Amazon has launched an Xbox "No Console Required" bundle, coinciding with the recent release of the Fire TV Stick Xbox Cloud Gaming app, enabling Xbox Game Pass users to stream games directly to their TVs without needing an Xbox console.
"Stream Xbox Games. No Console Required" reads the Amazon listing, which also mentions how it's "the only streaming media player with the Xbox app". The new bundle coincides with Amazon's Prime Day event that runs through July 16-17.
It's currently listed for $78.99, a $40.99 saving versus buying the controller, subscription, and streaming stick separately. There are even multiple colors to choose from, with white, blue, and green Xbox controllers all part of the offer.
Microsoft's next big push into cloud streaming massively broadens the potential audience for Xbox games and the Xbox Game Pass subscription.
All that's needed is a compatible Fire TV stick, a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller, and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to stream Xbox games. This bundle addresses exactly that, providing everything a potential gamer would need to get started.
An accompanying advertisement for the new streaming initiative recently sparked debate among hardcore Xbox fans. The ad, reminiscent of the Scream movies, features a woman answering the phone to an unnamed man disguising his voice, raising some eyebrows. “You don’t need an Xbox to play Xbox.” the ad declares, with Xbox following it up with a tweet stating, “No console? Don’t be scared."
Game Pass Ultimate is also part of its own special promotion during the Prime Day sales, with Amazon giving away $7.50 in store credit when users purchase three months of Game Pass.
Moreover, the 4K Max Fire Stick is at its best price of the year, down to just $34.99 – $25 off the original list price of $59.99. It's a great deal, especially if you're equipped with the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology at home. This device is an excellent choice for video game streaming, as the improved Wi-Fi chip can be invaluable in the long run.
Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.
