{
  "id": 15934517,
  "title": "Microsoft reveals pricing for Xbox Cloud Gaming without Game Pass, for Xbox Insiders now and others next month: 10 hours for $3.99, 25 for $7.99, 50 for $11.99 (Tom Warren/The Verge)",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/microsoft-reveals-pricing-for-xbox-cloud-gaming-without-game-pass-for",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-21T19:10:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Techmeme",
    "slug": "techmeme",
    "url": "https://www.theverge.com/news/1015321/xbox-cloud-gaming-pay-as-you-go-cloud-hours-pricing"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Microsoft is opening Xbox Cloud Gaming to everyone in November, allowing access without an Xbox Game Pass subscription. Xbox Insiders can begin purchasing cloud playtime bundles immediately ahead of the broader rollout next month. The introductory pricing for these bundles includes 10 hours for $3.99, 25 hours for $7.99, and 50 hours for $11.99.\n\nAccording to 9to5Google, these paid bundles provide ad-free streaming and start at approximately 40¢ per hour, dropping to about 24¢ per hour for the 50-hour option. IGN reports that these bundles offer high-quality streaming and shorter wait times, and the hours remain available until they are used rather than being monthly limits. Alternatively, Microsoft will allow players to stream games for free with ads, though 9to5Google notes this includes lower-quality streaming and longer wait times.\n\nStarting next month, Game Pass plans will include monthly cloud gaming hour limits: 15 hours for Ultimate, 10 hours for Premium, and 5 hours for Essential. IGN reports that once these included hours are used, subscribers can purchase additional playtime through the Xbox Store.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Verge",
        "title": "Xbox Cloud Gaming’s pay-as-you-go option starts at $3.99 for 10 hours",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/xbox-cloud-gamings-pay-as-you-go-option-starts-at-3-99-for-10-hours",
        "published": "2026-10-21T18:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "9to5Google",
        "title": "Xbox Cloud Gaming’s added playtime costs start at around 40¢ per hour",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/xbox-cloud-gamings-added-playtime-costs-start-at-around-40-per-hour",
        "published": "2026-10-21T18:40:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}