While Xbox Game Pass did, unfortunately, suffer recent a price increase, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s still generally an excellent way to play new games for less. The structure of Game Pass can be a little bit perplexing for those who aren’t in the know, though, so we’re going to not only break down the differences between the various tiers of service but also where you can grab a subscription for less with some deals.
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Another change on the horizon is that Microsoft announced a new tier, Xbox Game Pass Standard, that will cost $15 per month and will be available in the middle of September. It won’t involve Day 1 releases like Call of Duty, Indiana Jones and Microsoft Flight Simulator, but it’s still a cheaper way to access the subscription.
We’ll continue to update this page as Xbox deals come and go, so be sure to check back often for the best prices available.
Game Pass Core vs. Console vs. Ultimate
This announcement brings new rates and tiers. New subscribers will start paying new rates for all tiers immediately. Folks who are already subscribed to Xbox Game Pass will see price hikes starting in September. Below we’ll break down each tier and its changes. Microsoft also announced a new tier Xbox Game Pass Standard, which will cost only $15 per month. It’s due for release in September, as well.
Game Pass Core
Game Pass Core will stay at $10 per month, but the annual rate will go from $60 per year to $75 per year. It covers what was previously included with a Gold subscription, including access to online multiplayer for console gamers. This new membership also includes access to a library of over 25 titles, including popular games like Halo 5: Guardians and Fallout 4.
PC Game Pass
If you’re a PC gamer, PC Game Pass is still budget-friendly. It will go from $10 to $12 per month, but it still includes access to a much larger library of hundreds of PC games and access to new games on Day 1. This subscription also includes an EA Play membership, which adds a few more titles to your library and provides some exclusive rewards and content for select EA games.
Game Pass Console
Game Pass Console subscriptions will be phased out. You’ll be able to enjoy it if you’re an existing subscriber to this plan, but new sign-ups won’t be able to choose this from any of Microsoft’s options.
Game Pass Standard
This new tier appears to be Microsoft’s replacement for Game Pass Console. It will cost $15 per month and offer perks such as select discounts, online multiplayer and other benefits of the soon-to-be phased-out Console tier. It won’t include games released on Day 1.
Game Pass Ultimate
Game Pass Ultimate is the best of all worlds and has been more or less untouched by the revamp. It will go from $17 per month to $20, and an Ultimate subscription bundles the benefits of a Core and Console membership. You’ll get access to the entire Game Pass library on your console, PC and mobile device, including access to select titles on day one, and you’ll have the ability to participate in online multiplayer as well.
You’ll also get perks like exclusive offers and in-game content, and it includes the EA Play subscription that you get with the PC membership. Like many people, our reviewer called Game Pass Ultimate the “best content deal in gaming” and it’s the best option out there for all-around gamers who don’t want to compromise.
Best subscription deals available right now
Unlike the comparable subscriptions for PlayStation, there’s no official annual membership plan. Deals directly from Xbox turn up occasionally, but they’re usually just for new subscribers. Because the revamp is still pretty new, there aren’t too many discounts yet, but you can score some savings through third parties with a little digging. To help you save some cash each month, we’ve rounded up some of the best (and only) ones available right now below.
Microsoft/CNET Game Pass Ultimate, 1 month: $11 Save $9 vs. monthly plan If you want to just go one month at a time, don’t bother with Microsoft’s official pricing. CDKeys has the same Xbox Game Pass Ultimate monthly subscription available but for $9 cheaper. Get access to hundreds of games across console, PC and cloud along with Day 1 releases, discounts and an EA Play membership for 34% less. Why pay more? $11 at CDKeys
Microsoft/CNET Game Pass Ultimate, 3 months: $29 Save $31 vs. monthly plan This CDKeys deal is the best value you’ll find right now if you’re after a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Ultimate already saves you a little over $3 a month by bundling a Game Pass Core and Console membership, and this three-month subscription deal saves you $31 total. Existing or previous Game Pass subscribers can purchase these codes and can stack them, so you can extend your membership and pay for several months ahead of time at a lower cost. $29 at CDKeys
Best Xbox Game Pass Deals: Save Up to 43% Off This Excellent Subscription
