Microsoft is Making it Even Easier (and Cheaper) to Stream Games via Game Pass — Everything You Need to Know

Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming titles shown Xbox controller and Xbox Series X titles
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Xbox Cloud Gaming is coming to Xbox Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers. Not only that, but Microsoft also announced that Xbox Insiders with Core and Standard subs will be able to play some PC games too. There is a catch, though — you have to be signed up for Xbox Insiders to try out the feature.

If you're unfamiliar, Xbox Insiders is a program you can sign up for that lets you test out beta programs before they're released to everyone. Microsoft has similar programs for many of its software offerings.

The current beta expands Xbox Cloud Gaming to the Core and Standard subscriptions. Currently, you can only access cloud games if you're signed up for the $19.99-a-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier.

Cloud gaming gets cheaper

Xbox Cloud Gaming tested

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

"As part of this Insider experience, Xbox Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers will be able to stream cloud playable games included with their subscription or select cloud playable games they own," Microsoft said in a blog post.

The beta program is launching soon after Microsoft teased that "more affordable" Xbox cloud gaming was coming, as reported by The Verge. Microsoft has also hinted at a separate, cheaper "dedicated" version of Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Additionally, Microsoft says that PC game access is expanding to Core and Standard subscribers as well.

“As part of testing, Xbox Insiders subscribed to Game Pass Core or Standard will for the first time gain access to PC versions of select titles, giving you even more flexibility and the choice to play on a PC or Windows handheld,” says Microsoft.

If you're curious about this expansion and want to try it out, you'll need to have a Game Pass Core or Standard subscription. Once you have that, join the Xbox Insiders program here, and then go to xbox.com/play to access cloud games!

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Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.

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