In a time where expenses are escalating, it’s hardly surprising when subscription services raise their fees. Nevertheless, we continue to experience disbelief and dissatisfaction each time this happens. The most recent service to adopt this trend is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Microsoft revealed this in a press announcement on Oct. 1, just ahead of the upcoming price hike for Xbox consoles as well. It’s a tough period for gamers.
**Updated Xbox Game Pass tiers and pricing**
Xbox Game Pass is receiving a thorough revamp, bringing forth new features and pricing adjustments. Game Pass Core and Game Pass Standard have been renamed to Game Pass Essential and Game Pass Premium. These new levels will maintain costs of $9.99 for Essential and $14.99 for Premium, providing access to over 50 and more than 200 curated Xbox, PC, and cloud games, respectively.
The most noteworthy alteration involves Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which was once labelled as the premier deal in gaming. Effective immediately for newcomers and starting Nov. 4 for existing subscribers, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will increase to $29.99 monthly, marking a 50% rise from the former $19.99 monthly rate, resulting in an additional $120 annually. If you have pre-purchased several months of Ultimate, the updated price won’t take effect until your prepaid duration expires.
Nonetheless, not all news is grim. To offset the price hike, Microsoft is granting Ultimate subscribers additional benefits. These offerings consist of 75 day-one game releases each year (approximately 50% more than last year), access to Ubisoft Plus Classics (regularly around $16 per month) and Fortnite Crew (regularly $11.99 monthly), as well as unlimited cloud gaming access and the ability to Stream Your Own Game.
**How to circumvent the Game Pass Ultimate price increase**
Looking to maintain Game Pass Ultimate while cutting costs? Here’s a suggestion: stock up on digital codes from Amazon. As of Oct. 1, the pricing for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate digital codes at Amazon remains unchanged. You can still acquire a one-month code for $19.99 — effectively giving you a $10 discount — or secure three months for $59.99. You can add up to 12 codes to your account, potentially achieving 36 months of Game Pass Ultimate at the older price by opting for 12 three-month digital codes.
I’m not advocating that you spend $719.88 on a three-year gaming membership, but if you intend to subscribe for the long haul, stacking these codes is your optimal strategy for saving money. You don’t have to commit to 36 months. Opting for just four three-month codes can grant you a complete year of Ultimate for $239.96, in contrast to the $359.88 you’d otherwise pay after the price increase.
**How to terminate Xbox Game Pass Ultimate**
If the recent price increase has pushed you to your limit, we understand. All good things must conclude. Should you decide to cancel your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, you can do this on the web or via a console. You certainly won’t be alone in making this choice.
To cancel using a web browser:
1. Navigate to Subscriptions and log in with the Microsoft account linked to your subscription purchase.
2. Locate your subscription and click on Manage. (If you see Turn on recurring billing instead of a Manage link, your subscription is already scheduled to expire on the indicated date, and you won’t incur charges after this date. You can continue to utilize the benefits until it expires.)
3. Click on Cancel subscription and follow the prompts. If applicable, you might be asked to initiate a refund for your subscription.
To cancel on a console:
1. Press the Xbox button to access the guide.
2. Proceed to Profile & system > Settings > Account > Subscriptions.
3. Select the subscription you wish to manage, click on Cancel subscription, and follow the steps to finalize the cancellation. If eligible, you may be prompted to initiate a refund for your subscription.