Xbox Game Pass price hike could follow Xbox console and upcoming first-party game price increases
Whether it is PC or consoles, the video gaming landscape continues to get worse. After Sony previously increased the prices of the PS5 consoles in countries like the UK, Microsoft has also increased the MSRPs of the Xbox Series S, Series X, and accessories like the Xbox Series controller. Some first-party Xbox games will also cost $79.99 instead of the already-expensive $69.99 by the end of the year.
When AAA studios initially decided to price big blockbuster titles at $69.99 instead of the past standard pricing of $59.99, Xbox Game Pass emerged as an unbeatable value. The service was fairly affordable and had tons of great games to play. However, as many expected, Microsoft adjusted the Xbox Game Pass price last year, and the subscription service became more expensive.
However, even with the price hike from July 2024 in place, Xbox Game Pass is still a great value. Gamers can currently get Game Pass for just:
- $11.99/month for PC Game Pass:
- $14.99/month for Xbox Game Pass Standard on consoles
- $19.99/month for Game Pass Ultimate for both consoles and PC
Featuring games like Doom: The Dark Ages, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the value proposition offered by Game Pass is unmatched. However, it is likely that Microsoft will also increase the price of Game Pass following the hike in console and game prices.
Over at ResetEra forums, known insider shinobi602 sarcastically replied “lol” to someone exclaiming that the recent hikes at least didn’t affect Game Pass. Assuming Shinobi’s assertion is accurate, it might be a good idea to stock up on Game Pass subs. Microsoft currently allows stacking up to 36 months of Game Pass.
We don’t yet know the timeline of the expected Game Pass price increase. Microsoft is doing an Xbox Games Showcase in June 2025. Games like Gears of War: E-day and Fable are among the titles that are expected to be shown. So, if Microsoft has planned a few heavy-hitters for Fall 2025, it is likely that a Game Pass price increase will come in Fall 2025.
That said, this is just pure speculation on our part. Microsoft may even decide against a price hike. So, until we have some official communication from the company, take the information with a grain of salt.
Source(s)
ResetEra, r/GamingLeaksAndRumors, Teaser image: Microsoft, Alexander Mils on Unsplash, edited
