Microsoft announces a significant Xbox Game Pass price increase and rebrands its subscription tiers. Get the latest on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC, and Core pricing, and see the new Xbox Game Pass games being added.
New Prices and Names for Xbox Game Pass Tiers
Microsoft has announced a substantial restructuring and price increase for its popular Xbox Game Pass subscription service. The changes affect nearly every tier, rebranding the offerings and raising monthly costs for millions of subscribers.
The monthly cost of the basic console tier, now known as Xbox Game Pass Premium, has gone up from $11.99 to $14.99. Xbox Game Pass Essential, the most economical option, used to be called Core and now costs $9.99 a month. Xbox Game Pass PC price jumps from $9.99 to $16.49 monthly.
What’s Driving the Xbox Game Pass Price Increase?
Microsoft uses a significant expansion of its service as justification for the increased Xbox Game Pass rates. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now includes Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics, plus improved cloud streaming. Members also get 75+ day-one releases each year, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
“Xbox Game Pass aims to give players unmatched value and a vast game library,” the company said. The evolution aims to offer “more flexibility, choice, and value.”
Community Reaction and Service Disruption
The announcement has been met with strong negative feedback from the gaming community. Reports say heavy cancellation attempts crashed Microsoft’s page.
This reaction underscores the frustration from fans who viewed Xbox Game Pass as one of the best values in gaming. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate’s price hike raises costs by 50%, reaching $360 a year.
Looking Ahead: The New Xbox Game Pass Landscape
The service still offers value for heavy users despite price hikes. A key part of Microsoft’s plan is adding new games to Xbox Game Pass, including big first-day releases.
Q: What are the new Xbox Game Pass prices?
A: The new prices are: Game Pass Premium (Console) is $14.99/month; Game Pass Essential (Core) is $9.99/month; PC Game Pass is $16.49/month; and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is now $19.99/month.
Q: Is there still an Xbox Game Pass free trial?
A: Microsoft frequently adjusts its trial offers. With these new changes, it is best to check the official Xbox website for any active Xbox Game Pass free trial promotions.
Q: What is the difference between Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and the new Premium tier?
A: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes everything in Premium, plus PC games, cloud gaming, and the new additions like Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics. Premium is for console-only users.
Q: Where can I see the current Xbox Game Pass games list?
A: The official Xbox Game Pass website and the Xbox Dashboard on your console or PC app always show the complete and most up-to-date Xbox Game Pass games list.
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