Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price Increases Again, Tough on Wallet

Gamers should prepare for a price increase in the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Microsoft recently announced that the monthly fee will rise from $20 to $30 for new subscribers, with current subscribers seeing the increase on November 4. If you have prepaid for several months already, the new price will take effect after your prepaid period ends.

Since its launch in 2019 at $15 per month, the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has gradually increased to $20 in 2024. This latest price hike comes amidst Microsoft's overall rise in prices for consoles, games, and accessories.

Despite the price increase, Microsoft is adding more benefits to the Ultimate plan. Subscribers will now receive 75 day-one releases per year, along with Ubisoft Plus Classics, Fortnite Crew, and other perks. Xbox Cloud Gaming is also being upgraded, allowing Ultimate subscribers to stream select games at a 1440p resolution.

In addition to these changes, Microsoft is rebranding the Core and Standard plans to Essential and Premium, respectively. The prices for these plans will remain at $10 and $15, respectively. However, the PC Game Pass subscription fee is increasing from $12 to $16.49 per month.

While these changes aim to enhance the value of each Game Pass tier, some may find the $30 monthly fee for Game Pass Ultimate too steep in the long run. The decision to subscribe will ultimately depend on whether the added features and games align with players' preferences, usage, and willingness to pay.

The increased price may prompt some subscribers to cancel their Ultimate plan after a month or two, or revert to purchasing games individually. As game prices rise and the value proposition of the subscription is weighed, some players may opt for alternative gaming options based on their preferences and budget.