Gaming in 2024 has been full of exciting moments, like amazing exclusive titles and new ways to play using the cloud. But there was also some not-so-great news: Microsoft announced an increase in the cost of Xbox Game Pass. Since Game Pass is one of the most popular gaming services, it’s important to understand what this change means for players. 
What Is Microsoft Xbox Game Pass?
Before we talk money, let’s go over the basics.
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service from Microsoft that gives players access to over 100 games. These include brand-new titles released on the first day (called “day-one releases”) from Xbox Game Studios. You can play on a console, Windows PC, or even the cloud if you have the right plan.
Here are the main versions of Game Pass:
- Game Pass for Console — For Xbox console players only.
- Game Pass for PC — For players who game on a computer.
- Game Pass Ultimate — Combines both Console and PC plans and adds Cloud Gaming and Xbox Live Gold (for online multiplayer).
Players love Game Pass because it gives you a ton of games to play for one monthly fee. But now, that price is going up.
The Xbox Game Pass Price Increase: What You Need to Know
In 2024, Microsoft started charging more for all Game Pass plans. Here’s a table showing the changes:
| Plan | Old Price (USD) | New Price (USD)
|
| Game Pass Console | $9.99/month | $11.99/month |
| Game Pass PC | $9.99/month | $11.99/month |
| Game Pass Ultimate | $14.99/month | $17.99/month |
At first, a couple of dollars might not seem like a lot. But for gamers who use Game Pass every month, it adds up over time.
Why Did Microsoft Increase the Price? Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass
Microsoft didn’t raise prices just for fun. Here are a few reasons why these plans now cost more:
- 🎮 Better games: Microsoft continues adding top AAA games like Starfield and Call of Duty on day one.
- 💰 Games are more expensive than ever to make — and that cost gets passed to players.
- ☁️ Cloud gaming support needs powerful tech, which costs a lot to run.
- 🤝 Microsoft is working with more studios and partners — those deals aren’t cheap.
Microsoft also bought big gaming companies like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. That means more games — but also more money spent behind the scenes.
What the Price Hike Means for Gamers
How does this affect you?Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass
- ✅ You’re still getting great value with access to tons of games, especially brand-new ones.
- ⛔ If you’re on a tight budget, the price increase might be hard to handle.
- 🤝 Game Pass Ultimate remains a great option for players who use cloud gaming or play on multiple devices.
- 🎯 It pushes Microsoft toward offering even more content to stay ahead of PlayStation Plus, GeForce NOW, and others.
Short version: If you use it often, Game Pass still has strong value. But you may need to think more carefully if you’re a casual player.
Is Game Pass Still Worth It in 2024?
Whether it’s still worth paying for Game Pass depends on how often you play and which tier you choose.
Game Pass for Console & PCXbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass
👍 Pros:
- Full access to hundreds of console or PC games
- First-party Xbox games on release day
- Special deals and discounts for games in the library
👎 Cons:
- Fewer perks than Ultimate
- Monthly cost starting to approach just buying a few games a year
Who it’s for: Regular players who don’t need all the extra features.
Game Pass Ultimate
👍 Pros:
- All-in-one: console, PC, and the cloud
- Xbox Live Gold included for online play
- Play games on your phone or tablet through the cloud
- Huge list of AAA games and cross-platform titles
👎 Cons:
- Almost $18 per month can feel expensive if you don’t use its full offerings
- Fewer smaller or indie games than in the early Game Pass days
Bottom line: Ultimate is still a power-packed subscription, but best for full-time gamers or families who share.
The Bigger Picture: Where Xbox Is Going
Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass price increase shows more than just higher bills. It reflects Xbox’s big-picture goals for the future:
- 🎮 Subscriptions are the heart of Microsoft’s gaming strategy going forward.
- 🌍 Microsoft is building up its cloud platform, so you can play anywhere.
- 🕹 Xbox is less about the console and more about a full gaming lifestyle.
- 📺 Don’t be surprised if Xbox ends up working with media platforms like Netflix in the future.
In short: Xbox wants to be everywhere, on every screen — and Game Pass is how it plans to get there.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Xbox Game Pass in 2024
Want to save money or get more out of your Game Pass plan? Try these simple tips:
- 💸 Watch for deals on 3-month or 6-month Game Pass cards at stores or online.
- 🛑 Turn off auto-renew in your settings if you’re not playing regularly.
- 🏆 Complete Game Pass quests and use Microsoft Rewards — you can earn free Game Pass time!
- 📱 Play on your phone, tablet, low-end PC, or TV using cloud streaming with the Ultimate plan.
- 👨👩👧 Share your account features with family members using Xbox’s home-sharing rules.
How Gamers Are Reacting to the Price Increase
Reactions are mixed across the gaming world:
👎 “Too expensive — especially with other bills going up.”
👍 “I would’ve spent more just buying Starfield and Call of Duty separately, so it’s still a deal.”
🤔 “Maybe Xbox will make a cheaper plan with ads, like Netflix did.”
People understand prices are going up, but many are watching closely to see if the value keeps up with the cost.
Wrapping It Up: Microsoft Xbox and the Future of Gaming Subscription Models
The Xbox Game Pass price increase in 2024 shows how gaming is changing. Microsoft is moving away from selling discs or downloads — and toward an all-in-one service that works across all your devices.
Here’s What You Need to Remember:
- Yes, prices are higher — but so is the quality and quantity of games.
- For gamers who play often or across different devices, Game Pass is still worth it.
- More casual gamers may want to check how often they’re using their plan.
- New plans or lower-cost versions may appear in the future to suit different needs.
The takeaway? Microsoft is all-in on making Game Pass the future of Xbox. And for a lot of gamers, that future still looks pretty good — just a little more expensive than before.
🎮 Whether you’re on Ultimate, Console, or PC, Xbox Game Pass still gives you tons of gaming for your money.
Need help finding what to play next or want the latest breakdown of top titles? Stick with us for updates on Xbox exclusives, cloud gaming tips, and honest reviews of all your favorite services!
👇 Tell us in the comments: Are you sticking with Game Pass after the price hike? Let’s talk!