A new shift in Microsoft’s gaming strategy appears to be taking shape, as reports suggest that Xbox Cloud Gaming could soon offer a free tier supported by advertisements. This move would allow players to stream games without needing a Game Pass subscription, marking a major change in how the service is currently accessed.
Some users have already spotted hints of this feature on the Xbox app. A loading screen reportedly mentioned a cloud gaming option with “one hour of ad-supported playtime per session.” According to a report by a technology publication, this free and ad supported tier is expected to launch in 2026.
Microsoft had earlier confirmed in October 2025 to a global newspaper that it was testing a free, ad based version of its cloud gaming service, separate from Xbox Game Pass. At present, Xbox Cloud Gaming is available only to Game Pass subscribers.
Another report from a gaming focused publication stated that the new tier will be session based and could arrive “this year,” though 2026 remains the more likely timeline. The free version is said to allow users to stream games they already own digitally, without subscribing to Game Pass.
Details remain limited, but a separate tech outlet reported that Microsoft is close to testing the service with Xbox Insiders. Internal trials are said to be capped at 1 hour per session, with a total of up to 5 free hours each month.
The ad supported version may let users stream selected purchased titles, along with certain Free Play Days and Xbox Retro Classics games. These sessions would reportedly begin after preroll advertisements.
Xbox has not officially confirmed the launch date for this service. However, the company has been actively expanding its cloud gaming ecosystem. In October 2025, it introduced 3 revamped Game Pass plans named Ultimate, Premium, and Essential, each with unlimited cloud gaming support. Earlier, the feature was only available in beta to Ultimate subscribers.
In November 2025, Microsoft also launched Cloud Gaming in India, allowing subscribers to stream games instantly on supported devices. The service is currently accessible via the Xbox app on PC, Mac, iOS, Android, tablets, select smart TVs, and Amazon Fire TV.
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