Xbox Opens Prepaid Cloud Gaming to Players Without Game Pass

Microsoft has begun offering prepaid cloud gaming time to players who do not hold a Game Pass subscription. According to TechPowerUp, Xbox Insiders without an active subscription can now purchase blocks of streaming playtime and use them on supported devices, with a wider release scheduled for November.

The company is selling three packs at what it describes as introductory launch pricing: 10 hours for $3.99, 25 hours for $7.99, and 50 hours for $11.99. TechPowerUp reports that the packs are ad-free, offer shorter wait times, and that the purchased hours do not expire until they are used. Insiders can also continue using the free, ad-supported streaming option that Microsoft started testing in July.

The prepaid plans arrive shortly before monthly cloud gaming caps announced in September take effect. Beginning in November, Game Pass Ultimate ($22.99) will include 15 hours of cloud gaming per month, Premium ($14.99) will get 10 hours, and Essential ($9.99) will get five. Microsoft expects the limits to affect roughly 4% of subscribers, and said those who exceed their allowance will be able to buy additional playtime through the Xbox Store.