The introductory pricing starts at $3.99 for 10 hours of cloud playtime and goes up to $11.99 for 50 hours. Xbox has introduced a new way for players to access cloud gaming without a Game Pass subscription. Here are the cloud gaming packages and their prices announced by Xbox:
Xbox said the paid packages offer an ad-free experience, shorter waiting times and high-quality streaming. The new cloud playtime packages are available at introductory prices during the preview phase, according to Xbox. The company is testing a pay-as-you-go option that lets Xbox Insiders buy cloud playtime in fixed-hour packages and stream games on supported devices. Eligible Insiders without an active Game Pass subscription can try the preview, giving them an alternative way to access Xbox Cloud Gaming. The company is also testing a free, ad-supported cloud gaming option. Players can purchase a fixed number of streaming hours without subscribing to Game Pass.
Pricing is currently introductory, and Xbox has not confirmed whether the same rates will apply when the feature becomes more widely available.
Availability, buying options, eligible games and cloud gaming features may vary by market, device, account eligibility and preview ring,” Xbox said. The company said the tests are part of its efforts to explore more ways for players to access Xbox Cloud Gaming. Xbox said participant feedback will help it improve the cloud gaming experience as it tests additional ways to play.
Xbox Insiders without an active Game Pass subscription can join the preview and buy cloud playtime to stream games on supported devices. The option gives players an alternative to cloud gaming without committing to a Game Pass subscription. However, players still need to meet cloud gaming requirements, including access to an eligible game or, where supported, a free-to-play title. A supported device is also needed. The preview will let Xbox gather feedback from participants before it expands access to the new payment option. Alongside the paid playtime packages, Xbox Insiders can test another option that lets them access cloud gaming for free with ads. This gives players two ways to try cloud gaming without an active Game Pass subscription: purchasing a set amount of ad-free playtime or using the free, ad-supported option. The paid packages offer a set number of streaming hours, while the free option includes ads. Xbox did not provide additional details in the announcement on the ad format or the final terms for either option. Players who want to try the new features need to join the Xbox Insider programme and meet the preview’s eligibility requirements. Existing members can share feedback through the Xbox Insider community and the Xbox Player Voice website. Non-members can join by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or a Windows PC. The new pay-as-you-go option could give players who don’t want a Game Pass subscription another way to stream supported games. However, its broader availability, final pricing, and market-specific requirements will depend on the preview results and Xbox’s subsequent rollout plans. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.
Cloud playtime Price 10 hours $3.99 25 hours $7.99 50 hours $11.99 Xbox says the purchased playtime remains available until you use it. The packages also provide an ad-free cloud gaming experience, shorter wait times, and high-quality streaming.