Xbox Cloud Gaming introduces a pay-as-you-go plan starting at $3.99 for 10 hours of playtime.

Microsoft recently announced that starting in November, anyone will be able to access Xbox Cloud Gaming without needing an Xbox Game Pass subscription. This new pay-as-you-go model will allow players to buy bundles of cloud hours, with the starting price set at $3.99 for 10 hours of gameplay.

Xbox Insiders without a Game Pass subscription can begin purchasing cloud playtime today, ahead of the wider launch next month. They can take advantage of special introductory pricing for the following bundles:
* 10 hours for $3.99
* 25 hours for $7.99
* 50 hours for $11.99

These bundles come with benefits like ad-free gaming, reduced wait times, and enhanced streaming quality. Importantly, these hours are not monthly subscriptions; once you buy a bundle, the hours remain available until they are fully used.

This new pay-as-you-go option is perfectly timed with the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI. Earlier this month, it was reported that Microsoft has secured streaming rights for the game, although it remains uncertain if this will extend beyond Xbox consoles. Xbox’s chief strategy officer indicated that Grand Theft Auto VI will not be available for streaming on PCs, meaning that typical web browsers and apps used for Xbox Cloud Gaming won’t support it.

Additionally, Microsoft is testing a free, ad-supported cloud gaming option for Xbox Insiders, providing another avenue to stream games without a Game Pass subscription. However, these free sessions are limited to games already owned and are capped at one hour each.