Since its introduction in 2017, Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass has slowly evolved into a Netflix-style subscription service, allowing players to download or stream a rotating library of more than 450 games.
Separate Xbox console and PC plans are available starting at $10/month, giving access to a library of downloadable games on either platform. The top tier is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which even lets you stream games directly to your phone, Samsung monitor, and Fire Stick 4K TV for $20/month. This completely eliminates the need for an expensive gaming PC, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S console.
Ultimate members also get access to the latest Xbox Studios games as soon as they're released. Same-day releases and a massive library have helped Game Pass become a game subscription phenomenon, prompting Sony to launch a competing platform called PlayStation Plus.
If you're on the fence about Xbox Game Pass, this article will give you the full details on plans, pricing, and features.
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Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a subscription service that gives members access to over 100 games across Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, and supports online multiplayer. The service offers a mix of classic titles from the original Xbox, along with new releases and full access to the EA Play library . Games rotate in and out of the catalog on a regular basis.
New first-party Microsoft games — like Starfield, Forza Motorsport, and games from the Halo franchise — are available with Game Pass Ultimate the same day they hit stores. Some popular indie titles and online multiplayer games like Lies of P and Payday 3 have also launched on Game Pass.
In addition to the ability to download games to your Xbox console or PC, Game Pass Ultimate allows users to stream many games on their phones, computer browsers, select Samsung smart TVs, and select Fire TV sticks. This means you can play games from the Xbox Game Pass library even if you don't own an Xbox console, gaming PC, or gaming laptop.
For example, members with a compatible Samsung TV or Fire TV Stick can stream games to their screen without any additional hardware. You just need to download the Xbox app on your device, pair a wireless controller, and you're done. However, not all games available on Xbox Game Pass support cloud streaming.
Members also get special discounts in Microsoft's digital store as well as deals from partner companies like Discord, Disney Plus, and Marvel Unlimited.
After a $3 price increase on July 10, Game Pass Ultimate is now $20/month. Current members who signed up before the price increase can continue to pay the old price of $17 until September 12.
Xbox Game Pass for PC is a PC-only subscription. It offers many of the same benefits as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, but doesn't provide access to Xbox console games or support cloud game streaming.
After a $2 price increase on July 10, Game Pass for PC is now $12/month. PC members who signed up before July 10 can continue to pay the old $10 monthly fee until September 12.
Xbox Game Pass Core is the base Game Pass tier for consoles launching in September 2023. It replaces Xbox Live Gold, a separate service previously required to play Xbox games online.
An Xbox Game Pass Core subscription costs $10/month or $75/year. Members get online multiplayer support along with a collection of around 25 Xbox Studios games. Subscribers also get access to the same discounts as other Game Pass members in the Microsoft Store.
Core members don't get access to the full Game Pass game library with daily releases and don't get cloud streaming support.
Xbox Game Pass Core members can upgrade their subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at any time; remaining days on the subscription will be converted based on the price difference.
Xbox Game Pass for Console is a mid-tier service for Xbox owners that costs $11/month. As of July 10, it will no longer be available for new members but will remain active for existing subscribers. In the coming months, Microsoft will launch a new mid-tier console plan called Xbox Game Pass Standard to replace Game Pass for Console.
Xbox Game Pass Standard will offer download support for hundreds of Xbox console games, online multiplayer support, and access to member deals and discounts for $15/month. However, it won't have day-of-release support or cloud streaming.
Xbox Game Pass prices range from $10 to $20 a month, depending on the plan you choose. For a limited time, Xbox Game Pass for PC and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate both offer a 14-day trial for $1 before renewing at the regular price.
Here's a breakdown of Xbox Game Pass plans and prices:
|
|
Xbox Game Pass Core |
Xbox Game Pass for PC |
Xbox Game Pass for consoles* |
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate |
|
Price |
$10/month |
$12/month |
$11/month |
$20/month |
|
Downloadable game library |
About 25 games available only for Xbox console |
Over 100 PC Only Games |
Over 100 games available only for Xbox consoles |
Over 100 games for console and PC |
|
Xbox Studios released on the same day |
Are not |
Have |
Have |
Have |
|
Game stream library |
Are not |
Are not |
Are not |
Have |
|
Online Multiplayer |
Have |
Unnecessary |
Are not |
Have |
|
EA Play Membership |
Are not |
PC only |
Are not |
Console and PC |
|
Discounts at Microsoft Store |
Have |
Have |
Have |
Have |
|
Free member privileges for partner offers and in-game DLC |
Are not |
Are not |
Are not |
Have |
*Xbox Game Pass for Console is no longer available for new members. It will be replaced by the new Xbox Game Pass Standard plan in the coming months.
Now that you know everything there is to know about Xbox Game Pass, you might want to sign up for the service. Luckily, there are plenty of easy ways to do so.
The best place to buy Xbox Game Pass is through the Xbox Game Pass listing on Xbox.com. From there, you can select Join Now to choose the specific level of Game Pass you want and link it to your Microsoft account.
But if you want to get the most out of Xbox Game Pass, you should also download the Xbox Game Pass app for your PC via the official Xbox for PC site or your smartphone via the official Xbox for mobile site. This way, you'll be able to stream games to your device and download Game Pass titles remotely.
By default, Xbox Game Pass auto-renews every month. If you want to stop this or cancel your membership altogether, it's simple. Go to Microsoft's official website and sign in. Once you're signed in to your Microsoft account, select View all subscriptions > Xbox Game Pass > Manage > Cancel subscription .
There are a number of ways you can cancel Game Pass outside of Microsoft's website. You can even cancel your Xbox Game Pass subscription directly from your Xbox console if you prefer. But the most direct way is through Microsoft.
If you have time to play a lot of different games, Xbox Game Pass is definitely worth it. Not only do you get access to modern hits, but you also get access to a huge catalogue of classics. So if you’re a gamer, Xbox Game Pass is the best value subscription you can get to play a wide range of games.
An Xbox Game Pass Console, PC, or Ultimate membership includes more than 100 games. However, Xbox Game Pass Core members only get access to a library of about 25 games; Microsoft says it will continue to add more games to the Core Collection two or three times a year.
Games are typically available for at least a year, although some titles have changed over a shorter period of time. Games from Microsoft's Xbox Studios, like Halo and Forza, are permanent.
Not all Xbox Game Pass titles are available on both console and PC. Additionally, only certain games can share progress between the PC and console versions. Similarly, only certain games allow online multiplayer between PC and Xbox console. When streaming on your phone, you’ll be streaming the Xbox version of the game.
You can check out the full list of Xbox Game Pass games on Xbox's official website, and we've included some of the most popular titles that you'll find below.
See also:
While Xbox Game Pass is a bargain, its $9.99 (or $19.99 for Ultimate) monthly cost puts it out of reach for some gamers. Luckily, there's a free way to get Xbox Game Pass every month.
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