Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price Hike: Is It Time to Re-evaluate Your Subscription?

Gamers, gather 'round. We've got some news that might make your controllers clatter a little louder than usual: Microsoft has officially raised the prices for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. While the news might sting a bit, especially for those of us who've grown accustomed to the incredible value these services offer, it's a reality check for many.

The question now isn't just about playing games, but about whether the new price point still aligns with your gaming budget and needs.

Effective July 6, 2023, the monthly subscription for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate increased from $14.99 to $16.99. Similarly, PC Game Pass saw its price jump from $9.99 to $11.99 per month.

Good news for console-only players, though: the standard Xbox Game Pass for Console will thankfully retain its current price of $10.99 per month. It's a noticeable bump for Ultimate and PC subscribers, and it’s completely understandable if you're now wondering whether to stick with your current plan or explore alternatives.

Microsoft, like many companies, attributes these increases to various factors, including the evolving economic landscape and the ongoing commitment to deliver a robust and expanding library of games.

They aim to ensure the service continues to offer exceptional value, bringing a steady stream of new titles, day-one releases, and essential benefits like EA Play, cloud gaming, and exclusive member discounts. While the reasoning makes sense from a business perspective, for the end-user, it often boils down to a simple question: "Is it still worth it for me?"

If the new price point is pushing your budget too far, or if you simply feel you're not getting enough value to justify the increased cost, don't fret.

You have options! Here’s a straightforward guide on how to manage your Xbox Game Pass subscription, whether you want to cancel outright or consider a downgrade.

How to Cancel Your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (or PC Game Pass) Subscription:

The process is quite simple and can be done right from your Xbox console or through a web browser:

• On Your Xbox Console: Go to 'Settings' > 'Account' > 'Subscriptions'.

  Select your Game Pass subscription, then choose 'Turn off auto-renew' or 'Cancel subscription'. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your decision.

• Via Web Browser: Visit account.microsoft.com/services. Log in with your Microsoft account credentials. Find your Xbox Game Pass subscription in the list, then click 'Manage'.

  From there, you should see options to 'Turn off recurring billing' or 'Cancel subscription'. You'll be guided through a few steps to finalize the cancellation.

Remember, turning off recurring billing means your subscription won't renew after your current billing cycle ends, allowing you to enjoy the service until that date without further charges.

Considering a Downgrade?

If a full cancellation feels too drastic, but the Ultimate price is too high, consider downgrading.

The most obvious alternative is Game Pass Core (which replaced Xbox Live Gold) or, if you only play on console and don't need cloud gaming or PC access, simply the standard Game Pass for Console (if still available as a separate option/downgrade path). These tiers offer a more streamlined experience at a lower cost.

• Switching to Game Pass Core: This tier focuses on online console multiplayer, a smaller curated library of games, and member deals.

  To switch, you would typically cancel your current Ultimate subscription first, then subscribe to Game Pass Core separately once your Ultimate subscription expires.

• Game Pass for Console (if applicable): If you strictly play on console and don't leverage the PC or cloud benefits of Ultimate, and if a standalone Game Pass for Console is offered as a distinct option in your region, this could be a more affordable choice.

  Again, the process would involve cancelling Ultimate and then subscribing to the console-only plan.

Before making any changes, take a moment to assess your gaming habits. Do you heavily use cloud streaming, PC access, or the EA Play library included with Ultimate? If not, a downgrade could save you money without significantly impacting your core gaming experience.

Regardless of your decision, understanding your options ensures you remain in control of your gaming subscription and your wallet.