Xbox App Coming to Hisense and V HomeOS Smart TVs in 2026, Expanding Cloud Gaming Access

Xbox App Coming to Hisense and V HomeOS Smart TVs in 2026, Expanding Critical Cloud Gaming Access

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Written by Dave W. Shanahan

January 5, 2026

Xbox App Expands Cloud Gaming to Hisense and V TVs

Xbox App Coming to Hisense and V HomeOS Smart TVs in 2026, Expanding Cloud Gaming Access

Microsoft has kicked off 2026 with a major announcement for cloud gaming fans: the Xbox app is officially coming to select Hisense and V (formerly VIDAA) homeOS-powered Smart TVs later this year. Revealed through an Xbox Wire blog post, this partnership continues Microsoft’s mission to make gaming increasingly accessible, removing the need for consoles and bringing high-quality gaming experiences directly to your TV.

The partnership with V marks a significant expansion of Xbox Cloud Gaming, which is already available on Samsung Smart TVs, mobile devices, and Windows PCs. By teaming up with Hisense and V homeOS, Microsoft is broadening its reach to new households and regions where these smart TVs are especially popular.

Game Pass Streaming Without a Console

At the heart of this announcement lies Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming, which allows subscribers to stream hundreds of Xbox games directly from the cloud without owning a physical console. Once the Xbox app becomes available on compatible Hisense and V homeOS TVs, all you’ll need is a Bluetooth-enabled controller and a Game Pass subscription — no hardware required.

Subscribers to Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential tiers will be able to instantly launch games from a massive streaming library. That includes blockbuster titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, the much-anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong, and the visually stunning Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Microsoft confirmed that the Xbox app experience will let players access both Game Pass content and select digital purchases they already own, giving ultimate flexibility to enjoy everything in one unified interface. In other words, your TV becomes a console replacement that runs entirely in the cloud.

A New Milestone in Xbox’s Cloud Strategy

This isn’t just about another TV partnership—it’s part of Microsoft’s long-term vision to make gaming as seamless and inclusive as possible. The company’s goal is clear: players should be able to access their games, achievements, and community on any device with a screen and an internet connection.

Over the past few years, Xbox has steadily expanded the footprint of Xbox Cloud Gaming under the Xbox Everywhere initiative. From PCs and mobile devices to portable handhelds and now TVs, Microsoft is building a connected ecosystem where your gaming identity travels with you across platforms.

Bringing the Xbox app to Hisense and V’s smart platforms means millions of additional households—especially across Europe, Asia, and South America—can experience console-quality gaming without needing to invest in expensive hardware. Hisense, known for its competitively priced, high-quality televisions, represents one of the largest TV brands worldwide, making this partnership strategically potent for Microsoft.

How Xbox Cloud Gaming Works on Smart TVs

For users new to the concept, the process of playing Xbox games via the cloud is refreshingly simple. Once the app launches:

  1. Open the Xbox app on a supported Hisense or V homeOS TV.

  2. Sign in with your Microsoft account linked to Xbox Game Pass.

  3. Pair a Bluetooth controller—such as the Xbox Wireless Controller or any compatible third-party option.

  4. Choose from hundreds of games and start streaming instantly.

All game data, save files, and achievements automatically sync to the cloud, meaning you can transition seamlessly between devices. Start a campaign on your TV, continue it later on your PC or mobile device — everything stays in perfect sync.

Game Pass Subscribers Get the Biggest Benefit

This update underscores the growing importance of Xbox Game Pass as the core pillar of Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem. With the ability to stream games through the cloud, the traditional barrier of owning specific hardware no longer applies.

Subscribers across the Ultimate, Premium, and Essential tiers will be able to stream hundreds of top-quality titles including day-one releases and beloved classics. Whether you want to jump into the next Call of Duty, revisit iconic series like Halo, or explore indie gems like Slay the Spire, the experience remains consistent and accessible from anywhere.

Microsoft emphasized that the cloud version will include support for titles you already own digitally in select cases, adding even more value for long-time Xbox players transitioning into cloud gaming.

Strengthening the Xbox Cloud Ecosystem

This next step in Xbox’s cloud expansion aligns perfectly with its broader ecosystem goals. According to Microsoft, the company wants to ensure “your games, your community, and your achievements are always within reach.”

By bringing the Xbox experience to Hisense and V Smart TVs, Xbox is pushing the boundaries of where and how gaming can happen. The days of needing to plug in a console to experience AAA titles may soon be behind us.

This partnership also signifies that the competition for smart TV gaming apps is heating up. Samsung and LG have already hosted Xbox Cloud Gaming since 2023, but Hisense and V offer an even larger global footprint—particularly in fast-growing regions with emerging gaming markets.

As cloud infrastructure improves and global internet speeds rise, more players will be able to enjoy console-quality performance without the cost or space of physical systems. For many, this could be their first-ever Xbox experience.

What to Expect Next

While the exact TV models and supported regions haven’t been detailed yet, Microsoft promised more information about the Hisense and V homeOS rollout in the coming months. The Xbox team will share new details through official Xbox Wire updates and social media as launch approaches.

Given Microsoft’s pattern with past smart TV partnerships, we can expect:

  • Support for the latest Hisense TV models running V homeOS.

  • Cloud streaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) powered by Azure.

  • Features like instant resume, multiplayer support, and synchronized achievements.

  • Built-in network optimizations for faster, low-latency gameplay.

If Microsoft maintains its track record, this rollout could begin in mid-to-late 2026, with a possible beta phase introduced sooner for select users.

The Bigger Picture: Xbox Beyond Consoles

This Xbox app announcement is another proof point of how Xbox is redefining what it means to be part of the ecosystem. With PC gaming, cloud streaming, and partner hardware integrations, Microsoft is positioning Xbox less as a box and more as a service—one that lives wherever the player is.

For consumers, this means more choices and fewer barriers to entry. For Xbox, it’s an opportunity to grow Game Pass subscriptions in new territories. And for Hisense and V TV owners, it means their smart TVs are becoming full-fledged gaming systems.

As Microsoft continues to strengthen its ties between Xbox Cloud Gaming, Game Pass, and Azure AI infrastructure, 2026 could mark a pivotal year where streaming becomes the default way to play.

Stay tuned to msftnewsnow.com for updates as more details are released on supported Hisense models, geographic availability, and the official Xbox app launch timeline.


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I'm Dave W. Shanahan, a Microsoft enthusiast with a passion for Windows, Xbox, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure, and more. I started MSFTNewsNow.com to keep the world updated on Microsoft news. Based in Massachusetts, you can email me at davewshanahan@gmail.com.