Overview: a full restructuring of Game Pass
Microsoft has announced a sweeping overhaul of its Xbox Game Pass service. The lineup reorganizes the three existing tiers into Essential, Premium and Ultimate, rebrands the levels, and introduces new benefits across the board. One notable change: cloud gaming becomes a standard feature across all plans, reducing the friction to play on mobile and PC.
Pricing and tier structure
Essential (formerly Core) at 9 euros per month
Former Core subscribers will migrate to Essential. The price increases from 7 to 9 euros monthly. The library remains more limited than the mid tier options, with a greater focus on ensuring access remains affordable for casual players.
Premium (formerly Standard) at 13 euros per month
The Premium tier maintains its 13 euro monthly price but loses some of the freedom to access new releases immediately. Microsoft indicates that the mid tier’s advantage is diminished, and the ability to play new titles at launch is now moved primarily to Ultimate.
Ultimate at 27 euros per month
The top tier rises to 27 euros and includes two notable new perks: Ubisoft+ and Fortnite Crew subscriptions on top of the existing benefits, as well as unlimited cloud gaming on all platforms. For many users, these additions may be a value add primarily for enthusiasts who want a wider bundle rather than a more affordable option. The big selling point remains access to new releases, now delivered mainly through Ultimate’s elevated price tag.
What it means for players
For most gamers, the changes mean a tighter tie between price and access to new releases. Previously, many Microsoft and indie titles could land on Game Pass as soon as they released. Under the restructured plan, that immediate access is a benefit reserved for Ultimate, leaving mid tier and lower tier subscribers with a slower cadence to fresh releases and a growing emphasis on cloud gaming and retro compatibility. Note: Microsoft has clarified that existing Game Pass members will be transitioned to the new tiers; the exact timing and opt in requirements may vary by country. If you are in Germany, the company says you will be asked for consent before any changes take effect.
PC Game Pass and regional considerations
In Germany, there have not been announced changes to PC Game Pass pricing for the moment; it remains at 12 euros per month in that market. By contrast, the United States sees the PC Game Pass price rising from 12 to 16.50 per month, without any immediate compensating enhancements announced for that tier. This divergence underscores Microsoft’s broader pricing strategy as it redefines what value means across platforms and regions.
Bottom line
Microsoft’s Game Pass overhaul aims to align pricing with value through a tiered system that elevates cloud gaming and bundles extra subscriptions for Ultimate. For some players, especially those who want the newest titles at launch, the change is a solid upgrade in price and scope. For others, the cost increase may warrant careful consideration of which tier matches their gaming habits, especially given the away from launch access in lower tiers. As always, keep an eye on regional notices and consent prompts before any changes take effect.
