Microsoft's Gaming Subscription Subscribers May Continue to Access New Game Launches for Less Than $30 Per Month
After the company's latest declaration of a major restructuring of its Game Pass plans, the tech giant has clarified what these changes mean for gamers who currently hold an Xbox Game Pass for Console in effect. As stated by Xbox, anyone who currently maintains a legacy Console subscription with recurring payments turned on will remain unaffected by the new pricing adjustments.
Recent Changes to Game Pass Tiers
Just a few days ago, Xbox revealed that its top-tier plan will be priced at $29.99 per month, a controversial move among subscribers. The update comes with two renamed tiers—Essential and Premium—which alter the available features and exclude day-one game releases. This shift followed a prior change in last year, which phased out Xbox Game Pass for Console in exchange for Core and Standard levels. At that time, Xbox permitted current members on the Console plan to keep their subscription at the unchanged price of $11 per month with all perks, such as access to day-one releases.
Subscribers who are currently enrolled in the Console plan and have automatic payment renewal activated can maintain their subscription,” a representative stated. “If users disable automatic payment renewal, or their membership expires, they will have to select between the Essential, Premium, Ultimate, or PC Game Pass plans when resubscribing.”
Benefits and Costs Remain Unchanged
Benefits and monthly fee of the legacy subscription will not be changing, according to Xbox: “Day one games are accessible with Game Pass Ultimate and PC subscriptions, as well as for members who still have an active Console subscription. Players who are presently subscribed to the Console plan and have automatic payment renewal enabled can continue their subscription at $10.99 per month.”
Upon inquiry, an Xbox spokesperson declined to specify for what duration grandfathered Console plans will remain active for current subscribers.
How to Verify If You Have a Console Plan
- Visit the Game Pass website and log in with your Xbox account.
- Click your profile name in the top right corner of the page once logged in.
- Choose “My Microsoft Account.”
- If you see “Xbox Game Pass for Console” listed as an current plan, you will continue to get day-one games for $10.99 monthly as long as recurring payments are enabled.
Make sure to check if you still have this golden ticket before canceling your subscription, as you won’t be able to rejoin the plan once you opt out.
