Xbox Game Pass: Microsoft Is Raising Prices, And You Might Not Like It

Xbox Game Pass: Microsoft Is Raising Prices, And You Might Not Like It

Subscription prices are increasing by 25-30%, and Microsoft plans to introduce a new Game Pass Standard subscription in the coming months to attract more users. But what exactly will this new offering include?

Just ahead of the launch of the new Call of Duty title, set to be available to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers on release day, Microsoft has surprised users with a significant price hike. Starting now, you'll have to shell out more money, and there are other changes in store, notably the introduction of a "standard" subscription level.

Microsoft has released a list of updated prices for all countries where its video game subscription is available. Here are the changes:

United States

  • PC Game Pass: Previously $9.99, now $10.99
  • Game Pass Ultimate: Previously $14.99, now $16.99
  • Game Pass Core (formerly Xbox Live Gold): $9.99 per month or $59.99 annually
  • New Game Pass Standard: Expected to be around $15 (exact details pending release)

United Kingdom

  • PC Game Pass: Previously £7.99, now £8.99
  • Game Pass Ultimate: Previously £10.99, now £12.99
  • Game Pass Core (formerly Xbox Live Gold): £6.99 per month or £49.99 annually
  • New Game Pass Standard: Expected to be around £10-£11 (exact details pending release)

The new Game Pass Standard subscription will replace Game Pass for Console. This "standard" offering will include access to online gaming and Xbox Live Gold/Game Pass Core benefits, but it will not offer games on launch day or support xCloud. Microsoft has not specified the exact release date for this new subscription type, only stating it will be "available for purchase in the coming months" at approximately $15.

For new subscribers, these changes went into effect on July 10. Existing subscribers will see their prices increase starting September 12 of this year. It's important to note that new subscribers will no longer be able to purchase Game Pass for consoles, but current members with auto-renewal enabled can maintain their current subscriptions.

If you opt out of auto-renewal or your subscription expires, you will lose access to Game Pass for consoles and need to choose a different subscription option. Additionally, starting September 18, the maximum accrual limit for Xbox Game Pass for consoles will be capped at 13 months, which will not affect players who have accrued more time than that.