Xbox integrates cloud streaming service into cheaper Game Pass plans

Over the past few years, Microsoft has been steadily reshaping the Xbox Game Pass service. In a significant move, the tech giant is introducing cloud game streaming to the lower tiers of Xbox Game Pass, specifically for Core and Standard subscribers.

Until now, cloud game streaming was locked behind the $20 Ultimate plan. However, Microsoft's decision to open this feature to a wider audience marks a significant change for the service.

The introduction of cloud streaming to the lower tiers of Xbox Game Pass was announced a year after the Standard tier was introduced as the middle option between Core and Ultimate. At the same time, Xbox Live Gold was retired and replaced with the Core tier in 2023, which bundles online multiplayer with a small catalog of games.

This move signals that cloud gaming is no longer an add-on, but central to the future of gameplay. Core and Standard subscribers will be able to stream PC versions of certain games, although a specific timeline for the rollout to everyone has not been given. The test period indicates a quick expansion is planned.

Interestingly, Nvidia has built GeForce Now entirely around cloud streaming. Meanwhile, Sony has started layering cloud features into PlayStation Plus.

Microsoft hints at a potential cloud-only subscription in the future. Until August 27, the cloud game streaming feature will be available for testing through the Xbox Insider program. The official availability date for the feature after the test phase, which began on August 27, 2025, has not been explicitly announced. However, the rollout is gradual and ongoing following the Insider test period.

Bringing cloud streaming to those tiers changes the story, making them more comparable to the Ultimate plan. This expansion is expected to attract more players to the lower tiers, offering them a more comprehensive gaming experience at a lower cost.

This development in the gaming industry underscores the growing importance of cloud gaming and Microsoft's commitment to making it accessible to a broader audience. As the landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact the gaming experience for players worldwide.