In a time when everything is getting more expensive, it should come as no surprise when subscription services raise their prices. And yet, we’re shocked and dismayed every time. The latest to join in on the price hike craze is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Microsoft made the announcement in an Oct. 1 press release, just two days before Xbox consoles are set to increase in price as well. It’s a tough time to be a gamer.
New Xbox Game Pass tiers and pricing
Xbox Game Pass is getting a full facelift, which includes some new benefits as well as, of course, price changes. Game Pass Core and Game Pass Standard are now becoming Game Pass Essential and Game Pass Premium. These tiers will cost the same — $9.99 for Essential and $14.99 for Premium — and include 50+ and 200+ curated Xbox, PC, and cloud games, respectively.
The biggest change is reflected in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, once known as the best deal in gaming. Effective immediately for new subscribers and as of Nov. 4 for current subscribers, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will now cost $29.99 per month. That’s a 50% price jump from its former monthly price of $19.99, ultimately adding up to an extra $120 every year. If you prepaid for months of Ultimate already, you won’t see the new price reflected until the end of your prepaid time.
It’s not all bad, though. In an attempt to justify the price increase, Microsoft is giving Ultimate subscribers more perks. These include 75 day-one releases per year (about 50 percent more than last year), access to Ubisoft Plus Classics (reg. ~$16 per month) and Fortnite Crew (reg. $11.99 per month), and unlimited access to cloud gaming and Stream Your Own Game.
Credit: Microsoft
How to avoid the Game Pass Ultimate price hike
Set on keeping Game Pass Ultimate, but want to save some money? Here’s a pro tip: stock up on digital codes at Amazon. As of Oct. 1, the price for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate digital codes has not changed at Amazon. You can get a one-month code for just $19.99 still — now basically like getting a $10 discount — or secure three months for $59.99. You’ll only be able to add 12 codes to your account total, but that could effectively get you 36 months of Game Pass Ultimate at the former price if you opt for 12 three-month digital codes.
I’m not telling you to go drop $719.88 on a three-year gaming subscription, but if you plan on subscribing long term, stacking these codes is your best bet for saving money. You don’t have to commit to 36 months. You can opt for just four three-month codes and lock in a full year of Ultimate for $239.96, compared to the $359.88 you’ll pay otherwise post-price hike.
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How to cancel Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
If the latest price hike has simply pushed you over the edge, we don’t blame you. All good things must come to an end. If you want to cancel your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, you can do so on the web or on a console. You certainly won’t be the only one to take this route.
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To cancel on a web browser:
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Go to Subscriptions and sign in with the Microsoft account you used to purchase your subscription.
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Find your subscription and select Manage. (If you find Turn on recurring billing instead of a link that says Manage, your subscription is already set to expire on the date shown and you won’t be charged after this date. You can continue to use the subscription’s benefits until it expires.)
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Select Cancel subscription and follow the instructions. If eligible, you may be prompted to initiate a refund for your subscription.
To cancel on a console:
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Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
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Go to Profile & system > Settings > Account > Subscriptions.
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Choose the subscription that you want to manage, click on Cancel subscription, and then follow the steps to cancel. If eligible, you may be prompted to initiate a refund for your subscription.