Microsoft increases price of Game Pass Ultimate by 50%
Microsoft is increasing the monthly price of Game Pass
Starting today, Microsoft is making significant changes to its Game Pass subscription service, increasing the monthly price of Game Pass Ultimate from $19.99 to $29.99. The monthly price for the Premium, formerly titled Standard, and PC Game Pass will also be affected, increasing to $14.99 (was $11.99), and $16.49 (was $11.99), respectively. The Essential plan, formerly Game Pass Core, will retain its monthly price of $9.99.
While it might be easy to cry "Enshittishrinkflation", this price hike thankfully comes with some additional benefits for subscribers across the board. This includes unlimited cloud gaming and access to PC games starting at the Essential tier, while Ultimate subscribers will now have access to Ubisoft+ Classics in addition to the EA Play catalog.
Other benefits include expanded game libraries for all tiers, in-game benefits for specific titles, and a revamped rewards system that allows players to earn cash that can be spent within the Xbox storefront. Starting on Nov. 18, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will also have access to Fortnite Crew, which provides access to the game's Battle Pass, an allowance of in-game currency, and more. Xbox has provided a full list of the new benefits associated with each tier below.
Image: Microsoft
This news follows last week's unfortunate announcement that Microsoft would be increasing the prices of the Xbox Series S and Series X by $20 and $50, respectively, in addition to the price increase in May, which raised prices by an extra $80 and $100.
The additional benefits certainly help to soften the blow a bit, but the service that was almost stereotypically described as "The best deal in gaming" and a great way for players to experience a variety of new titles is slowly becoming less accessible. Hopefully this will be the last price hike Microsoft has planned for a while.
