Xbox Cloud Gaming Gets Hourly Prices for Non-Game Pass Users

Ever wondered what Xbox Cloud Gaming would cost if you didn't have Game Pass? Microsoft just dropped the answer. The company has revealed hourly pricing for playing Xbox games in the cloud without a Game Pass membership, and it's doing so through something called "cloud playtime packs."

The packs come in three tiers: 10 hours for $4, 25 hours for $8, or 50 hours for $12. That works out to roughly 40 cents, 32 cents, and 24 cents per hour, respectively. Right now, these packs are only available to Xbox Insiders—but that's a free program anyone can join, so you can test the waters if you're curious.

Buying a pack gets you more than just playtime. Microsoft says you'll also get ad-free cloud gaming, shorter wait times, and higher-quality streaming. That's a nice bonus for anyone who wants a premium experience without committing to a monthly subscription. The packs will open up to more people starting in November.

If you're wondering about the ad-supported version, that's already available to Xbox Insiders without Game Pass. So you can try cloud gaming for free with ads, or pay for a pack to skip them. Microsoft is clearly testing different ways to get people into the cloud.

But here's the catch: those prices are described as "introductory launch pricing." That wording suggests they could change down the road. So if you're thinking of stocking up, maybe don't wait too long.

Game Pass members aren't off the hook either. In November, Microsoft will introduce monthly hour limits for cloud gaming, with the option to pay more for extra time. Game Pass Ultimate gets 15 hours, Premium gets 10, and Essential gets 5. Microsoft acknowledges this is a "meaningful change," especially for heavy cloud users, but estimates only about 4% of subscribers will be affected. The company didn't explain how it got that number.

In other Game Pass news, there's chatter that Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is considering a big shakeup—letting people build their own Game Pass and pick only the features they want. That could be a game-changer for how we subscribe.

What do you think of these hourly prices? Will you be picking up a cloud playtime pack, or are you sticking with Game Pass?