Xbox Game Pass 50 Percent Price Hike Confirmed

Xbox Game Pass is getting a whopping 50% price hike, as just officially confirmed.

As much as we never like to see price increases, Microsoft has added new benefits as well as brought some features to the lower tiers that were once exclusive to the top tier of its newly revised Xbox Game Pass subscription service.

It feels like every six months or so, whether it’s PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass or other entertainment subscription services such as Disney Plus and Netflix, price hikes continually squeeze every last penny out of the consumer. This all while often announcing record profits year-on-year.

However, to play devil’s advocate somewhat, at least in the case of today’s Xbox Game Pass revision, it feels like more value has been added to each tier of the service. Whether that reflects good value to you, of course, is subjective.

“Starting today, we’re introducing three upgraded Game Pass plans based on how players play: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. Each includes expanded game libraries, including PC titles, unlimited cloud gaming, in-game benefits (including Riot Games titles), and a revamped Rewards with Xbox experience,” reads a post on Xbox Wire.

“Today’s Game Pass Core subscribers will automatically move to Essential, Standard subscribers will transition to Premium, and Ultimate subscribers will remain in the Ultimate plan. It’s all a part of our commitment to meet players where they are, so you can choose what works best for you, no matter how or where you love to play.”

At least in the US dollar, the top-tier Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has jumped from $19.99 to a whopping $29.99 per month. Prices will differ depending on the region, and whatnot. So, what’s included in each tier?

Xbox Game Pass Essential costs $9.99 per month and includes: unlimited cloud gaming, in-game benefits, over 50 titles, as well as the opportunity to earn up to $25 reward points each year. As always, online multiplayer will also be included, and more.

Xbox Game Pass Premium costs $14.99 per month and includes: unlimited cloud gaming (with shorter wait times), in-game benefits, online multiplayer, over 200 titles, first-party games within a year of release, and an opportunity to earn up to $50 a year in reward points.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes: cloud gaming (with shorter wait times than Premium), over 400 titles, over 75 day one games, in-game benefits, and an opportunity to earn over $100 points in rewards each year.

The newly revised Ultimate will still include EA Play, but also Ubisoft Classics and Fortnite Crew, the latter of which is set to launch this November on the service.

In case you didn't know, this is a premium Fortnite subscription service for the free-to–play shooter that grants additional benefits such as battle passes, V-Bucks, exclusive DLC and so forth.

All tiers include PC and Xbox consoles. Only time will tell if all the newly revised Xbox Game Pass tiers will be viewed favourably by the community.