Xbox Cloud Gaming Expands to Cheaper Game Pass Plans in Insider Phase

Microsoft extends access to its cloud gaming technology: In the future, you no longer have to be in possession of the most expensive subscription Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to access games from the cloud.

Insiders can start

Like Microsoft announced also users of the cheaper variants “Game Pass Core” and “Game Pass Standard” will also be given the opportunity to stream titles directly. For the time being, however, this only applies in the context of a test program. At the moment, Xbox Cloud Gaming is only available to the Ultimate subscribers who pay around 17.99 euros per month. With the start of an insider phase, Microsoft now wants to check how the offer works in further subscription levels. This means that you still don’t get access to all games that were previously available in the cloud area. Participants can only stream games that are either contained in their respective subscription or that they bought separately if they are cloud -capable.

The step follows shortly after the group hints that cloud gaming should be wider and, above all, more cheaply accessible in the future. It has long been speculated that Microsoft is working on an independent version of the streaming service. A free model that is financed by advertising is apparently also up for discussion.

PC users also get more

In addition to the cloud features, Microsoft also extends the range of the PC offer in the test run. Subscribers from Game Pass Core and Standard can use selected PC versions of games for the first time. With this, the company wants to give its customers more flexibility – regardless of whether they want to play on their domestic computers, a Windows handheld or in the cloud.

If you want to try the new offer now, you have to be a member of the Xbox insider program. About the platform xbox.com/Play Cloud games can then be started directly. The Xbox app on Windows is also available for PC titles. For users without insider registration, the offer should be provided later, but there is no specific date.