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41m ago

Microsoft Overhauls Xbox Game Pass, Raises Ultimate to $29.99 With Added Perks

Microsoft positions the overhaul as added value via partner bundles plus improved cloud streaming.

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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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A photo shows the logo of Xbox during the Gamescom video games trade fair at the Trade Fair Center in Cologne, western Germany, on the first day of the fair on August 20, 2025. The 2025 edition of the vast Gamescom trade fair in Cologne, Germany, had its opening night on August 19, 2025 and will be running from August 20 to 24, 2025. (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / AFP) (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)

Overview

  • New Essential, Premium and Ultimate tiers are live, with existing Core and Standard members auto-migrated; new prices apply now for new sign-ups and at the next billing cycle for current subscribers.
  • Ultimate jumps 50% to $29.99 per month and now includes 400+ games, 75+ day‑one releases yearly, Ubisoft+ Classics and EA Play, with Fortnite Crew joining on November 18 and cloud streaming upgraded to 1440p with higher bitrate.
  • Premium stays $14.99 with 200+ games across console and PC, unlimited cloud access, and Xbox‑published titles promised within a year of launch, excluding Call of Duty.
  • Essential remains $9.99 and expands to a curated 50+ game library playable on console, PC and cloud, with online multiplayer and Riot Games perks.
  • PC Game Pass rises to $16.49 and does not include Ubisoft+ Classics, though roughly 50 Ubisoft titles are being added; Rewards now offers annual earning caps by tier and requires redeeming points as gift cards, as user backlash and cancellations are reported.