Xbox is getting ready for a major change to its cloud gaming service. Xbox Insiders can now purchase cloud playtime without having a subscription to Game Pass. The system that will essentially allow anyone without Game Pass to experience games that they own through cloud gaming will roll out to all users in November.
Players can pick up 10 hours of play time for $3.99, 25 hours for $7.99, and 50 hours for $11.99. However, Xbox has said that this is just introductory launch pricing, which indicates that it might be changed at a later date. In the meantime, Insiders have been encouraged to share feedback about the new feature through the company’s Player Voice program.
The ability to buy cloud gaming play time comes just a few months after the company first started testing an ad-supported tier for the service. The optional tier allows players to play Xbox games that they own – including 2026 releases like Forza Horizon 6 and 007 First Light – by watching an ad before their play session begins. It is worth noting that, since cloud gaming is an entirely separate service from Game Pass, players without subscriptions will have to buy and own the titles they want to play.
“Advertising has existed in gaming for decades, from in-game placements to free-to-play models,” said the company in July. “But it hasn’t always been built with the player in mind. When done well, advertising can help lower the cost of access. It creates another way for players to get into games without an upfront streaming purchase and expands audiences through new ways to play.”
Xbox has also noted that there are no plans to introduce advertisements in the middle of a playing session. Ads are also supposed to meet “the same quality bar as our content” and will offer clarity on what any company is trying to sell.
In the meantime, Xbox has also announced a cap on cloud gaming play time for Game Pass subscribers. The change was announced earlier and is slated to go live in November, likely aligning with the company’s plans to release purchasable playtime to all Xbox users. Ultimate subscribers will be able to play for 15 hours before needing to buy more time. Premium subscribers get 10 hours, and Essential subscribers get 5 hours.
The company has confirmed that this service is even available for Xbox One owners who might want to experience games released for Xbox Series X/S but can’t get their hands on a current-generation console. Rising prices and stock shortages also likely play a major role in this regard.
“The cost of providing cloud gaming grows as more people use it and play for longer. Moving to monthly limits allows us to keep offering the service while continuing to invest in its reliability and performance. We understand that for some players the practical result is a higher cost,” said the company when it announced this change.
While the list of titles available through cloud gaming will be limited at first, Xbox has said that the line-up will grow “throughout the year”.
