Xbox Game Pass Set for Massive July Shake-Up as Microsoft Teases Price Hike and New Tier

Xbox Game Pass is undergoing some major changes this July, with Microsoft confirming a price increase and the possible introduction of a new subscription tier that could significantly reshape how players interact with the popular gaming service.

In an early morning press release and subsequent blog post from Xbox Wire, Microsoft revealed that Game Pass prices will rise beginning July 10. While the company stopped short of providing exact numbers, sources close to the situation suggest that Game Pass Ultimate, currently priced at $16.99/month, could see an increase of up to $3 per month. Similar price hikes are expected for both the Console and PC tiers.

But perhaps even more surprising is Microsoft’s hint at the potential launch of an “Xbox Game Pass Standard” tier aimed at delivering more flexibility for subscribers. The rumored new tier is said to offer access to back catalog games without day-one releases—similar to PlayStation Plus Extra—potentially at a more affordable monthly rate. While details remain sparse, licensing terms and regional availability are still being finalized.

These adjustments come as Microsoft continues to integrate major studio acquisitions such as Activision Blizzard into its first-party ecosystem. Fallout from these mergers is likely a key driver for the pricing shift, with Microsoft investing heavily in day-one Game Pass exclusives like Starfield, Diablo IV, and the upcoming Fable reboot.

Community response so far has been mixed. While some gamers understand the rising costs amid increasing content and value, others point to a worrying trend of subscription inflation that could alienate budget-conscious players. Xbox has maintained that its goal is to “deliver more choice and quality across all tiers,” and emphasizes that no immediate changes will be forced upon current subscribers.

Despite the price hike, Xbox Game Pass remains one of the best-value propositions in gaming, with access to hundreds of titles, cloud gaming, and exclusive perks. Still, how the new pricing and tier shake-up is received in July could be a key moment for the service’s future trajectory — and fans will be watching closely.