Discussion Microsoft to offer "free" cloud gaming — just like Nvidia GeForce now

[marees]

Android & iPhone won't support this — for obvious reasons
Nadella having even more regret for ditching windows phone

But Amazon firestick, Tizen (Samsung) & WebOS (LG) to the rescue

you now do not need that expensive console (or PC & GPU) to game

Technically GeForce now app is already available on my Samsung TV — but unfortunately that service not available in my region, but xbox cloud gaming is available


Now imagine that you can play a game like Microsoft flight simulator or forza Horizon without console / PC/ add on ssd / download & installation etc.

You just need compatible controller or thrust pad/stick combo or wheel etc.

Microsoft reportedly mulls ad-infested free Xbox Cloud Gaming plan — Game Pass Ultimate subscriber allegedly catches ad during game loading

Public tests coming very soon.

www.tomshardware.com

You will have to buy your own games (or gamepass subscription tho)

Cloud gaming sessions (with built in wait time) are free for 5 hrs a month
But the games are not free

& if you need more than 5 hrs / month (but don't want to buy gamepass subscription) ?
Hopefully there will be a pay-as-you-play option for that 🤔

 

[IGBT]

The "gaming thing" I know its popular with some. I know so many that have walked away from it declaring it an utter waste of time and resources. I do thank gamers for pushing the limits of technology resulting in the technology we have today...

 

[marees]

Free Xbox Cloud Gaming Tier Reportedly Coming Soon​

While Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently tied at the hip with Game Pass, Warren reports that the ad-supported version of the service will be offered as an entirely standalone tier. The free plan is expected to support the same streaming catalog as the paid version, including most Xbox Game Pass titles as well as a growing selection of titles with the "Stream Your Own Game" (SYOG) label. That library most recently expanded in late December 2025 with around 50 additional games, including Blood West, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2, Resident Evil 3, and Octopath Traveler 0.

Most new Xbox Game Pass additions also receive Xbox Cloud Gaming support, provided they have a console version, as Microsoft’s streaming infrastructure is built on custom Xbox Series X hardware.

However, titles that leave Game Pass are rarely kept available for cloud streaming via the SYOG program.

https://gamerant.com/free-xbox-cloud-gaming-ad-supported-tier-leak-one-hour-limit/

Xbox Cloud Gaming will get ad-supported access this year — rumors coalesce after ad support notices appear prematurely​

News
By Jez Corden published 10 hours ago
Users have been noticing that Xbox Cloud Gaming has begun referencing "ad support" while launching games, confirming our earlier report.
Xbox Cloud Gaming has gotten rather good over the last couple of years, and it could be slated for an even bigger expansion in the coming weeks or months ahead.

As I reported last year, Microsoft has been exploring ads for Xbox Cloud Gaming, and while seeking clarification about this message, it was confirmed to me that the ads will appear separately on Xbox Cloud Gaming, for those who have purchased Xbox games digitally, but don't have Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft has hundreds of games available to buy via Xbox Cloud Gaming, but as of writing, you need at least one tier of Xbox Game Pass to access them. This session-based ad-supported access tier will change that.
It remains to be seen exactly when this will roll out, but I'm told it's coming "this year."

https://www.windowscentral.com/gami...e-after-ad-support-notices-appear-prematurely

 

[marees]

Xbox Cloud Gaming Expands to More Countries, Is Increasingly Popular Among Game Pass Users​

Alessio Palumbo
Nov 26, 2025 at 01:00pm EST

In total, Xbox Cloud Gaming is now available in the following 29 countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Recently, Microsoft increased server capacity in Argentina and Brazil to reduce waiting times and enhance player experience, following a double-digit growth in play time and active players in these Latin American countries. Indeed, it appears that Xbox Cloud Gaming is also growing globally. According to Microsoft, cloud gaming hours from Game Pass subscribers have increased by 45% compared to this time last year. Console players are also embracing flexibility, spending 45% more time cloud streaming on consoles and 24% more time on other devices.

​

Microsoft has recently introduced new play options via the Xbox app on LG TVs and Amazon Fire TV devices, in addition to PCs, consoles, smartphones, tablets, and even Virtual Reality headsets such as the Meta Quest. Xbox Cloud Gaming will even be available in cars soon, although its usage in that specific setting is likely to be limited.

Xbox Cloud Gaming Expands to More Countries, Is Increasingly Popular Among Game Pass Users

Microsoft announces the availability of Xbox Cloud Gaming in India and boasts increased cloud gaming hours among Game Pass users.

wccftech.com

 

[marees]

finally managed to get the xbox app installed on my samsung 50" QLED TV

Need to buy a compatible controller now. waiting for the rollout of the free 5hrs/month xcloud offer before I commit

buying a gamepass premium subscription is not a big deal but time is the big bottleneck. I would also like to buy AppleTV subscription to watch Asimov's Foundation series & if I spend time on one then I will not be able to spend time on the other !!