Microsoft announced today that it will be increasing the price of Xbox Game Pass in August. The price of the Xbox Series X will increase from $499 to $549 The price of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan will increase from $14.99 per month to $15.99 per month, while the price of the Xbox Game Pass for Console plan will increase from $9.99 per month to $10.99 per month. The price of the Xbox Game Pass for PC plan will remain unchanged at $9.99 per month.
“We've held on our prices for consoles for many years and have adjusted the prices to reflect the competitive conditions in each market,” says Kari Perez, head of communications for Xbox, in a statement to The Verge.
The price increase will go into effect on August 1, 2023. Microsoft says that the price increase is necessary to “continue investing in the best gaming experiences possible.” The company also says that it will be adding new features and benefits to Xbox Game Pass in the coming months, including “day one access to new games,” “expanded cloud gaming support,” and “more exclusive content.”
The price increase has been met with some criticism from gamers, who argue that it is too soon after the launch of the Xbox Series X and Series S. However, Microsoft has defended the price increase, saying that it is necessary to “ensure that Xbox Game Pass remains the best value in gaming.”
How the New Pricing Will Affect You
The price increase will affect all new and existing subscribers to Xbox Game Pass. Subscribers who are currently on a monthly plan will be automatically switched to the new pricing when their current subscription renews. Subscribers who are currently on an annual plan will not see their prices increase until their current subscription expires.
Xbox Game Pass has been a major success for Microsoft and underpins the company's gaming plans. Microsoft has said that it will be offering a one-month grace period for subscribers who want to cancel their subscriptions before the price increase takes effect. Subscribers who cancel their subscriptions during the grace period will not be charged the increased price.
