Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will see another price hike starting September 12, 2024, raising its monthly cost to $19.99 in the U.S., up from $16.99. The PC Game Pass will also increase to $11.99/month from $9.99/month, and Xbox Game Pass Core will rise annually from $59.99 to $74.99. The monthly rate for Core will stay at $9.99. These pricing changes affect all markets globally, with details for different regions expected soon. Xbox confirmed these adjustments and will no longer accept new users for Xbox Game Pass for Console, directing them to a new "Standard" tier priced at $14.99/month.

Why is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate increasing in price again?

The price increase allows Xbox to incorporate new features and games, including future Call of Duty titles, and to sustain service quality amidst recent operational changes, such as studio closures and layoffs.

The Xbox Game Pass service, launched in June 2017, has been a game-changer by offering a subscription-based model, granting access to a large library of games across various genres and platforms. Over the years, its popularity surged due to the value it provides, including access to day-one releases and cloud gaming capabilities.