Xbox Drops Price of Game Pass Ultimate

Microsoft has officially announced a price drop for two of its popular subscription services, and the change is effective starting today.

Here are the new monthly prices:

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate:
  $29.99 → $22.99
• PC Game Pass:
  $16.49 → $13.99

Microsoft noted that prices may vary depending on the region, but for many players, this means saving money every month while still keeping access to the full Game Pass experience.

That includes:

• Hundreds of games on Xbox console and PC
• Online console multiplayer
• Xbox Cloud Gaming
• In-game perks and benefits
• Major day-one releases from Xbox Game Studios

For players already subscribed, the change simply lowers the monthly cost without reducing the core features.

Here’s a quick look at the updated Game Pass pricing across all tiers:

Future Call of Duty Games Will No Longer Launch Day One on Game Pass

Alongside the price drop, Microsoft confirmed an important change that will affect one of the biggest franchises in gaming.

Beginning this year:

Future Call of Duty titles will not join Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass at launch.

Instead, new Call of Duty games will be added to Game Pass during the following holiday season, roughly about one year after release.

Microsoft clarified that:

• Current Call of Duty titles already available in Game Pass will remain in the library
• Subscribers will continue to receive new games from other studios on day one
• The change applies specifically to future Call of Duty releases

This adjustment appears to be part of a broader strategy to balance subscription value with blockbuster releases.

Microsoft Says the Change Responds to Player Feedback

In its announcement, Microsoft explained that the update reflects feedback from players across different regions and play styles.

According to the company:

Our players cover a wide breadth of geographies, preferences, and tastes, so while there isn’t a single model that’s best for everyone, this change responds to a lot of feedback we’ve gotten so far. We’ll continue to listen and learn.

The price reduction may help make Game Pass more accessible, while the delayed release window for Call of Duty suggests Microsoft is refining how major franchises fit into the subscription model.

A Personal Note From My Experience

I was subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for about a year, and it was one of the services I used the most. But when the price increased from $19.99 to $29.99 in late 2025, I decided to cancel my subscription and take a break.

Now that Microsoft has lowered the price to $22.99, this might be the right moment to jump back in. The value of the service is still strong, especially with access to hundreds of games and the flexibility to play across console, PC, and cloud.

For players who left when the price went up — like I did — this change could make Game Pass feel worth considering again.

If you’re already subscribed, you’ll likely see the new price reflected on your next billing cycle.

And if you’ve been thinking about trying Game Pass — or returning after canceling — this price drop makes the decision a little easier.