Xbox Game Pass changes: prices, perks, and what each plan offers

TL;DR:

New tiers launched October 1, 2025.
Ultimate climbs to $29.99 a month.
Microsoft promises 75+ day-one games yearly for Ultimate.
Essential and Premium add cloud and bigger libraries.
Ad-supported cloud streaming is reportedly in testing.

Microsoft reworked Game Pass into Essential, Premium, and Ultimate on October 1, 2025. The company also raised Ultimate to $29.99 per month, promising more day-one titles, better cloud streaming, and new perks like Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics

What each tier includes today

Essential, $9.99. Entry tier with a growing library, now with cloud access.
Premium, $14.99. 200+ console and PC games, unlimited cloud gaming, rewards, and titles arriving within a year, excluding Call of Duty day-one.
Ultimate, $29.99. 400+ games across console, PC, and cloud, 75+ day-one games a year, EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, improved cloud streaming up to 1440p, and expanded rewards.
Extra development to watch

Microsoft is internally testing a free, ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming, with pre-roll ads and session limits. A public beta could follow, broadening access beyond Game Pass.

One-look plan table

Plan	Price	Day-one games	Cloud	Extras
Essential	$9.99	No	Yes	Rewards
Premium	$14.99	Within 1 year	Yes	Rewards, bigger library
Ultimate	$29.99	75+ / year	Yes, up to 1440p	EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, Rewards

Why it matters

The price jump sets a new ceiling for game subscriptions. Value now hinges on keeping the day-one pipeline strong and cloud performance smooth. If the free cloud tier launches, it could funnel new players into paid plans.

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