Xbox Game Pass just got a bit more expensive. Microsoft's video game subscription service has long been considered one of the best deals in gaming, although there have been concerns that it's simply not sustainable financially for Microsoft. There have been rumors that Microsoft was mulling a price increase for Game Pass, especially with Call of Duty becoming a first-party title, and this week the announcement was officially made.
In addition to increasing the price of several tiers, Microsoft is also introducing a new tier, while closing another.
Starting July 10, 2024, Xbox Game Pass for Console will not be available for new members. Xbox Game Pass for Console was a plan specific for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One that provided access to over 100 games as well as the ability to play Xbox Game Studios games the same day they release. This plan will no longer be offered.
Those who are already subscribed to Xbox Game Pass for Console and have automatic payment renewal enabled will be grandfathered in and can continue to enjoy the current membership. However, if automatic payment renewal is turned off or the membership lapses, you'll no longer have access to Game Pass for Console and will need to join one of the other plans.
"Xbox Game Pass for Console codes will continue to be redeemable until further notice," Microsoft notes. "As of September 18, 2024, the maximum extension limit of Game Pass for Console will be 13 months. This will not impact any time you currently have stacked on your account that exceeds 13 months and will only impact your future ability to stack more than 13 months after September 18, 2024."
Taking the place of Xbox Game Pass for Console is the new Xbox Game Pass Standard. This costs $14.99 per month (price varies by market) and includes access to a the large Game Pass library; however, it does not include perks such as playable Day One releases, access to EA Play, Game Pass for PC, and cloud gaming.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offerings will remain unchanged, but it is getting a price increase from $16.99 per month to $19.99 per month. The annual charge for Game Pass Core, which includes a curated library of games and online access, is increasing from $59.99 to $74.99.The monthly price will remain $9.99.
Finally, the price for PC Game Pass is increasing from $9.99 to $11.99 per month. This service will still include Day One releases.
All of these price changes are now live for new members, but won't take effect for existing members until September 12, 2024.
Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that the new Call of Duty game, Black Ops 6, would be included in Game Pass on release day, but promised it would not be locked behind a new tier. Technically, the company didn't lie as Ultimate is not a new tier. They basically stretched the truth though as it will no longer be included in the new Game Pass Standard tier.