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Microsoft Testing Free, Ad-Supported Xbox Cloud Gaming, Reports Say

The tests precede a planned public beta that would position a no-cost, time-limited streaming option as a complement to Microsoft’s recent Game Pass revamp.

Overview

  • Internal trials reportedly require about two minutes of preroll ads before a session begins, with Windows Central noting ads also appear in the play queue.
  • Sessions are said to be limited to one hour with a total of up to five free hours each month, and these limits could change before launch.
  • The catalog would focus on a subset of games you own along with Free Play Days titles and Xbox Retro Classics, not the full Game Pass library.
  • Support is expected on PC, Xbox consoles, handheld devices and the web, according to the reporting.
  • A public beta is reportedly planned soon ahead of a wider rollout in the coming months, following this week’s Game Pass restructuring and streaming-quality changes.