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Microsoft Overhauls Xbox Game Pass With Sharp Price Hike, Day-One Access Shifted to Ultimate

Existing subscribers in parts of Europe keep current rates for now under a policy that allows later migration with 60 days’ notice.

Overview

  • New pricing and tier names took effect for new customers on October 1, 2025.
  • Ultimate rises to €26.99 per month from €17.99, Premium is €12.99, Essential is €8.99, and PC Game Pass is €14.99.
  • Day-one access is concentrated in Ultimate as Premium users are slated to wait about a year for new Xbox titles.
  • Ultimate expands to 400+ games and about 75 day-one releases annually, adding Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew alongside EA Play.
  • Microsoft says many EU customers with auto-renewing plans keep old rates for now, while users in the US and UK are moved immediately, and online reaction includes cancellation talk over the higher costs.