Overview

• The hold applies to existing, auto‑recurring subscribers in markets including Germany, Ireland, Poland, South Korea, India and others, according to emails verified by The Verge.
• New subscriptions are charged the higher price immediately, and anyone who cancels and re‑subscribes will be moved to the new rate.
• Microsoft says affected users will receive at least 60 days’ notice before any future price change takes effect.
• US and UK customers are not covered by the pause and will pay the new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price of $29.99/£22.99, with increases for existing members expected from the next billing cycle around November 4.
• Separately, Xbox removed Game Pass discounts on DLC and in‑game currency, shifting to Microsoft Rewards points (10% for Ultimate, 5% for Premium) while keeping a 20% discount on select game purchases for Ultimate members.