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Xbox Game Pass has always been a treat for all the fans of this console around the globe. Day 1 releases, an exciting gaming library, and the liberty to play games on different devices—these perks have made this subscription service the best in the business.
However, as every change is inevitable, so is Microsoft. It was quite predictable that a price hike was on the way. Not only that, but there is also a flurry of changes with Game Pass, which has made fans a bit concerned.
Microsoft Comes Up With Price Hikes in the Xbox Game Pass
On July 9, people started getting emails from Microsoft about a potential price hike for Game Pass. Famous industry insider Wario64 confirmed that the price of Game Pass Ultimate is going to be increased, which will roll out on September 12th. He was, however, unsure about the regions that were going to take effect.
Looks like an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price increase is rolling out starting September 12th. Unsure in which specific regions (this example is for Canada)https://t.co/Os9bfrNrEA
— Wario64 (@Wario64)June 06, 2025
After that,Xboxposted an FAQ on their website to clear up all the clutter.
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This is how the price of the service is going to shape up:
XboxGame PassUltimate will have no changes whatsoever except its price. This upper-tier subscription service will continue to include PC Game Pass, Day 1 games, cloud gaming, and many more games. Although, the price is climbing from $16.99 to $19.99 per month.
Xbox Game Pass Core (Xbox Live Gold Multiplayer) will now be priced at $74.99, up from $59.99 manually a year. However, the monthly price of $9.99 remains the same.
What Are the Other Changes in Microsoft’s Subscription Service?
Talking about other changes, Xbox Game Pass is getting an overhaul after a while.
“Xbox Game Pass kills single player and multiplayer games…”: Capcom Announce End of Support to 1 Game That’s Only Been Out a Year
However, fans are a bit confused about how the changes are going to offer the best gameplay experience.
Interesting to go no day 1 games for the lower tier, assuming that just means for 1st party games? If its ALL day 1 games thatd be a head scratcher
— Spheromancer (@LeaksAndRumours)Aug 18, 2025
These are all the upcoming changes:
One of the most popular tiers of this subscription service, Game Pass for Console, will no longer be accessible to new users. However, players who are already on this subscription service will be allowed to maintain their subscription. This service was a cheaper alternative to Game Pass Ultimate as it didn’t have PC games or EA Play titles.
In“the coming months,”this popular plan will be replaced with a new tier, Game Pass Standard, which will cost $14.99 per month. One of the most disappointing aspects of this tier is that Game Pass Standard won’t include new games on day one, unlike the normal base Game Pass. However, the new plan will include Game Pass Core, aka Xbox Live Gold.
From August 20, 2025, fans will no longer be able to stack their Game Pass on Console subscription for over 13 months over pre-paid cards. Players who have already stacked beyond this won’t be affected.
What’s your opinion on the price hike and changes to the Xbox Game Pass? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
Nilendu Brahma
Articles Published :690
A Marvel, Linkin Park, Cricket, and Barcelona fan who just wants to write and write about video games and stuff. If you want to meet me, you can find me in my room failing to hit the opposite Jett with the operator for six consecutive rounds.
