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58m ago

Microsoft Overhauls Xbox Game Pass, Raises Ultimate to $29.99 as New Tiers Go Live

Microsoft says the higher price reflects added value from larger libraries, partner perks, improved cloud quality.

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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)
Xbox game pass gift cards are seen in a store in Krakow, Poland.

Overview

  • Game Pass now spans Essential, Premium and Ultimate tiers, with changes effective immediately for new sign-ups and at the next billing cycle for existing members.
  • Ultimate jumps 50% to $29.99 per month in the U.S. and includes 400+ games, more than 75 day-one releases annually, Ubisoft+ Classics, EA Play and Fortnite Crew starting November 18.
  • PC Game Pass rises to $16.49 per month, keeps day-one titles and adds roughly 50 Ubisoft games, though it does not include Ubisoft+ Classics.
  • Xbox Cloud Gaming exits beta with 1440p and bitrate upgrades on select devices; unlimited cloud access now extends to Essential and Premium, with top quality reserved for Ultimate.
  • Microsoft reports expanded Rewards earnings (up to $100 for Ultimate, $50 for Premium, $25 for Essential) and outlets note a redemption change to gift cards, as backlash includes cancellation reports and overloaded account pages; prices vary by market, with Ultimate at CA$33.99 in Canada.