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Since its launch in June 2017,Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s primary gaming subscription, has attracted over 30 million members globally. On a broader scale, the gaming industry is steadily moving towards ecosystem models rather than individual game or console sales, suggesting that future Xbox consoles may necessitate a Game Pass subscription or a similar online service for operation.
With Microsoft actively promoting Game Pass subscriptions, it’s natural for non-members to be curious about its benefits and whether joining this online gaming ecosystem would be advantageous. This comprehensive review of Game Pass aims to introduce gamers considering their first membership to the service, helping them determine if it’s the right decision for them.
What Is Xbox Game Pass?
To illustrate Game Pass' offering, consider it akin to the Netflix model for gaming. Just as Netflix offers a wide array of new shows for a set subscription fee, Game Pass enables gamers to freely download and play games for as long as they maintain their membership.
How Game Pass Works
Game Pass members have unlimited access to download all available titles. However, an active membership and internet connection are required to play these games. Upon subscription expiration, the game data remains on the device but prompts the player to either renew their subscription or purchase the game separately.
Internet Connectivity While Using Game Pass
Foroffline games that lack multiplayer features, Game Pass still mandates an internet connection. This is essential for signing into the account and verifying the player’s active membership status. Even a weak network connection is adequate for these games. However, multiplayer-based games necessitate a stable and reliable connection for uninterrupted gameplay.
Game Category Rotation
All Xbox Game Pass Plans
Microsoft introduced Game Pass in 2017 as an early-access program featuring just 100 titles. Two years later, in 2019, it unveiled Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a comprehensive plan combining the core features of Live Gold with standard Game Pass. After some adjustments that came later, the subscription is currently categorized into three tiers: Core, PC, and Ultimate.
Game Pass Core (Console)
Game Pass Core is the rebranded Xbox Live Gold. Priced at $9.99, this subscription grants access to online multiplayer functionality across all games. Xbox console owners who do not have Game Pass Ultimate require this subscription to engage in online play. Additionally,Game Pass Coreprovides its members with a selection of 25 free games, which are available at no extra cost and remain accessible as long as the membership is active.
Game Pass PC
As implied by its name, Game Pass PC is a subscription exclusive to PC users. Priced at $9.99, it offers members access to a library of over 100 free games. Additionally, members receivea complimentary EA Play membershipas a bonus.
Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Price Fluctuations Over the Years
In May 2017, Game Pass commenced its early-access phase as a $9.99 subscription. In 2019, Microsoft introduced Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate, altering the company’s pricing approach. With the introduction of these two plans, the regular (Standard) Game Pass began at $9.99, Game Pass PC Beta initially launched as a $4.99 membership (later raised to $9.99), and Game Pass Ultimate was priced at $14.99.
In 2023, after seven years of successful operation,Xbox Game Pass adjusted its prices once more, with Game Pass Ultimate reaching the $16.99 threshold, while the other two plans retained their price points. Of course, rumors circulated in early 2023 suggesting that the PC and Core plans would be increased to $10.99 per month, although this adjustment never materialized.
Rumors are circulating within the gaming industry regarding another potential price increase for Game Pass subscriptions. This speculation stems from Microsoft’s confirmation thatCall of Duty: Black Ops 6will be available on Game Passfrom day one. However, no official statements regarding this matter have been released as of yet.
Is Xbox Game Pass Worth It?
Statista reportsthat the average monthly video game expenditure per gamer in the US stands at $19.56, totaling approximately $235 annually. In light of this, the Game Pass fee would constitute 86% of an average gamer’s monthly expenses. However, the subscription offers access to over 400 titles and ensures day-one releases, thereby enhancing the overall return on investment.
If a gamer spends $19.56 per month on games, on average, they typically purchase one AAA game every four months or three AAA games annually. However, Xbox Game Pass consistently introduces new titles to its lineup, includingfirst-party AAA releases likeStarfieldandForza, as well as third-party hits such asPalworld. This not only helps gamers save money but also allows them to enjoy a greater variety of top-notch games throughout the year.
