Microsoft is making changes to Xbox Game Pass. Starting from July 10, new players who want to experience games using Xbox Game Pass will pay more for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Game Pass Core, and PC Game Pass.
In addition to that, new members will no longer have access to Game Pass for Console. However, this does not apply to members who are already subscribed to Game Pass for Console and have automatic payment renewal enabled.
However, if you turn off auto-renewal at any point and your membership expires, you will no longer have access to Xbox Game Pass for Consoles and will have to choose from other available membership plans. From September 18, 2024, the maximum extension limit of Game Pass for Console will be 13 months. Those who already staked up subscriptions beyond 13 months will continue to enjoy their subscription but will be unable to stack beyond 13 months after September 18.
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Microsoft is set to introduce a new Game Pass option called Xbox Game Pass Standard. The exact date when that will happen has not been revealed. The company has updated the ‘Subscriptions & billing’ section of its website to reflect these changes. They said, “These changes will enable us to bring members more value and more great games to Game Pass”.
Xbox Game Pass price changes will vary by country
While the changes have already been rolled out to new members, existing members will start to experience changes to the price of recurring charges from September 12, 2024. Recurring billing dates will not change for existing customers. Rather, they will see the new price in their next recurring billing charge after September 12.
“These changes will also take effect for 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month subscriptions to Game Pass Core in Türkiye, South Africa, and Argentina, as well as 6-month subscriptions to Game Pass Core in India,” the company explained.
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The price changes will vary by country and currency. However, players in the United States and the United Kingdom will see the price of Game Pass Ultimate rise from $16.99 and £12.99 to $19.99 and £14.99 respectively while the price of Game Pass Core 12 months will rise from $59.99 and £49.99 to $74.99 and £55.99 respectively.
Likewise, the price of PC Game Pass in the United States and United Kingdom will rise from $9.99 and £7.99 to $11.99 and £9.99 respectively. See the price changes to all Xbox Game Pass tiers based on country here.
What you must know about the new Xbox Game Pass Standard
Game Pass Standard will be the new lowest-tier subscription. It will be priced at $14.99 and £10.99 for players in the United States and United Kingdom respectively. One of the biggest changes to this tier is that its members will not have access to game releases on day one. Some titles may take up to 12 months before they are added. Nevertheless, there are perks to it.
“Xbox Game Pass Standard gives you hundreds of high-quality games to play on your console,” The company explained. “It also features all the benefits of Game Pass Core, such as online console multiplayer and select member deals and discounts, including up to 50% off select games.”
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“Xbox Game Pass Standard includes hundreds of high-quality games, online console multiplayer, and select member deals and discounts. In addition to having all the benefits in Game Pass Standard, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also includes day-one titles, specific entries to the Game Pass Ultimate library, access to EA Play, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Perks, Quests, and discounts on games in the Game Pass library.”
If you are wondering the difference between the upcoming Xbox Game Pass Standard and the outgoing Xbox Game Pass for Consoles, the company explained that the Xbox Game Pass Standard will include online console multiplayer games which is not currently available in Xbox Game Pass for Console.
Are you excited or angered by the upcoming changes to Xbox Game Pass? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
