Xbox Game Pass Hikes Worth Forward of Handhelds Launch

Xbox is elevating its Game Pass costs forward of the launch of two new handheld consoles on Oct. 16.

The new breakdown throughout a trio of tiers — Essential, Premium and Ultimate — is targeted on the variety of video games obtainable in a single’s Game Pass library. It is platform-agnostic, which is sensible contemplating the upcoming Xbox ROG Ally handhelds are half-console, half-PC.

The new Game Pass Essential tier prices $9.99 per thirty days however has simply 50(-plus) video games; Premium boasts 200(-plus) for $14.99 and the brand new Ultimate plan options 400(-plus) video games for $29.99.

The pricier tiers have extra advantages, just like the variety of year-one and day-one video games obtainable, in addition to growing ranges of Microsoft Rewards. The high quality of streams for cloud gaming and the wait instances for video games additionally get higher as you pay extra. Finally, solely the most costly choice now contains EA Play (all of them used to), in addition to Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew. Find additional details here.

Formerly, the PC Game Pass plan value $11.99/month and the prior Ultimate iteration, the one Xbox console gamers used, ran $19.99. There have been another variations, however they have been much less dramatic than the present splits.

These Game Pass value hikes observe just lately introduced will increase for the consoles themselves. Starting Friday, Oct. 3, the Xbox Series S (the white, digital-only, entry-level mannequin) will begin at $399.99 (up $20) and the Xbox Series X, the top-of-the-line choice with a slot for bodily media, will value $649.99 (up $50). There are numerous different configurations that may see value will increase from $20 to $70; this marks the second time Xbox console costs have elevated in simply six months. The firm cited “macroeconomic factors,” which seemingly (largely) means President Trump’s tariffs.

Last week, Microsoft revealed the costs on its upcoming handhelds, a partnership with {hardware} firm Asus. They have been costlier than some reported (and purported) value leaks recommended; the Xbox ROG Ally (the white one) will value $599.99 and the Xbox ROG Ally X (black) will value $999.99. The colours should not the one distinction, after all: Find the essential specs right here. The Xbox ROG Ally X is a Best Buy unique.

The Xbox handhelds can be found for preorder now. They can be launched Oct. 16.