Microsoft has introduced a whole slew of new features in Windows 10, like Cortana and the Edge browser. Microsoft has also resurrected some old favorites and adapted them to the new environment, like the return of the Start Menu. But none of that really matters, because Solitaire is back. We were pretty happy about that until we learned that it’s not really free. What’s worse is you can’t even buy it.
Let’s start with the good news. Windows 10 Solitaire is indeed a thing. And yes, you really can play it without having to open your wallet. The bad news is that if you choose to play the “free” version of Windows 10 Solitaire, you’ll need to put up with a bunch of annoying ads. We’re not talking about little banners that get tucked away on the lower edge of your gaming window; we’re talking about full-blown, in-your-face ads that completely disrupt your flow of procrastination.
From what I can gather, the ads in Windows 10 Solitaire are similar to the interstitial video ads you get in many free mobile games, like Words with Friends. Every once in a while, one of these ads will get shoved in your face and run for about 15 or 30 seconds. They can’t be skipped. They can’t be aborted. The not-so-silver lining in all of this? You can remove the ads if you pay for a $10 annual subscription to Windows 10 Solitaire. They’re calling it Microsoft Solitaire Collection Premium Edition. If you want to go month-by-month, then it’s $1.50.
Yes, it’s true that you can get your hands on Windows 10 for free. You just can’t play an ad-free version of Windows 10 Solitaire for free. That makes perfect sense, Microsoft. Maybe they’ll “fix” this problem with one of those updates you can’t stop.
Via PC Gamer