Xbox Game Pass, long heralded as one of the most cost-effective ways to access a massive library of games, is seeing its U.S. subscription prices jump sharply. Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft’s top-tier package, will now cost $29.99 per month, up from $19.99. Subscribers still get hundreds of console and PC titles, along with streaming capabilities, but the nearly 50% increase has already drawn attention from the gaming community.
Microsoft is sweetening the deal with new additions, including a curated selection of Ubisoft+ classics and Fortnite Crew content through a partnership with Epic Games. The company assigns these extras a combined value of $28 per month, but for many users, the perceived value may be lower—especially for older Ubisoft games or Fortnite digital items that don’t appeal to all players.
Game Pass for PC sees a smaller but still significant increase, rising from $11.99 to $16.49, offering full PC libraries and day-one releases but leaving out the Ubisoft Classics. The mid-tier Game Pass Premium remains $14.99 and provides PC access and cloud streaming, while Game Pass Essential (previously Core) expands free game access and cross-platform capabilities. International pricing adjustments are largely in line with U.S. increases.
Additional changes may inconvenience budget-conscious gamers. Microsoft Rewards points can no longer be redeemed directly for Game Pass subscriptions, requiring users to purchase gift cards instead—though these are available only in $25 increments, while Ultimate now costs $30 per month.
The timing of this change coincides with the upcoming release of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, Microsoft’s first handheld Windows gaming PC under the Xbox umbrella. Prices start at $600 and reach $1,000 for the upgraded Ally X, potentially amplifying the sticker shock for fans invested in Xbox hardware and subscriptions. Despite the price increase, Game Pass continues to offer a vast library and day-one access to major titles like Hogwarts Legacy, Diablo IV, and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, leaving gamers to weigh the value against rising costs.