Microsoft has started selling Xbox cloud time separately from subscriptions.This is a test for now: starting October 21, Xbox Insiders without an active Game Pass can buy watch packs and play through the cloud.For other players, the scheme will go live in November, at the same time as the limits within Game Pass itself.

Three packages and prices: from $3.99 to $11.99

In the test, Microsoft offers introductory prices for three packages:

  • 10 hours for $3.99, that is, about 40 cents per hour;
  • 25 hours for $7.99, about 32 cents per hour;
  • 50 hours for $11.99, about 24 cents per hour.

The larger the package, the cheaper the hour.The purchased time does not expire and remains on the account until it is spent.The package includes no advertising, shorter queues and high-quality streaming pictures.Prices are introductory, but feature availability, available games, and regional availability vary by market and device.

Xbox screen with the “Cloud playtime remaining: 5 hours” block and the “Add more playtime” button
This is what the remaining cloud time looks like on the Xbox screen: five hours and a refill button.Source: Xbox Wire.

What to play: only what you already own

The watch opens the cloud without a subscription, but not the Game Pass library.You can launch games that you have on your account, as well as selected free projects.This is convenient for Xbox One owners: according to Microsoft, the cloud gives them access to games made for the Xbox Series X and Series S without urgently purchasing a new console.Separately, Insiders can try ad-supported cloud gaming for free.

What's changing on Game Pass in November?

The test is related to Microsoft's September announcement: starting in November, the unlimited cloud in the subscription will be replaced with monthly limits.Game Pass Ultimate will receive 15 hours per month, Premium will receive 10, Essential will receive 5. When the hours run out, additional ones can be purchased from the Xbox Store.Microsoft estimates that the limits will affect about 4% of subscribers who regularly play via the cloud, and attributes the decision to rising server costs as people play longer and more often.

The company promised to reveal detailed prices, a list of games, regional availability and a way to check the remaining time in November.

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