Free Xbox gift cards being sent to some gamers, following complaints about price increases

Following Xbox price increases on consoles, many stores aren’t offering discounts this holiday season. With Game Pass subscriptions also now more costly, supporting Microsoft’s ecosystem can be a financial strain. However, to soften the blow, some fans are unexpectedly receiving free Xbox gift card codes.

As discovered by Pure Xbox, multiple posters shared the good news on Reddit. Most commonly, gamers like AnXboxDude are seeing $10 codes that are applicable toward Xbox games or subscriptions. That won’t offset the steep price hikes, but it’s at least a small gesture on Microsoft’s part.

The offer doesn’t seem widespread, but it may be worth checking consoles and apps regardless. On the Series X and S, the message should appear in the Parties and Chats section of the dashboard. PC users may encounter the code in the Friends tab in the official Xbox app. Finally, other gamers came across the free gift card in the Offers and Credits page on the Xbox website.

Why are free Xbox gift cards so random?

Microsoft’s rationale for choosing recipients for the codes is unclear. One poster was granted a similar perk after bringing home a console. Still, other gamers hadn’t made a significant purchase in recent months. The redemptions expire on December 31st, so buyers don’t have much time to take advantage of the generosity.

Loyalists haven’t always felt appreciated, particularly in recent months. Xbox Rewards lets players earn points by playing games or buying qualifying items. Unfortunately, since October 1st, members have been unable to apply those points toward Game Pass fees. A workaround is to use them to redeem Xbox gift cards, which quality for subscription payments. Even so, they don’t often provide the same value as before the change.

Despite a price increase to $29.99, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers have been earning points more quickly. Microsoft boosted weekly bonuses and now issues four points per dollar spent.