Significant Changes to Xbox Game Pass: What You Need to Know
If you are an Xbox Game Pass user or considering subscribing to this Microsoft service, prepare for some critical changes. Adjustments have just come into force globally, including a notable increase in the price of its most comprehensive plan.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now costs 26.99 euros per month, marking a 50% increase from the previous rate of 17.99 euros . This is not the first time this plan has seen a price hike; in July 2024, it went from 14.99 to 17.99 euros per month. The following features justify this increase, as highlighted by Microsoft:
- More than 400 games available worldwide
- Commitment from key partners to add future releases
- Resolution up to 1440p in compatible titles
- BIT rate optimization on certain devices
Understanding the Updated Offerings
How far the changes extend. Microsoft has reorganized the offerings and bid farewell to the previous nomenclature. Xbox Game Pass Core is now called Xbox Game Pass Essential , while the standard plan has been rebranded to Xbox Game Pass Premium .
Game Pass Essential | Game Pass Premium | Game Pass Ultimate | Game Pass for PC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Available games | More than 50 | More than 200 | More than 400 | “Hundreds of games” for PC |
Cloud streaming | Yes – includes own games | Yes – shorter waiting times | Yes – with the best quality | No |
Available games day one | No | No, they join up to 12 months | Yes | Yes |
Online multiplayer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Rewards points | Up to 25,000 a year | Up to 50,000 a year | Up to 100,000 a year | Up to 50,000 a year |
Advantages in games | Yes, in ‘League of Legends’ and ‘Call of Duty: Warzone’ | Yes, in ‘League of Legends’ and ‘Call of Duty: Warzone’ | Yes, in ‘League of Legends’ and ‘Call of Duty: Warzone’ | Yes, in ‘League of Legends’ and ‘Call of Duty: Warzone’ |
Other benefits | – | – | EA Play and Ubisoft+ included | EA Play included |
Price | 8.99 euros | 12.99 euros – Free 14-day trial | 26.99 euros | 14.99 euros |
Premium: The Intermediate Option
Premium grants access to over 200 games on both console and PC, along with unlimited cloud gaming, even for titles already in your library.
- More than 200 games available on console, PC, and cloud
- Access to classics like Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, and Grand Theft Auto V
- New Xbox releases available within a maximum of 12 months (excluding Call of Duty)
- Unlimited cloud gaming, including personal titles
- In-game advantages in ‘League of Legends’, ‘Call of Duty: Warzone’, or ‘Rainbow Six Siege’
Subscribers of the old standard plan will automatically transition to Premium without any price increase; the cost remains at 12.99 euros per month.
Essential: The New Entry Point
Essential offers a more economical option, ideal for players looking to try the service without high expectations. It features a smaller game catalog, cloud gaming, and online multiplayer.
- More than 50 games on console and PC
- Access to notable titles like ‘Hades’, Stardew Valley, and Cities: Skylines Remastered
- Unlimited cloud gaming, including some personal titles
- Online multiplayer on console
- In-game bonuses in ‘League of Legends’ and ‘Call of Duty: Warzone’
Priced at 8.99 euros per month, this option is tailored for individuals keen to enter Game Pass or who desire access to a limited set of games with basic advantages.
What about existing plans? Subscribers will not need to take any action as Microsoft will automatically migrate users. The old Core subscribers will switch to Essential, those on the standard plan will upgrade to Premium, and those currently subscribed to Ultimate will retain access to that option.
Transition to Xbox Cloud Gaming
Microsoft has officially moved its cloud service out of beta. The company claims that the streaming is now more stable and exhibits reduced latency. Ultimate subscribers benefit from priority in the access queue and improved streaming quality, although the experience still hinges on the user’s internet connection and device.
This strategic shift allows Microsoft to compete more effectively with rivals such as Nvidia’s GeForce Now or Amazon Luna .
Catalog and First-Day Releases
Microsoft is reinforcing Game Pass’s reputation as a launchpad for new titles. For Ultimate subscribers, around 75 releases are anticipated each year on launch day, including highly anticipated games like ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops 7’, ‘High on Life 2’, and ‘Ninja Gaiden 4’.
Additionally, more than 45 games have been added to the catalog immediately, showcasing titles such as ‘B’lue Prince’, ‘Clair Oscur: Expedition 33’, and ‘Hollow Knight: Silksong’.
As a final note, these changes not only enhance the lineup of available titles but also demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to improve and innovate their offerings continuously, making Xbox Game Pass a more attractive option for gamers worldwide.