Members of the Xbox Insider Program who subscribe to either Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Standard can now enjoy the ability to stream select games through Xbox Cloud Gaming. Additionally, they will have access to PC versions of certain titles, where applicable. This announcement, made on Wednesday via Xbox Wire, brings promising news for Xbox Game Pass users who do not hold a subscription to the premium Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier. Previously, features such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and access to a wider library of PC games were exclusive to Ultimate subscribers.
The recent enhancement allows Xbox Game Pass Core and Standard users to engage with a variety of Game Pass titles, as well as games from the expanding “Stream Your Own Game” library. Cloud Gaming is accessible across multiple devices, including Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, select Smart TVs, Meta Quest 3 headsets, and through web browsers at Xbox.com/play. For those not yet enrolled, joining the Xbox Insider Program offers an opportunity to test new features and provide feedback before they are rolled out to a broader audience.
Xbox Game Pass breakdown, as it stands
(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)
Prior to this update for Xbox Insiders, the Xbox Game Pass tier structure was as follows: Xbox Game Pass Core, priced at per month in the U.S., provides online multiplayer and a modest selection of console games. In contrast, Xbox Game Pass Standard offers a significantly larger library for per month, though it does not include day one releases. The PC Game Pass, tailored specifically for PC gamers, features an extensive library of titles, including day one first-party games and an EA Play subscription, all for per month. Lastly, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate encompasses day one first-party games, Xbox Cloud Gaming, an EA Play subscription, and a comprehensive library across both console and PC for per month.
The allure of day one access to first-party games stands out as a key selling point, allowing subscribers to dive into titles like Keeper, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2 upon their release in October. Previously, players seeking cross-platform play across console, PC, and Cloud were required to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate—until now.
(Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
While this feature expansion is currently exclusive to Xbox Insiders, its eventual rollout to all Xbox Game Pass Core and Standard users promises to enhance their gaming experience and engagement within the ecosystem. Particularly, the ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally devices may gain increased appeal, as these handhelds operate on PC versions of games, making access to PC titles essential for their intended use. For players who prefer purchasing their games outright, Xbox Play Anywhere remains a significant selling point. However, for Game Pass subscribers who are not on the Ultimate or PC tiers, this new feature presents an intriguing opportunity to explore.
The Xbox Ally devices are set to launch on October 16, 2025, with anticipated pricing of 9 for the higher-end model and 9 for the lower-end variant, though official confirmation is still pending. Observers will be keen to see if this latest feature has transitioned from Xbox Insider testing to widespread availability by the time these devices make their debut.
