Xbox has a new Game Pass tier in testing: “Starter Edition” appears in the code, includes limited cloud streaming and first party games
Xbox is developing a new Game Pass subscription tier called “Starter Edition,” according to code discovered during reverse engineering of the Xbox Game Pass service. The tier, which has not yet been officially announced, appears to include limited access to cloud streaming and first-party game titles, suggesting Microsoft is exploring lower-cost entry points to its gaming subscription service.
The discovery was made by reverse-engineering developer @redphx while examining the codebase of Xbox Cloud Gaming. The existence of the tier indicates Xbox is actively testing new subscription tiers beyond its current Game Pass lineup, which currently includes standard subscription options at various price points. The “Starter Edition” designation suggests it may position itself as an accessible entry-level option for new subscribers.
The exact details of what limitations the Starter Edition would impose remain unclear from the available information, though the inclusion of cloud streaming—albeit limited—suggests it could target users interested in Xbox’s remote play capabilities. The inclusion of first-party games indicates subscribers would access Microsoft’s exclusive titles, though possibly with restrictions compared to higher-tier subscriptions.
No official announcement date has been provided, though the emergence of these details in the service code suggests an official reveal may be forthcoming. The move reflects ongoing competition in the subscription gaming market, with Xbox continuing to refine its Game Pass offerings to attract different user segments and price points.