Xbox Just Justified The Game Pass Price Increase

Xbox Game Pass allows its subscribers to access various gaming content depending on their subscription tier. With a few tiers to choose from, players can choose the tier that best fits their budget and needs. Each tier offers different benefits, such as access to exclusive games, multiplayer features, and cloud gaming.

However, like all subscription services, the Xbox Game Pass is often subject to price increases. It's unfortunate, but a common reality as companies adjust pricing to account for rising operational costs, inflation, or expanding their content libraries to keep the service competitive. Price hikes can be frustrating, but they often promise improved features and, in the case of Xbox Game Pass, additional games.

Xbox Game Pass Increased Its Prices Last Year

The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price Increase Is A Little Steep

Microsoft dropped a bombshell last year when it announced a price increase for their Xbox Game Pass subscribers. The way in which it handled the announcement was poor, announcing the price increase just past the gaming service's seventh anniversary. Not to mention, earlier that year, Xbox Game Pass had reached 34 million subscribers—a significant increase from just two years prior. So, things seem to be going well for the gaming subscription service, yet they still decided to increase their prices in July 2024 for new members and September 2024 for existing members.

Price increases included a hike from $16.99 a month to $19.99 a month for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. Not much has changed here besides the price increase. Ultimate subscribers still get access to day-one releases, every game in the game catalog, online multiplayer, cloud gaming, the EA Play membership, and access to games on both Xbox consoles and PC.

Xbox Game Pass Core subscribers didn't see an increase in their $9.99 monthly subscription, but the annual subscription cost went up from $59.99 to $74.99. At a much lower price than the Ultimate tier, subscribers get multiplayer access and access to a small catalog of games.

Even PC Game Pass subscribers saw a price increase. They once paid $9.99 a month to access day-one releases and the full game catalog on their PC, but now the price increase has them paying $11.99 a month, while Xbox Game Pass for Console was phased out for new subscribers, though existing subscribers can still access it for the original $10.99 a month.

The price increases, while unpopular, show the growing costs in the gaming industry. Maintaining a large game library, adding new features, and investing in future upgrades all require money. Xbox Game Pass may have raised prices to keep the service running smoothly and to continue offering quality content. While it's a tough move, it reflects the bigger challenge subscription services face in balancing profits with keeping customers happy.

Three Huge Games Are Coming To Game Pass Ultimate Day One In April & May

Access To DOOM, South Of Midnight, And Clair Obscur On Day One Provides Value

Something that could certainly justify the price increase is the fact that the Xbox Game Pass does seem to be rolling out more highly anticipated games more frequently. In fact, just in April and May 2025, subscribers are getting three big titles within a matter of weeks—DOOM: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. At no extra cost, these games make the Ultimate tier feel like a steal and might make upgrading from standard a better option.

Subscribers get day-one access to blockbuster titles that would otherwise cost significantly more if purchased individually, with most new titles costing upwards of $69.99. Purchasing three individual games at that price would set a player back over $200, while subscribing to the monthly Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier would cost a player just $19.99 a month to access all three titles.

The trend of day-one access for upcoming blockbuster titles is likely to continue, but just in the coming months, players can look forward to releases on May 15, April 8, and April 24. DOOM: The Dark Ages releases on May 15. Then, on April 8, South of Midnight is released, taking players on a third-person adventure through the American Deep South. Finally, the turn-based and exploration RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, drops on April 24. These highly anticipated titles show the diversity and quality that Xbox Game Pass continues to deliver.

Is Game Pass Ultimate Still The Best Deal In Gaming?

Game Pass Ultimate Is Still The Best Deal, But For How Long?

When it comes to subscription services, Xbox Game Pass remains one of the most talked-about options in gaming, and for good reason. Despite recent price hikes, it's hard to ignore the value it still offers. Yes, the price at the moment is a little steep. Still, considering the vast library of games, day-one access to new titles, and additional perks like cloud gaming and EA Play, it still provides significant value—especially if the trend continues that subscribers will keep seeing those blockbuster titles on day-one access.

However, the price increase has undoubtedly caused some to reconsider whether the service is still worth it. While the Ultimate tier still offers significant value for those who use all its features, the cost may no longer feel justified for casual gamers or those who don't take full advantage of everything it offers.

For instance, those who don't care much about day-one releases or cloud gaming may not get the same value as those who thrive on playing the newest games as soon as they're released. Still, with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate continuing to offer access to highly anticipated day-one releases, it's clear that the service is committed to delivering value.

Ultimately, though, whether Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is still the best deal in gaming depends on how much value you place on the features it offers. For those who enjoy having access to a wide variety of games, including day-one titles, and enjoy the convenience of cloud gaming, the Ultimate tier remains incredible value. In the future, though, Microsoft will need to continue adding value and finding ways to justify price increases or risk losing subscribers.