Microsoft Overhauls Xbox Game Pass with Three New Subscription Plans
Microsoft has announced significant changes to its Xbox Game Pass service, introducing three upgraded subscription tiers alongside substantial price increases for premium subscribers. This restructuring represents the most comprehensive update to the gaming service in years.
Xbox Game Pass Essential: The Entry-Level Option
The base tier, previously known as Xbox Game Pass Core, has been rebranded as Xbox Game Pass Essential. This entry-level subscription maintains its current price of $9.99 per month while adding unlimited cloud gaming to its existing multiplayer gaming capabilities.
Subscribers now gain access to the tier’s modest game library on PC in addition to Xbox consoles. Through the Rewards with Xbox program, members can earn up to $25 annually in store points simply by playing games.
Xbox Game Pass Premium: The Middle Ground
Replacing the former Xbox Game Pass Standard, the new Premium tier retains its $14.99 monthly price while offering enhanced features. Similar to Essential, Premium includes unlimited cloud gaming but expands the available library to over 200 games playable on both Xbox and PC.
Notably, Premium subscribers gain access to new Xbox-published games within one year of launch, though this benefit excludes new Call of Duty titles. Members can also earn up to $50 per year in store points through the Rewards with Xbox program.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: The Premium Experience
The most significant changes come to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which now includes a Fortnite Crew membership providing the battle pass, 1,000 V-Bucks monthly, and exclusive skins. Subscribers also receive Ubisoft+ Classics, featuring titles like Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag.
Ultimate members enjoy day-one access to major upcoming releases including Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2, alongside a massive library of over 400 games. Cloud gaming receives substantial upgrades with the shortest waiting times and resolutions up to 1440p. The Rewards with Xbox program offers up to $100 annually in store points for Ultimate subscribers.
Substantial Price Increases and Overall Impact
These enhanced features come with a dramatic price increase for Ultimate subscribers. The monthly cost jumps from $19.99 to $29.99 – a 50% price hike that has caught many gamers by surprise. Compounding the issue, Microsoft currently offers no annual subscription option, eliminating potential savings from longer commitments.
The cumulative cost creates an interesting comparison: an Xbox Series S at its recently increased $379.99 price combined with a year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($359.88) totals $739.87 – just $10 less than the $749 PlayStation 5 Pro. As originally reported by industry sources, these changes represent Microsoft’s most aggressive repositioning of its gaming subscription service to date.
These sweeping changes to Xbox Game Pass signal Microsoft’s continued evolution of its gaming strategy, balancing enhanced features against significantly higher costs for premium subscribers.
