Microsoft has started selling Xbox Cloud Gaming time to Xbox Insiders without an active Game Pass subscription. Starting today, users can purchase prepaid playtime in three introductory packs: 10 hours for $3.99, 25 hours for $7.99, and 50 hours for $11.99. These packs are ad-free and feature shorter wait times, with purchased hours expiring only upon use.
Microsoft also maintains a free, ad-supported streaming option. This launch precedes the monthly hour limits starting in November, which will cap Game Pass Ultimate at 15 hours, Premium at 10 hours, and Essential at five hours per month. Microsoft expects the limits to affect approximately 4% of subscribers, who can purchase extra playtime via the Xbox Store.
The new prepaid packs likely serve as top-ups for subscribers, though Microsoft has not confirmed this. At $11.99, players receive more than triple the monthly hours of Ultimate, though Ultimate retains access to the full Game Pass library. Eligible games and full market availability details will follow in November, though Microsoft notes the introductory pricing may change later.
Source: TechPowerUp News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing