Microsoft Tests Free Xbox Cloud Gaming with Session Limits

So, you thought Game Pass price hikes were the only news coming out of the Microsoft camp? Think again. Fresh off the outrage of Game Pass Ultimate potentially costing a wild $29.99 in some places, a new rumor is making the rounds, and it’s a spicy one. It seems Microsoft might be gearing up to launch a free version of Xbox Cloud Gaming, but—and this is a big but—it’ll be supported by ads.

Are you kidding me? After all the drama, they might just toss us a bone? A free, ad-supported tier could be a game-changer, especially for those of us who canceled our subscriptions in a fit of rage after the price increase announcement.

What’s the Catch with Free Xbox Cloud Gaming?

According to a report from Tom Warren at The Verge, who seems to have some pretty chatty sources, this isn’t just a fantasy. Microsoft is apparently testing this service internally. The catch? You’ll have to sit through about two minutes of pre-roll ads before you can start streaming a game. Ouch. Two minutes feels like an eternity when you’re itching to jump into a session. But hey, free is free, right?

But wait, there’s more! The testing also includes some pretty tight limits:

• One-hour session limits.
• A maximum of five hours per month.

Five hours a month? That’s barely enough time to get through the tutorial of a new RPG. It’s a bit of a slap in the face, but again, it costs nothing. This could be perfect for trying out those Free Play Days games or diving into some Xbox Retro Classics without a subscription. It’s also been suggested you could stream digital games you already own.

Game Streaming Ads: The New Normal?

This whole ad-supported model feels like Microsoft is trying to patch things up after the recent Game Pass controversy. They saw us canceling our subscriptions and thought, “Quick, how do we get them back without actually lowering the price?” It’s a classic corporate move, and honestly, a little bit brilliant, even if it is a tad annoying for us gamers.

The service is rumored to be available on PC, Xbox, handheld devices, and through the web, with a public beta test supposedly coming soon. This all comes right as Xbox Cloud Gaming finally leaves its six-year-long beta phase. Six years! I’ve had pets that didn’t live that long.

So, what do you think? Is a free, ad-riddled, time-limited Xbox Cloud Gaming service a step in the right direction, or is it just Microsoft throwing us some scraps? Personally, I’m cautiously optimistic. I’ll take a few ads if it means I can dabble in some cloud gaming without selling a kidney.