Microsoft has started testing a refreshed web experience for Xbox Cloud Gaming that looks even more console-like. Xbox Insiders can now try out the preview UI, which includes updated navigation features, plenty of new animations, and a refreshed design. It all feels like a teaser of what's to come for Xbox consoles in the years ahead. The existing Xbox Cloud Gaming interface got its last major overhaul nearly two years ago,
There have been rumors about Microsoft working on a free, ad-supported tier for its Xbox Cloud Gaming service, and now we have solid proof coming straight from Microsoft. Some users report that they've spotted a new message saying "1 hour of ad-supported playtime per session," although there's no such tier just yet. It's a clear sign that the company is preparing a free tier, confirming earlier rumors.
Over the past week, I've been using Nvidia's new RTX 5080 GeForce Now tier. Nvidia's cloud gaming service has been the best on the market for years now, and this upgrade makes it even better. I've been playing Cyberpunk 2077, Overwatch 2, and Silksong, and it's genuinely comparable to my own PC. The upgrade is also a staggering reminder of just how far behind Xbox Cloud Gaming is, both in stream quality and latency - two key components for streaming games from the cloud.
This includes console exclusives spanning multiple generations and hundreds of other releases. The service extends to games owned by the player and Game Pass titles. The big hook here is that recently-played games will follow people across devices, including Xbox consoles, PCs and Windows handhelds. This will make it easier for folks to jump back into something, even when going from, say, an Xbox Series X to a PC.
Microsoft is expanding its Xbox Cloud Gaming technology to Xbox Game Pass Core or Standard subscribers, dropping the requirement for the highest tier Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for access to cloud games. As part of an Xbox Insider test, Microsoft is also providing access to some PC games for Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers. Microsoft currently restricts access to Xbox Cloud Gaming to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to get cloud access, meaning you have to pay $19.99 a month to get access to xCloud.
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition offers a unique access point to Xbox's cloud gaming, emphasizing style and convenience over native VR immersion.
