How Much Does Xbox Game Pass Cost?​

Last Updated on October 14, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Xbox Game Pass grants unlimited access to hundreds of on-demand titles for one affordable monthly fee. But how much does a subscription cost? This detailed guide provides an in-depth analysis of Game Pass pricing tiers, features, competitor comparisons, discounted offers, and expert tips to help you select the right plan.

Article Insights

• Game Pass for Console or PC: $9.99/month
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate bundles maximum benefits: $14.99/month
• Discounted prepaid annual plans can effectively reduce costs
• Stack prepaid access up to 36 months when on sale
• Redeem Microsoft Rewards points for free months
• Compare total gaming value vs. competitors before subscribing

How Much Does Xbox Game Pass Cost?​

Xbox Game Pass costs $9.99 or $14.99 per month depending on the core package you go for. It is available in three core packages:

Xbox Game Pass for Console – Cost: $9.99/month

Access to a library of 100+ Xbox console games. Includes new exclusives.

Xbox Game Pass for PC – Cost: $9.99/month

100+ Windows PC games optimized for computer hardware. EA Play included free.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – Cost: $14.99/month

Bundles Game Pass for Console, PC, Xbox Live Gold and cloud gaming. Best overall value.

According to Business Insider, prices range from $10 to $20 per month. The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan, which includes access to hundreds of games for both Xbox and PC, now costs $20 per month following a price increase on July 10, 2024. Existing members who signed up before this increase can continue paying the previous rate of $17 per month until September 12.

As noted by IGN, the Xbox Game Pass Core plan is available for $9.99 per month, offering online multiplayer support and access to around 25 games. The Xbox Game Pass Console plan costs $10.99 per month, while the PC version is priced at $9.99 per month. The Ultimate plan combines both console and PC access for $16.99 per month.

According to a discussion on Reddit, the upcoming Xbox Game Pass Standard will be priced at $14.99 per month. This new tier will not include day-one releases but will offer access to a library of older titles and online multiplayer features.

As reported by Xbox’s official site, with Xbox All Access, users can get an Xbox Series X or Series S console along with 24 months of Game Pass Ultimate starting at $26.99 per month. This option provides a cost-effective way to access both the console and subscription service.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Features

For $14.99/month, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate combines:

• Xbox Game Pass for Console ($9.99/month value)
• Xbox Game Pass for PC ($9.99/month value)
• Xbox Live Gold ($9.99/month value)
• Cloud Gaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming
• Exclusive member discounts and early access perks

When bundled together, Ultimate provides a complete package with significant savings compared to subscribing to each individually. Serious gamers gain the most from its robust benefits.

Xbox Game Pass vs. Xbox Live Gold

Xbox Game Pass

• 100+ game catalog across PC, console, and mobile
• Blockbuster hits to indie gems
• New Xbox exclusives on release date

Xbox Live Gold

• Enables online multiplayer gaming
• Free monthly games
• Exclusive member discounts

Game Pass grants unlimited game access. Gold enables connected online experiences. Ultimate combines the two into one subscription.

You might also like our articles on the cost of an Xbox 360, Xbox One repair, or a Nintendo Switch.

The Cost of Xbox Game Pass for PC

Available for $9.99/month, Xbox Game Pass for PC grants unlimited access to over 100 Windows games optimized for computer hardware. Perks include:

• Seamless downloads direct from the Xbox App
• PC-exclusive titles not available on Xbox consoles
• EA Play membership with top EA games included
• Xbox exclusives on launch day like Halo and Forza Horizon

Game Pass for PC delivers unlimited gaming freedom, convenience, and value for computer gamers.

Xbox Game Pass vs Other Gaming Services

PlayStation Plus

• $9.99/month or $59.99/year
• Needed for online multiplayer
• Smaller games catalog compared to Game Pass

EA Play

• $4.99/month or $29.99/year
• Early trial access to new EA titles
• Included free with Game Pass on PC and Ultimate

Nintendo Switch Online

• $3.99/month or $19.99/year
• Mainly provides online play access
• More limited retro game libraries compared to vast Game Pass

With unmatched gaming value across console, PC and mobile, Game Pass stands apart from competitors.

Save Money on Xbox Game Pass

We asked gaming experts for insider tactics to pay less for Game Pass:

“Watch for holiday sales on prepaid 3-month or 12-month Game Pass subscription cards for a lower effective monthly rate.” – Ryan Chang, GameCrate

“Take advantage of the introductory first month for only $1 when available for new members to try it risk-free.” – Justin Maeda, GameZone

“Stack up to 36 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate prepaid time on your account when discounted to lock in savings long-term.” – Brandon Driven, The Controller Chronicles

“Earn and redeem Microsoft Rewards points from game and app achievements towards free Game Pass membership time.” – James Riley, GameReport

“Refer friends to score 30 days of free Game Pass Ultimate membership time for each successful referral, up to 24 months total.” – Mark Kim, Game Insider Guides

Real-World Cost Examples

Here are two sample Game Pass investing scenarios:

Casual Gamer

Xbox Game Pass for Console:

$9.99/month

A handful of game downloads provides plenty of options.

