Updated 2026-02-28 · 5 min read
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now costs $19.99/month — that's $239.88/year. Microsoft eliminated the $1 trial, killed the cheaper Console-only tier, and raised Ultimate from $14.99 to $19.99 (33% increase). If you're not gaming regularly, that's a lot of money for a rotating library where your favorite games can leave anytime.
Game Pass launched at $9.99 (2017). Ultimate added at $14.99 (2019). In 2024, Microsoft raised Ultimate to $19.99, killed the $10.99 Console tier, and introduced a new "Standard" tier at $14.99 that doesn't include day-one releases. The product got worse while costing more.
Unlike purchased games, Game Pass games become unplayable after cancellation. Any save progress is kept (in cloud saves), but you can't launch the games. If you're mid-playthrough, finish the game before canceling — or buy it at the Game Pass member discount (usually 20% off).
Games rotate out of Game Pass regularly. You might start a 60-hour RPG only to find it leaves Game Pass 2 weeks later. Then you either rush to finish it, buy it, or lose your progress. This "Netflix for games" model works against completionists.
If you play 1-2 games per month at $20-40 each (on sale), you spend $240-480/year and own the games forever. Game Pass Ultimate at $240/year gives you access to more games but you own nothing. For most casual gamers, buying is cheaper long-term.
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