Xbox Cloud Gaming Begins Testing “Play Time Purchases” for Non-Game Pass Subscribers—Starting at $3.99 for 10 Hours

Purchased playtime remains available until it is used up. You can stream compatible games you own without ads.

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Xbox Cloud Gaming Begins Testing
Xbox Cloud Gaming Begins Testing "Play Time Purchases" for Non-Game Pass Subscribers—Starting at $3.99 for 10 Hours
  • Xbox Cloud Gaming Begins Testing
  • Xbox Cloud Gaming Begins Testing

On October 21 (local time), Microsoft announced that it had begun a test allowing Xbox Insider Program participants who are not Game Pass subscribers to purchase Xbox Cloud Gaming playtime to stream games.

Test Conducted Ahead of November Service Changes

In September 2026, Microsoft announced that it would change the way Xbox Cloud Gaming is provided starting in November, citing rising service costs due to increases in the number of users and playtime. Game Pass subscribers will be allocated the following monthly playtime limits based on their plan:

  • Game Pass Ultimate: 15 hours per month

  • Game Pass Premium: 10 hours per month

  • Game Pass Essential: 5 hours per month

The company also announced that users who reach their monthly playtime limit will be able to purchase additional time, and that non-Game Pass subscribers will also be able to purchase playtime to stream compatible games they own.



This test is designed to trial the purchase of play time ahead of the service expansion in November. It is open to Xbox Insider Program participants who are not Game Pass subscribers, and play time will be offered at the following introductory prices:

  • 10 hours: $3.99

  • 25 hours: $7.99

  • 50 hours: $11.99



A test has been underway since July for Xbox Insider Program participants, allowing them to stream compatible games they own for free with ads—even without a Game Pass subscription—but this update enables ad-free play. Purchased time can be used until it runs out, and the service is said to reduce wait times and support high-quality streaming.

Please note that available regions, purchase methods, eligible games, and features may vary depending on your device, account eligibility, and preview ring.


By 松本鹿介