Game Pass Prices Are Shifting: What You Need To Know Now!

Get ready, gamers! Xbox has announced significant price adjustments for its popular Game Pass subscription service, along with the Xbox Series X console in many global markets. While the changes aren't universal, many players will soon see an increase in their monthly gaming budget.

Starting July 6, new subscribers in most markets will encounter the updated pricing for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Game Pass Ultimate, the premium tier offering both console and PC games plus EA Play and Xbox Live Gold, will see its price rise from $14.99 to $16.99 per month. Meanwhile, PC Game Pass will increase from $9.99 to $11.99 monthly. Console Game Pass, for those solely playing on Xbox consoles, is also climbing from $9.99 to $10.99 per month.

However, not everyone is affected equally.

Players in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa can breathe a sigh of relief as Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass prices will remain unchanged in these regions. Similarly, Console Game Pass will maintain its current pricing in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and South Africa. Japan's PC Game Pass also stands firm at its existing price point, offering a consistent experience for its users.

For existing Game Pass subscribers, there's a slight grace period.

You won't see these price changes reflected on your bill until August 13, or your next billing date occurring on or after that specific date. For those on annual subscriptions, your current price is locked in until your next renewal, giving you more time to prepare for the adjustment.

These subscription hikes aren't the only changes in Xbox's pricing strategy.

The Xbox Series X console itself is also set to see a price increase in a majority of markets. The notable exceptions where the console's price will hold steady include the United States, Japan, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, and South Africa. This follows a similar trend seen last August with the price increase of the Xbox 360, signaling a broader strategy by Microsoft to adjust to market conditions.

In essence, if you're a Game Pass subscriber outside of the few exempted regions, prepare to see a slight uptick in your monthly or annual costs.

Keep an eye on your billing cycle and adjust your gaming budget accordingly!