Microsoft Expands Xbox Cloud Gaming to Cheaper Plans with Core and Standard Subscription Tiers

Microsoft is expanding its Xbox Cloud Gaming feature to its Core and Standard Game Pass plans, making it accessible to a wider audience. This move comes as engagement with cloud gaming has been high among Game Pass Ultimate users. The update is currently being rolled out to Xbox Insider members and will become widely available in the coming weeks.

Microsoft has announced a significant expansion of its Xbox Cloud Gaming service, making it accessible to a broader audience by including it in the Game Pass Core and Standard plans. This move follows the high engagement with cloud gaming among Game Pass Ultimate users and aims to enhance the overall gaming experience for subscribers.

The update is currently being rolled out to Xbox Insider members, with a wider release expected in the coming weeks. Users enrolled in the Xbox Insider program with Game Pass Core or Standard subscriptions can now stream supported titles on compatible devices. This development is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to unify the PC and Xbox gaming ecosystems, as reported by Tech4Gamers [2].

Microsoft has also been testing access to PC versions of select titles for Xbox Insiders on the lower tiers of Game Pass. This feature aims to provide users with more flexibility to play PC titles on various platforms, including Windows-based gaming handhelds, consoles, or cloud-supported devices. This move is significant as it allows Microsoft to test the waters before potentially integrating this feature into the core Game Pass experience.

Additionally, Microsoft is gearing up to launch the first Xbox-branded gaming handhelds, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, in October. These handhelds will feature a custom full-screen Xbox experience and allow players to stream cloud playable games from their Xbox console library, as well as access PC games natively [3].

The expansion of Xbox Cloud Gaming to lower tiers of Game Pass is expected to strengthen Microsoft's position in the subscription service market, providing more value to its users. This move also aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy to integrate cloud gaming into its gaming ecosystem, potentially paving the way for a future where cloud gaming becomes the norm.

References:
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/XboxGamePass/comments/1n1pfcu/microsoft_expands_xbox_cloud_gaming_to_game_pass/
[2] https://tech4gamers.com/xbox-cloud-streaming-game-pass-cheaper-tier/
[3] https://www.gadgets360.com/games/news/xbox-cloud-gaming-beta-pc-games-coming-to-game-pass-core-standard-microsoft-9174123