Bad news for Xbox fans! Xbox has officially done away with Xbox Game Pass for Consoles, and increased the price for other Game Pass tiers! Not only that, games will no longer be available day one for lower tier options.
And that's the short version of it.
Now, Xbox Game Pass subscriptions have been a bit confusing, so here's a quick break down of exactly what each tier within Game Pass consists of, what the removal of Game Pass for Console means for it's users, and what the replacement Xbox Game Pass Standard is.
Game Pass Tiers Explained:
Xbox Game Pass Core:
Xbox Game Pass Core is the replacement for the original Xbox Live Gold. This subscription option allows you to play games online on Xbox Live, gives you access to a set library of free games, and offers deals on the digital store.
Xbox Game Pass for Console:
The now retired option, Xbox Game Pass for Console was a cheaper option of Game Pass that gave access to free Game Pass games. It did not include the online multiplayer option seen in Core, but was aimed at those who simply wanted the monthly free games.
Xbox Game Pass for PC:
Xbox Game Pass for PC was the flip side to it's console counterpart. This version of Game Pass gives you monthly free games on the PC.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate:
Game Pass Ultimate contains all of the above features. Free games on Xbox consoles and on PC, and also has access to cloud streaming services, which allow you to play games from the cloud on other devices. It's the ultimate bundle, and also the most expensive.
Xbox Game Pass Standard:
Xbox Game Pass Standard is the replacement for Xbox Game Pass for Console, and includes the benefits of Game Pass Core, and the old features of Game Pass for Console. To put it simply, it's Game Pass for Console, except it also includes online multiplayer.
On one hand this can be good for those who want online multiplayer and access to the Game Pass game library without paying for Game Pass Ultimate, but on the other... The price has increased for everything. While it's still technically the cheaper option, it's more expensive than what Game Pass for Console was previously.
The down side to Standard is the fact that games added to the library will not be available day one. This is a perk reserved for the Ultimate tier, which also includes PC games and cloud streaming.
As explained by Xbox:
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.
Some games available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on day one will not be immediately available with Xbox Game Pass Standard and may be added to the library at a future date. This could be up to 12 months or more and will vary by title.
Thanks to the addition of Standard, new users will not be able to purchase Xbox Game Pass for Console, while
existing users will continue receiving the service for the time being.
Also as stated by Xbox:
Starting on July 10, 2024, Xbox Game Pass for Console will not be available for new members.
- If you are currently subscribed to Xbox Game Pass for Console and have automatic payment renewal enabled, you will be able to continue to enjoy your membership. Look for a message from Xbox in your inbox with more information on your membership.
- If at any time you turn off your automatic payment renewal and your membership lapses, you will no longer have access to Game Pass for Console and will need to join one of the other plans we offer for Game Pass. You can manage your subscriptions here:Services & subscriptions
- Xbox Game Pass for Console codes will continue to be redeemable until further notice. As of September 18, 2024, the maximum extension limit of Game Pass for Console will be 13 months. This will not impact any time you currently have stacked on your account that exceeds 13 months and will only impact your future ability to stack more than 13 months after September 18, 2024. To learn more about account extension limits, visit: Xbox subscription extension limits
The Price Breakdown:
Xbox has released a complete list for the pricing break down for every country. You can check the link to view the official chart, but USA prices will be as follows.
- Game Pass Ultimate - Originally $16.99, increased to $19.99 per month
- Game Pass Core - Originally $59.99, increased to $74.99 per year
- Game Pass for PC - Originally $9.99, increased to $11.99 per month
You can check out the official Xbox Support Page for more information.
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