Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price is now under intense debate, especially after Microsoft’s bold move to raise the subscription from $20 to $30 per month. Many longtime gamers feel blindsided. In this article, we’ll dig into what’s changed, what new perks have been added, and whether the price hike really makes sense—or if it’s pushing fans away.
Let’s break down the situation: from prepaid code loopholes to cloud streaming, and from backlash to Microsoft’s long-term vision.
Price Hike Breakdown: From $17 to $30 in Just Over a Year
In July 2024, Microsoft increased the Xbox subscription cost of Game Pass Ultimate from $17 to $20/month. Then, in October 2025, it pushed the price again—to $30/month, a 50% jump.
That means in around 15 months, the highest-tier subscription has nearly doubled in cost. Microsoft also removed any annual or quarterly options to soften the blow.
The reason for the hike? Microsoft is bundling bigger perks (we’ll explore them) and seemingly trying to recapture revenue it believes has been lost under the older pricing. But that leap has left many wondering: is Game Pass Ultimate still a bargain, or just an overpriced “gaming pass”?
The $20 Workaround: Stacking Prepaid Codes
Even though the official rate is now $30, there’s a workaround—prepaid codes. Big online retailers are still selling 3‑month Game Pass Ultimate codes priced as if the subscription were still $20/month (so around $60 for 3 months).
Gamers can stack these codes to postpone paying the higher monthly rate. This trick means you might be able to “freeze” your subscription at the old ~$20/month rate—at least for a while.
Retailers like Amazon are still among the platforms offering these legacy-priced prepaid deals.
However, this method only delays the inevitable. Once your stack runs out, you’ll need to choose between paying $30, downgrading, or canceling.
What’s New with Game Pass Ultimate at $30?
To justify the higher monthly pass, Microsoft has added a slew of features. Whether they’re enough to satisfy fans is another question.
Ubisoft+ Integration
At no extra cost, Ultimate now includes Ubisoft, giving access to a back catalog of Ubisoft titles (Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, etc.). They claim it’s worth about $16/month on its own.
Fortnite Crew Bundle
From November, Fortnite Crew will be included in the subscription. This usually costs $12/month and adds perks like V‑Bucks and battle passes.
More Day-One Games & Bigger Library
Ultimate subscribers will have access to at least 75 day-one titles per year across console, PC, and cloud. Also, the Ultimate library now includes 400+ games (including EA Play). The idea: constantly refreshed content to justify a steeper subscription.
Are These New Perks Actually Worth the Price Hike?
Value vs. Use
If you heavily play Ubisoft titles or Fortnite, the bundles might help justify the cost. But many users won’t benefit from all perks monthly.
Critics argue Microsoft is bundling things not everyone needs—essentially forcing you to pay for features whether you want them or not.
Perception & Skepticism
The 50% hike feels steep, and many longtime fans see it as a betrayal of what made Game Pass attractive in the first place. Some believe Microsoft is pressing its user base to subsidize bigger investments elsewhere (like AI).
So while the perks add tangible benefits, the gap between price and perceived value is causing tension. Read another article on Snapchat Memories limit
Losing Value: Removal of DLC Discounts
One change flew under the radar: Microsoft removed DLC discounts previously offered to subscribers. Instead of giving, say, 10% off DLC purchases, Ultimate users will now get Rewards points (10% back) redeemable in the Microsoft ecosystem.
This move weakens a key incentive: many users bought DLCs knowing they’d get a discount. Now, that gets replaced by uncertain reward points. The perceived “deal” has lost some of its shine.
It’s not just about paying more—it’s about losing benefits you once had.
Xbox Cloud Gaming: Officially Out of Beta
With the price bump, Microsoft has upgraded the xbox cloud gaming subscription tier, claiming it’s now out of beta. They promise “highest‑quality streaming” and lower wait times.
Beyond consoles and PCs, users can stream games to smartphones, smart TVs, and even in‑car displays. That expands how and where you can use the service—if your location supports it.
In theory, that flexibility is a strong selling point for the new $30 Ultimate.
Competing with PlayStation: Twice the Price, Double the Pressure
The $360/year cost (calculated from $30 × 12) makes Game Pass Ultimate more than twice as expensive as PlayStation Plus Premium, which is currently about $160 annually.
When you compare xbox pass new games, day-one inclusions, and streaming options, Microsoft still has strong content. But cost-conscious gamers may see better value in PlayStation’s offering.
In a world where you need Xbox Game Pass to play online is itself a question, the higher cost gives players more incentive to shop alternatives.
Microsoft’s Vision: From Consoles to Cloud and Mobile
Microsoft seems less focused on hardware and more invested in a service‑driven future. With Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and PC integration, the console is just one piece of the ecosystem.
Some critics argue that Xbox is straying too far from its roots, alienating fans by trying to monetize everything. Others note Microsoft is licensing its games, pushing cross‑platform availability, and leaning on cloud and Azure infrastructure.
The question: in doing so, is Microsoft losing the trust of the very fans it needs to keep?
Fan Reactions and Subscription Fatigue
Overloaded Cancellation Page
When Microsoft rolled out the price hike, the cancellation page reportedly crashed under loads of traffic. That kind of reaction shows how many people are considering opting out.
Alienation & Backlash
Xbox is reportedly alienating longtime users in its pursuit of new subscribers and revenue. Many fans feel pushed aside. Some say the brand that once stood for innovation now seems driven by short-term monetization.
Online forums are filled with users rethinking their Game Pass Xbox investment and debating whether to renew.
Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who plays a wide variety of Game Pass games, enjoys cloud streaming, and uses perks like Fortnite Crew or Ubisoft, Game Pass Ultimate might still be worth it for you—even at $30/month.
However, for casual players or those who only use a few features, the increased Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price could feel like overkill. In that case, stacking prepaid codes (while still available) is a smart way to save money and extend your membership at the older rate.
Ultimately, Xbox is clearly betting big on cloud, services, and multiplatform access. Whether that gamble pays off—or drives loyal fans away—depends on how well Microsoft listens going forward.
FAQs
How much will Game Pass Ultimate cost?
As of October 2025, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price is $30 per month. Microsoft increased it from $20, marking a significant 50% hike in just over a year.
How much is the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
The current monthly cost is $30 in the U.S., which totals $360 annually if you pay month to month. However, stacking prepaid codes can still help some users lock in older rates temporarily.
What does Xbox Game Pass Ultimate include?
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gives subscribers access to over 400 games across console, PC, and cloud. It includes day-one releases of major titles, Ubisoft+ integration (valued at $16 per month), Fortnite Crew perks (valued at $12 per month), Xbox Cloud Gaming support across multiple devices, and an EA Play membership.
Is there a 12-month Game Pass Ultimate plan?
Currently, Microsoft no longer offers a 12-month Ultimate plan directly. Subscriptions are month-to-month at $30. However, some retailers sell prepaid 3-month codes, which users can stack to extend their subscription at the previous lower price.
