NEWS: Microsoft Puts Monthly Limits on Xbox Cloud Gaming

Microsoft is making significant changes to how cloud gaming is included with Xbox Game Pass, with a new monthly playtime system scheduled to begin in November 2026.

Under the new system, each Game Pass plan will include a set number of cloud gaming hours every month. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will receive 15 hours of cloud playtime, while Premium subscribers will receive 10 hours and Essential subscribers will receive 5 hours.

Currently, eligible Game Pass subscribers can use Xbox Cloud Gaming without a monthly playtime limit. Microsoft acknowledged that introducing limits represents a significant change, particularly for subscribers who regularly spend extended periods gaming through the cloud. According to the company, the change is expected to affect approximately 4% of Game Pass subscribers.

Players who use all of their included monthly hours will have the option to purchase additional cloud playtime through the Xbox Store. Microsoft has not yet announced pricing or specific purchasing options, noting that availability and cloud gaming features may vary depending on the market. More details are expected before the new system takes effect.

Cloud Gaming Without Game Pass

The changes will also introduce a new way for players to access Xbox Cloud Gaming without maintaining a Game Pass subscription.

Beginning in November, players will be able to purchase cloud playtime directly through the Xbox Store and use those hours to stream eligible games they own on supported devices. The option is intended to provide an alternative for players who only want occasional access to cloud gaming or do not want to pay for a recurring Game Pass subscription.

Cloud gaming will also continue to provide an important option for Xbox One owners. Players with an Xbox One can use cloud streaming to access certain games designed for Xbox Series X|S without immediately upgrading their hardware. Microsoft says this can be particularly useful in markets where newer consoles are difficult to obtain or less affordable.

The company also plans to continue expanding the number of games supported through cloud gaming throughout the year.

Why Microsoft Is Introducing Limits

Microsoft says the primary reason for the change is the increasing cost of providing cloud gaming as more players use the service and spend longer periods streaming games.

The company believes that introducing monthly limits will help control those costs while allowing Xbox to continue investing in the reliability and performance of its cloud gaming infrastructure.

However, Microsoft also recognizes that the new system could result in higher costs for some players, particularly those who regularly exceed their monthly allowance.

Further details are expected in November, including pricing for additional cloud hours, purchasing options, eligible games, market availability, and how players will be able to monitor their remaining cloud gaming time.

Microsoft says it will closely monitor player feedback both before and after the changes take effect and could make adjustments based on that feedback.

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SYSTEM UPDATE: Xbox Update Breaks Boundaries with PC Game Streaming

Xbox continues its mission to make gaming more meaningful, flexible, and enjoyable—no matter where or how players choose to play. This month’s update introduces new features to the Xbox PC app that reflect that vision, offering more ways for players to stay connected to their games and progress.

These enhancements are part of a broader initiative to improve the Xbox experience on PC and extend the platform’s most loved features to more places. Whether streaming owned games, jumping back into cloud play, or tracking progress across devices, the update empowers players with greater control, flexibility, and freedom to play their way.

PC Gaming Updates

Stream your own games on PC

Earlier this year, Xbox introduced the ability for Game Pass Ultimate members to stream their owned games on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, smart TVs, Meta Quest headsets, and other browser-supported devices such as PCs, smartphones, and tablets. That same level of flexibility is now coming to the Xbox PC app.

Starting today, Game Pass Ultimate members in the 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) is available can stream from a selection of over 250 owned titles directly through the Xbox PC app. This includes recently added games like Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, Mafia: Definitive Edition, The Callisto Protocol, and more—even those not included in the Game Pass catalog.

The new “Stream your own game” feature allows players to skip downloads, free up hard drive space, and enjoy greater access to their personal library, including console-only titles that were previously unavailable on PC.

Players can access this feature by visiting the Cloud Gaming section of the Xbox PC app, selecting a supported game they own from the “Stream your own game” list, and jumping into gameplay instantly.

Additionally, the update enhances cross-device play history and improves access to console cloud-playable games on PC.

In addition to being able to stream games you own on the Xbox PC app, we want to make playing Xbox games easier than ever across the Xbox platform. Xbox Insiders that are Game Pass Ultimate members have access to all cloud-playable games in their Xbox PC app library, including console-only games from the original Xbox through the Series X|S. Games that are either owned or available through Game Pass will all be in one place, so players can choose what and how they play. Also, Insiders can now preview their play history across devices, including on console and the Xbox PC app, displaying recently played games so players can pick up where they left off.

Explore these new capabilities on the Home page on console or on the Xbox PC app by going to “My Library” and jump back into gaming. Learn more details in the Xbox Insiders announcement post.

Rewards with Xbox – Get rewarded for playing games on the Xbox PC app

Tracking weekly point bonuses is now simpler with the addition of a new feature in the Xbox PC app. Players can now view their progress toward earning rewards directly within the app while they play.

This feature is currently rolling out in select markets for users aged 18 and older with a Microsoft account. Players should note that points must be claimed to be added to their Microsoft Rewards balance, and standard terms apply. To get started, users can open the Xbox PC app and visit the Rewards channel on the Home page to begin tracking progress and earning points.

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SYSTEM UPDATE: Xbox March 2025 Update - In-Game Benefits, Xbox Cloud Gaming Enhancements and Free-to-Play Features

March is packed with exciting updates for Xbox players! From seamless game switching on Xbox Cloud Gaming to over 50 cloud-playable titles for Game Pass Ultimate members, the fun never stops. Unlock exclusive in-game rewards for free-to-play games, explore new dynamic backgrounds, and enjoy a fresh Game Bar design for PC. Plus, with the release of the Xbox Adaptive Joystick and more perks rolling out soon, there's no better time to level up your gaming experience. Get ready for a month of non-stop action and new features!

Click READ MORE to see full update details