SurveyMicrosoft has recently announced a major upgrade to its cheaper Xbox Game Pass plans, and it could open up a lot of new games for millions of players out there. In a new Insider test, Game Pass Core and Game Pass Standard subscribers will now be able to stream more games through the cloud, a benefit that was previously locked behind the pricier Game Pass Ultimate. This means that users no longer have to download every title they want to try, and can instead play directly on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, or even through a browser.
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Xbox plans in India explained
Let’s take a quick look at Xbox plans in India and their prices:
- Game Pass Core: This costs ₹349 per month and offers online console multiplayer, a curated catalogue of over 25 console games, and exclusive member discounts.
- Game Pass Standard : Costing ₹619 per month, this plan replaces the old “Game Pass for Console” plan. It includes access to hundreds of console games, online multiplayer, and deals—but excludes day-one access to new releases and EA Play content.
- PC Game Pass: This costs ₹449 per month and grants access to a vast PC library, including day-one new releases, EA Play, and member discounts.
- Game Pass Ultimate : Costing ₹829 per month, this is most comprehensive offering. It includes console and PC access, day-one releases, cloud gaming, EA Play, online multiplayer, and member perks.
What changes for Core and Standard members
Until now, Xbox Cloud Gaming was seen as a premium perk tied to Game Pass Ultimate. But the recent Insider update changes that by extending cloud streaming to Game Pass Core and Game Pass Standard members. Hence, subscribers in the test group can now stream cloud-compatible games from their library or from the Game Pass catalogue, all without upgrading to the top tier.
A Business Standard report says that PC access is also part of the update. Core and Standard members included in the trial can stream select PC versions of games through the Xbox app on Windows or via xbox.com/play. This not only saves storage space but also makes it easier to switch between devices – an Xbox console, a Windows laptop, or even a browser session.
It is to be noted that the test is currently limited to Xbox Insiders (Microsoft’s community of early-access testers). However, it signals that cloud gaming could soon be available to millions of players on cheaper subscriptions.
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Divyanshi Sharma
Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile
