Xbox is raising its Game Pass prices ahead of the launch of two new handheld consoles on Oct. 16.
The PC Game Pass plan had previously cost $11.99 per month, while the “Ultimate” ran $19.99/month. Now, the “Premium” plan will cost $14.99 per month and the “Ultimate,” which Xbox console players have traditionally used, will cost $29.99. It’s a bit more complex than that, however.
The new breakdown between a trio of tiers — Essential, Premium and Ultimate — is focused on the number of games available in one’s Game Pass library.
The Ultimate Game Pass plan provides access to console, PC and cloud gaming, while the PC plan was limited to PCs. Both options boast “hundreds” of games, “new games on day one” — though certainly not most new releases — and an EA Play membership, as well as other “deals, discounts, perks, and in-game benefits for free-to-play games.” Game Pass users could often purchase a digital game (on or not on Game Pass) at a discount.
These Game Pass price hikes follow recently announced increases for the consoles themselves. Starting Friday, Oct. 3, the Xbox Series S (the white, digital-only, entry-level model) will start at $399.99 (up $20) and the Xbox Series X, the top-of-the-line option with a slot for physical media, will cost $649.99 (up $50). There are various other configurations that will see price increases from $20 to $70; this marks the second time Xbox console prices have increased in just six months. The company cited “macroeconomic factors,” which likely (mostly) means President Trump’s tariffs.
Last week, Microsoft revealed the prices on its upcoming handhelds, a partnership with hardware company Asus. They were more expensive than some reported (and purported) price leaks suggested; the Xbox ROG Ally (the white one) will cost $599.99 and the Xbox ROG Ally X (black) will cost $999.99. The colors are not the only difference, of course: find the important specs here. The Xbox ROG Ally X is a Best Buy exclusive.
The Xbox handhelds are available for preorder now. They will be released on Oct. 16.