Xbox Game Pass Set for Major Shake-Up: Price Hike and New Tier Announced

In a surprise move that’s already sparking intense discussion across the gaming community, Microsoft is revamping its Xbox Game Pass subscription service—raising prices while introducing a new, more affordable tier. The changes are set to take effect in September 2024, and they’re poised to significantly alter the subscription landscape for Xbox and PC players alike.

According to an official announcement from Microsoft, the existing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan will see a price increase from $16.99 to $19.99 per month. PC Game Pass will also rise, moving from $9.99 to $11.99 per month. Meanwhile, the company is introducing a new “Xbox Game Pass Standard” tier—a $14.99 per month option that includes access to the Game Pass library on console but excludes day-one releases, cloud streaming, and certain perks that Ultimate subscribers currently enjoy.

The most notable change, however, is that Xbox Game Pass for Console (the base version) will no longer be available for new subscribers starting July 10. Existing subscribers will be able to maintain their subscription for a limited time, but it appears Microsoft is intent on consolidating and phasing out this older plan in favor of the more segmented pricing model.

Microsoft says the shake-up aims to “better reflect the value” of the service and to “provide more options based on how players game.” But reactions from fans have been mixed. While some appreciate the added flexibility the Standard plan offers, many are concerned that the increased prices and lack of day-one games in the new tier undercut what made Game Pass such a compelling value in the first place.

With titles like “Starfield,” “Hellblade II,” and the upcoming “Fable” reboot anchoring the service’s future lineup, Microsoft appears confident that players will stick with Game Pass despite the price hike. Still, with competition from Sony’s revamped PlayStation Plus and the ongoing growth of cloud gaming alternatives, it remains to be seen how this restructuring will impact the platform’s dominance.

As September approaches and these changes roll out, all eyes will be on how gamers respond—and whether Microsoft’s gamble pays off.