Microsoft is set to adjust the pricing structure of its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription in September, alongside introducing a new “standard” tier that excludes day-one access to first-party Xbox titles. Let’s break down how much Game Pass Ultimate costs and what you can expect.
Microsoft has begun notifying Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers about an upcoming price increase, which will take effect on September 12th. The monthly cost will rise to $19.99, marking a $3 increase from the current $16.99 per month.
PC Game Pass subscribers will also experience a price adjustment in September, with the service moving from $9.99 to $11.99 per month while retaining access to day-one titles. For those outside the US, Microsoft has provided a comprehensive list of worldwide price changes here. Understanding these adjustments is key to deciding whether the subscription aligns with your gaming needs.
Why the Price Increase for Game Pass Ultimate?
The price increases are strategically timed before the highly anticipated addition of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and other major first-party Xbox titles to the Game Pass service later this year. The Ultimate tier, popular among Game Pass subscribers, will be most affected. This change follows a previous price hike, approximately a year prior, that increased rates by $1–$2 per month.
New Xbox Game Pass Standard Subscription
Alongside the Ultimate and PC Game Pass price adjustments, Microsoft is introducing a new Xbox Game Pass Standard subscription at $14.99 per month for new subscribers, excluding day-one titles. The existing Xbox Game Pass for console subscription will remain for current subscribers. However, starting July 10th, new Game Pass subscribers will not be able to select the console option until the new Game Pass Standard subscription is launched, expected “in the coming months,” according to Microsoft.
The new standard option will include online console multiplayer access, a feature previously absent from Xbox Game Pass for Console. Existing Xbox Game Pass for Console subscribers will be able to stack up to 13 months from September 18th, without affecting current stacks.
Xbox Game Pass subscription options including the new standard tier.
Call of Duty and the Future of Game Pass
It was revealed that Microsoft was contemplating another increase in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate pricing, especially with the addition of Call of Duty to the service. Increasing the price for the top tier helps offset the cost of adding Activision’s Call of Duty series to Game Pass, a move that has been largely anticipated since Microsoft officially announced the CoD addition. This strategic decision reflects the growing value and content available through Xbox Game Pass.
In conclusion, understanding how much Game Pass Ultimate costs, along with the introduction of the new standard tier and the inclusion of major titles like Call of Duty, helps subscribers make informed decisions about their gaming subscriptions.
