Lock in Xbox Game Pass at the Old Price Before It’s Gone
▼ Summary
– The author is a deals and gaming hardware editor who rejoined The Verge in May 2025 after previously working there and at Polygon.
– Microsoft has increased Xbox Game Pass prices, with Ultimate rising from $19.99 to $29.99 monthly and PC Game Pass from $11.99 to $16.49.
– Subscribers should avoid Microsoft’s retail channels and instead purchase through other retailers still offering previous prices.
– Game Pass Ultimate is available for $19.99 per month or $59.99 for three months at Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, and Walmart.
– PC Game Pass can be purchased as a three-month bundle for $35.99 at Amazon, GameStop, and Best Buy, matching the old pricing.
For gamers looking to maximize their budget, a significant opportunity exists to secure Xbox Game Pass subscriptions at their former, lower rates before Microsoft’s new pricing takes full effect. The company recently adjusted monthly costs upward for several tiers of its popular gaming service. Specifically, the comprehensive Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan has increased from $19.99 to $29.99 each month. This tier bundles together a massive game library, cloud gaming, and access to both console and PC titles. Similarly, the PC Game Pass subscription now carries a monthly fee of $16.49, a rise from its previous cost of $11.99.
Purchasing a subscription directly from Microsoft today will lock you into these new, higher prices. However, a simple workaround allows you to continue paying the original amounts. Major retail partners are still honoring the old pricing structure for digital codes and subscription cards. This creates a valuable window to stock up on service time before these retailers eventually deplete their existing inventory and switch to the updated costs.
You can acquire a one-month code for Game Pass Ultimate for just $19.99 from outlets like Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, and Walmart. For those seeking a better long-term value, a three-month subscription is available for $59.99 from the same retailers. This three-month option effectively provides a free month of service when compared to the new standard monthly rate. Meanwhile, PC Game Pass subscribers can find a three-month bundle priced at $35.99 at Amazon, GameStop, and Best Buy, which maintains the service’s original cost-per-month. Acting quickly to purchase through these channels is the most effective strategy for locking in considerable savings on your gaming subscription.
(Source: The Verge)
