Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 4 hrs ago
Xbox tests hourly fees to stream games without Game Pass
Microsoft is testing pay-as-you-go Xbox cloud streaming for players who want to stream games without Game Pass.
The test lets players buy time-based playtime packs, starting at $3.99 for 10 hours.
That starting pack works out to about 40 cents per hour, while another account gives a reported range of 24 to 40 cents per hour.
Players must still pay for the games themselves, so the streaming fee is an extra cost.
The test involves Xbox Cloud Play, Microsoft’s game-streaming service.
Microsoft is testing the packs, but no further details about what happens next are given.
Microsoft is testing hourly Xbox Cloud Gaming passes that let people stream games without a Game Pass membership.
The passes offer 10 hours for $3.99, 25 hours for $7.99 or 50 hours for $11.99.
The test is available to Xbox Insiders, and Microsoft plans to make the passes available to more people starting in November.
A free, ad-supported option is also being tested, with sessions limited to 30 minutes.
Starting in November, Game Pass members will have monthly cloud gaming limits based on their subscription tier.
- Who
- Microsoft is testing the passes for Xbox Cloud Gaming users, including people without Game Pass.
- What
- Players can buy set amounts of cloud gaming time without a Game Pass membership.
- When
- The test was announced on October 21, 2026. Microsoft plans to extend availability in November.
- Where
- On Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Microsoft revealed hourly cloud playtime packs and made them available to Xbox Insiders.
Microsoft plans to make the passes available to more people and introduce monthly cloud gaming limits for Game Pass members.
- 10-hour pass
- $3.99
- 25-hour pass
- $7.99
- 50-hour pass
- $11.99
- Game Pass Ultimate limit
- 15 hours per month
- Game Pass Premium limit
- 10 hours per month
- Game Pass Essential limit
- 5 hours per month
4 sources
What people are saying
Cloud playtime packs provide an ad-free cloud gaming experience, including shorter wait times, high-quality streaming, and playtime that remains available until it's used.
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