# Xbox Cloud Gaming goes pay-as-you-go from $3.99

> Microsoft opens Xbox Cloud Gaming to anyone in November with hourly bundles, no Game Pass needed.
- Title: Xbox Cloud Gaming goes pay-as-you-go from $3.99 · The Verge
- Summary: Microsoft opens Xbox Cloud Gaming to anyone in November with hourly bundles, no Game Pass needed. Microsoft is launching a pay-as-you-go option for Xbox…
- Keywords: xbox cloud gaming, microsoft, game pass, pay as you go, cloud gaming, grand theft auto vi, technology, culture, Xbox, Cloud, Gaming, goes
- Source: The Verge — https://theverge.com/news/1015321/xbox-cloud-gaming-pay-as-you-go-cloud-hours-pricing
- Author: Tom Warren
- Published: 2026-10-21T18:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: xbox cloud gaming, microsoft, game pass, pay as you go, cloud gaming, grand theft auto vi, technology, culture
## Microsoft opens cloud gaming to all
Microsoft announced last month it will let anyone access Xbox Cloud Gaming in November without needing an Xbox Game Pass subscription. A new pay-as-you-go model lets players purchase bundles of cloud hours.
## Pricing starts at $3.99 for 10 hours
Microsoft revealed bundles starting at three ninety nine dollars for ten hours of cloud playtime.
## Cloud hours never expire
All cloud hours include ad-free gaming, shorter wait times, and higher-quality streaming. These are not monthly bundles. Once purchased, a pack remains available until the hours are used.
## Grand Theft Auto VI timing and limits
The pay-as-you-go option arrives as Microsoft secured Grand Theft Auto VI streaming rights. Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball revealed Microsoft will not stream Grand Theft Auto VI to PCs, limiting it to console access.
## Key takeaway

Microsoft is launching a pay-as-you-go option for Xbox Cloud Gaming in November, starting at three ninety nine dollars for ten hours, letting players access cloud games without a Game Pass subscription.