The Xbox Game Pass has been updated to allow the dual-screen Surface Pro to morph into a hand-held game console. When placed in split-screen mode, it allows the bottom screen to be used as an Xbox control pad, while the top screen shows the game.
While Xbox has added onscreen controls previously to allow the games to be played on tablets and smartphones without a physical controller, this is the first time it has worked with a split-screen display. The update currently works with the Microsoft Surface Duo but is likely to roll out to other foldable and dual-screen tablets and hybrids in time.
The result looks like a super-sized Nintendo DS, and while the display should work well, it’s not the cheapest way to play. The Surface Duo retails from $999/£1349 for the 128GB version, and the Xbox Game Pass is another $14.99/£10.99 a month. However, if you already have a dual or folding screen device (especially the Surface Duo) then it’s a no-brainer.
- New MacBook Pro M1X leak is the pro laptop we've been waiting for
- Apple Watch 7 will have a completely new look, and it’s about time
- Apple iOS 14.6 and iPadOS 14.6 is out now bringing more updates to iPhones and iPads
According to 9to5 Google, who first reported the story, not all the games on Xbox Game Pass have been optimized for split-screen controls. However, the list is already over 50 of the 170+ touchscreen titles and includes titles such as Gears of War 5, Sea of Thieves, Minecraft Dungeons and Spiritfarer.
With Xbox Cloud Gaming also come to PC and iOS devices natively, I hope we will see split-screen support for more devices soon. The updated version of the Xbox Game Pass with Surface Duo support is available for download now from the Google Store.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
As T3's Editor-in-Chief, Mat Gallagher has his finger on the pulse for the latest advances in technology. He has written about technology since 2003 and after stints in Beijing, Hong Kong and Chicago is now based in the UK. He’s a true lover of gadgets, but especially anything that involves cameras, Apple, electric cars, musical instruments or travel.
-
Move over Gymshark! Built For Athletes launches its first-ever workout clothing line
With styles starting from £9.99!
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Skoda Elroq revealed as the first new EV model
The covers have come off Skoda’s compact all-electric SUV and it looks like a winner
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
Xbox Game Pass gets one of the best combat games of recent times for free
Available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC across multiple Game Pass tiers
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Xbox Game Pass losing huge AAA action game – you only have weeks left to play
Gotham Knights is being removed from the Xbox Game Pass lineup, so play it while you still can
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Xbox Game Pass Standard will get day one games, just not on day one
More details emerge on the new Xbox Game Pass tier
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Xbox Game Pass gets the best version of one of the best shooters of all time... for free
Available to download now
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Xbox Game Pass gets the latest Call of Duty – you can download it right now
Game Pass gets COD
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
100s of Xbox games could soon be yours without needing Game Pass
Xbox allegedly plans to offer Cloud Gaming separately
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Xbox Game Pass getting a trio of brand new games real soon – including a promising Zelda-alike
Shaping up to be a busy week for the subscription
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Xbox Game Pass could get Call of Duty a lot sooner than October – this month, in fact
Hot on the heels of pricing changes comes a classic COD
By Max Freeman-Mills Published