If you’ve been hovering over a “Buy Now” button for a new console but your entertainment unit is already looking a bit crowded, Microsoft has some news that might just save you some shelf space. Xbox has officially announced a partnership with V (the platform formerly known as VIDAA) to bring the Xbox app directly to select Hisense and V homeOS-powered Smart TVs this year.
In short: the “console wars” are moving to a place where you don’t actually need the console.
The Death of the Black Box?
For those of us who remember blowing into cartridges or praying our disc wouldn’t scratch, the idea of a TV being a “powerful gaming hub” all on its own still feels a bit like sci-fi. But as Guy Edri, CEO of V, points out, this integration is designed to be “fast, simple, and globally accessible.”
“If you own a supported Hisense TV, you won’t be looking for an HDMI port to plug in your Series X. Instead, you’ll just be looking for your controller. The Xbox app will live alongside Netflix and YouTube, turning your living room screen into a portal for high-end gaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming.“
What’s on the Menu?
So, what can you actually play? Microsoft isn’t holding back the good stuff. If you’re an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential subscriber, you’ll have immediate access to hundreds of titles.
So you’ll be able to play games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hollow Knight: Silksong and even Game of the Year, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Beyond the hits, the service also allows you to stream select games you already own. It’s all about that “freedom and flexibility” that Lori Wright, Xbox’s Corporate VP of Gaming Partnerships, highlighted. Essentially, Microsoft wants you to play Xbox games whether you’re on a bus with a phone, at a desk with a PC or lounging on the sofa in front of a Hisense.
Why This Matters for You
This move is a massive win for the “casual-but-not-really” gamer. Buying a dedicated console is a commitment (and a significant hit to the wallet). By shifting the heavy lifting to the cloud, Hisense and V homeOS are lowering the barrier to entry. If you have a decent internet connection and a subscription, you’re in the game.
It’s a cheeky little move from Microsoft to ensure that “Xbox” becomes a service you use rather than just a box you buy.
