Xbox Announcement Leaves Fans Fuming

Published: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 4:17 pm

Microsoft Announces Xbox Game Pass Changes, Sparks Backlash

Microsoft has unveiled significant changes to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, including a substantial price hike for its premium tier, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The price of Ultimate will increase by 50%, moving from $19.99 to $29.99.

The company is also rebranding its existing tiers. Xbox Game Pass Standard is now known as Xbox Game Pass Premium, and Xbox Game Pass Core has been renamed Xbox Game Pass Essential. Notably, the prices for these two tiers will remain unchanged.

Microsoft announced these updates via Xbox Wire and social media, emphasizing the upgrades to each tier. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will gain access to more day-one game releases, while Xbox Premium subscribers will be able to play Xbox-published games within a year of their release. The announcement also highlighted expanded game libraries, including PC titles, unlimited cloud gaming, in-game benefits, and a revamped Rewards with Xbox experience.

The changes have not been met with universal approval. Many subscribers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the price increase, particularly for the Ultimate tier. Social media platforms have been flooded with negative reactions, with some users expressing their intention to cancel their subscriptions. Some users are considering switching to PlayStation Plus.

BNN's Perspective:

While the price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is significant, Microsoft is also offering expanded benefits. It's understandable that some subscribers are unhappy with the price hike, especially given the current economic climate. However, the upgrades to the service, including more day-one games and expanded content, may justify the increased cost for some users. It will be interesting to see how this move impacts subscriber numbers and the ongoing console wars.

Keywords: Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft, price increase, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Game Pass Premium, Xbox Game Pass Essential, subscription, gaming, console, day-one games, cloud gaming, PlayStation Plus, console wars

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