Overview

• The Verge reports Microsoft is internally testing a no-cost Xbox Cloud Gaming option with roughly two minutes of preroll ads, one-hour sessions, and up to five free hours each month, with limits subject to change.
• The reported catalog includes the ability to stream some games you already own, eligible Free Play Days trials, and Xbox Retro Classics, without requiring a Game Pass subscription.
• Sources say the free tier would be accessible on PC, Xbox consoles, handheld devices, and via the web, with a public beta planned soon and a broader rollout expected in the coming months.
• Windows Central says it can corroborate the testing details and adds that an ad may display while players wait in the queue; Microsoft has not fully confirmed specifics publicly.
• The reports follow Xbox Cloud Gaming’s exit from beta and a Game Pass overhaul that raised Ultimate pricing and reserved 1440p streaming for that top tier, with lower tiers capped at 1080p.