Starting in September, Microsoft is shaking things up for Xbox Game Pass subscribers with a price hike and the introduction of a new “Standard” tier. Here’s what you need to know.
The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is increasing from $16.99 to $19.99 per month starting September 12th. PC Game Pass will see a price jump from $9.99 to $11.99 per month. If you’re an existing subscriber, these changes won’t kick in until September 12th. New subscribers will see the new rates from July 10th. Additionally, the 12-month Xbox Game Pass Core subscription is going from $60 to $75.
Microsoft is also rolling out a new Xbox Game Pass Standard tier for $14.99 per month. This tier includes online console multiplayer access but does not include day-one access to first-party Xbox games or cloud gaming. It will be available in the next few months.
For those currently subscribed to the Xbox Game Pass for Console, you won’t be able to sign up for this plan starting July 10th. It’s being phased out in favor of the new Standard tier. Existing subscribers can keep their plan but only stack it up to 13 months from September 18th.
The price increases are largely due to the addition of high-profile games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and other major titles to the Game Pass lineup. Microsoft believes these changes will “bring members more value and more great games to Game Pass.”
2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Xbox Game Pass with new day-one titles like Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, Age of Mythology: Retold, Avowed, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Plus, Xbox Game Pass is now available on Amazon Fire TVs, expanding the ways you can enjoy your games.
These changes are significant and might be confusing at first. Microsoft’s goal is to enhance the service with more value and better games, but the mixed messaging can make it tough to follow. If you’re an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, it’s time to review your subscription and decide which tier best fits your gaming needs.