A new announcement confirms that XBOX Game Pass’ ad-supported cloud gaming tier is now being tested by XBOX Insiders.
Players were informed back in 2025 that XBOX was working on a free cloud gaming service powered by ads. We were then informed that this tier was being tested internally and there were plans to release this service to the public in 2026. Now, XBOX has officially announced the insider testing for the new service.
XBOX Insiders Can Now Test Ad-Based Cloud Gaming
A new Verge report reveals that XBOX Insiders will be able to use the free streaming sessions to stream the games that they already own. Ads play before sessions begin, and sessions are limited to an hour. Additionally, the need to watch ads is optional, as players with paid subscriptions don’t need to partake in it.
The new ad-supported tier for XBOX Game Pass cloud gaming is available only for a ‘test period,’ and when it was tested internally late last year, there was a 2-minute preroll before players could begin their sessions.
The blog post states that players with XBOX One will also be able to play “newer games built for XBOX Series X|S without needing to purchase new hardware right away.” XBOX has also stated some points on how they will be approaching ad-supported services:
- We start with the player. Ads should create value.
- We do not interrupt the flow of gameplay.
- We hold ads to the same quality bar as our content.
- We’re clear about what’s advertising.
- We make sure ads fit what players expect on each platform.
What are your thoughts on the XBOX Game Pass ad-based cloud gaming tier beginning testing with XBOX Insiders? Leave your thoughts down in the comments, and join the official Insider Gaming Discord server.
For more information from Insider Gaming, read about Halo: Campaign Evolved premium owners being locked out at launch. Don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
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