Microsoft Officially Launches Xbox Game Pass Standard Subscription: $14.99/Month Offers More Gaming Perks

Last month, Microsoft announced the addition of a new subscription tier within the Xbox Game Pass, dubbed the Standard edition, which offers slightly fewer gaming benefits and rights compared to the $19.99/month Ultimate edition.

Today, Microsoft has officially rolled out the Standard subscription. Those who had subscribed to the Standard edition during the trial period will automatically start being charged from their next billing cycle. Subscribers interested in canceling must do so promptly.

The Xbox Game Pass Standard edition provides free access to a multitude of games, supports online multiplayer gaming, and offers exclusive member discounts, with some game discounts reaching up to 50%.

However, as this is not the $19.99/month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate edition, it does not include EA PLAY, Xbox Cloud Gaming, or PC games, which are exclusive benefits of the Ultimate subscription.

Given the multiple and somewhat confusing subscription levels of Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft has recognized this issue and prepared a guide to help newcomers choose the right subscription.

Xbox PC Game Pass: At $11.99/month, this subscription primarily offers access to PC games and includes EA PLAY subscription without any additional cost.

Xbox Game Pass Core: Priced at $9.99/month, this version is ideal for those who frequently play games with friends. Microsoft claims players can enjoy online multiplayer games and access 25 free games each month for a "very low" price.

Xbox Game Pass Standard: At $14.99/month, this subscription is suitable for players who don't want to spend too much but wish to fully utilize their Xbox console, offering access to hundreds of free games each month and supporting console multiplayer gaming.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: At $19.99/month, this is currently the most expensive subscription option, providing access to PC games, console games, an EA PLAY subscription, Xbox cloud gaming, and many other features.