XBOX cloud gaming gets limits: paid hour packs and a free ad-supported tier

Cloud gaming on XBOX lets players run demanding games on a weaker computer, smartphone, television or older console, without installing files or buying new hardware. Until now, a stable internet connection, a suitable subscription and a controller were enough. Microsoft announced limits in September, and they have been in practice for several weeks.

Paid hour packs

The Polish XBOX store offers three packs of extra playing time. The cheapest gives 10 hours for 14.99 zł, the 25-hour pack costs 28.99 zł, and the largest, 50 hours, costs 43.99 zł. The bigger the purchase, the lower the price of a single hour.

Purchased hours work in supported games that the player has already bought outright, and in selected free-to-play titles. They do not give access to the whole Game Pass catalogue. Bought hours do not expire at the end of the month and stay on the account until used.

Game Pass limits

The new rules also cover the subscription. Essential includes five hours of cloud gaming a month, Premium ten, and Ultimate fifteen. Unused subscription hours do not roll over to the next month. Hours included in the subscription are used first, and only then the time bought separately.

An exception applies to people who already hold Game Pass in Poland. They are not subject to the limits and can play any number of hours. However, cancelling and buying the subscription again means new terms.

Microsoft explains the changes by rising infrastructure costs. It had earlier estimated that the limits would affect around four per cent of subscribers.

Free version with adverts

The free version of cloud gaming requires watching several adverts before a session starts. A single session lasts 30 minutes, and afterwards players can watch another set of adverts and start a new session. The free option covers selected games the player owns and some free titles, including Fortnite. It does not give free access to every game.

What this means for you

The sources describe the Polish XBOX store and prices in złoty. They do not say whether the same rules apply in the British store. Before buying a pack, it is worth checking the terms in the store for your region.