Microsoft has really been focusing a lot lately on it’s gaming division when it comes to things like the Xbox Series X or Series S consoles, but one of the biggest offerings it has going is the Xbox Game Pass service. Besides being required to access online multiplayer on the Xbox Series consoles, which is a bit of a shame, you also can get access to a pretty sizeable game library. Granted, you aren’t always going to get the latest games, but if you don’t buy games often, having this option is great for a little bit of extra each month. Sony actually has a similar service in the form of the PS Plus, but the difference is that there is also an Xbox Game Pass subscription service for PCs as well, so PC gamers can access the library.
Also, you may want to check out these great Xbox Series S and X deals while you’re here.
Xbox Game Pass Core — $8, was $13 per month
Game Pass Core is the cheapest tier of Game Pass, but it still lets you access important features, including online multiplayer. Game Pass Core was launched with access to 36 games off the bat, and you can get exclusive discounts on certain downloadable games. If you’re on Xbox and need access online, this is the way to go.
12-month subscription — $45, was $80
Xbox Game Pass Standard — $11 per month
For just one more dollar per month, you can upgrade to the regular Game Pass subscription. This gives you access to over 100 games instead of the 36 on Game Pass Core. Some games will go on Game Pass right when they launch, meaning you’re essentially getting free access to a brand new game (well, minus the subscription fee). There is a PC-only version that is just $10 per month. There currently aren’t any major deals, but many new games come with several free months of Game Pass.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate — $12, was $15 per month
Game Pass Ultimate is the full version of the subscription. Ultimate has everything the Core and Standard tiers have, plus some extra goodies. You get access to both the console and PC versions of Game Pass, and you can sync your saves between them. The biggest advantage is the inclusion of EA Play, which gives you access to EA’s library of games and pays for your subscription to their online service. Game Pass Ultimate also allows you to cloud-stream your games.
1-month subscription — $11, was $17
3-month subscription — $30, was $42
What is Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s new version of Xbox Live Gold. It’s a lot better than Live in many ways. Most importantly, you get access to online multiplayer on all of the plans. If you want to play co-op with your friends of compete against your enemies, you’ll have to get a Game Pass subscription. You also get something Xbox Live never gave you: free games. All of the Game Pass tiers give you access to some free games, but the better the tier, the more games you get. Game Pass Core is launching with 36 free games. The regular tier gets over 100 games, and you’ll get access to certain games the day they launch. Ultimate gets 100 games plus EA Play, which unlocks a ton more EA games. Ultimate also has some fancy features like cloud gaming and save syncing between devices.
Think of Game Pass as the video game equivalent of Netflix or Disney+. You get access to tons and tons of games for a really low price, but you’re at the mercy of whether Microsoft continues to host them or not. You won’t get any physical copies of the games. It’s still a great deal if you like to play a wide variety of games or want to try something out without dropping a full $70 on it.
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