Microsoft appears to be preparing to launch a complimentary, advertisement-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming, with beta testing potentially beginning in the near future according to recent social media discussions. While the premium Xbox Cloud Gaming experience will continue as a core benefit of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions, this new free tier would reportedly provide users with approximately five hours of monthly gameplay access, preceded by advertising content at the beginning of each gaming session.

Xbox Cloud Gaming represents one of the standout features included with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. This innovative service enables subscribers to stream compatible games directly to their devices, with all processing handled on Microsoft's remote servers. The platform also supports streaming of games that users already own through their Microsoft accounts on compatible hardware. For optimal performance, Microsoft recommends utilizing a stable cable or fiber internet connection when accessing Xbox Cloud Gaming. The service has now fully transitioned from its beta phase and is officially available to the public.

As Microsoft continues to expand the library of titles available through Xbox Cloud Gaming, the company is simultaneously exploring methods to broaden the service's accessibility, albeit with certain limitations. According to industry reports, Microsoft plans to introduce a beta version of Xbox Cloud Gaming that would be completely free to users, supported by advertising revenue. This approach would enable players to access selected games without requiring an active Xbox Game Pass subscription, including titles linked to their Microsoft accounts and Free Play Day offerings. Users would encounter approximately two minutes of pre-roll advertisements before their gaming session begins, with each individual session limited to one hour of gameplay. The proposed monthly cap for the ad-supported tier would be set at five hours, though these restrictions may be adjusted before the service completes its beta testing period.

The complimentary version of Xbox Cloud Gaming would be accessible across multiple platforms including Windows PCs, Xbox consoles, compatible mobile devices, and various web browsers. However, the timing of this potential beta launch comes during a period of controversy for Microsoft's gaming division. On October 1, the company implemented significant price increases across all Xbox Game Pass subscription tiers, while simultaneously rebranding the previous Core and Standard tiers as Essential and Premium respectively. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes full access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, saw its monthly subscription cost rise from $19.99 to $29.99.

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