Particle.news
Download on the App Store
21 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Microsoft Raises Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to $29.99 as Tier Overhaul Rolls Out

Reports tie the overhaul to an internal estimate of more than $300 million in lost Call of Duty sales.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 19: Lina Khan speaks onstage during the Fast Company Innovation Festival 2024 at BMCC Tribeca PAC on September 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Fast Company)
Another threat to the Microsoft bottom line is the upcoming Battlefield 6.
Image
Image: Microsoft

Overview

  • New pricing is active for new members now and applies to existing subscribers on November 4, with tiers rebranded to Essential, Premium, and Ultimate.
  • Ultimate’s changes include 1440p cloud streaming, access to 75 day‑one titles per year, and added perks such as Ubisoft+ Classic and Fortnite Crew.
  • Xbox confirmed legacy Game Pass for Console subscribers with automatic renewal can continue at $10.99 per month with day‑one releases intact.
  • Bloomberg reporting cited former employees who said Microsoft estimated over $300 million in lost Black Ops 6 sales from its day‑one inclusion on Game Pass, with around 82% of full‑price launch sales occurring on PlayStation.
  • Retailers and code sellers are temporarily offering Game Pass Ultimate at the previous $19.99 rate, Microsoft has removed DLC purchase discounts in favor of Rewards points, and cancellations have surged as figures like Lina Khan renew criticism of the strategy.