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1h ago

Microsoft Overhauls Xbox Game Pass, Lifts Ultimate to $29.99 a Month

Microsoft cites expanded catalogs, partner bundles, 1440p cloud streaming to justify the higher price.

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Visitors walk past the Xbox booth at the Gamescom video games trade fair in Cologne, western Germany on August 22, 2024. According to organisers, around 1400 exhibitors from 64 countries will be presenting their products during the fair running until August 25, 2024. (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / AFP) (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)
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Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming titles shown Xbox controller and Xbox Series X titles

Overview

  • Ultimate now includes 400+ games, more than 75 day‑one releases per year, Ubisoft+ Classics, and Fortnite Crew starting November 18, with cloud streaming upgraded to 1440p and higher bitrates.
  • Core and Standard are rebranded to Essential ($9.99, 50+ games) and Premium ($14.99, 200+ games), both with unlimited cloud play; day‑one access remains exclusive to Ultimate, while Premium gets Xbox‑published games within a year, excluding Call of Duty.
  • PC Game Pass rises from $11.99 to $16.49 per month, drops Ubisoft+ Classics, and gains roughly 50 additional Ubisoft titles while retaining day‑one releases.
  • Changes take effect today for new subscribers and at the next billing cycle for existing users, with Core and Standard accounts automatically moved to Essential and Premium; Microsoft says 45 games were added today.
  • Player backlash flared immediately with reports of cancellations and account errors, and regional prices vary, including Canada where Ultimate is now C$33.99 per month.