Xbox Game Pass Price Hike 2025: New Prices & Updates

Microsoft Xbox Game Pass Price Hike 2025: What You Need to Know

Microsoft Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 2025 price increase update
Microsoft confirms new Xbox Game Pass prices starting October 2025.


     Microsoft has officially raised the prices of Xbox Game Pass in October 2025, marking one of the biggest subscription changes in the platform’s history. If you’re a gamer in the U.S., here’s everything you need to know about the new pricing, what’s changing, and what this means for your wallet.

New Xbox Game Pass Prices (October 2025)

Microsoft’s latest update increases the monthly cost of its most popular plans:

  • Game Pass Ultimate: $29.99/month (up from $19.99)

  • PC Game Pass: $16.49/month (up from $11.99)

  • Game Pass Core (now called Essential): $9.99/month (no price change)

  • Game Pass Standard (now called Premium): $14.99/month (no change)

The new pricing started rolling out globally in October 2025, with some regions — including the U.S. — already seeing the updated rates on new subscriptions.

Xbox controller with Game Pass logo showing subscription changes
Game Pass Ultimate now costs $29.99 per month in the U.S.


Why Microsoft Increased the Price

      According to Microsoft, the increase reflects the growing cost of adding new AAA titles, expanding cloud gaming, and offering more day-one releases. The company has added major games like Starfield, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Avowed to the service — titles that would otherwise cost $60–$70 each to buy outright.

By boosting prices, Microsoft aims to maintain the value of Game Pass while funding more first-party content through its Xbox Game Studios and Activision Blizzard division.

Xbox Game Pass new price plans for Ultimate and PC gamers
Gamers react to Microsoft’s biggest subscription update yet


What This Means for Subscribers

     If you’re an existing Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, your renewal might not increase immediately. Microsoft says users will receive a 60-day notice before the new pricing takes effect on their account.

However, new subscribers in most U.S. regions are already being charged the updated rates. Retailers like GameStop are reportedly still offering Game Pass codes at the old price, so you might want to grab one while they last.

 Is Game Pass Still Worth It?

     Even at $29.99, Game Pass Ultimate remains one of the best values in gaming. For the price of one AAA game every two months, players get:

  • Access to hundreds of games across console, PC, and cloud

  • Day-one releases from Microsoft Studios

  • EA Play membership included

  • Exclusive member discounts and perks

While the hike stings, most gamers still see Game Pass as the easiest way to experience next-gen titles without spending hundreds on individual games.

 Final Thoughts

       The Xbox Game Pass price hike marks a new chapter for Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem. It reflects both the rising cost of content creation and the company’s confidence that players value access over ownership.

If you’re an avid gamer, consider reviewing your subscription tier and deciding whether Ultimate’s added benefits still fit your budget — or if Essential or Premium might make more sense going forward.


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