TL;DR
Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass is set to land on Google TV, with initial support confirmed for TCL's new X11L SQD‑Mini LED shown at CES 2026. The feature will arrive via an over‑the‑air update later in May, letting subscribers stream games without a console.
What happened
At CES 2026, TCL unveiled its X11L SQD‑Mini LED television and confirmed the device will receive native Xbox Game Pass support. The capability is not yet broadly available across Google TV hardware; the announcement indicates the X11L will gain the native app through an OTA update scheduled for later in May. The X11L itself is being promoted for its high‑end display features, while the inclusion of a built‑in Game Pass app means owners can stream titles directly to the set without a separate Xbox console. Early coverage notes this is the next step after Xbox Game Pass arrived on Amazon Fire TVs and some LG models, and suggests Microsoft could expand support to other Google TV devices in the future. Pre‑orders for the TCL X11L are open now, per reporting referenced in the announcement.
Why it matters
- Native app support removes the need for a physical console for cloud gaming on supported TVs.
- Bringing Game Pass to Google TV broadens the range of smart TVs able to run Xbox cloud games directly.
- A built‑in app could simplify setup compared with sideloading and make cloud gaming more accessible to TV buyers.
- If expanded, the move could lower the overall cost of entry for gaming by relying on subscriptions rather than dedicated hardware.
Key facts
- Announcement surfaced at CES 2026 during TCL's reveal of the X11L SQD‑Mini LED TV.
- The TCL X11L features specifications highlighted in coverage, including high peak brightness and advanced dimming; coverage cited 10,000 nits peak brightness and 20,000 discrete dimming zones.
- Xbox Game Pass support for the X11L will be delivered via an over‑the‑air (OTA) update later in May, according to reporting referenced in the announcement.
- Xbox Game Pass has already rolled out to other smart TV platforms such as Amazon Fire TVs and certain LG models.
- The native app will allow streaming games directly to the TV without a separate console, requiring an Xbox Game Pass subscription, a compatible controller, and a reliable internet connection.
- The TCL X11L starts at $6,999 for the 75‑inch model, according to the coverage.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription pricing cited in the report is $30 per month or $360 per year.
- At the time of reporting, the apparent rollout is limited to the new TCL flagship rather than the broader Google TV ecosystem.
What to watch next
- Whether Microsoft will expand native Game Pass support to other Google TV models before or after the May OTA update — not confirmed in the source.
- The exact timeline and regional availability for a wider Google TV rollout beyond the TCL X11L — not confirmed in the source.
- How broadly hardware eligibility will be determined across existing Google TV devices and whether firmware or hardware limits will restrict support — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Xbox Game Pass: A subscription service from Microsoft that gives access to a rotating library of games and cloud‑streaming capabilities for supported devices.
- Google TV: A smart TV platform and user interface from Google that runs on compatible televisions and streaming devices.
- OTA update: Over‑the‑air software update delivered to a device remotely, typically used to add features or fix bugs without manual installation.
- Cloud gaming: A method of playing video games where rendering happens on remote servers and video is streamed to the player's device over the internet.
Reader FAQ
Which Google TVs will get Xbox Game Pass?
The report confirms support for TCL's new X11L SQD‑Mini LED TV; broader Google TV device support is not confirmed in the source.
When will Game Pass arrive on the TCL X11L?
Support will be added via an OTA update later in May, according to the referenced reporting.
Do I need an Xbox console to use Game Pass on the TV?
No — the native app will let users stream games directly to the TV without a physical console, requiring a subscription, controller, and internet.
How much does Xbox Game Pass cost?
The report cites Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at $30 per month or $360 per year.
Xbox Game Pass is finally heading to Google TV Credit: Microsoft By Karandeep Singh Oberoi Published 20 minutes ago Karandeep Singh Oberoi is a Durham College Journalism and Mass Media graduate…
Sources
- Xbox Game Pass is finally heading to Google TV
- Xbox Game Pass coming to Google TVs this year, says TCL
- TCL X11L TV has flagship specs, Gemini settings controls
- TCL Goes All-In at CES 2026 With Its X11L SQD Mini-LED…
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