Xbox Cloud Gaming Exits Beta, Brings Enhanced Streaming to Game Pass Ultimate
Microsoft has launched Xbox Cloud Gaming out of beta, bringing enhanced streaming to Game Pass Ultimate members. This coincides with changes to the subscription structure, including expanded cloud gaming access and a price increase for Ultimate subscribers.
The free streaming option will be available across multiple devices when publicly launched, including PC, Xbox consoles, handheld gaming devices, and web browsers. Users will have access to three categories of content: personally owned games, eligible Free Play Days titles, and Xbox Retro Classics games.
The free tier operates on an advertising model, with approximately two minutes of preroll ads before gameplay begins. This concept has been part of Microsoft's roadmap for some time, with accessibility being a key objective for cloud gaming expansion. Microsoft has started internal testing of this ad-supported service, which began on October 3, 2025, with plans for a public beta and full launch in the coming months. Current testing parameters limit sessions to one hour, with a maximum of five hours available per month. Employees can now access select games through cloud streaming without requiring a Game Pass subscription.
Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming has emerged from beta with improved streaming for Game Pass Ultimate members. The free, ad-supported tier will expand gaming accessibility across various devices. Internal testing of the ad-supported service is underway, with a public launch planned for the near future.
