Meta is expanding its partnership with Microsoft by adding Xbox Game Pass Starter to its Horizon+ subscription. The new benefit gives Horizon+ members access to more than 50 Xbox Game Pass titles across PC, Xbox consoles, mobile devices, and Meta Quest headsets through cloud streaming.
The move makes Horizon+ more attractive for Quest users who want to play Xbox games without buying a console.
The Game Pass Starter library includes popular titles such as Fallout 4, Fallout 76, Grounded, Overcooked 2, DayZ, Deep Rock Galactic, and SnowRunner. Subscribers also get 10 hours of Xbox Cloud Gaming every month at no extra cost, allowing them to stream games without downloading or installing them.
Microsoft first introduced the Game Pass Starter tier earlier this year as a subscription benefit bundled with other services instead of being sold directly. Discord Nitro was the first service to offer it, and Horizon+ has now become the latest partner to include it.
Meta has also announced another feature that could make cloud gaming on Quest even easier. In the coming weeks, Meta Quest Touch controllers will be able to emulate an Xbox controller. It allows users to play supported Game Pass titles without pairing a separate gamepad. Those who already own an Xbox controller can still connect it for a more traditional gaming experience.
Quest users can stream games on a virtual display in different sizes, including a massive theater-style screen. Meta also offers an Xbox-themed virtual environment designed to make gaming more immersive.
The Horizon+ subscription costs $7.99 per month or $59.99 per year, and also includes a one-month free trial for new users.
This partnership shows that Microsoft is continuing to push Xbox beyond its own hardware. Instead of focusing only on selling consoles, the company is steadily expanding Game Pass to third-party platforms and subscription services. Every new partnership makes Xbox more accessible to users who may never buy an Xbox console.
