Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family was a preview of a shared Game Pass Ultimate membership, announced on August 4, 2022. One membership could cover up to five people on separate accounts. It is not a plan readers should assume they can buy today: Xbox says the preview has ended in Ireland, and the available status information does not establish what happened in every former market.
What was Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family?
Xbox announced the preview for Insiders in Colombia and Ireland on August 4, 2022. It let one account holder share Game Pass Ultimate benefits with as many as four invitees, for five people total. The intended access spanned console, PC and cloud gaming; cloud access depended on whether the service was supported in a member’s country. Xbox Wire’s announcement described the initial preview.
This was not a single shared login. Each person used an individual account and profile, with separate saved games, achievement tracking and recommendations, according to Xbox’s Ireland Friends & Family page.
How many people could use it, and could they play together?
The account holder and up to four invitees could use the membership. Xbox said members could play at the same time on multiple devices, including the same game, subject to supported cloud markets. In its February 21, 2023 expansion announcement, Xbox Wire editor Rich Dickinson wrote: “You can play at the same time on multiple devices and even play the same game at the same time”.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
What did the preview cost?
These are reported monthly preview prices from 2022, not current subscription prices. The Colombian amount differs between the two reports; neither should be treated as a definitive official price.
| Region | Reported monthly preview price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | €21.99 | Windows Central and Pure Xbox |
| Colombia | COP 49,990, according to Windows Central; COP 49,900, according to Pure Xbox | Windows Central and Pure Xbox |
Which countries were included?
The preview began in Colombia and Ireland. In February 2023, Xbox said it would expand to Chile, Hungary, Israel, New Zealand, South Africa and Sweden. Xbox also required everyone sharing a membership to reside in the same country. The expansion and participation details are in Xbox Wire’s February 2023 announcement.
Rank #2
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
What happened to existing memberships?
For eligible members switching to Friends & Family during the preview, remaining subscription time converted according to its monetary value. Xbox’s example was that one full month of Ultimate converted to 18 days on the shared plan. Xbox said the conversion was final. Invitees could not convert their own remaining memberships when joining, invited users without Microsoft accounts had to create one, and Xbox All Access members could not participate.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Friends & Family still available?
Xbox’s Ireland page states: “The Game Pass Friends & Family preview has ended in this region.” That confirms the preview ended in Ireland, but the cited information does not establish the end status for every country that previously participated or identify a definitive permanent replacement. Do not rely on the historical announcement or preview prices as evidence that a subscription is currently available.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Rank #4
- XBOX ELITE WIRELESS CONTROLLER SERIES 2: Play like a pro with adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks..Audio : 3.5mm stereo headset jack. Also compatible with the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter and all other Xbox controller accessories made by Microsoft.
- CORE ESSENTIALS: Includes just the components you need to unleash your best game. Additional components sold separately for even more customization with the Complete Component Pack.
- LIMITLESS CUSTOMIZATION: Exclusive button mapping options in the Xbox Accessories app—even pick which color the Xbox button lights up with.*
- CUSTOM PROFILES: Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly.*
- EXTENDED GAMEPLAY: Stay in the game with up to 40 hours of battery life and refined components that are built to last.*
Rank #3
- PLAY LIKE A PRO — The XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 features over 30 ways to play like a pro. Designed in collaboration with pro-level players, it puts exceptional performance, customization, and durability where it matters most.
- ADJUSTABLE-TENSION THUMBSTICKS — Fine-tune your aim with thumbsticks that let you adjust resistance for improved accuracy, consistency, and control in every match.
- SHORTER HAIR TRIGGER LOCKS — Fire faster and react quicker with three-step hair trigger locks that reduce pull distance for rapid input in competitive gameplay.
- INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS — Swap thumbstick toppers, D-pads, and paddles to tailor your controller to your preferred gaming style. Includes 6 thumbsticks, 4 paddles, 2 D-pads, carrying case, and charging dock.
- SAVE AND SWITCH PROFILES — Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly with the dedicated Profile button. Even pick which color the XBOX button lights up as.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
