Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price Increases by 50%
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has jumped in price to 29.99 a month in the U.S., marking a 50 percent increase just over a year after the last hike. Many are asking if the subscription is still worth it with the added perks, or if Microsoft is pushing too far. The new changes went into effect October 1 for new members, with current subscribers moving to the new rates on November 4.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price increase explained
Ultimate has gone from 19.99 to 29.99 a month in the U.S., adding up to an extra 120 dollars per year. PC Game Pass also increased to 16.49 per month. In the UK, the price of Ultimate rose from 14.99 to 22.99, which is a 53 percent jump.
The steep rise comes with new bundled services. Ultimate now includes Ubisoft+ Classics starting October, and Fortnite Crew on November 18. Microsoft also promised over 75 day one releases each year, as well as higher quality cloud gaming for Ultimate members.
New Game Pass tiers and what they include
Microsoft now offers three main console plans: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate.
Essential is the new version of Core, staying at 9.99 a month. It comes with online multiplayer, cloud gaming, in-game rewards, and a catalog of 50 plus games playable on console and PC. Players can also earn bonus points from playing and purchasing content.
Premium replaces Standard and remains at 14.99 a month. It includes over 200 games across console, PC, and supported devices. Premium members get new Xbox-published games within a year of release, though Call of Duty is excluded. Cloud gaming is unlimited, and extra rewards are tied to purchases and playtime.
Ultimate is now 29.99 a month. It includes everything from Premium plus Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, more than 75 day one releases a year, and exclusive top-tier cloud streaming. Members also earn boosted Store points on games and add-ons.
What Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics add
Fortnite Crew usually costs 11.99 a month. Inside Ultimate it comes with the Fortnite Battle Pass, 1,000 V-Bucks monthly, and exclusive cosmetics.
Ubisoft+ Classics adds a rotating catalog of games like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Watch Dogs. It is live inside Ultimate now without extra charge.
Industry reaction and long term value
The new pricing comes during a period of heavy debate about the future of subscription services. Some industry veterans have called the model unsustainable, while Microsoft insists engagement and revenue are at record highs.
Whether Ultimate is still worth it depends on how much you use its extras. Players who want Ubisoft titles, Fortnite Crew, day one games, and cloud streaming may find value. Others who mainly play older console games may get more out of Premium at half the cost.
Final Blurb
Xbox Game Pass has grown in both cost and content. Ultimate is now a premium service with the biggest perks, but also a much bigger bill. Weigh what you actually play against the new benefits before deciding if you stay on Ultimate, drop to Premium, or stick with Essential.
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