Adding to recent console price adjustments, Microsoft is also increasing the subscription fees for Xbox Game Pass, with some tiers rising by as much as 50%. This subscription service, celebrated for its extensive game library and affordability, is now subject to a price overhaul. For a recurring monthly payment, subscribers enjoy access to a rotating selection of titles, making it an appealing alternative to purchasing individual games. Notably, the Ultimate tier will see its monthly cost escalate from $20 to $30.
Alongside the significant price bump, the revamped Ultimate tier will introduce new games and appealing extras, such as the Ubisoft+ catalog and a Fortnite Crew membership providing access to the Battle Pass and monthly in-game currency. Other tiers will also see price increases and will now include cloud gaming functionality and an expanded selection of available games. The PC Game Pass, however, will climb from $12 to $16.50 with no additional benefits. Xbox characterizes these changes as providing greater flexibility and a wider array of choices; however, Game Pass’s primary allure has always been its affordability. Consequently, the announced price increases have sparked widespread reactions and opinions online.
When I said i wanted the 360 era back, I didn’t mean $360 a year.
— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) October 1, 2025
From the people that brought you the $650 five-year-old Xbox Series X and the $1000 handheld gaming PC, comes…
$30 per month for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate! WHO’S EXCITED??? /s
We went from $17 to $30 in 14 months, LOL.https://t.co/wcud6Grgly
— Ryan McCaffrey (@DMC_Ryan) October 1, 2025
https://t.co/AFYM0WtIlF pic.twitter.com/xtvsIz6BWG
— Puertorock77 (@Puertorock77_) September 30, 2025
there’s still no annual subscription for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. That means it’s $360 a year, which is more than the Xbox Series S ($300) when it first launched 🤯
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) October 1, 2025
The page to cancel Game Pass subscriptions is broken already, incredible https://t.co/qTWLQRWRBs pic.twitter.com/yZjRCMGosk
— Sam (@_sunday_rain_) October 1, 2025
Xbox Game Pass for 30 bucks? Are they insane? These price hikes on game pass, consoles, and games themselves are just pricing people OUT of gaming. No more “I’ll give it a try” because of these prices. Absolutely wild to see how bad it’s become, and prices will never go down.
— Kala Elizabeth (@kalaelizabeth) October 1, 2025
Xbox gamers realising they might actually have to buy games now pic.twitter.com/LqVlzxPpsa
— Yokio (@ItsNewYokio) October 1, 2025
The cost of entry into the Xbox ecosystem has recently seen multiple increases. This follows adjustments to the prices of Xbox Series X/S consoles. Furthermore, the premium model of the ROG Ally X handheld device has been announced at a price point of $1000. Adding insult to injury, despite readily available stock, some resellers are attempting to capitalize on demand by listing the same handheld for double the retail price.