Microsoft is opening the Xbox Cloud Gaming doors to more players. As of August 27, 2025, Xbox Game Pass Core and Game Pass Standard members who are enrolled in the Xbox Insider Program can try cloud streaming as part of a new beta. That means you can stream select games on supported browsers, mobile devices, smart TVs, and Windows PCs without upgrading to the top tier.
Until now, cloud streaming was reserved for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at $19.99 per month. With this beta, Microsoft is testing broader access at lower price points:
– Game Pass Core: $9.99 per month for online multiplayer and a rotating library of about 25 games
– Game Pass Standard: $14.99 per month with hundreds of console games, but no day-one releases
There’s more for PC players, too. Insiders on Core and Standard will see curated PC titles appear in the Xbox app on Windows, making it easier to play on laptops and handheld gaming PCs.
Microsoft has been signaling a push toward more accessible cloud gaming. Company leadership recently noted that many Ultimate members already treat the cloud as either their primary way to play or a complement for on-the-go sessions, and expanding access could make streaming far more approachable. While the current rollout is a beta limited to Insiders, it’s another step toward a more affordable cloud option across the 28 countries where the service is available.
How to join the beta
– Install the Xbox Insider Hub on your Xbox console or Windows PC.
– Opt into the relevant previews inside the Insider Hub.
– Make sure your account has preview features enabled.
– Launch cloud gaming through a supported web browser, the Xbox app on Windows, or the Xbox app on compatible smart TVs.
Why it matters
– More value at lower tiers: Core and Standard members can try cloud play without paying for Ultimate.
– Play anywhere: Stream on phones, tablets, TVs, and PCs with no downloads.
– PC flexibility: Curated PC versions of select games arrive in the Xbox app for Windows and handheld PCs.
If you’re already a Core or Standard subscriber and curious about cloud streaming, this beta is your chance to test-drive it and help shape what comes next for Xbox Game Pass.
