Big Changes Are Here for Xbox Game Pass
If you’re an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, get ready for some major changes. Microsoft has officially rolled out a complete revamp of its subscription service. The names of the tiers have changed, the libraries are getting bigger, and most notably, the price of the top-tier plan is going up. Let’s dive into what this all means for you and your wallet.
The New Lineup: Meet Essential, Premium, and Ultimate
First things first, the old tier names are out. Game Pass Core is now Game Pass Essential, and Game Pass Standard is now Game Pass Premium. The Ultimate tier keeps its name but comes with a new price tag and a lot more content. One of the biggest and most welcome changes is that both Essential and Premium tiers now include unlimited access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, a feature previously locked behind the pricey Ultimate plan.
Here’s how the new structure looks:
| New Tier Name | Price (Monthly) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | $9.99 | Replaces Core. The game library is doubled to over 50 titles, includes online multiplayer, and now offers unlimited cloud gaming. |
| Premium | $14.99 | Replaces Standard. Access to over 200 games, including major titles like Diablo IV and Hogwarts Legacy. Also includes unlimited cloud gaming. No day-one releases. |
| Ultimate | $29.99 | Price increases from $19.99. Access to over 400 games, including over 75 day-one releases annually, EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, and a Fortnite Crew subscription. Features improved 1440p cloud streaming. |
Why the $10 Jump for Game Pass Ultimate?
A 50% price increase is a tough pill to swallow, but Microsoft is trying to justify it by packing the Ultimate tier with a ton of new value. The biggest additions are the inclusion of Ubisoft+ Classics and a Fortnite Crew subscription (starting November 18). The Ubisoft+ deal alone brings a massive back catalog of games from huge franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry into the fold.
On top of that, the Ultimate library is getting a huge infusion of new titles. A whopping 45 games were added at the time of the announcement, headlined by the massive best-seller Hogwarts Legacy and the critically acclaimed Diablo IV. The streaming quality for cloud gaming is also getting a boost to 1440p, making it a much more viable option for those with a good internet connection. It’s a lot of new content, but it comes at a premium.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 1. What are the new prices for the Game Pass tiers?
- Game Pass Essential is $9.99, Premium is $14.99, and the new price for Ultimate is $29.99 per month. PC Game Pass also increased to $16.49 per month.
- 2. Why did the price of Game Pass Ultimate increase so much?
- Microsoft has added significant value, including a Ubisoft+ Classics subscription, a Fortnite Crew subscription, a larger game library with titles like Hogwarts Legacy, and improved cloud streaming quality.
- 3. Do the cheaper tiers (Essential and Premium) get cloud gaming now?
- Yes. In a major change, both the Essential and Premium tiers now include unlimited access to Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- 4. Will I still get day-one releases with the Premium plan?
- No. Access to day-one releases from Xbox Game Studios remains a benefit exclusive to the Ultimate tier.
- 5. What happens to my current subscription?
- If you are a Game Pass Core subscriber, you will be moved to the Essential plan. If you are on the Standard plan, you will be moved to the Premium plan. Your price will not change unless you are an Ultimate subscriber.
- 6. How has the gaming community reacted to the price hike?
- The reaction has been mixed. While some see the added value, many gamers have expressed frustration and outrage online over the steep 50% price increase for the Ultimate tier, with some threatening to cancel their subscriptions.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s overhaul of Xbox Game Pass is a bold move. The company is betting that the addition of major game catalogs and services will be enough to convince subscribers that the higher price for Ultimate is worth it. For more budget-conscious players, the addition of cloud gaming to the lower tiers is a fantastic perk that significantly increases their value.
Ultimately, this restructuring offers more defined choices. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer who needs every new release on day one or someone who just wants a solid library of games to explore, there’s a tier designed for you. It’s a big shift, and it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of game subscriptions.