Microsoft is changing Xbox Cloud Gaming in November 2026, replacing unlimited streaming for Game Pass subscribers with monthly hour limits and the option to purchase additional streaming time through the Xbox Store.

The change represents a significant shift for players who regularly use cloud gaming, although Microsoft says only around 4% of Game Pass subscribers are expected to be affected.

Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming Gets Monthly Limits

Starting in November, each Xbox Game Pass tier will include a fixed number of cloud gaming hours per month:

• Game Pass Ultimate – 15 hours
• Game Pass Premium – 10 hours
• Game Pass Essential – 5 hours

Once those included hours are used, subscribers will be able to purchase additional streaming time through the Xbox Store.

Microsoft has not yet revealed how much those extra hours will cost or exactly how the system will work across different markets. More details, including tools for checking remaining monthly hours, are expected in November.

Microsoft Says Cloud Gaming Costs Are Increasing

Microsoft says the limits are being introduced because the cost of operating its cloud gaming service continues to rise as more people use it and individual streaming sessions become longer.

The company acknowledges that the change could result in higher costs for some players, particularly those who use cloud streaming as their primary way to play Xbox games.

Xbox Cloud Gaming Will No Longer Require Game Pass

There is one major expansion arriving alongside the restrictions.

Beginning in November, players will be able to use Xbox Cloud Gaming without a Game Pass subscription by purchasing streaming hours directly through the Xbox Store.

This will allow players to stream supported games they already own without maintaining a monthly Game Pass membership.

The option could also be particularly useful for Xbox One owners, allowing them to stream supported Xbox Series X|S games without upgrading to newer hardware.

Microsoft says it will monitor player feedback after the changes arrive and could make adjustments to the system. For heavy cloud gaming users, however, the end of unlimited Game Pass streaming could make the service considerably more expensive.