Microsoft may be preparing a cheaper option for Xbox Cloud Gaming, according to comments from two of its top executives. On the official Xbox podcast, Jason Beaumont, VP of Experiences, and Jason Ronald, VP of Next Generation, both hinted at a future where the streaming service could be separated from the costly Game Pass Ultimate bundle.
Beaumont reaffirmed Microsoft’s ambition to bring games to more people and more devices worldwide, noting that cloud streaming remains central to that plan. 
Ronald added that many players already use Game Pass Ultimate primarily for cloud access, which opens the door to a stand-alone, more affordable option. While he stopped short of confirming a new tier, his comments strongly suggest Xbox is considering it.
Currently, cloud gaming is locked behind the top-tier Game Pass subscription, meaning casual players interested only in streaming are forced to pay for a host of features they may never use. A cheaper, streaming-only subscription could remove that barrier, potentially including even ad-supported tiers for those looking to cut costs further.
Still, challenges remain. Server capacity is stretched even in major markets, and Xbox Cloud Gaming continues to run at a maximum of 1080p, compared to Sony’s PlayStation Plus Extra which supports 4K streaming. At the same time, Microsoft has raised Game Pass and console prices in recent months, sparking debate among gamers who feel that a lower-cost streaming plan may only soften the blow of more expensive hardware.
Whether this move signals Microsoft’s long-term shift away from traditional consoles toward a broader ecosystem remains to be seen. For now, all eyes will be on Gamescom 2025, where the company is expected to showcase the ROG Xbox Ally device and perhaps drop more concrete details about its future in cloud gaming.