Microsoft has just made a bold (and controversial) move — effective October 1, 2025, the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will jump from US $19.99 to US $29.99 per month, a full 50 % increase.As part of a sweeping overhaul, Microsoft is also rebranding and reshaping its lower tiers, adding new benefits, and attempting to justify the steep hike with added features.
In this article, we’ll break down what’s changing, whether it’s a fair ask, and how Microsoft’s new price compares with Sony’s PlayStation Plus offerings.
What’s Changing in Game Pass
New Tier Structure & Renaming
- Xbox Game Pass Core is now Essential
- Xbox Game Pass Standard becomes Premium
- Ultimate remains Ultimate, but gets the biggest overhaul and price jump
- Prices for Essential and Premium remain $9.99 and $14.99 respectively
- PC Game Pass also rises from $11.99 to $16.49
What Ultimate Now Includes
To soften the blow of the price hike, Microsoft is bundling in more perks and content:
- Over 75 “day-one” releases per year (a big increase)
- Ubisoft+ Classics library included
- Fortnite Crew membership bundled in
- Upgraded cloud gaming streaming (1440p support, higher bitrates)
- Expanded rewards system with up to $100 in perks per year
Microsoft’s pitch is simple: “you’re not just paying more; you’re getting more.” Public reaction, however, has already been mixed.
The Fallout: Benefits vs. Backlash
Arguments in Favor
- Value when fully used – Heavy players who dive into day-one games, cloud gaming, and perks may still get more than their money’s worth.
- Stronger content portfolio – Ubisoft+ and more frequent new releases widen the appeal.
- No hikes on lower tiers – Essential and Premium stay affordable, making them good entry points.
Criticism & Risks
- Sticker shock – A 50% increase is hard to swallow, especially for long-time subscribers.
- Not worth it for light users – Casual players may not benefit from all the added perks.
- Subscription fatigue – With rising costs across streaming and gaming, many may choose to buy games outright instead.
How It Compares With PS Plus
Sony’s PlayStation Plus looks increasingly competitive after Microsoft’s hike.
PS Plus Pricing & Tiers
- Essential: $9.99 / month
- Extra: $14.99 / month
- Premium: $17.99 / month
That makes PS Plus Premium a full $12 cheaper per month than Game Pass Ultimate.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | PS Plus Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Day-one first-party | Yes, including Microsoft & Activision | Rare, Sony rarely includes day-one AAA games |
| Library size & variety | 400+ games, plus Ubisoft+ Classics | Large back catalog, classics, fewer day-one releases |
| Cloud gaming | Full-featured, upgraded streaming | Cloud streaming included, but less robust |
| Perks & bundles | Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, rewards | Occasional trials and classics |
| Price | $29.99 per month | $17.99 per month |
Because of the price hike, many are calling PS Plus the “better deal,” especially for players who don’t care about day-one access. For those who want instant access to new releases and stronger cloud features, Game Pass remains appealing — but at a much higher cost.
Conclusion: Ambitious Move or Overreach?
Microsoft’s decision to raise the Game Pass Ultimate price by 50% is audacious. It underscores the company’s belief that subscriptions are the future of gaming — and that players will pay for convenience, breadth, and bundled perks.
For power users, the new $29.99 tier may still deliver strong value. For casual players, though, the increase feels harder to justify. With PS Plus now looking like a more budget-friendly option, Microsoft risks losing subscribers unwilling to pay the premium.
One thing is clear: the subscription wars just escalated.