Microsoft slaps Game Pass Ultimate with a 50% price hike — PC Game Pass is now almost 38% more expensive, with hardly any new benefits

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft is significantly restructuring its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, and whether these changes are viewed as beneficial or detrimental depends on individual perspectives. The reality of the situation is that gamers will face a price increase of up to 50% for Game Pass Ultimate and roughly 38% for PC Game Pass plans.

Remember when the Game Pass Ultimate tier used to cost $16.99 before Microsoft increased it to $19.99 last year? It appears that the company aims to maintain this tradition, as it has announced a price increase from $19.99 to $29.99, a 50% increase, effective immediately. Microsoft's rationale for the price increase is the addition of more titles, which the company claims to be the "biggest upgrade yet" for Game Pass Ultimate.

Microsoft has expanded the access of Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to over 400 titles, including offerings from Fortnite Crew (valued at $11.99 per month) and Ubisoft+ Classics (approximately $15.98 per month). Enthusiasts of the former will also benefit from access to the Fortnite Battle Pass and receive 1,000 V-Bucks each month starting November 18. Additionally, subscribers will have access to over 75 launch day titles annually, featuring high-profile releases such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, High on Life 2, Keeper, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2.

As part of the Xbox Game Pass revamp, Ultimate subscribers are now able to earn up to $100 per year (100,000 points worldwide) simply by gaming. Microsoft emphasizes a 30% increase in value on selected Game Pass titles, along with fourfold points on purchases of games and add-ons, a 10% return in points on select Game Pass library titles and add-ons, and discounts of up to 20% on select Game Pass games.

Microsoft Xbox Game Pass — (Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft has also announced that Xbox Cloud Gaming has officially exited its beta phase after five long years. Upgrades include support for 1440p (2560x1440) resolution and enhanced bitrates, although these improvements are available only for select titles. All Xbox Game Pass subscribers gain access to Xbox Cloud Gaming. However, logically, the highest-paying customers of Game Pass are granted priority access and experience the shortest wait times.

In contrast to the Ultimate tier, Microsoft has maintained the price of the Premium tier at $14.99 for the present period. Among the new benefits are access to over 200 games and unlimited use of Xbox Cloud Gaming. Regrettably, day one launches remain unavailable. Premium subscribers have the opportunity to earn up to $50 per year, which is half the potential amount of Ultimate subscribers.

Microsoft has rebranded Game Pass Core to Game Pass Essential, maintaining the $9.99 monthly price point. Subscribers within this tier now have access to over 50 games, doubling the number available under the previous Core subscription. Additionally, they can utilise Xbox Cloud Gaming and have the opportunity to earn up to $25 annually.

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The PC Game Pass Plan requires a monthly payment of $16.49, representing a 38% increase from the previous price of $11.99. The increased cost offers access to approximately 50 Ubisoft titles; however, the tier still does not include access to Ubisoft+ Classics.

Microsoft will transition current Game Pass Core subscribers to the newly rebranded Game Pass Essential plan. The new prices given reflect changes in the U.S. market, as exchange rates and market conditions may vary across regions, resulting in different pricing in different regions. However, it is understood that prices are going up around the globe, so expect similar hikes all over.

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Zhiye Liu is a news editor, memory reviewer, and SSD tester at Tom’s Hardware. Although he loves everything that’s hardware, he has a soft spot for CPUs, GPUs, and RAM.

3 Comments Comment from the forums

-Fran-

I wonder when people will learn to sniff out the bait and switch...

Who am I kidding; humans are stupid by nature, even the smart ones.

Regards.
Reply
JamesJones44

That will be the end of Game Pass Ultimate for me. I normally play 3 or 4 new AAA games a year, Game Pass Ultimate at $20 was about a net break even plus access to some OK non-AAA games. Now it's over priced for what I use it for, I don't game enough to warrant spending the equivalent of 5-6 AAA games a year and the non-AAA stuff isn't worth that much more.
Reply
Heat_Fan89

A totally unsustainable business model and I can assure anyone that Sony might be next or even Nintendo with their budget $20 plan. Everyone is selling a Sub and not the 12" kind with your favorite toppings. People are beginning to catch on.

Apple looks to pull off a bait and switch by raising the price again of Apple TV+ but the switch comes by offering a plan with ads. At least those are the rumors.

I have been getting Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for free the last 3 years by redeeming my Microsoft Rewards points I earn each month which was between 16-18K. GP Ultimate was priced at 12,000 points. You do the math and I had left over each month around 5,000 points to buy games.

Now they upped the price to $30 per month and I can no longer redeem my points for GPU at 12,000 points. They eliminated that starting Oct 1st. Now I would need to buy a gift card worth $30 which comes out to 29,000 points each month. They are also putting in more roadblocks when trying to earn rewards points, trying to discourage as many as they can.

A six year old can predict the outcome. They will lose members and they will raise the price again to offset the loss of subscribers. They boxed themselves in when they purchased Activision so now they have to find ways for more revenue. Putting their games on the PlayStation brand was a start.

When my subscription ends next Sept, i'm out.
Reply