Xbox Game Pass has been one of the best value subscriptions when it comes to wanting to keep up with new releases, plus it already has a large library of games you gain access to as soon as you join it. Although, the new changes it has undergone are concerning, and it might not be as good of a deal as it was before.
The previous, simpler landscape of one or two Game Pass options is being replaced by a tiered system offering console gamers more specific choices.
The first option is the new Xbox Game Pass Standard. This tier takes the place of the prior Xbox Game Pass for Console. It provides access to a vast library of downloadable games, ensuring you have a wealth of titles to explore. However, there's a crucial caveat: day-one releases for brand new games won't be included in Standard. This means you'll need to wait for a period before you can play the latest titles. On the bright side, you still get Xbox Live Gold alongside this, so you can play multiplayer games with zero added cost.
For those who prioritize playing the hottest titles as soon as they launch, there's the existing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier. This option remains available but with an adjustment to its price tag. It retains all the benefits of Standard, including the full library and online multiplayer access. However, the crown jewel of Ultimate – immediate access to new games on their launch day – remains intact. Additionally, PC gamers who choose Ultimate can enjoy the perks of game streaming and cloud gaming, which, while niche, can be nice if you happen to be located close to one of their game streaming servers.
Unfortunately, the introduction of new tiers comes with a price increase for all subscriptions. Xbox Game Pass Standard, the new tier replacing the previous console-focused option, will now cost $14.99 per month, up from the prior $9.99 price tag. The existing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier sees a more significant jump, going from $14.99 to $19.99 per month. Even PC gamers won't be entirely spared, as their tier increases slightly from $9.99 to $11.99 per month.
If you're already subscribed to Xbox Game Pass, you can breathe a sigh of relief for now. Microsoft is offering a grace period. Your current pricing will remain in effect until September 12th, 2024. After that date, you'll be automatically switched to the new Standard tier unless you choose to upgrade to Ultimate for the continued privilege of playing day-one releases.
The introduction of tiers offers more flexibility for gamers. Those who primarily play older titles can go with Standard, while those who want to keep up with the latest and greatest releases as soon as they launch will need to pay the Ultimate price. The price hikes may be a cause for concern for some. However, considering the extensive library offered by Game Pass and being able to play brand new games at launch, Xbox Game Pass still decent value if you play a lot of older and newer games on the regular, but I would suggest thinking about what games you would really play by checking out the library before hopping onto this subscription.
Ahnaf Tajwar
Editor, NoobFeed
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