Microsoft Expands Xbox Cloud Gaming, Now Free With Ads
Microsoft is expanding Xbox Cloud Gaming's reach, now offering free, ad-supported access to select games without a Game Pass subscription. The service has been in the works for some time and is currently in internal testing.
The new service will provide access to three types of games: personally owned titles, Free Play Days offerings, and Xbox Retro Classics. During the testing phase, sessions are limited to one hour each, with a monthly cap of five hours. Before each gaming session, users will have to sit through approximately two minutes of ads.
Initially launched as a beta, Xbox Cloud Gaming has since grown, enhancing its streaming capabilities for Game Pass Ultimate members. The recent internal testing of the ad-supported version coincides with changes to the subscription structure. Game Pass Premium and Essential tiers will see expanded cloud gaming access, while Game Pass Ultimate subscribers face a 50 percent price increase.
The ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming service began internal testing on October 3, 2025, with a public beta phase expected soon. Once launched, the free streaming option will be available on various devices, including PC, Xbox consoles, handheld gaming devices, and web browsers.
