Microsoft’s July 9, 2024 announcement raised the US monthly prices of Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, introduced a Standard console tier without day-one releases or cloud gaming, and closed Game Pass for Console to new subscribers. Those are historical changes, not a guide to today’s lineup: Xbox plans and regional prices have changed since then.
What changed in the July 2024 announcement?
Microsoft said it was changing subscription prices and plan options. In the United States, the announced monthly rates for Ultimate and PC Game Pass went up. The company also announced Game Pass Standard and said it would stop accepting new subscribers to Game Pass for Console.
Microsoft framed its approach as offering “more choice in how they discover and play games,” including “different prices and plans, so players can find what works best for them,” as quoted in VGC’s July 9, 2024 report.
How much did the US monthly prices increase?
These were the US prices announced in July 2024, not current rates. VGC and Thurrott’s July 10, 2024 coverage reported the following changes:
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- GAME PASS ULTIMATE: Play new games on day one, and enjoy hundreds of high-quality games on console, PC, and cloud. Game Pass Ultimate also includes online console multiplayer, EA Play, and other great member benefits.
- SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: From fast-paced action and adventure to timeless classics, family-friendly games, innovative indie titles, brain-teasing puzzles, immersive roleplaying adventures, and intense shooters. Dive into a world where every gamer can find their next favorite game.
- NEW GAMES ON DAY ONE: Enjoy incredible new games on day one from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda Softworks, Activision Blizzard, and more. Play The Outer Worlds 2, NINJA GAIDEN 4, and High on Life 2 as soon as they are released.
- ONLINE CONSOLE MULTIPLAYER: Tap into the heart of the Xbox community and join millions of players ready to play together. Online console multiplayer is included with Game Pass Ultimate.
- EA PLAY MEMBERSHIP INCLUDED: Jump into Battlefield, STAR WARS, and other great game franchises with EA Play. Included at no extra cost, members get access to a collection of EA’s best-loved games, in-game rewards, and trials of select new games.
| Subscription | Previous US monthly price | Announced US monthly price |
|---|---|---|
| Game Pass Ultimate | $16.99 | $19.99 |
| PC Game Pass | $9.99 | $11.99 |
For new subscribers, the reported changes began July 10, 2024. Existing subscribers on recurring billing were to see the new prices after September 12, 2024. Those dates and amounts describe the 2024 US announcement only; they do not establish what a subscriber pays now or in another country.
What did Game Pass Standard include—and exclude?
Standard was announced as a console plan with access to hundreds of games, online console multiplayer, and selected deals. It did not include cloud gaming or day-one releases. That made it a different offer from Ultimate rather than simply a cheaper version with every benefit intact.
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- DISCOVER 50+ GAMES — Explore a curated library of more than 50 games playable across XBOX consoles, PC, and supported devices, with new favorites ready to discover.
- PLAY ACROSS YOUR FAVORITE DEVICES — Enjoy included games across supported XBOX consoles, PC, and other compatible devices for more ways to play wherever you are.
- PLAY TOGETHER ONLINE — Connect with friends and communities with online console multiplayer included with XBOX Game Pass Essential.
- STREAM WITH XBOX CLOUD GAMING — Enjoy up to 5 hours of cloud playtime per month and stream supported games to compatible devices with XBOX Cloud Gaming.
- EARN REWARDS WHILE YOU PLAY — Earn Rewards points by playing games, completing eligible activities, and shopping in the Store with your XBOX Game Pass membership.
Microsoft’s reproduced support FAQ said: “Some games available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on day one will not be immediately available with Xbox Game Pass Standard and may be added to the library at a future date.” The wording does not promise that a particular title will arrive later, or specify how long a subscriber might wait. VGC reproduced this FAQ in its announcement coverage.
What happened to Game Pass for Console subscribers?
Microsoft said it would stop accepting new subscribers to Game Pass for Console. Existing subscribers could keep the plan as long as recurring billing stayed active. If a subscription lapsed, the subscriber would need to choose another available plan rather than restart Game Pass for Console.
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- GAME PASS ULTIMATE: Play new games on day one, and enjoy hundreds of high-quality games on console, PC, and cloud. Game Pass Ultimate also includes online console multiplayer, EA Play, and other great member benefits.
- SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: From fast-paced action and adventure to timeless classics, family-friendly games, innovative indie titles, brain-teasing puzzles, immersive roleplaying adventures, and intense shooters. Dive into a world where every gamer can find their next favorite game.
- NEW GAMES ON DAY ONE: Enjoy incredible new games on day one from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda Softworks, Activision Blizzard, and more. Play The Outer Worlds 2, NINJA GAIDEN 4, and High on Life 2 as soon as they are released.
- ONLINE CONSOLE MULTIPLAYER: Tap into the heart of the Xbox community and join millions of players ready to play together. Online console multiplayer is included with Game Pass Ultimate.
- EA PLAY MEMBERSHIP INCLUDED: Jump into Battlefield, STAR WARS, and other great game franchises with EA Play. Included at no extra cost, members get access to a collection of EA’s best-loved games, in-game rewards, and trials of select new games.
That distinction mattered for people weighing whether to let an existing subscription renew: the announcement described a way to retain the legacy plan through ongoing billing, not an option to return to it after a lapse.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does the 2024 announcement describe Game Pass today?
No. Later Xbox Wire announcements show that plan pricing and benefits continued to change by region and over time. In April 2026, Xbox published separate updates for Brazil and France. Those reports discuss local price reductions and changes to the timing of future Call of Duty releases. They do not establish a complete worldwide 2026 plan comparison.
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For a decision today, check the Xbox Game Pass page for your country and compare the specific benefits you need: day-one releases, cloud gaming, console multiplayer, PC access, and the recurring price and billing period. Do not use the 2024 US prices above as a current quote.
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- DISCOVER 50+ GAMES — Explore a curated library of more than 50 games playable across XBOX consoles, PC, and supported devices, with new favorites ready to discover.
- PLAY ACROSS YOUR FAVORITE DEVICES — Enjoy included games across supported XBOX consoles, PC, and other compatible devices for more ways to play wherever you are.
- PLAY TOGETHER ONLINE — Connect with friends and communities with online console multiplayer included with XBOX Game Pass Essential.
- STREAM WITH XBOX CLOUD GAMING — Enjoy up to 5 hours of cloud playtime per month and stream supported games to compatible devices with XBOX Cloud Gaming.
- EARN REWARDS WHILE YOU PLAY — Earn Rewards points by playing games, completing eligible activities, and shopping in the Store with your XBOX Game Pass membership.
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.
