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Microsoft Cuts U.S. Prices for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

U.S. Game Pass Ultimate now costs $22.99 monthly and PC Game Pass $13.99. Microsoft says future Call of Duty games will join about a year after release.
From TheFinanceBase Team3 min to read
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Microsoft lowered the U.S. monthly prices of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on April 21, 2026. Ultimate now costs $22.99 a month, down from $29.99; PC Game Pass costs $13.99, down from $16.49. The change comes with a notable tradeoff: future Call of Duty games are no longer planned to join either plan at launch.

How much is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass now?

Microsoft’s April 21, 2026 announcement says the new U.S. monthly prices are:

Plan Previous U.S. monthly price New U.S. monthly price
Game Pass Ultimate $29.99 $22.99
PC Game Pass $16.49 $13.99

The amounts and effective date come from Xbox Wire’s April 21, 2026 announcement, which said the reductions started that day and cautioned that prices vary by region. They are monthly U.S. prices, not a global price list.

Did PC Game Pass get cheaper?

Yes. In the United States, PC Game Pass fell by $2.50 per month, from $16.49 to $13.99, according to Microsoft. Ultimate fell by $7 per month, from $29.99 to $22.99. Your own renewal amount depends on your country and account; check the price shown in your Microsoft account before your next billing date rather than converting the U.S. price.

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Microsoft’s regional example illustrates why: Xbox Wire Japan’s April 22, 2026 notice lists Japan’s monthly Ultimate price as ¥1,550, down from ¥2,750, and PC Game Pass as ¥1,300, down from ¥1,550. That is a Japan-specific example, not a guide to prices in other countries.

When does the new Game Pass price start?

Xbox said the U.S. reductions started April 21, 2026. The Japanese notice gives April 22, 2026 as the effective date in Japan. For other locations, the available announcement does not establish a complete post-reduction country-by-country schedule, so use the price and renewal date displayed for your account and region.

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  • GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
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Game Pass subscriptions renew until canceled. Xbox says subscribers can cancel through their Microsoft account or Xbox console before the next billing date. Promotional offers may be restricted by eligibility and region, and Microsoft says charges may increase with at least 30 days’ notice under its Store terms. See the Xbox Game Pass plan comparison for current plan details and account options.

Are new Call of Duty games still on Game Pass day one?

No—not under the policy Microsoft announced. Starting with future Call of Duty releases in 2026, new games will not join Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass at launch. Xbox says it plans to add them during the following holiday season, about a year after release. Call of Duty titles already in the Game Pass library will remain available, according to Xbox Wire.

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What remains included with Ultimate?

Xbox describes Ultimate as including hundreds of games on Xbox consoles and PC, current Call of Duty titles, in-game benefits, online console multiplayer, unlimited Xbox Cloud Gaming, and major day-one releases. “Major day-one releases” does not mean every game launches on the service. The future Call of Duty timing is a specific exception to consider when weighing the lower price.

Game titles, features, and availability can change over time and vary by region, plan, and platform. Check the live Xbox plan comparison for the catalog and features available to you.

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How to decide whether the lower price is worth it

A lower monthly charge does not by itself make one plan the better choice. Compare the plan with the devices you use and the benefits you actually expect to use:

  • Choose around your devices: PC Game Pass is oriented toward Windows PC play; Ultimate covers Xbox console and PC and includes benefits such as cloud gaming and online console multiplayer.
  • Check your local renewal price: The U.S. figures do not establish your price elsewhere. Use the amount displayed in your account.
  • Look at the current catalog: Confirm that the games you want are currently available for your region, plan, and platform.
  • Factor in Call of Duty timing: If you expect to play a future release at launch, the announced delay means either plan will not provide day-one access to that game.

Microsoft’s plan comparison notes that catalog and feature availability can change. Treat the displayed lineup as a current snapshot, not a guarantee that a particular title or benefit will remain indefinitely.

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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.

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