Microsoft's Gaming Subscription Members Can Still Get New Game Launches for Less Than $30 Per Month
Following Microsoft's recent announcement of a major overhaul of its Game Pass tiers, Xbox has explained what these changes mean for players who still have an Xbox Game Pass for Console active. According to Xbox, anyone who presently maintains a legacy Console subscription with recurring payments turned on will remain unaffected by the updated cost adjustments.
Latest Updates to Game Pass Subscription Plans
Just a few days ago, Xbox revealed that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will now cost $29.99 per month, a controversial move among members. This change accompanies two renamed options—Premium and Essential—which alter the service's offerings and exclude day-one game releases. This shift came after another adjustment in last year, which phased out the Console plan in exchange for Core and Standard tiers. At that time, Xbox permitted existing Console subscribers to keep their membership at the unchanged price of $11 per month with full benefits, including the ability to play day-one releases.
“Players who are currently enrolled in Xbox Game Pass for Console and have recurring billing activated can continue their membership,” an Xbox spokesperson explained. “If users disable recurring payments, or their membership expires, they will have to choose between Essential, Premium, Ultimate or PC Game Pass plans when resubscribing.”
Perks and Pricing Remain Unchanged
Benefits and monthly fee of the Console plan will not be changing, according to Xbox: “Day one games are accessible with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass plans, as well as for members who still have an active Game Pass for Console. Gamers who are currently subscribed to Xbox Game Pass for Console and have automatic payment renewal enabled can continue their subscription at $10.99 per month.”
When asked, an Xbox spokesperson declined to specify for what duration legacy Console subscriptions will remain active for existing members.
Steps to Check If You Are On a Console Plan
- Go to the official Game Pass page and log in with your Microsoft account.
- Click your username in the upper-right section of the page once logged in.
- Choose “My Microsoft Account.”
- If you see “Console subscription” shown as an active subscription, you will continue to get day-one games for $11 a month as long as automatic billing are turned on.
Make sure to check if you still have this golden ticket before ending your membership, as you won’t be able to rejoin the plan once you cancel.
