Microsoft has launched a prepaid model for Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing users without an active Game Pass subscription to purchase specific blocks of streaming time. The service is currently available to Xbox Insiders, with a wider release scheduled for November.
The company introduced three pricing tiers: 10 hours for $3.99, 25 hours for $7.99, and 50 hours for $11.99. These prepaid hours are ad-free, offer reduced wait times, and do not expire until they are fully consumed by the user.
This initiative coincides with the implementation of monthly cloud gaming hour limits for Game Pass subscribers, set to begin in November. Under the new policy, Game Pass Ultimate members receive 15 hours, Premium members get 10 hours, and Essential members are limited to 5 hours per month.
Microsoft estimates that these new usage caps will impact approximately 4% of its subscriber base. Users who exhaust their monthly allotment will have the option to purchase additional playtime through the Xbox Store, though specific details on eligible games and regional availability remain pending.
