Microsoft lowers the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, but with consequences

Microsoft Gaming has announced that the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will be significantly reduced. The move comes from new CEO Asha Sharma in an effort to improve the value of the service. While many gamers will welcome the price cut, it also brings important changes, especially for fans of the popular Call of Duty franchise.

Changes to the pricing structure

Starting on 21 April 2026, the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will be lowered from $29.99 per month to $22.99 per month. At the same time, PC Game Pass subscribers will also see a price drop, with the monthly cost falling from $16.49 to $13.99. These changes take effect immediately and are intended to make the service more accessible to subscribers.

Impact on Call of Duty releases

One of the most significant consequences of this price cut is that new Call of Duty games will no longer arrive on Game Pass as day-one releases. Instead, these titles will be added to the service during the following holiday season, roughly a year after their initial release. That means subscribers will not get immediate access to the latest games in the franchise, which will be disappointing for some players. However, existing Call of Duty games will remain available on Game Pass without any changes.

Microsoft’s response

Microsoft says these adjustments are based on player feedback. Sharma previously reflected on Game Pass pricing and said the subscription had become too expensive for many users. This marks a shift in Xbox’s strategy, especially after criticism over the major price increases introduced last year.

With these changes, Microsoft hopes to strike a balance between offering competitive pricing and maintaining attractive content for subscribers. While the price cut is being welcomed, the impact on major franchises like Call of Duty remains a point of discussion among gamers. Microsoft appears determined to keep improving its subscription services and responding to player needs, while also diversifying and expanding its game lineup.