Microsoft is testing a standalone, pay-as-you-go model for Xbox Cloud Gaming, letting players stream games without subscribing to Game Pass. The company priced the service at USD 3.99 for 10 hours of gameplay. The new feature is currently available to Xbox Insiders who do not hold an active Game Pass subscription. Microsoft also plans to open the offering to all users in November.
Xbox introduced three prepaid packs. The entry-level pack offers 10 hours for USD 3.99, which is roughly 40 cents per hour. A 25-hour pack costs USD 7.99, while the 50-hour pack is priced at USD 11.99.
The larger bundles offer better value. The 25-hour option reduces the effective cost to about 32 cents per hour, while the 50-hour pack brings it down to around 24 cents per hour. Microsoft has positioned the packs as introductory launch pricing, suggesting the final rates could change after the wider rollout.
Microsoft will first gather feedback from Xbox Insiders before expanding access. The company has not detailed regional pricing or confirmed whether the introductory rates will remain after November.
Unlike subscription-based plans, the purchased hours do not expire each month. Players can use them until they exhaust the balance. The pay-as-you-go service includes:
Ad-free cloud gaming
Shorter wait times
Higher-quality streaming
This structure targets casual and occasional gamers who may not want a recurring subscription. It also gives players more control over spending, as they pay only for the time they expect to use.
The new model separates cloud access from a Game Pass subscription, potentially reaching users who want to stream supported games without a monthly plan. The move could widen Xbox’s cloud gaming audience. It may also help the company compete with other cloud gaming services by offering a low-cost entry point.
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