoft integrated the Game Pass subscription into the Xbox app. With the support for selling games on Android devices, players will be able to buy titles and instantly stream it on their handsets. It’s worth noting that this update won’t allow running native console-level games on smartphones. 

Google is currently contesting the court ruling that gave Microsoft permission to make these changes.