Xbox Game Pass price increase has sparked outrage among gamers after Microsoft confirmed that its most popular subscription tier would rise by more than 50%.
The Ultimate plan, which previously cost $19.99 per month in the U.S., now stands at $29.99, while the UK price has jumped from £14.99 to £22.992.
The move, announced this week, has triggered widespread backlash on social media, with many players canceling their subscriptions and voicing frustration over the steep hike.
Xbox Game Pass Price Increase Details
According to Microsoft, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier now costs $29.99 per month, translating to nearly $360 annually. That’s an extra $120 a year compared to the old price, enough to buy two brand‑new AAA titles at retail. Meanwhile, PC Game Pass has risen from $11.99 to $16.49 in the U.S., and from £9.99 to £13.49 in the UK.
The company insists the higher price reflects added value, including access to Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, and more than 75 day‑one releases annually. Microsoft also highlighted that subscribers now have access to over 400 games, with blockbuster additions such as Hogwarts Legacy, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, and Diablo IV.
We will continue to sell Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $19.99/month in-store and online. pic.twitter.com/EAPGaud7cY
— GameStop (@gamestop) October 1, 2025
Player Backlash Over Xbox Game Pass Price Hike
Despite the expanded library, many players see the Xbox Game Pass price increase as excessive. Social media platforms were flooded with complaints, and some users reported that the cancellation page briefly crashed due to high demand.
Ed Nightingale, deputy news editor at Eurogamer, told BBC Newsbeat that while subscriptions remain cheaper than buying individual games, the sudden jump feels “anti‑consumer.” He added, “Over the course of a year, it’s really expensive. They want to be the favorites of gamers, but this feels like Microsoft is shooting itself in the foot.”
Industry Context and Comparisons
The timing of the Xbox Game Pass price increase comes as gaming costs rise across the industry. Sony recently raised prices for certain PlayStation Plus tiers, while Nintendo has faced criticism for charging more for flagship Switch 2 titles. Analysts note that Microsoft’s strategy is to consolidate its ecosystem and compete aggressively with rivals by bundling premium content, even if it risks alienating casual players.
Notably, the new Ultimate tier now costs more than PlayStation Plus Premium, which is priced at $159.99 annually, compared to Xbox’s $359.88 yearly cost. This sharp contrast has fueled debates about long‑term affordability and whether Game Pass can still be considered “the best deal in gaming.”