Microsoft announced the revamping of Xbox Game Pass on October 1, 2025. The announcement was followed by a lengthy post and video detailing how the new tiers are better aligned to the needs of most gamers. Within the detail was the 50% bump in the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
The price of the Ultimate tier was reviewed upward from $19.99 to $29.99. Although Microsoft emphasized the addition of Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew to the tier, it wasn’t enough to satiate gamers who expressed their frustration on social media platforms.
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Some actually took it a step further and canceled their Game Pass subscriptions. According to multiple reports, that cancellation surge led to the brief crashing of the website. The page appears to be back up at the time of writing, though.
The website to cancel Xbox Game Pass subscriptions has overloaded.
This is after the news that the Ultimate subscription would be increased to $29.99/month pic.twitter.com/O3Ikhv2m14
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 1, 2025
On X (formerly Twitter), the reaction was more polarized compared to Reddit. Some people believe the $10 bump is reasonable, considering the new perks added to the Ultimate tier.
“So people are seriously canceling over a reasonable price hike?” wrote a user with the handle @PureLaith. “What, did they expect it to stay $20 after adding Ubisoft and Fortnite Crew? Ubisoft+ Classics, EA Play, Fortnite Crew AND Day 1 games for $30 is an AMAZINGLY good deal.”
Also speaking in favor of the price hike was @707DeeJay, who wrote, “Its $10 do yall not have real jobs?? lol plus you get Fortnite pass which is more than that so what are we crying about here.”
Stephen Mac (@Stephen_Mac03) did a little mathematics that further highlighted the impact the $10 increase would have in a year.
“It’s an extra $10 bucks people. Black Ops and other games are roughly $60-70 each. IF you play two new releases in a year ($120-140), the $10 extra a month ($120 annually) would equate to purchasing two new games.”
In 2021, Microsoft announced a dramatic increase in the price of Xbox Live Gold, which saw the cost of online multiplayer jump from $59.99 to $119.99. The company said it aligned with the growing value of Game Pass.
However, fans frowned at it, particularly because Gold was still required to play most online titles. A day after the announcement, Microsoft walked back the price with an apology. As a sign of goodwill, the company also retired the Gold requirement for free-to-play online games like Apex Legends and Fortnite.
Do you see Microsoft reverting the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
