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- Xbox Game Pass ($10/month) is a subscription game service available on Xbox consoles and PC.
- The library contains over 100 downloadable games, including brand new Xbox Studios releases.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($15/month) members can also stream games to their phones and other devices.
Since its introduction in 2017, Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass has steadily grown into a Netflix-like subscription service that allows players to download or stream over 100 games. By early 2022, the service will have 25 million subscribers and is on track to generate $4 billion in revenue this year.
For $10 a month, Game Pass members get access to a library of downloadable games on Xbox or PC. For $15 a month, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can stream games directly to their phones, eliminating the need for an expensive console.
Microsoft continues to invest in the platform by letting Game Pass subscribers play the latest Xbox exclusives as soon as they are released. The company also partners with popular publishers such as Electronic Arts and funds indie developers who agree to launch their games on Game Pass. Its same-day releases and sprawling library have made Game Pass a trendsetter for game subscriptions, helping companies like Sony adapt to competing platforms like PlayStation Plus Premium.
To get you started with the service, we’ve laid out how Game Pass works, how much each of the subscriptions costs, and how it compares to Xbox Live Gold.
What is Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that gives members access to a large library of games on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, or both. The service offers a mix of classic titles dating back to the original Xbox, along with new releases. Games rotate in and out of the library regularly.
New first-party games from Microsoft – such as Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and the Gears of War franchise – will be available with Game Pass the same day they’re released into stories. A handful of popular indie titles and online multiplayer games, such as Back 4 Blood and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, have also launched on Game Pass.
Game Pass PC members also get access to EA Play, which features a slightly different list of downloadable games and trials from popular publisher Electronic Arts. That means you can play games like Star Wars Battlefront II, Madden, Battlefield 2042 and It Takes Two with your Game Pass subscription. Console members must upgrade their subscription to Game Pass Ultimate to get games from EA Play.
Xbox Game Pass also offers members special discounts in Microsoft’s digital storefront. You can sign up for the service through the Microsoft website.
What is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
Microsoft
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the premium level of the service. It includes Xbox Game Pass membership on console and PC, and also allows users to stream certain games on their phone, a computer browser, and some smart TVs. That means you can play games from the Xbox Game Pass library even if you don’t have an Xbox console or gaming PC.
For example, iPhone owners can use Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to stream Fortnite, even though it is no longer available on Apple’s App Store. Members with a compatible Samsung TV can even stream games to their screen without any other hardware. However, not every game available on Xbox Game Pass supports streaming.
Microsoft’s Xbox Live Gold, which is required for online play on Xbox consoles, is also included with Game Pass Ultimate. Members can also access games from the EA Play library on both console and PC.
In addition to special Microsoft Store discounts, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers get additional benefits and offers from partner companies such as Discord, Disney Plus and Marvel Unlimited.
How much is Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass costs $10 per month for console or PC subscribers. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate — with both console and PC membership, Xbox Live Gold, and the ability to stream games — costs $15 per month.
Here’s a full breakdown of Xbox Game Pass subscriptions and pricing:
What games are included with Xbox Game Pass?
343 Industries
Over 100 games are included with an Xbox Game Pass membership; you can check out the full list on the official Xbox site and we’ve included some of the most popular franchises you’ll find below.
Games are usually available for at least a year, although some titles have disappeared after a shorter period of time. Games from Microsoft’s Xbox Studios, such as Halo and Forza, are regulars.
Not every Xbox Game Pass title is available on both console and PC. In addition, only specific games share progress between the PC and console versions. Likewise, only certain games allow online multiplayer between PC and Xbox consoles. When streaming on a phone or other device, players stream the Xbox version of the game.
First-party Xbox Studios games on Game Pass from August 2022:
- Minecraft
- Halo Franchise
- Gears of War franchise
- Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Forza Horizon Series
- Doom Franchise
- Fallout Franchise
- The Elder Scrolls Franchise
- Sea of Thieves
- grounded
- State of dissolution
How does Xbox Game Pass compare to Xbox Live Gold?
Xbox Live Gold is another subscription service that gives players access to online multiplayer and allows them to claim monthly free games that remain in their personal library until their Gold subscription expires. It usually costs $10 per month or $60 per year.
A regular Xbox Game Pass subscription also costs $10 per month, which gives you access to over 100 games to download to your PC or console, but you’ll still need a separate Xbox Live Gold membership to get most Xbox games. play games online.
Meanwhile, an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership includes Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold. The annual price of Game Pass Ultimate ($180/year) is equal to the annual subscription fee for Live Gold ($60/year) and the basic Game Pass for console or PC ($120/year).
Are there any deals for Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass doesn’t offer discounts for longer subscriptions, but new subscribers can often find a deal to get their first month or first three months of Game Pass for $1. Occasionally, gift cards with three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate are on sale for as little as $30; a $15 discount, or a free month.
Currently Amazon is selling three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $40, a $5 discount, and three months of Game Pass PC for $25, also $5 off.
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