Microsoft mulls cheaper Xbox Cloud Gaming outside Game Pass

Microsoft is signaling its intention to broaden access to Xbox Cloud Gaming by considering a more affordable option that could operate independently of the current Game Pass Ultimate tier. The company’s executives emphasised that accessibility is a priority and that strategies under consideration could reach new regions or new ways of accessing cloud gaming. At the same time, Microsoft is pressing ahead with its long-term hardware and technology roadmap, including a close collaboration with AMD to design dedicated silicon and advanced rendering technologies intended to power both future consoles and cloud experiences, and to enable AI-powered features that could transform gameplay.

In recent discussions, the company has highlighted how many players already use Game Pass Ultimate primarily to access cloud gaming, whether as a central method of play or as a flexible option on the go. This observation has prompted executives to explore ways to reduce costs and lower barriers to entry, potentially by decoupling cloud gaming from the existing subscription structure. While no firm details were provided on a specific price point or rollout timeline, the messaging signals a shift...