Xbox requires a Game Pass to function. Microsoft Gaming has over 25 million subscribers, who have access to hundreds of experiences across three Xbox generations on console, PC, or cloud and the opportunity to play new Xbox Series X titles on release day.
You can have many questions about Game Pass. Find out how much Xbox Game Pass costs, if the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate requires additional payment, and whether it has different libraries than PC Game Pass. We’ll address these and more below, along with what you can expect from the service should you sign up.
Details of Xbox Subscription
Xbox Game Pass Core (for Xbox consoles): monthly fee of $9.99
Like an Xbox Live Gold Membership, Game Pass Core primarily focuses on online multiplayer gaming on Xbox platforms. This subscription gives you access to member discounts and offers, as well as Xbox’s online multiplayer features.
While access to more than 30 games is included in the membership fee, core users are not permitted to download games from the whole Game Pass catalog. Furthermore, as of April 2024, 38 games are on this list: Fallout 4, Gears 5, Doom Eternal, Power Wash Simulator, Dishonored 2, and Fable Anniversary. More people are expected to be added to the list over time. Moreover, this plan is perfect for you if you want to play online multiplayer games and don’t care about having access to the whole Game Pass catalog.
Xbox Game Pass Console: $16.99 per month (Xbox consoles)
The inverse of Game Pass Core is the Game Pass Console. While it doesn’t support online console multiplayer, you may take advantage of member discounts and offers and download titles for free from the console Game Pass library.
This package includes more than 450 games, such as Starfield, Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo Infinite, Lies of P, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Sea of Thieves. New games are regularly added to the collection and made accessible on the day of release. However, multiplayer online access is not provided.
The most significant users of this plan are those who enjoy a variety of local multiplayer or single-player games without the need for the internet. Moreover, consider purchasing Game Pass Ultimate for $16.99 to get complete access to the Game Pass library and online multiplayer.
Xbox PC Game Pass (PC Platforms): monthly cost of $9.99
For PC players, Game Pass PC includes an EA Play Membership and access to the PC Game Pass catalog. This allows downloads of games like Fifa 23, Madden 23, The Sims 4, and Need for Speed: Unbound.
Both PC and console libraries feature titles such as Grand Theft Auto 5, UFC 4, the Fable series, and Skate 3, making them comparable. Exclusive to PC Game Pass are titles like League of Legends, Valorant, Total War: Three Kingdoms, and the Crysis trilogy.
This package is ideal for PC gamers who want to add popular third-party games and Xbox exclusives to their collection. You won’t lose out on many benefits by not subscribing to Game Pass Ultimate since playing PC online is free.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (Xbox Consoles and PC Platforms) – $16.99/month
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the most complete plan; it includes all the features of the previous plans plus more. Moreover, it comes with a subscription to EA Play, access to console and PC Game Pass libraries, and online console multiplayer.
You can stream games to your Xbox console, PC, phone, or tablet with the Xbox Cloud Gaming beta, which is available to Ultimate members in addition to the same deals and savings. Moreover, this makes it possible to play on the move and experience Xbox One next-generation exclusives like Starfield without having to upgrade to an Series X or S.
With its large selection of games and online multiplayer capabilities, Game Pass Ultimate is the best option for those who use Xbox often, particularly console gamers. It’s the best value for complete access to all of Xbox’s offerings.
Xbox Game Pass Cost
Xbox Game Pass has varying prices. For Series X or Xbox One, the standard Game Pass membership costs $9.99 / £7.99 and grants access to over 300 titles. EA Play is included in the $9.99 / £7.99 PC Game Pass. Furthermore, game Pass Ultimate, which offers cloud gaming, EA Play, PC and console Game Pass libraries, and an Game Pass Core subscription, provides the best value at $14.99 / £10.99 per month.
Play Station Plus vs. Xbox Game Pass
Though it doesn’t quite fit Game Pass’s objectives, PS Plus Premium isn’t inherently bad. Moreover, Microsoft uses the Xbox community to fuel its subscription service’s expansion, most notably by releasing new Series X games right away. On the other hand, Sony concentrates on growing its PlayStation Plus selection. See our comprehensive Game Pass Ultimate vs. PlayStation Plus Premium study for a complete comparison.
Information about the Subscriber and the Library is available on Xbox Game.
As of this moment, Xbox Game Pass has 25 million users. Since the service’s 2017 debut, Microsoft has made substantial improvements and further expansion is predicted thanks to acquisitions like Zenimax. Moreover, this guarantees that future games, like Starfield and The Elder Scrolls 6, from developers like Arkane, id Software, MachineGames, and Bethesda, will be available right away.
About 400 games, including PC, console, and EA Play titles, are available on Game Pass. The portfolio includes Xbox 360 classics and Series X exclusives like Halo Infinite. While third-party publishers add and delete titles from the library regularly, exclusives are always playable on the day of release.
Conclusion
Game Pass provides a range of membership options to suit different types of players, from console and PC game libraries to online multiplayer. It offers great value with affordable prices, regular upgrades, and access to new releases. Furthermore, for individuals who want full access to all services, including cloud gaming, the Game Pass Ultimate is very helpful. Moreover, with new games and acquisitions, Microsoft is always improving Game Pass, making it a great option for players who want to get the most out of their gaming sessions.