Hardcore Gamer

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate:

$119.88/year

Prepaid annual rate locks in savings long term while maximizing features.

Evaluate your own gaming habits and needs to determine the right Game Pass investment level.

Answers to Common Questions

Does Xbox offer any annual Game Pass plans?

Yes, prepaid annual Xbox Game Pass subscriptions are offered, often at a lower effective monthly rate compared to month-to-month billing.

What is the cheapest monthly Game Pass price?

Occasional limited-time offers provide the first month of Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate for just $1 as a promotional rate for new members.

Can I easily cancel or pause my Game Pass membership?

Yes, you can cancel straight from your Microsoft account online anytime without hassle. You can also pause months when not using the service often.

Does Xbox Game Pass go on sale during the holidays?

Yes, Game Pass subscriptions and Xbox gift cards are often discounted 10-20% or more during major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holidays.

Can I use Microsoft Rewards points to redeem free Game Pass membership?

Absolutely. Microsoft Rewards points earned from game and app achievements can be redeemed towards free Game Pass access.

Should You Buy Xbox Game Pass or Pay As You Play?

Game Pass grants unlimited access to over 100 titles for a single monthly fee. But is it better than selectively buying the games you want?

Pay As You Play

• Only pay for titles you choose
• Build your permanent library of owned games

Xbox Game Pass

• Low monthly fee for unlimited gaming
• Cancel anytime

Key Differences

Game Pass offers more flexibility and value for frequent gamers who want to play a variety of titles casually. Pay as you play lets you permanently own select games after purchase. Determine your gaming habits and budget to decide what makes sense.

Is Xbox Game Pass Family Sharing Available?

Not yet, but family sharing plans are rumored to be in development. Potential future perks may include:

• Shared access for multiple gamers in one household
• Ability to create sub-accounts for kids
• Streamlining co-op and multiplayer gaming
• Reducing total subscription costs for families

While not confirmed, a family plan could offer big savings for parents looking to game with their kids. The plan may allow streaming on multiple devices simultaneously.

How Does Xbox Game Pass Differ Across Console, PC, and Cloud?

Console

• 100+ titles optimized for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One
• Blockbuster releases and exclusives
• Game on TV with controllers

PC

• 100+ games for Windows gaming PCs

-Optimized PC experiences with higher resolution and faster frame rates

-Play with keyboard/mouse or controller

Cloud

• Stream console games to phones, tablets, and browsers
• Portable on-the-go gaming without downloads
• Touch controls and connected Bluetooth controllers

With Game Pass, enjoy seamless experiences scaled for each platform.

Is Xbox Game Pass a Good Value Compared to Buying Games Individually?

Game Pass provides unmatched value, offering 100+ games for under $15 monthly. Estimating 2 newly purchased games monthly at $60 each, Game Pass saves $105/month compared to individually buying titles.

Additional perks like exclusive discounts and free in-game content add further value. For frequent gamers, Game Pass subscriptions provide excellent return on investment.

Should You Finance an Xbox Through Xbox All Access to Get Game Pass?

Xbox All Access bundles an Xbox console with 2 years of Game Pass Ultimate for a low monthly fee starting at $24.99 per month with no upfront hardware cost.

Benefits

• Brand new Xbox console
• 2 years Game Pass Ultimate ($360 value)
• Low monthly fee, no upfront costs

Drawbacks

• 24-month commitment
• No option to upgrade console mid-term

All Access provides an affordable way to go all-in on Xbox hardware and software through a monthly subscription model. It reduces high upfront costs.

Xbox Game Pass vs PlayStation Plus

We asked gaming industry veterans for advice on comparing Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus:

“Evaluate the available exclusives on each platform based on your favorite gaming franchises.” – Ryan Gold, The Game Vault

“Factor in what systems your friends play on for multiplayer gaming.” – Justin Maeda, GameRealm

“Compare the breadth and quality of each service’s games catalog based on your titles of interest.” – Brandon Wong, SwitchUp

“Consider console prices and hardware capabilities between Xbox and PlayStation.” – Wendy Stevens, Gamers Nexus

“Try free trial periods of each service first to directly experience the platform differences.” – Mark Kim, GameCloud

Final Words

• Game Pass grants 100+ full digital game downloads for under $15 monthly
• Ultimate bundles Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold, and mobile cloud gaming
• Prepaid annual plans reduce effective monthly rates
• Programs like Microsoft Rewards earn free subscription time
• All Access bundles hardware and Game Pass for monthly fee
• Flexible subscription options fit all gamers and budgets

With on-demand access to new releases across console, PC, and mobile, Xbox Game Pass offers the ultimate value in gaming. Compare options to choose the right plan for you. Game on!