Xbox Game Pass Faces Backlash After Surprise Price Hike While Announcing New Tier

In a move that has left many players reeling, Microsoft has announced a significant price increase for Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, alongside the introduction of a new subscription tier — and fans aren’t happy. The update, revealed late Tuesday, hikes prices across the board and introduces a new “Xbox Game Pass Standard” tier with limited features, sparking a wave of backlash across social media and gaming forums.

As of September 12, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will jump to $19.99 a month (up from $16.99), while the PC Game Pass rises to $11.99. Perhaps the most controversial change is the discontinuation of Xbox Game Pass for Console for new users. Instead, the new Xbox Game Pass Standard, priced at $14.99, will not include day-one releases — traditionally one of the most attractive incentives for subscribers.

Players are particularly dismayed at the perceived erosion of value in the service. Game Pass was once hailed as the best deal in gaming, offering access to a vast library of titles, including Microsoft first-party releases on launch day. With the removal of this benefit from the Standard tier, many subscribers feel that the company is reneging on the service’s core promise.

“Charging more and giving us less — that’s what it feels like,” one Reddit user wrote. “This isn’t the Game Pass we signed up for.”

Microsoft defended the changes, citing the rising costs of development and maintaining the service’s quality. “We’re committed to delivering great games and experiences to our subscribers,” said a spokesperson, emphasizing that Ultimate subscribers will still get access to day-one titles and the full slate of benefits.

Still, the timing of the announcement — just weeks ahead of major fall releases like Starfield: Shattered Horizons and Gears Reborn — has many questioning whether Microsoft is attempting to capitalize on consumer hype. With competitors like PlayStation and Nintendo exploring their own subscription strategies, Xbox’s gamble could either solidify its dominance or alienate its most loyal fans.

The new pricing and tier system will take effect starting September 12, giving current subscribers a brief window to assess their options before the transition.