Xbox and Game Pass Prices Are Going Up — Here’s What It Means for Gamers

Microsoft has announced a sweeping update to its pricing model for Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Series X|S hardware, signaling a significant shift for gamers who rely on these services for their primary gaming experience. Starting this August, subscribers across multiple regions, including the U.S., UK, and most of Europe, will see price increases across various Game Pass tiers — including Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and the newly introduced Game Pass Standard. In tandem, Xbox Series X prices are set to rise in select international markets, though not in the U.S.

The biggest change lands with the Game Pass Standard tier, set to launch this September. At $14.99 USD per month, it offers access to the Game Pass library for console users but notably drops the perk of day-one releases — a benefit previously synonymous with Game Pass. That privilege now sits solely behind the Game Pass Ultimate tier, which itself is increasing from $16.99 to $17.99 per month. PC Game Pass subscribers aren’t spared either, with their subscription jumping from $9.99 to $11.99 per month, though access to day-one titles remains intact there.

What’s prompting the price hike? Microsoft cites growing content costs and its expanding library of first-party titles. With high-profile acquisitions like Activision Blizzard under its belt and heavy-hitters like “Starfield” and “Hellblade II” on the horizon, Microsoft appears ready to capitalize on the increased value of its ecosystem — even if it comes at a steeper cost to consumers.

Gamers are already voicing concern. Online forums and social media reflect frustration over losing day-one titles unless they upgrade to Ultimate, especially after Game Pass was praised for its incredible value and accessibility. Microsoft also stated that annual subscriptions at the current rate will not be available going forward, potentially limiting long-term savings.

As the subscription gaming model becomes increasingly central to platforms like Xbox, price adjustments are inevitable. Still, the removal of core features from cheaper tiers may force longtime users to reassess whether the new price-to-content ratio makes sense for them. For now, players have until July 10 to lock in or change their subscriptions ahead of the increase.