Who Should Subscribe to Game Pass?
Gamers aiming to reduce their annual expenses without sacrificing access to the latest Xbox games should consider subscribing to Xbox Game Pass. For a fraction of the cost of a single AAA game, Game Pass provides multiple monthly releases and boasts a substantial library of enjoyable free games, effectively curbing the urge to purchase additional titles.
Conversely, players who prefer to follow specific trends and selectively purchase games based on research or niche interests may find Game Pass—andother video game streaming services—less appealing. Subscriptions may indeed restrict buyers' autonomy, making them suitable primarily for players open to experimenting with various titles.
Which Game Pass Plan Is the Best Deal?
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate stands out as the most comprehensive subscription option, offering the highest return on investment among all plans. However, for PC players,Game Pass PC presents a more favorable dealas it is cheaper while providing access to everything that Ultimate unlocks. (Given that PC players do not need to pay an additional fee for online multiplayer access, they can save $6 per month.)
For individuals who exclusively play specific niche online titles, such asCall of Dutyon Xbox, opting for Game Pass Core represents a better value proposition. Since these players are unlikely to explore other games, there’s no need to pay the extra $6 for Game Pass Ultimate. Game Pass Core seamlessly replaces Xbox Live Gold for them.
Things to Consider Before Subscribing to Xbox Game Pass
While Xbox Game Pass operates on a purchase-and-play model, it may not be the optimal gaming subscription in numerous regions and for many gamers. Hence, prospective buyers are encouraged to consider three key factors before becoming Game Pass members: Region, compatibility, and cancellation policies. Further details on each are provided below.
Region
Xbox Game Pass is either partially or entirely unavailable in over 40 regions. While most restricted countries can still access Game Pass PC, Game Pass Ultimate and Core are only available in select regions. It’s crucial for potential buyers to verify whether their region is within Microsoft’s restricted zones before subscribing to the service.
Cancelation
Xbox Game Pass automatically renews monthly unless activated through Gift Cards. Canceling the subscription before the next payment date will result in the removal of access to all Game Pass games by the end of the current membership period. However, the games' files and saves will not be removed from the console or PC. To regain access, the owner must either renew their subscription or purchase those games from the Microsoft store.
Compatibility
Currently, Game Pass is unavailable for Mac and iOS devices. To fully access the membership benefits, individuals must own an Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Windows PC, or an Android smartphone. (All Android phones, irrespective of their specifications, can run Xbox games over the internet through the Cloud Gaming service.)
The Downsides of Xbox Game Pass Subscriptions
Despite being lauded as one of the premier gaming subscriptions in the industry, Game Pass is not without its drawbacks. Potential downsides of joining this membership include limitations on choice and autonomy, continual download and update requirements, and the impracticality of cloud-based features in many regions.
Thelarge file sizes of many modern gamespose a significant challenge. Most AAA titles require hefty downloads ranging from 60 to 150 GB, which not only increases overall costs but also complicates the gaming experience.
Moreover, beta features, while potentially promising, can sometimes inflate prices without proportionally enhancing value. AlthoughCloud Gaming may represent the future of gaming, Game Pass Ultimate’s streaming feature is still in beta and often proves inconsistent for many titles. As a result, for many users, it feels more like an additional fee, yielding little to no added value.
Game Pass Vs. PS Plus Premium
When it comes to return on investment,Game Pass has already outstripped PlayStation Plus Premium. Microsoft’s confirmation that all first-party Xbox titles will debut on Game Pass from day one—a concept Sony has traditionally opposed—further solidifies its value proposition. However, the two subscriptions align closely in most criteria, as depicted in the following table.
$16.99
$17.99
~400 titles
Yes
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the highest tier of Microsoft’s flagship game subscription service that offers over 100 game titles that you may play with a single purchase, making it one of the most outstanding value propositions of the Xbox ecosystem to date.
