Microsoft has announced that it will be making significant changes to Xbox Game Pass, including price increases and the introduction of a new subscription tier.
Starting from July 10th, the cost of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for new members will increase from $16.99 / £12.99 / €14.99 per month to $19.99 / £14.99 / €17.99, an increase of up to 20%. As for existing subscribers, these new price changes will come into effect starting September 12th.
PC Game Pass will also be getting a price increase from $9.99 / £7.99 / €9.99 per month to $11.99 / £9.99 / €11.99 (an increase of up to 25%). Game Pass Core (formerly Xbox Live Gold) will be receiving an annual price increase from $59.99 / £49.99 / €59.99 to $74.99 / £55.99 / €69.99 (an increase of up to 25%). Pricing for one, three and six-month plans remain unaffected.
Perhaps the most significant announcement, however, was that the Game Pass for Console tier would no longer be available to new subscribers. Instead, Microsoft is introducing a new tier called Xbox Game Pass Standard, which combines the benefits of both Game Pass Core and Game Pass for Console. The catch, however, is that Game Pass Standard subscribers will not receive day one releases.
“Some games available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on day one will not be immediately available with Xbox Game Pass Standard and may be added to the library at a future date,” Microsoft said. “This could be up to 12 months or more and will vary by title.”
Microsoft has said that those who are currently subscribed to Game Pass for Console will be allowed to stick with their current plan, which includes access to day one releases. However, should their membership lapse for any reason, then they will no longer have access to Game Pass for Console and will have to subscribe to one of the other available tiers (shown above).
Below is the official FAQ for the recent Game Pass changes:
What is Game Pass Standard?
Xbox Game Pass Standard gives you hundreds of high-quality games to play on your console. It also features all the benefits of Game Pass Core, such as online console multiplayer and select member deals and discounts, including up to 50% off select games.
Note:Â Game Pass Standard will not include games released on day one.
When will Game Pass Standard be available?
Xbox Game Pass Standard will be available in the coming months. We will share more information soon.
How is Game Pass Standard different from Game Pass Ultimate?
Xbox Game Pass Standard includes hundreds of high-quality games, online console multiplayer, and select member deals and discounts. In addition to having all the benefits in Game Pass Standard, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also includes day one titles, specific entries to the Game Pass Ultimate library, access to EA Play, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Perks, Quests, and discounts on games in the Game Pass library.
How is Game Pass Standard different from Game Pass Core?
Xbox Game Pass Standard includes all the benefits of Xbox Game Pass Core and has hundreds of games available for members to enjoy.
How is Game Pass Standard different from Game Pass for Console?
Unlike Xbox Game Pass for Console, online console multiplayer is included with Xbox Game Pass Standard. The Game Pass Standard library includes hundreds of high-quality games.
Note:Â Xbox Game Pass for Console may have select titles that are not included with Xbox Game Pass Standard.
Will all console games added to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate library also be available with Xbox Game Pass Standard?
Some games available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on day one will not be immediately available with Xbox Game Pass Standard and may be added to the library at a future date. This could be up to 12 months or more and will vary by title.
[…] this month, Microsoft announced plans to raise Game Pass prices as well as introduce a new standard tier that won’t include day one releases. Microsoft is […]