Microsoft has converted Surface Duo into a handheld Xbox

 The new xCloud app is similar to the Nintendo 3DS with Xbox games

Microsoft raised the possibility of an Xbox mobile-like experience with the Surface Duo during its unveiling nearly two years ago, and it finally came to light today. Microsoft is updating the Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) app for Android, and it includes dual-screen support for Surface Duo.

An app update allows Surface Duo owners to use a virtual gamepad on one screen of their device and games on the other. It makes Surface Duo look more like a Nintendo 3DS than a mobile phone, with touch controls for a variety of games.

Microsoft has been steadily adding Xbox Touch controls to over 50 games in recent months, including titles like Sea of ​​Thieves, Gears 5, and Minecraft Dungeons. The full list of touch-compatible games is here, and you can of course use a regular Bluetooth or Xbox controller to stream games to Surface Duo.

The benefits of a dual screen device for this kind of mobile experience are obvious. You no longer have touch controls at the top of the game, and your thumb won't get in the way of seeing important events on the screen. If dual-screen or foldable devices catch, this is a much better way to play Xbox games without a dedicated console.

Microsoft has also tweaked the rest of the Xbox Cloud games to work better on Surface Duo. Improvements include making content easier to display, navigating menus, and adding column layouts. The updated app is now available on the Google Play Store.