Microsoft has announced more changes to its Game Pass subscription tiers, which will take effect this November. They are tied to access to the Xbox cloud gaming service, which allows players to launch projects from their subscriptions and personal libraries.
Before the change, Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential subscribers could play games in the cloud for unlimited time. Access services differ only in resolution – Game Pass Ultimate subscribers get the best quality.
Starting in November 2026, restrictions on accessing Xbox Cloud Gaming through Game Pass will be set:
- Final – no more than 15 hours per month.
- Premium – no more than 10 hours per month.
- Essential – no more than 5 hours per month.
Within their account, players will be able to track their available time in the cloud during a given month. Here’s an example of how it looks in the interface.
Microsoft also emphasized that the option to purchase additional time for Xbox cloud gaming will be available in November. Pricing will vary by region and will be announced at a later date.
In July this year, the Xbox team launched a promotion plan for Xbox cloud games.