When Does Xbox Game Pass Price Increase? The Official Date & New Prices

Microsoft has officially confirmed price increases for Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, marking the first major pricing adjustment since 2023. If you’re an Xbox gamer, this change will directly impact your monthly gaming budget and subscription decisions.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly when the price increases take effect, how much more you’ll pay for each Game Pass tier, what’s driving these changes, and most importantly—strategies to minimize the impact on your wallet.

Official Price Increase Date: July 6, 2024

Microsoft has confirmed that the new pricing structure for Xbox Game Pass will take effect on July 6, 2024. This means:

• New subscribers will pay the increased rates immediately after this date
• Existing subscribers will see the new prices reflected on their first billing cycle after July 6, 2024
• Any subscription changes or new sign-ups after this date will use the updated pricing

New Xbox Game Pass Prices: Complete Breakdown

Here’s the detailed breakdown of how each Game Pass tier is affected by the price adjustment:

Why Is Xbox Game Pass Getting More Expensive?

Microsoft cites several factors driving this price adjustment:

1. Rising Content Acquisition Costs

Securing day-one releases for major titles like Starfield, Forza Motorsport, and upcoming Bethesda games requires significant investment. As development costs rise, Microsoft is passing some of these expenses to consumers.

2. Expanded Game Library Value

The Game Pass library has grown substantially, now featuring over 400 high-quality games. Microsoft argues that even with the price increase, the service represents exceptional value compared to purchasing games individually.

3. Inflation and Operational Costs

Like all businesses, Microsoft faces increased operational expenses due to global economic factors, including server maintenance, cloud infrastructure, and general inflation.

4. Alignment with Competitor Pricing

The new pricing brings Game Pass closer to competitor services like PlayStation Plus Premium ($17.99/month) while still maintaining a competitive edge on value proposition.

Timeline: Xbox Game Pass Price History

Smart Strategies to Save Money After the Price Increase

1. Subscription Stacking Method

This popular method can save you hundreds of dollars:

1. Buy up to 3 years of Game Pass Core (often available at discount from retailers)
2. Redeem the codes on your Microsoft account
3. Upgrade to Game Pass Ultimate for $1 (first time) or $16.99 (existing users)
4. Your entire Core subscription converts to Ultimate at a 1:1 ratio

2. Evaluate Your Actual Usage

Many subscribers pay for Ultimate but primarily use either console or PC features. Consider downgrading to a cheaper tier that matches your actual gaming habits.

3. Share with Family

Use Xbox’s “Home Console” feature to share your subscription with family members. One Ultimate subscription can cover two consoles simultaneously.

4. Look for Retailer Deals

Third-party retailers often sell Game Pass codes at discounts, especially around major holidays. Amazon, Best Buy, and CDKeys frequently offer better prices than buying directly from Microsoft.

Frequently Asked Questions