Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers in specific regions will experience a price increase of 50% starting November 4th. However, Microsoft has confirmed that subscribers in locations like Poland and South Korea will maintain their current, lower monthly rate as long as they remain subscribed. This price protection does not extend to Xbox users in the United States.
Confusion arose when subscribers began sharing emails received from Microsoft regarding the Game Pass Ultimate price changing from $20 to $30 per month. While some messages notified users of an upcoming price change upon their next subscription renewal, others indicated pricing would remain the same unless the subscription was canceled and then restarted. Microsoft has since clarified that the delayed price increase applies only to subscribers in select markets, including Austria, Germany, Ireland, Israel, South Korea, Poland, and India. Players in the US and the UK will see the price adjustments take effect on November 4th, as originally announced.
Is that one real. I got one saying tough it’s going up. pic.twitter.com/EHbqiWvCr8
— I play games (@G_Obertron) October 7, 2025
“Our recent Game Pass plan is still as previously announced. Existing members in some regions will see no immediate changes in monthly payment. This is according to local regulations in those countries. We will announce in advance before any price modifications occur there,” said Kari Perez, Xbox Communications Head, in a statement given to The Verge.
What’s behind this difference? It’s speculated that local consumer protection laws related to subscription price hikes and required notification periods could be a factor. Regardless, the situation is disappointing for Xbox enthusiasts in the U.S. who may have hoped for a temporary reprieve from the impending Xbox cost increases. Recently Microsoft also communicated that Game Pass subscribers are no longer eligible for 10 percent off of DLC and downloadable content. A revised rewards system now replaces this former benefit.