Xbox has started to test a new ad-supported tier for its cloud streaming service. Xbox has also noted that the ad-supported cloud streaming service is completely optional, and that players can continue to play the games they own through other means, like a console or PC. This announcement comes after rumors from earlier this year indicated that Microsoft was going to launch ad-supported cloud streaming this year. The statement came after rumors indicated that the ad-supported tier was in the works. Xbox introduced the ability for players to access games they own through cloud streaming all the way back in November 2024.