Xbox prepares a free 'Cloud Gaming' plan with ads and one-hour sessions

Xbox is preparing a new free ad-supported Cloud Gaming plan that would allow users to play without paying a subscription. The news comes from information released by The Verge and by specialized journalist Tom Warren.

The proposal aims to expand the reach of video game streaming service from Microsoft. It would be a key change in the cloud access strategy.

Free Xbox Cloud Gaming: how the new plan would work

The new free tier would be funded by ads. Each session would allow users to play for up to one hour.

Before starting, users would have to watch advertising. According to the first data, there would be no interruptions during the game.

One-hour sessions and pre-roll ads

A leaked promotional image mentions "1 hour of ad-supported gameplay per session". It is not clear whether a single ad block would unlock the full 60 minutes. It is also not clear whether additional ads could appear.

A plan that Microsoft had already been testing

According to previous reports from The Verge, Microsoft has been testing this free version internally since October 2025. The tests included about two minutes of ads before playing.

The goal would be to offer an uninterrupted experience once the session has started.

A service independent from Game Pass

A key difference is that this plan would not be linked to Game Pass. It would work as an independent service.

Even so, it would offer the same cloud catalog. It would include Game Pass games and titles compatible with Stream Your Own Game.

More games and more devices

The cloud catalog expanded in December 2025 with about 50 new titles, including Blood West and Resident Evil 3.

The free plan would be available on Xbox consoles, PCs, cell phones, and handheld devices, such as Steam Deck.

Global launch and possible beta

The new free tier would arrive in the 29 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently available. It would include America, Europe, Japan, and Oceania. Following Microsoft's policy, the launch would first be in public beta and would then be rolled out generally.