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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIn October 2025, Xbox raised U.S. Game Pass prices, but the size of the increase depended on the plan and billing term. Microsoft’s published table shows higher prices for new members on 12-month Ultimate and Core plans and monthly PC Game Pass; contemporaneous reporting put monthly Ultimate at $29.99 and PC Game Pass at $16.49. Those are historical figures, not confirmed current U.S. prices. In April 2026, Xbox announced lower prices for Ultimate and PC Game Pass in France, underscoring why subscribers should check their local price and renewal details before changing plans.
How much did Xbox Game Pass go up?
The October 2025 U.S. changes were not one across-the-board increase. Microsoft’s official price-change table lists new-member prices for specific billing terms, while monthly Ultimate pricing was reported separately by WIRED. The figures below describe that 2025 change, not today’s verified prices.
| U.S. plan and billing term | Before | After | What the figure means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game Pass Ultimate, 12 months | $16.99 | $19.99 | Microsoft’s 2025 comparison for new members. Microsoft price-change document |
| Game Pass Core, 12 months | $59.99 | $74.99 | Microsoft’s 2025 comparison for new members. Microsoft price-change document |
| PC Game Pass, monthly | $9.99 | $11.99 | Microsoft’s 2025 comparison for new members. Microsoft price-change document |
| Game Pass Ultimate, monthly | $19.99 | $29.99 | WIRED’s report of the October 2025 U.S. monthly change; not the 12-month figure above. WIRED, October 2025 |
| PC Game Pass, monthly | $11.99 | $16.49 | WIRED’s report of the October 2025 U.S. monthly change. This is distinct from the new-member comparison in Microsoft’s table. WIRED, October 2025 |
The different PC Game Pass figures reflect different comparisons in the published sources: Microsoft’s table specifies a new-member price change, while WIRED reported the monthly tier change. Do not treat either as a confirmed current U.S. checkout price.
Did Game Pass Core get more expensive?
Yes, in the October 2025 U.S. change, the 12-month Core plan for new members rose from $59.99 to $74.99, according to Microsoft’s price-change table. Contemporary coverage described Essential as replacing Core while retaining Core’s former $9.99 monthly price. That monthly figure is historical context, not confirmation of a current Essential price. WIRED’s October 2025 report
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- 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.
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What happened to PC Game Pass?
PC Game Pass had a higher U.S. monthly price in the October 2025 coverage. Microsoft’s official table records a move from $9.99 to $11.99 per month for new members; WIRED reported the broader monthly change as $11.99 to $16.49. Because these sources describe different pricing comparisons, and later revisions can occur, check the price shown for your account and country rather than relying on either historical number.
Prices vary by country and can change later
The 2025 U.S. figures should not be applied to other regions. In an April 21, 2026 announcement, Xbox said prices in France would decrease: Ultimate from €26.99 to €20.99 per month, and PC Game Pass from €14.99 to €12.99 per month. These are France-specific prices and do not establish prices elsewhere. Xbox Wire en Français, April 21, 2026
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- 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.
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The same French announcement discussed the timing of future Call of Duty releases for Ultimate and PC Game Pass in France. Benefits and availability can differ by region and plan, so compare the benefits attached to your own subscription rather than assuming a change in one market applies to yours.
What to check before switching or cancelling
- Confirm your country and currency. The French reduction is not a U.S. price update; use the price and plan terms displayed for your region.
- Compare the same billing term. A monthly price and a 12-month price are different commitments and should not be compared as if they were interchangeable.
- Check your plan’s current benefits. Consider which included games and features you actually use, and whether those benefits remain available on the alternative tier.
- Review your renewal date and account notice. New-member pricing does not establish when an existing subscriber’s renewal changes. Check the account’s subscription and billing details before deciding.
The available figures do not establish the current U.S. monthly prices or the effective date of a price transition for existing U.S. subscribers. Microsoft’s 2025 table labels its listed U.S. changes as applying to new members, so an existing subscriber should rely on their own account’s current renewal information.
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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.
Is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate still worth it?
There is no single answer from the price change alone. Work out your actual monthly or annual cost, then compare it with the specific Ultimate benefits you use and the price of a lower tier or no subscription. A higher historical price does not by itself show whether the plan is worthwhile for your household; the decision depends on your region, renewal terms, play habits, and the current benefit set.
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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.
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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.
