The Xbox subscription service offers hundreds of games at reasonable prices. But now Microsoft has announced that Game Pass is getting more expensive.
Games are getting more expensive. This doesn’t just apply to big blockbusters, which now often cost $70 or even $80. The cost of game subscriptions is also rising. The prices for Game Pass were already increased in 2023 and 2024, and this year we won’t be spared another increase. We’ve summarized all the information for you.
Only one subscription will not become more expensive
As Microsoft has announced, the prices for almost all levels of the game subscription will be adjusted and some will also be given new names. These changes are effective immediately. Here is an overview:
- Core (renamed Essential): Price increases to €9 per month (previously €7)
- Standard (renamed Premium): Price remains at €13 per month
- Ultimate: Price increases to €27 per month (previously €18)
- PC Game Pass: Price increases to €15 per month (previously €12)
The hefty price increase for the Ultimate tier in particular will likely come as an unpleasant surprise to gamers. Compared to previous years, it is significantly higher: in 2023, the price was increased by 15 percent, in 2024 by 20 percent, and now by as much as 50 percent.
At least Microsoft is also expanding the library of Game Pass versions for Xbox with the price increase. Ultimate subscribers will get over 40 new games, including Hogwarts Legacy and numerous Assassin’s Creed titles. The complete list is available on the official website, and the Core and Standard versions will also benefit from new titles.
Subscribers to the Core and Standard versions can also enjoy new features. They can play some games on their PC as part of their subscription and get access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, albeit in lower quality than Ultimate owners. Since May, many classic games have also been on offer, as you can see in the video above.
What does the subscription actually include?
With so many versions of Game Pass available, it’s easy to lose track. If you’re wondering which version is worth it after the price increase, here’s an overview of the most important features:
- Core (now Essential)
- 9 euros/month, 90 euros/year
- Approximately 50 Xbox games
- Online multiplayer for the console
- Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Standard (now Premium):
- 13 euros/month, 156 euros/year
- Complete Game Pass library (Xbox)
- Online multiplayer for the console
- Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Ultimate:
- 27 euros/month, 322 euros/year
- Complete Game Pass library (Xbox)
- Online multiplayer for console
- Day-one releases
- Includes EA Play
- Includes Riot Games benefits
- PC Game Pass:
- 15 euros/month, 180 euros/year
- Complete Game Pass library (PC games)
- Day-one releases
- Includes EA Play
- Includes Riot Games perks
You can find more details about the subscriptions in the article above in the box. If you’re feeling lost in the huge Game Pass library, Tristan can also recommend five excellent shooters from the catalog. And of course, we’re interested in your thoughts: Is the price increase still acceptable, or is the subscription becoming too expensive for you? Feel free to let us know in the comments.