What Is Xbox Game Pass?
Here’s what’s included in the four Xbox Game Pass subscription plans.
Posted a month ago
From PlayStation Plus to Nintendo Switch Online, there are multiple subscription services available to gamers. Today, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Xbox Game Pass.
What is Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass is Xbox’s optional subscription service that gives subscribers access to online multiplayer features, member deals and discounts, and more.
As of this writing, there are four Xbox Game Pass subscriptions to choose from.
What do you get in the Xbox Game Pass Core subscription?
- Xbox Game Pass Core subscribers can play games online with other real people.
- Subscribers receive access to a curated catalog of 25+ games, which they can play on their Xbox console at no additional cost as long as their subscription is active.
- Subscribers receive access to member deals and discounts on Xbox content.
Xbox Game Pass Core is a relatively new subscription plan. It was introduced as a replacement for Xbox Live Gold.
What do you get in the Xbox Game Pass Standard subscription?
- Xbox Game Pass Standard subscribers receive everything included in the Core subscription. However, instead of being limited to a catalog of 25+ games, they have access to hundreds of games they can play on their Xbox console at no additional cost so long as their subscription is active.
What do you get in the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription?
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers receive everything included in the Standard subscription.
- In addition to being able to play games in the Game Pass catalog on an Xbox console, subscribers can also play these games on PC and through cloud streaming.
- Subscribers receive access to select new games on the day they launch.
- Subscribers receive an EA Play membership at no additional cost.
- Subscribers receive access to exclusive “perks” and offers that aren’t available with the other plans.
What do you get in the Xbox Game Pass PC subscription?
- Xbox Game Pass PC subscribers can play hundreds of games in the Game Pass catalog on PC as long as their subscription is active.
- Subscribers receive access to select new games on the day they launch.
- Subscribers receive access to member deals and discounts on Xbox content.
- Subscribers receive an EA Play membership at no additional cost.
How much does Xbox Game Pass cost?
Here are the current prices for each Xbox Game Pass plan in the United States:
- Xbox Game Pass Core: $9.99 per month
- Xbox Game Pass Standard: $14.99 per month
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: $19.99 per month
- Xbox Game Pass PC: $11.99 per month
As of this writing, new subscribers will receive their first 14 days of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC plans for $1.
Am I required to purchase Xbox Game Pass?
The answer will depend on how you play games on your Xbox console. If you want to access online multiplayer features in Xbox games, then yes, you will need to purchase at least the Xbox Game Pass Core subscription plan. However, if you don’t play games online or don’t care about the other benefits included in the Xbox Game Pass plans, you aren’t required to subscribe.
Is Xbox Game Pass worth it?
The Xbox Game Pass Core plan is worth it if you want to play Xbox games online, since a subscription is required to do so.
The Xbox Game Pass Standard plan is worth it if you want to catch up on many older, but still high quality games without purchasing them individually.
The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan is worth it if you want to play new Xbox games on the day they’re released without purchasing them individually.
The Xbox Game Pass PC plan is worth it if you don’t play games on Xbox, but still want to access the plan’s benefits on your PC.