If you’re still paying for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, check the renewal amount and date in your Microsoft account before deciding what to do. The U.S. price rose from $19.99 to $29.99 per month in October 2025, according to WIRED’s contemporaneous report. That is no longer the current U.S. price: Xbox says it fell to $22.99 per month on April 21, 2026. Prices and timing can differ outside the United States, so your account and local Xbox storefront are the best guides to your cost.
What happened to the 2025 price hike?
In October 2025, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate’s U.S. monthly price changed from $19.99 to $29.99, a $10 increase—about 50%—as reported at the time by WIRED. That figure describes the historical U.S. change, not today’s price.
On April 21, 2026, Xbox announced that the U.S. Ultimate price would decrease from $29.99 to $22.99 per month. Xbox also says prices may vary by region. The announcement does not establish that every market had the same 2025 effective date or that every existing subscriber received the same treatment. See the Xbox Wire price update, and rely on the renewal details shown for your account rather than assuming a U.S. price or exception applies to you.
How to stop a renewal at the displayed price
Microsoft’s subscription controls let you turn off recurring billing or cancel. Turning off recurring billing stops the next automatic renewal; subscription time you have already paid for continues until it expires. Microsoft’s current steps are on its subscription payment and options support page.
#1 Best Overall
- Sign in to your Microsoft account and open Services & subscriptions.
- Find Game Pass Ultimate and review the displayed renewal amount and next billing date.
- Choose the subscription management option to turn off recurring billing or cancel, then follow the on-screen confirmation steps.
- Check the account afterward to confirm the renewal status and note when your paid access ends.
Make the change before the next renewal if you do not want to be charged again. The amount shown for your account is more useful than a general price report because regional pricing and subscriber circumstances can differ.
Can a prepaid code avoid the higher monthly price?
A prepaid Game Pass code may be an alternative way to pay, but Microsoft’s instructions do not promise that a code will be cheaper, preserve a previous monthly rate, or work in every region. Compare the code’s total cost, duration, market, and redemption terms with the renewal amount in your account before buying.
Rank #2
- Ideal for Gifting
- Ideal for a bookworm
- Compact for travelling
- Turn off recurring billing on the existing subscription.
- Wait until the existing subscription expires.
- Redeem the prepaid code according to its terms and confirm that it is eligible for your account and region.
This sequence follows Microsoft’s guidance on prepaid subscription codes. Do not assume that purchasing a code automatically locks in an earlier price.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Decide whether Ultimate still fits your budget
There is no single best choice for every subscriber. Team Xbox made that point in its April 21, 2026 price update, while discussing the later price change. Consider what you actually use and compare current, local options before renewing.
- Games: Are the games you play included, and do you use new releases when they become available?
- Devices: Do you play on console, PC, or through cloud gaming—or use more than one?
- Online multiplayer: Does your play require a plan benefit you rely on?
- Other benefits: Which included features do you use enough to justify their cost?
- Alternatives: Compare currently available plans in your region, or compare the subscription cost with buying the specific games you would otherwise play.
- Timing: Account for remaining paid time and check any alternative plan or code’s eligibility before making a change.
Prices and plan details change over time and by market. Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate page and your local Xbox storefront can help you check current availability; confirm the amount and next charge in your Microsoft account before you decide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- It can be a gift option
- Comes with secure packaging
- Helpful in various ways
Rank #4
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.
