Xbox Game Pass Is Getting More Expensive — But Some Plans Are Getting Revamped

In a significant shake-up for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, Microsoft has announced a price increase for several tiers of the popular gaming subscription service—alongside the rollout of a new plan designed to address growing customer demand and evolving user habits.

Starting in July, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan will see its monthly fee increase from $14.99 to $16.99 in the United States, while the standard Xbox Game Pass for Console will jump from $10.99 to $11.99. PC Game Pass will remain at its current $9.99 price tag—for now.

Perhaps the most notable development is the introduction of a new tier called “Xbox Game Pass Standard.” Priced at $14.99 per month, Game Pass Standard is aimed at console players who want access to a curated library of games and online multiplayer, but who don’t necessarily need day-one releases or all the perks of Game Pass Ultimate.

In a statement, Microsoft Studios cited rising operational costs and expansion of the service as factors behind the changes. “We’re continuously investing in bringing more varied and high-quality experiences to gamers,” the statement read. “These updates ensure we can continue enhancing Game Pass while offering flexible options for different player needs.”

The changes come at a time of growing consolidation and competition in the subscription-based gaming space, as Sony’s PlayStation Plus and emerging cloud-native platforms vie for user loyalty. Microsoft has aggressively expanded its Game Pass offerings in recent years, including high-profile additions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard titles, driving strong subscriber growth but also raising questions of sustainability.

Reactions from the gaming community have been mixed. While some subscribers expressed frustration online about yet another price hike, others welcomed the introduction of a more customizable subscription model, particularly as gaming budgets tighten and players become more selective in their spending.

The updated pricing and new Game Pass tiers will go into effect beginning July 10. Current subscribers will be notified via email about how their existing plans may be affected and what steps they can take to switch or cancel without penalty.

For now, one thing is clear: Xbox is betting big that Game Pass will remain a core pillar of its gaming ecosystem and is recalibrating accordingly.