Microsoft overhauls Xbox Game Pass with three tiers and price rise

Microsoft announced Wednesday a major overhaul of its Xbox Game Pass subscription, renaming tiers, raising the price of the top plan and expanding cloud streaming and game libraries across platforms. Under the rework, Game Pass will move to three tiers — Essential at $9.99 per month, Premium at $14.99 and Ultimate at $29.99, up from $19.99 — with cloud gaming, PC and console playability included at all levels.

The company said the changes accompany a substantial expansion of available titles and in-game benefits. Microsoft said Ultimate subscribers will receive access to more than 75 day-one releases per year, enhanced cloud streaming with improved quality and shorter wait times, and bundled offerings such as Fortnite Crew and the Ubisoft Classics collection. Microsoft also said Rewards with Xbox will remain available and that current subscribers will be moved automatically to the equivalent new tiers: Core to Essential, Standard to Premium and existing Ultimate members will remain in Ultimate.

Microsoft is adding dozens of games to Game Pass immediately, including Hogwarts Legacy and Diablo IV, and listed upcoming day-one titles such as Call of Duty Black Ops 7, High on Life 2,...