[News] Xbox Cloud Gaming Usage Is Way Up, Microsoft Says

Xbox Cloud Gaming Usage Is Way Up, Microsoft Says
By Eddie Makuch

Microsoft has released some new data points that highlight how Xbox Cloud Gaming is growing. The company said in a blog post that cloud gaming hours from Game Pass members increased by 45% compared to the same time in 2024. Additionally, Microsoft said cloud gaming users on console are spending 45% more time streaming games via the cloud and 24% more on other devices.

Microsoft did not provide anything in the way of specifics regarding the increase in Xbox Cloud Gaming usage. For example, with Xbox Cloud Gaming expanding to many more places around the world and devices, it wouldn't be surprising to see usage go up, too.

After years of existence as a beta product, Xbox Cloud Gaming launched its 1.0 version in October 2025. Also at this time, Microsoft announced improvements for Xbox Cloud Gaming, including better-quality streaming up to 1440p.

Microsoft launched Xbox Cloud Gaming 1.0 at the same time that it announced a 50% price hike for Game Pass Ultimate, and a membership is required. Streaming is also available for the lower-priced Essential and Premium tiers, but only Ultimate members get access to the highest quality at up to 1440p.

In other Xbox Cloud Gaming news, Microsoft recently launched the service in India, which the company says is the "fastest-growing gaming market in the world" and one that has more than 500 million gamers. Xbox Cloud Gaming is now available in 29 countries.

The appeal of Xbox Cloud Gaming is that people can stream games almost instantly instead of having to download games, which can be quite hefty. People can stream Xbox games to a variety of devices they may already own, including Xbox consoles, smartphones, tablets, and TVs. Soon, Xbox Cloud Gaming will be available in cars. Of course, a consistent and strong internet connection is essential to get the best experience, and anyone with data caps on their internet should be mindful of that.

Microsoft has maintained that its cloud gaming efforts are not aiming to supplant its Xbox hardware business, and that offering cloud streaming is a means to give players another option for how they want to play their games.

Initially announced as Project xCloud in 2018, Xbox Cloud Gaming officially launched in 2020 as part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription plan.

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