Big new feature is coming to Amazon Fire TVs that may convince you to upgrade
Amazon's own range of Fire TVs offer a more affordable way to add smart streaming into your home, an upgrade from plug-in Fire Sticks but not quite as high-tech as the premium Sky Glass TV. As the retailer gets ready to host its 2024 July Prime Day there's an eye-catching upgrade on the way.
The same month as the retailer launches its Prime Day on July 16 and 17, where you can expect a flurry of price drops and discounts, the retail giant is making a huge move for gaming fans. Specifically anyone with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
The new move means anyone with the gaming pass will be able to access and play hundreds of games from their Fire TV device, no gaming console is needed either as it's all done through the cloud.
In July, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can access and play hundreds of cloud-enabled games directly through the Xbox app on select Fire TV devices—no console required. All you'd need is one of the integrated Fire TVs or any TV with an HDMI port and a new Fire TV stick... and favourites like Forza Horizon 5 or Fallout 4 will be in reach.
It means shoppers will likely have their eye on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max or the smaller Fire TV Stick 4K as two devices that'll help transform your telly with the new gaming access. Not to mention the £59.99 starting price feels rather affordable compared to splashing out on a gaming monitor.
Once bought, gamers will then have to download the Xbox app onto the Fire TV device via the Amazon Appstore. Once you install and open the app, you’ll be prompted to sign in with your Microsoft account. If you don't have a Xbox Games Pass, you can buy one here.
The final step is you have to is connect a compatible Bluetooth controller and you’re ready to start gaming. The Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, DualSense or DualShock 4 controllers all work seamlessly. Some of the games you'll be able to access from the Xbox Cloud include Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Starfield, and Forza Horizon 5.
As Amazon's Daniel Rausch, vice president of Fire TV and Alexa said: “We’re committed to making it easy for customers to access their favourite entertainment experiences with Fire TV. We’re excited to work with Microsoft to bring the Xbox app to select Fire TV devices so customers can enjoy a vast library of high-quality games, allowing them to play amazing titles without the need for a console.
“Now customers have even more ways to play the games they love, wherever they are, with just a compatible Fire TV Stick, Bluetooth controller, and Game Pass Ultimate membership". As well as the Fire TV move, Amazon already offers gaming benefits through its £8.99 per month Prime Subscription - a perk which many shoppers may not be aware of.
An Amazon Fire TV Stick during the Amazon Devices and Services event at the HQ2 campus in Arlington, Virginia, US, on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023
Between now and July 16, the start of Prime Day, it's offering deals on gaming bundles, and Twitch channel subscriptions. Gamers can play online and even wrack up points while its library of Forager, Card Shark, and Star Wars Battlefront II may be simple to some it's a feature not many other retailers offer.
In a rival deal, Virgin Media is currently offering a mega deal for keen gamers. Anyone who takes out one of its broadband plans can get an Xbox controller for free. While it's eye-catching it's arguably only of interest to novice gamers, which is why it's also handing out a choice of £200 bill credit too.