Microsoft has shaken up Xbox Game Pass once again, and this time the changes are hitting players in their wallets. On October 1, 2025, the company raised the price of its flagship Game Pass Ultimate from $19.99 to $29.99 per month. That's a 50 percent jump. PC Game Pass also climbed, from $11.99 to $16.49.

Microsoft says the increase brings “more flexibility, choice, and value,” pointing to new perks like expanded cloud gaming, Ubisoft+ Classics, and continued day-one releases. But for many players, the math doesn’t add up.

What players are saying

Almost immediately after the announcement, social media and forums lit up with frustration. On Reddit and X, players compared the cost to buying new releases outright: at $30 a month, that’s $360 a year, enough to purchase five or six full-price games.

The backlash was so strong that Microsoft’s own cancellation page reportedly struggled to keep up with the surge in users trying to unsubscribe. Even GameStop poked fun, joking that Game Pass customers now “pay $29.99 every month and own nothing.”

For casual players who dip in and out of a few titles, the price hike makes the service feel less like a deal and more like an unnecessary luxury.

Who gets hit hardest?

The steepest increase lands on the Ultimate tier, the one most subscribers are on, since it bundles Xbox, PC, and cloud access. Lower-tier plans still exist, but many of the best features (cloud streaming, full library access, Ubisoft+ content) are locked to Ultimate.

That means players who were already paying the most are now paying much more just to keep the same benefits.

Should you keep or cancel?

• Worth keeping if you regularly dive into new releases, play across PC and console, or use cloud streaming. The Ubisoft+ and Fortnite Crew additions might tip the balance if those matter to you.
• Harder to justify if you only play a handful of games each year. At $30/month, buying a few favorites outright may actually be cheaper long-term.
• Alternatives exist: Xbox Game Pass Essential is cheaper but limited, while PlayStation Plus and Steam sales remain competitive options depending on your platform.

Some players are also waiting to see if Microsoft introduces regional discounts, family plans, or promotional pricing.

The bottom line

Game Pass has been gaming’s best bargain for years, but the price hikes signal a turning point. Microsoft is betting that the library, perks, and cloud access will keep players hooked.

The question for consumers is simple: are you still getting your money’s worth? If not, it may be time to cancel, downgrade, or rethink your subscription habits.