Xbox Game Pass price hike to $29.99 sparks cancellations, site slowdowns, and a major tier reshuffle
Microsoft’s October 1, 2025 update to Xbox Game Pass set off a firestorm after the company raised the Ultimate plan by 50%, jumping from $19.99 to $29.99 per month. The announcement sent a wave of subscribers to the cancellation page, which quickly buckled under the traffic. Many users reported error messages and were told to contact customer service; others said repeated attempts eventually went through. For some, the page took more than 30 minutes to load, though stability improved by late afternoon and cancellations began processing normally.
Alongside the price change, Microsoft rebranded and restructured its tiers with a message of offering “more flexibility, choice and value,” while also expanding the Game Pass library.
What’s changing with Xbox Game Pass
– Essential: Formerly Core. Stays at $9.99 per month with access to select games and cloud streaming. Members also receive $25 per year in Microsoft Rewards points.
– Premium: Formerly Standard. Increases from $11.99 to $14.99 per month and now includes access to PC games in addition to console titles. Members receive $50 per year in Microsoft Rewards points.
– Ultimate: Top tier remains the flagship, now $29.99 per month. Members receive $100 per year in Microsoft Rewards points.
Content additions and PC pricing
– Library expansion: Microsoft says 95 more games have been added, including 14 Assassin’s Creed titles through Ubisoft+ Classics, strengthening the catalog for both new and existing subscribers.
– PC Game Pass: In select regions, pricing rises by roughly 40% to 80%, landing at $16.49 per month without add-ons.
Why it’s happening and what’s next
The shift comes as Microsoft appears to lean harder into subscriptions amid weakening console hardware sales. Major retailers such as Walmart and Best Buy are reportedly scaling back console stock, and Costco has confirmed it will no longer sell Xbox hardware in the U.S. and U.K. While Microsoft has described Game Pass as “profitable,” generating about $5 billion in revenue last fiscal year, that figure does not account for game development costs. The months ahead will determine whether higher prices and new tiers deliver higher per-user revenue or trigger a meaningful subscriber drop-off.
What subscribers should know right now
– Expect higher monthly costs if you stay on Ultimate and potentially on PC Game Pass depending on your region.
– If you plan to cancel or switch tiers, be prepared for occasional slowdowns. Many users succeeded after repeated attempts once traffic eased.
– Evaluate the new benefits, particularly the expanded library and annual Microsoft Rewards points, to decide if Essential, Premium, or Ultimate fits your budget and play style.
Bottom line: A dramatic price bump, a rebranded lineup, and a larger library have reshaped Xbox Game Pass overnight. Whether these changes translate into better value or push gamers away will become clear as renewal cycles hit and the holiday season approaches.
