Xbox Game Pass could merge Premium and PC tiers, while adding more third-party games

PC Game Pass survived the recent restructuring with Microsoft’s popular subscription service. However, The Verge reports that the company is considering absorbing the option into the Premium tier. Other changes may involve more third parties joining Game Pass.

Why Microsoft may evolve its PC tier

Tom Warren notes that any significant revisions are unlikely to happen in 2026. Still, it may be inevitable that Windows gamers have to embrace a newly named plan.

Microsoft has moved to unify platforms, focusing less on the Series X|S systems. Its prolific OS is the future of its gaming efforts, with a rumored PC/console hybrid set to debut as soon as 2027. It now makes less sense to lock tiers to specific devices. Even so, PC and handheld users could find themselves paying more to retain the same perks.

The Premium level offers over 200 titles, but members must wait to access new first-party releases. Although it suffered a price increase in October 2025, PC Game Pass remains a reasonably affordable way to play Xbox games on day one. Most subscribers likely wouldn’t be pleased to give up this advantage.

Day-one access could become exclusive to Ultimate

Of course, these players could opt for the more expensive Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Although some features apply only to the Series X|S consoles, it also includes cloud gaming. Nevertheless, Ultimate currently costs U.S. members $29.99 per month, while the PC alternative is $16.49.

Some players may lose benefits, but Tom Warren expects Microsoft to add more value. Certain tiers already include third-party subscriptions like EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics. Although The Verge wasn’t specific, Netflix Games and Amazon Luna are potential new partnerships.

Fortunately, the article doesn’t disclose yet another Game Pass price increase. As part of a disappointing financial report, revenue from services declined slightly between October and December 2025. While Microsoft would like to offset plummeting hardware sales, another price hike would alienate more gamers.