Xbox Game Pass Price Changes: What You Need to Know

For Xbox Game Pass subscribers, a storm is brewing on the horizon. Microsoft recently announced a significant shakeup to the popular subscription service, introducing a new tier and raising prices across the board. While some may see this as a negative development, it's important to understand the details and how it might impact your gaming experience. Plus, we will tell you how to find cheaper memberships at the end!

What are the Changes?

Microsoft is making some big changes to Xbox Game Pass, including introducing a new tier and increasing prices for existing subscriptions. Here's a breakdown of the key updates:

• Price Increases: Xbox Game Pass Core, Ultimate and PC Game Pass will see price hikes.
• Xbox Game Pass for Console: This tier, previously offering day-one releases, will no longer be available for new subscribers. Existing users can keep their plan.
• New Tier - Xbox Game Pass Standard (Launching soon): This budget-friendly option caters to players who primarily focus on existing games and online multiplayer.

This is not the first time that Xbox made major changes to Game Pass prices or tiers. Starting back in 2002 when Microsoft announced "Xbox Live", the very first online gaming service. And more Xbox Subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass Console and PC in the middle of 2017. Then in September 2023 that Xbox Live Gold became Xbox Game Pass Core.

Prices for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Core, and PC Game Pass

New prices take effect on July 10, 2024 for new member subscriptions. And Starting the next recurring billing charge after September 12, 2024 for existing members. Here's what you need to know about the changes for existing subscriptions, especially PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate:

• PC Game Pass: For PC gamers who primarily use the service on their computers, the standalone PC Game Pass subscription will also see a price increase. The new price will be $11.99 per month, a $2 increase from the previous $9.99. However, PC players will still get day-one releases with this option.
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: The most comprehensive tier, Ultimate, which currently offers day-one releases, PC Game Pass, cloud gaming, online multiplayer, and the back catalog, will see a price jump to $19.99 per month. This represents a $2 increase from the previous $16.99 price tag.

You can find more details about specific price changes for each subscription in each country and currency here Game Pass price updates by country and currency.

Xbox Game Pass for Console

Another significant change is the discontinuation of the existing "Xbox Game Pass for Console" tier. This tier, which offered day-one releases alongside online multiplayer and the back catalog, will no longer be available for new users starting on July 10, 2024. Existing users on this plan can keep their current subscription, but if at any time you turn off your automatic payment renewal and your membership lapses, you will no longer have access to Game Pass for Console and will need to join one of the other plans.

Xbox Game Pass for Console codes will continue to be redeemable until further notice. The maximum extension limit of Game Pass for Console will be 13 months. This should not impact any time you currently have stacked on your account that more than 13 months and will only impact your future ability to stack over than 13 months after September 18, 2024.

New Tier: Xbox Game Pass Standard

This tier caters to players who primarily focus on the vast library of existing games on Game Pass and online multiplayer. Here's a deeper dive into the new Xbox Game Pass Standard tier:

• What it is: A cost-effective option for players who primarily enjoy playing older titles in the Game Pass library and prioritize online multiplayer.

• When it's available: Not yet confirmed and may differ by region. Stay tuned for an official announcement.

• Differences from Ultimate: Lacks day-one releases and cloud gaming. It includes Xbox Live Gold for online multiplayer, but not the extensive benefits of Ultimate like PC Game Pass access.

• Differences from Core: No significant difference at the moment. Standard tier has the same benefits as Xbox Game Pass Core and has hundreds of games available.

• Differences from Xbox Game Pass for Console: This tier is essentially being replaced by the Standard tier for new users. Standard offers online multiplayer, but may not be included some titles
from Console.

• Available Games: Standard provides access to the vast library of existing Xbox Game Pass titles, similar to the other tiers. However, it won't include day-one releases for new first-party Xbox titles. And this could be up to 12 months or more and will vary by title to be added to the Standard library.

What Does This Mean for You?

The impact of these changes on Xbox subscribers will vary. The key takeaway is to understand your gaming habits and how they align with the new offerings, those who primarily play older titles and value online multiplayer might find the Standard tier appealing. However, existing users who heavily rely on day-one releases will need to decide if the price increase for Ultimate justifies the additional benefits. PC gamers who utilize the standalone PC Game Pass might feel the pinch of the price increase, but they'll still have access to new releases.

If you're looking for more affordable options, check out here How to get Xbox Subscriptions cheaper than ever and our suggestion products below. We offer Xbox Game Pass subscriptions at competitive rates, for you to get better deals on your favorite gaming subscription service.

Pay Less, Play More - Happy Gaming!