What is Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft's revolutionary subscription gaming service that gives players access to hundreds of games on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and cloud devices for a flat monthly fee. Often called the "Netflix of gaming," it has fundamentally changed how players access and experience games since its 2017 launch :cite[1].
Unlike traditional game purchases where you buy titles individually, Game Pass subscribers can download and play as many games as they want from the ever-rotating library. The service's biggest selling point remains day-one access to first-party titles from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, and Activision Blizzard. This means blockbuster games like Call of Duty, Halo, Forza, and Gears of War launch on Game Pass the same day they release in stores :cite[1]:cite[5].
Xbox Game Pass Plans and Pricing in the U.S. (2025)
Microsoft completely restructured Game Pass in October 2025, introducing new tier names and implementing significant price changes, particularly for the premium Ultimate plan :cite[1]:cite[5]:cite[6].
Game Pass Essential – $9.99/month
The entry-level plan perfect for casual gamers who want online multiplayer and a curated game selection.
- 50+ games for console, PC, and cloud :cite[1]
- Online console multiplayer included
- Unlimited cloud gaming access :cite[10]
- In-game benefits for titles like League of Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone
- Earn up to $25/year in Microsoft Rewards :cite[1]
Game Pass Premium – $14.99/month
The middle tier offering substantial value with a larger library and expanded cloud benefits.
- 200+ games across console, PC, and supported devices :cite[1]
- New Xbox-published titles within 12 months of launch (excluding Call of Duty) :cite[1]
- Shorter cloud gaming wait times :cite[10]
- Includes popular games like Diablo IV, Hogwarts Legacy, and Starfield :cite[1]
- Earn up to $50/year in Microsoft Rewards :cite[1]
Game Pass Ultimate – $29.99/month
The premium all-inclusive plan for serious gamers who want everything Game Pass offers.
- 400+ games across console, PC, and cloud :cite[1]
- 75+ day-one releases every year, including all Xbox-published titles :cite[1]
- Includes EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, and Fortnite Crew (starting November) :cite[1]
- Cloud gaming at up to 1440p with shortest wait times :cite[10]
- Earn up to $100/year in Microsoft Rewards :cite[1]
PC Game Pass – $16.49/month
Dedicated plan for PC gamers who don't need console access.
- Hundreds of high-quality PC games :cite[2]
- Day-one access to new Xbox-published titles on PC :cite[5]
- EA Play membership included
- In-game benefits and member discounts
- Earn up to $50/year in Microsoft Rewards :cite[2]
Xbox Game Pass Game Library
The Game Pass library continues to expand with thousands of titles across all genres, from AAA blockbusters to innovative indie gems.
First-Party Games
Microsoft's acquisition spree has dramatically strengthened its first-party lineup. Subscribers get access to titles from:
- Xbox Game Studios: Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Gears 5
- Bethesda: Starfield, The Elder Scrolls, Fallout
- Activision Blizzard: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Diablo IV
- Other studios: Minecraft, Flight Simulator
Upcoming Day-One Releases in 2025
Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will get access to over 75 day-one releases in 2025, including some of the year's most anticipated titles :cite[1]:
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 - October 2025
- The Outer Worlds 2 - October 29, 2025
- Ninja Gaiden 4 - October 21, 2025
- High on Life 2 - Coming 2025
- Keeper - Coming 2025
Recent Major Additions
Microsoft added over 45 new games to Game Pass in October 2025 alone, including :cite[1]:
- Hogwarts Legacy (Cloud, PC, and Console)
- Assassin's Creed series titles (multiple)
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- Skull and Bones
- Diablo IV
Xbox Game Pass vs PlayStation Plus (2025)
With the recent price changes, the competition between gaming subscriptions has never been more relevant. Here's how they compare:
| Service | Monthly Price | Yearly Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game Pass Ultimate | $29.99 | $359.88 | Day-one releases, EA Play, Ubisoft+, Cloud gaming |
| PS Plus Premium | $17.99 | $159.99 | Classics catalog, game trials, cloud streaming |
| Game Pass Premium | $14.99 | $179.88 | 200+ games, new Xbox titles within 1 year |
| PS Plus Extra | $14.99 | $134.99 | Game catalog, online multiplayer |
| Game Pass Essential | $9.99 | $119.88 | 50+ games, online multiplayer |
| PS Plus Essential | $9.99 | $79.99 | Monthly games, online multiplayer |
Game Pass Advantages
- Day-one access to all Xbox first-party titles :cite[1]:cite[7]
- Superior cloud gaming with higher resolution and shorter wait times :cite[10]
- More included services like EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, and Fortnite Crew :cite[1]
- Better rewards program with potential to earn up to $100/year :cite[1]
PlayStation Plus Advantages
- Significantly cheaper annual pricing across all tiers :cite[3]
- Access to PlayStation exclusives like God of War and Spider-Man :cite[7]
- Classics catalog with PS1, PS2, and PS3 games
- Better value for budget-conscious players :cite[3]
Xbox Cloud Gaming in the U.S.
Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly xCloud) has officially exited its beta phase and now offers unlimited access across all Game Pass tiers :cite[10]. This lets you stream hundreds of Xbox games directly to supported devices without downloads.
Supported Devices for Cloud Gaming
- Mobile: Android & iOS smartphones and tablets :cite[4]
- Computers: Windows PCs via browser :cite[4]
- Smart TVs: Select Samsung (2020+) and LG (webOS 24+) models :cite[4]
- Consoles: Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
- VR Headsets: Select Meta Quest devices :cite[4]
Performance for Ultimate Subscribers
Game Pass Ultimate members receive the best cloud gaming experience with :cite[10]:
- 1440p streaming (up from 1080p)
- Priority server access for shortest wait times
- Enhanced responsiveness and smoother gameplay
- Unlimited playtime with no session limits
Microsoft's Strategy for the Future
The recent Game Pass changes reflect Microsoft's evolving strategy for gaming subscriptions. The significant price increase for Ultimate suggests Microsoft is positioning it as a premium product for dedicated gamers, while keeping lower tiers accessible :cite[5]:cite[6].
Key strategic moves include:
- Value justification through added benefits like Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics :cite[1]
- Tier differentiation by reserving day-one releases exclusively for Ultimate :cite[1]
- Cloud gaming investment with improved performance and expanded device support :cite[10]
- Ecosystem expansion beyond consoles to PC, mobile, and smart TVs :cite[4]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in the U.S. (2025)?
A: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now costs $29.99/month or approximately $359.88/year when paid monthly :cite[1]:cite[5].
Q: Does Game Pass include Call of Duty?
A: Yes, following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Call of Duty games are now included in Game Pass. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was the first to launch day-one on the service, with Black Ops 7 following in October 2025 :cite[1].
Q: What is the cheapest Game Pass plan?
A: Game Pass Essential is the most affordable at $9.99/month, offering 50+ games plus online multiplayer and cloud gaming access :cite[1].
Q: Is Game Pass better than PlayStation Plus?
A: It depends on your priorities. Game Pass offers better day-one releases and cloud gaming, while PlayStation Plus is significantly cheaper, especially with annual subscriptions. Game Pass is better for playing new games immediately, while PS Plus offers better value for playing older hits :cite[3]:cite[7].
Q: Can I play Game Pass on my phone?
A: Yes, Xbox Cloud Gaming supports iOS, Android, and many other devices, allowing you to play console-quality games on your phone with a compatible controller :cite[4].
Citations
- [1] Updates to Xbox Game Pass: Introducing Essential, Premium, and Ultimate Plans - Xbox News
- [2] Join Xbox Game Pass: Discover Your Next Favorite Game - Xbox.com
- [3] PS Plus Looks Better Than Ever After New Xbox Game Pass Price Rises - Push Square
- [4] Xbox Cloud Gaming | Xbox - Xbox.com
- [5] Xbox Game Pass Plans, Explained: How Much Does a Subscription Cost? - IGN
- [6] Big changes come to Xbox Game Pass, with a price hike on Ultimate to $30 per month - Polygon
- [7] After using both PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, this is the better choice - XDA Developers
- [8] Xbox Cloud Gaming Expands With 'Unlimited' Usage & Special Perks - Pure Xbox