Microsoft has fundamentally restructured the Xbox Game Pass, making it one of the biggest changes since the service was launched. The costs for subscribers are rising noticeably in almost all models, with a peak increase of around 50 percent. At the same time, Microsoft wants to justify the additional price with additional games, extended platform support and new extras. Game Pass Ultimate in particular will have a greatly expanded offering, but will also become a premium subscription with a correspondingly high price.
- New structure: Essential, Premium, PC and Ultimate
- More games: up to 400+ titles in the Ultimate subscription
- Cloud gaming available for almost all models, highest quality only in Ultimate
- Prices: between 8.99 euros (Essential) and 26.99 euros (Ultimate) per month
More content, but also higher costs
The entry-level model previously known as Game Pass Core is being replaced by the new Game Pass Essential. With access to over 50 games and online multiplayer, it now costs €8.99 per month, which corresponds to a price increase of 28%. The Premium model is significantly more comprehensive: For 12.99 euros, there is access to more than 200 games as well as the EA Play subscription. The price corresponds to the old “Standard” subscription, so it remains constant. The PC Game Pass, on the other hand, will not receive any major functional changes, but will also become more expensive – from 11.99 euros to 14.99 euros.
The biggest change concerns the Game Pass Ultimate. Instead of 17.99 euros, it will now cost 26.99 euros per month – an increase of around 50 percent. In return, it comes with the full scope of over 400 games, including all new releases right at launch as well as the Ubisoft Classics subscription and even Fortnite Crew with 1,000 V-Bucks per month. Ultimate is also the only model that offers cloud gaming in maximum quality at up to 1440p. This clearly positions Microsoft’s top tariff as a complete package for frequent gamers.
Focus on cloud gaming and platform freedom
A core aspect of the new structure is the stronger integration of platforms. Every subscription – with the exception of the PC-only model – now allows access via Xbox, PC or cloud. The latter will be extended to smart TVs, browsers and Meta Quest 3. However, the cloud quality remains dependent on the respective subscription – only Ultimate unlocks the highest level. For many players, the choice is therefore likely to depend less on the platform and more on the desired scope of performance and content.
Reward system for players
Alongside the changeover, Microsoft is introducing an expanded rewards system. Players collect points by completing quests or making purchases. Depending on the subscription level, there are multipliers (Essential x1, Premium and PC x2, Ultimate x4) that enable higher rewards. Points can be converted into Microsoft credit, which can ideally also be used for the Game Pass. Microsoft is thus trying to cushion the price increase with more interactivity and added value.
Conclusion
The change to the Xbox Game Pass brings with it noticeable price increases, but also delivers measurably more content and platform support. The big jump in the Ultimate subscription in particular is likely to spark debate, but the package will also become the most comprehensive gaming offer in the subscription sector. The new structure will also be available in Germany from November 4, 2025. The question remains as to whether players will accept the significant surcharge for the extended functions and content or fall back on cheaper alternatives such as Essential or a PC subscription.
