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Microsoft tests hourly Xbox Cloud Gaming packs without Game Pass
Microsoft has begun testing a new payment model for Xbox Cloud Gaming called ‘Cloud Playtime,’ allowing users to purchase specific blocks of streaming hours without requiring an active Game Pass subscription. Currently available to Xbox Insiders, the service is expected to see a wider rollout in November 2026.
Introductory pricing for the packs includes 10 hours for $3.99, 25 hours for $7.99, and 50 hours for $11.99. These packages offer an ad-free experience, reduced queue times, and high-quality streaming. Notably, the purchased hours do not expire, allowing players to use them at their convenience.
This new model follows a policy change where Game Pass subscriptions will transition to monthly streaming limits: 15 hours for Ultimate, 10 hours for Premium, and 5 hours for Essential. Users who exceed these limits or do not subscribe to Game Pass can use the hourly packs to play titles they already own or select free-to-play games. The service does not grant access to the full Game Pass game library.
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What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In Brazil, 10 hours of cloud playtime are priced at R$ 6.90. jornal24horas.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Purchased cloud playtime hours do not expire. jornal24horas.com.br · me.ign.com · nordic.ign.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Introductory US pricing for 50 hours of playtime is $11.99. me.ign.com · nordic.ign.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Microsoft is testing Xbox Cloud Gaming playtime packs for Xbox Insiders without a Game Pass subscription. jornal24horas.com.br · me.ign.com · nordic.ign.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Starting in November, Game Pass Ultimate plans will include 15 monthly cloud gaming hours. me.ign.com · nordic.ign.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Users without a Game Pass subscription can try cloud gaming for free with ads. me.ign.com · nordic.ign.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The new monthly hour limits for Game Pass are expected to impact 4% of subscribers. me.ign.com · nordic.ign.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Paid cloud playtime packs include an ad-free experience and shorter wait times. jornal24horas.com.br · me.ign.com · nordic.ign.com