Microsoft Announces Price Increase for Xbox Game Pass Subscriptions, Flagship Plan Rises to $19.99/Month

Microsoft's gaming division recently unveiled price adjustments for the Xbox Game Pass series of subscriptions, with new user sign-up prices increasing across all tiers – Xbox Game Pass Core, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Ultimate, effective from July 10.

Taking the U.S. market as an example, the subscription price for PC Game Pass has increased from 9.99 per month to 11.99 per month, while the Game Pass Ultimate subscription has gone up from 16.99 per month to19.99 per month.

For annual subscribers, the 12-month Xbox Game Pass Core subscription has risen from 59.99 per year to74.99 per year, although the monthly payment option remains at $9.99 without additional discounts.

Microsoft also plans to introduce an Xbox Game Pass Standard subscription at some future point, priced at $14.99 per month. This tier will offer subscribers hundreds of Xbox games and include the functionalities of Xbox Game Pass Core, such as online multiplayer gaming and select game discounts.

The specific advantages of the Standard edition remain unclear, but it is intended as an intermediate option between Game Pass Ultimate, providing a slightly more affordable subscription solution. However, it will not support Day One releases or Xbox Cloud Gaming, features exclusive to PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate.

Additionally, Microsoft mentioned that the Xbox Game Pass for Console will no longer accept new subscribers. Current users can continue their subscription until it expires, after which it will no longer be available for purchase.

Furthermore, Microsoft has implemented a policy limiting Xbox Game Pass subscription memberships to a maximum of 13 months for all users, beyond which renewals will not be possible. This measure is likely due to concerns over future price adjustments, particularly in markets with significant currency fluctuations like Turkey, Argentina, and Nigeria, where Microsoft frequently revises pricing.