Xbox Game Pass Prices Surge, Tiered Access Sparks Backlash
REDMOND, WA – October 2, 2025 – Microsoft announced today meaningful price increases for its Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, sparking immediate criticism from gamers concerned about accessibility and the future of the service. The standard Xbox Game Pass subscription will rise from its current price to €26.99 per month, while PC Game Pass Ultimate will increase from €11.99 to €14.99 monthly.
The price hikes represent a shift in Microsoft’s game Pass strategy, effectively creating a tiered system where full access to new releases is increasingly reserved for the most expensive subscription tier. While premium and essential formulas will continue to benefit from an extended catalogue and cloud gaming, the core promise of “everything, immediately” is now largely limited to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
Microsoft’s move positions Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at a premium price point, exceeding competitors like PlayStation Plus (€16.99/month, which does not guarantee “Day One” releases) and Nintendo Switch Online (€19.99/year standard, €39.99/year additional pack).
The announcement has already triggered calls for a boycott on social media, with many expressing concerns that the price increase undermines Xbox’s previously touted commitment to accessibility in gaming. Critics argue that locking core features behind a higher price point contradicts messaging around inclusivity and could damage trust in the Xbox brand.
