Xbox tests paid cloud gaming for players without Game Pass

Xbox is offering an early trial of paid cloud gaming to Xbox Insider members without a Game Pass subscription. The preview comes ahead of changes planned for November that would limit the monthly streaming time included with Game Pass.

Participants can buy 10 hours of access for $4. The other options are 25 hours at $8 and 50 hours at $12. Xbox describes the rates as introductory, so prices could change in November.

Xbox plans monthly streaming limits ranging from five to 15 hours for Game Pass subscribers, who will have to pay for time beyond those caps. The company says purchased playtime does not expire before use and offers streaming without ads, shorter waits and high-quality streams.

The Xbox Insider program gives players access to upcoming features so they can provide feedback before launch. Members have also had access to a free, advertising-supported cloud streaming trial since the summer.