Microsoft revamps Xbox Game Pass plans offering more but with a price jump

Ahead of the launch of their XBox ROG ALLY handhelds later this month, Microsoft have announced changes to their Game Pass subscription service, introducing new tiers and rewards – as well as a new higher tier streaming option for xCloud.

The new Game Pass will feature three tiers, Essential, Premium and Ultimate, with all tiers able to access games on PC, Console and Cloud, though there’s also a separate PC GamePass option for PC gamers.

Microsoft says that Game Pass members will automatically be moved to the new tiers, with Game Pass Core members moving to the Essential tier, users on Game Pass Standard will move to the Premium Tier, while Ultimate members will remain on their Ultimate tier.

Game Pass Essential will include access to more than 50 games playable on PC and console, as well as cloud gaming, in-game benefits, multiplayer on-line games and up to $25 a year in store credit.

GamePass Premium will include all the above, but jumps to over 200 games available and $50 of store credit – as well as access to newly published Xbox games within a year of launch.

GamePass Ultimate will have access to all of the above, but jumping to $100 Xbox credit, and access to over 400 games and over 75 day one game launches a year, including games published under the Xbox banner.

Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will also get a VERY cool bump to the streaming quality, with Microsoft offer 1440p quality video for streamed games – up from 720p.

You will need to have an internet connection capable of supporting that, but if you do, good times!

There IS a price hike to go along with these new feautres and tiers.

• GamePass PC-only: $19.45/m – was $13.95/m

• GamePass Essential: $12.95/m – was $10.95/m
• GamePass Premium: $17.95/m – was $15.95/m
• GamePass Ultimate: $35.95/m – was $22.95/m

The new tiers are available now. You can check the plans out, and move your own through the Game Pass website.