Xbox Game Pass has changed how gamers play and access games. It’s a service that lets you play many games for one monthly fee. The lowest price for PC starts at $11.99/month and the lowest for console comes in at $9.99; while the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan now costs $19.99 per month. With different tiers to suit various needs and budgets, Game Pass provides options for both casual and hardcore gamers. Whether you prefer the console experience or PC gaming, there’s a plan for you.
This subscription includes access to hundreds of games on Xbox consoles and PC, as well as offering online multiplayer and other perks. The service features games from major series such as Call of Duty, Minecraft, and Starfield. Gamers have the opportunity to try out new titles on the day they are released, as well as play older favorites. The extensive game library ensures that there is always something new to explore.
With the recent price change, now is a good time to take a closer look at what Game Pass has to offer. The Ultimate plan is particularly notable as it combines the benefits of other tiers and includes Xbox Live Gold and cloud gaming, making it the most comprehensive choice for dedicated gamers. Understanding the unique features of each plan enables players to make informed decisions and enhance their gaming experience.
Xbox Game Pass Plans
Xbox Game Pass gives you access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee. It’s like the “Netflix of games”. Microsoft offers a few different Game Pass plans.
Xbox Game Pass Comparison Table
Here’s a table with all four Xbox Game Pass plans, including Console and PC Game Pass options:
| Feature | PC Game Pass | Xbox Game Pass Core | Xbox Game Pass Standard | Xbox Game Pass Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $11.99/month | $9.99/month | $14.99/month | $19.99/month |
| Console Games Library | No | Limited selection (~25 titles) | Hundreds of games | Hundreds of games |
| PC Games Library | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Day-one Releases | Yes (for PC games) | No | No | Yes (for console and PC games) |
| Online Console Multiplayer | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EA Play | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Xbox Cloud Gaming | No | No | No | Yes |
Key takeaways:
- PC Game Pass: This plan focuses solely on PC gamers, offering a large library of PC games with day-one releases for new titles on Windows.
- Core: The most basic plan, good for online console play and a small selection of console games.
- Standard: Offers a large library of console games but no day-one releases or PC game access.
- Ultimate: This is the all-inclusive plan with the most benefits across PC and Xbox.
https://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-game-pass
Xbox Game Pass Core
This plan gives you access to a library of over 25 games on your Xbox console. You also get online console multiplayer.
- Cost: $9.99 per month
Xbox Game Pass standard
This is the standard Game Pass plan. It gives you access to hundreds of games on your Xbox. This includes new games from Xbox Game Studios on the day they are released. You also get member discounts and deals.
- Cost: $14.99 per month
Xbox Game Pass PC
This plan gives you access to hundreds of games on your PC. It also includes EA Play. With EA Play, you get access to even more games, plus rewards and member-only content.
- Cost: $11.99 per month
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Ultimate combines the features of the console and PC plans. You get hundreds of games for both Xbox and PC, plus EA Play. You also get Xbox Live Gold and access to Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- Cost: $19.99 per month
Game Pass Table
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Core | $9.99/month | 25+ console games, online console multiplayer |
| Standard | $14.99/month | Hundreds of console games, new releases, discounts |
| PC | $11.99/month | Hundreds of PC games, EA Play |
| Ultimate | $19.99/month | Console plan + PC plan + Xbox Live Gold + cloud gaming |
Key Takeaways
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $19.99 monthly for console and PC games
- The service includes day-one access to new games and a large game library
- Game Pass offers online multiplayer and extra benefits like EA Play
Pricing and Plans
Xbox Game Pass offers different plans to suit various gaming needs. Each plan has its own features and price point.
Xbox Game Pass Core
Xbox Game Pass Core is the entry-level option. It costs $9.99 per month. This plan gives access to online multiplayer and a small game library.
Core includes over 25 games. These games change over time. Players can enjoy titles like Forza Horizon 4 and Halo Infinite.
The yearly cost for Core is going up. It will change from $59.99 to $74.99 for a 12-month subscription.
Xbox Game Pass Standard
Xbox Game Pass Standard is the mid-tier option. It’s priced at $14.99 per month for console or PC.
This plan offers a large library of games. Players can access hundreds of titles. New games are added regularly.
Standard doesn’t include online multiplayer. For that, players need to buy Xbox Live Gold separately or upgrade to Ultimate.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the top-tier plan. It costs $19.99 per month.
Ultimate combines all Xbox gaming services. It includes:
- Console and PC game libraries
- Xbox Live Gold for online play
- EA Play membership
- Cloud gaming on mobile devices
Ultimate subscribers get day-one access to new Microsoft games. They also receive member discounts on game purchases.
This plan offers the most value for serious gamers. It works on Xbox consoles, PCs, and mobile devices through cloud streaming.
Content and Library
Xbox Game Pass offers a wide range of games across different genres. The service includes new releases, classic titles, and exclusive content for subscribers.
Exclusive Titles and Day One Releases
Game Pass gives players access to Xbox Game Studios titles on release day. This means subscribers can play big games like Halo Infinite and Forza Motorsport right when they launch. Upcoming titles like Fable and Starfield will also be available on day one.
Some third-party games join Game Pass on release too. This lets players try new games without buying them separately. The library keeps growing with fresh content added often.
EA Play and Collaborations
Game Pass Ultimate includes EA Play at no extra cost. This adds many Electronic Arts games to the service. Popular series like FIFA, Madden NFL, and Battlefield are part of the deal.
Microsoft works with other game companies too. These partnerships bring more variety to Game Pass. Players can find indie hits alongside big-budget games from well-known studios.
Diverse Gaming Genres
Game Pass has something for every type of gamer. Action fans can enjoy shooters and fighting games. Sports lovers have access to the latest simulations. There are also puzzle games, platformers, and role-playing adventures.
The service caters to all age groups. Family-friendly titles sit next to mature-rated games. This mix lets households share one subscription for different tastes.
Game Pass also includes retro classics. Players can revisit old favorites or try games they missed years ago.
Additional Benefits and Features
Xbox Game Pass offers more than just games. It includes perks that make gaming easier and more fun. These extras add value to the subscription.
Compatibility and Accessibility
Xbox Game Pass works on many devices. Players can use it on Xbox consoles, PCs, and mobile phones. This means you can play your games anywhere.
The service supports cloud gaming. This lets you stream games without downloading them. It’s great for trying new games quickly or playing on devices with less storage.
Xbox Game Pass also works with some smart TVs. Samsung TV owners can play games without a console. This makes gaming more accessible to people who don’t have gaming hardware.
Member-Only Content and Deals
Subscribers get special perks. These include free in-game items and content for popular games. You might get new costumes, weapons, or currency to use in your favorite titles.
Members also get discounts on games in the Xbox store. This can save money if you want to buy a game to keep forever. The discounts often apply to new releases and add-ons.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes EA Play. This adds many EA games to your library. It’s a nice bonus for sports and action game fans.
Cloud Streaming and Smart TV Integration
Cloud streaming is a big part of Game Pass. It lets you play high-end games on basic devices. You can start a game on your console and keep playing on your phone.
The service works on some smart TVs without extra hardware. This is great for casual gamers or those who don’t want to buy a console. You just need a controller and good internet.
Cloud gaming also means you can try games instantly. No need to wait for downloads or worry about storage space. This makes it easy to find new games you like.
