Xbox Game Pass has an unbeatable value proposition and has been called the “Netflix of games” for quite some time. But in early October 2025, Microsoft unveiled a tectonic shift: A more than 50% price increase for its top-tier Xbox Games Pass Ultimate plan. It was a tectonic shift for millions of gamers, and many are now wondering if the “best deal in gaming” is still worth discussing. The Xbox Game Pass price increase has caused controversy and frustration, resulting in search queries for “how to cancel Xbox Game Pass” reaching new highs.
This could be the chance Sony has been waiting for. In the meantime, as waves of disgruntled subscribers reassess their budgets, PlayStation Plus is starting to look like a pretty sweet haven. Xbox Game Pass’s price hike fallout can be the golden opportunity for PlayStation Plus to catch up.
The New Look for Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass used to be celebrated for its value before price increases. Now, Microsoft has reorganized its entire offering and renamed tier levels to include more features, justifying the price adjustment in Xbox Game Pass.
The new structure of packages after October 2025 looks like:
| Old Name | New Name | Previous Price (USD) | New Price (USD) | Price Change | Key Changes & Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Essential | $9.99 | $9.99 | No Change | Library expanded from 25+ to 50+ games, PC access, and unlimited cloud gaming. |
| Standard | Premium | $14.99 | $14.99 | No Change | The library expanded to 200+ games, including Diablo IV & Hogwarts Legacy, unlimited cloud gaming. |
| Ultimate | Ultimate | $19.99 | $29.99 | +50% | All Premium benefits, plus 75+ day-one releases, Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, and 1440p cloud streaming. |
| PC Game Pass | PC Game Pass | $11.99 | $16.49 | +37.5% | Access to a large library of PC titles, including 50 additional Ubisoft games. |
The most impactful change has to be the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price, now $29.99 per month. To minimize the side effects, Microsoft has bundled the services of Fortnite Crew (worth $11.99/month) and Ubisoft+ Classics (worth $7.99/month). They’ve also boosted the day-one release count and upgraded Xbox Cloud Gaming resolution for Ultimate members. Despite these additions, the core issue for many remains the steep Xbox Game Pass cost.
Why Did Microsoft Increase Xbox Game Pass Price? The Subscriber Reaction
The response to the Xbox Game Pass price hike was swift and brutal. Though Microsoft has not released official cancellation figures, the voice of opposition has spoken loudly and clearly. A Reddit user even claimed the official site to cancel Xbox Game Pass subscriptions had received unusual traffic. The likes of Reddit and X were ablaze with angry gamers.
Several factors fueled this anger:
- A Huge Price Increase: A 50% price hike is tough to justify when, for many folks, the value was perfect.
- Less Value for Money: The new perks for the increased cost were not worth it to many. A Q3 2025 Circana survey found that, however, 58% of subscribers who canceled said they “can’t justify the cost.”
- No Call of Duty: One of the biggest bones of contention is that Xbox Game Pass would provide new Call of Duty games at launch to many players who were already eagerly waiting for such a policy.
- Tone-Deaf Communication: Microsoft’s original announcement emphasized the new benefits and minimized discussion of the increase in price, which many saw as disingenuous.
It was such a high-profile example that even former FTC chairwoman Lina Khan, who spoke out against Microsoft’s proposed move on Activision-Blizzard, seized upon the pricing spat as evidence of a “too big to care” company. Even rivals joined in, with retailer GameStop openly mocking the rise by pledging to sell Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 12-month codes at the previous price.
Xbox Game Pass Opened a Door for PlayStation Plus
With the Xbox Game Pass community in turmoil, the spotlight turns to Sony. PlayStation Plus now has a significant opportunity to present itself as the better-value alternative.
Here’s how it can capitalize:
- Price Competitiveness: This is the most obvious advantage. PlayStation’s top-tier plan, PS Plus Premium, costs $17.99 per month or $160 for a yearly subscription—a substantial saving compared to the new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price. Even PS Plus Extra, at $14.99, offers hundreds of games for less than the price of Xbox PC Game Pass.
- Highlighting Exclusive Content: Sony’s greatest strength has always been its first-party exclusives. Now is the time to shout from the rooftops about access to blockbuster titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Horizon Forbidden West. While the Xbox Game Pass may have quantity, PlayStation has the one-up on quality and brands.
- Consolidating Core Competences: PlayStation Plus offers online multiplayer access for hugely popular titles such as Call of Duty and FIFA. By reinforcing this core benefit, they can entice those players who care more for online gaming rather than single-player titles with a substantial library.
Publications are already declaring PS Plus “the better deal in gaming.” If Sony plays its cards right by holding its prices steady and doubling down on its value proposition, it could attract a wave of gamers looking for a new home. The fear among PlayStation fans, however, is that Sony might follow Microsoft’s lead and announce its own price increases.
Xbox Game Pass Vs. PS Plus
Choosing between the two services has never been more complex. While the Xbox Game Pass still offers an immense library, the value equation has shifted.
| Feature | Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | PlayStation Plus Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $29.99 | $17.99 |
| Game Library | 400+ games | 400+ games (PS4/PS5) + classics |
| Day-One Releases | 75+ titles per year from Xbox Game Studios & partners | Select PlayStation Studios titles |
| Exclusive Titles | Halo, Forza, Gears of War, Starfield, future The Outer Worlds 2 and Fable | Spider-Man, God of War, The Last of Us, Horizon Forbidden West |
| Cloud Gaming | Yes, with 1440p streaming | Yes, for select titles |
| Online Multiplayer | Included | Included |
| Additional Perks | Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, EA Play | Timed game trials, classic game catalog |
For some, the sheer volume of new games on Xbox Game Pass, especially with day-one access to titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio or S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, will still make it worth the price. Others may discover that the must-play exclusives on PlayStation are enough, especially at a lower price point. So the question is no longer, “Is the Xbox Game Pass worth it?” but, “Which services are worth it to me?”
It should also be noted that PlayStation Plus has not been free of criticism for service quality and game offerings either. Each has merits, but the ideal will vary based on your gaming habits, budget, and which platform holds out over some must-have games you can’t live without. For those wondering how much an Xbox Game Pass costs, the surprising answer may edge them toward Sony.
The Future of Gaming Subscriptions
This Xbox Game Pass price increase isn’t simply a headline, but rather a major moment for the gaming business. It makes people have a discussion about whether the “all-you-can-eat” subscription model is really sustainable. As development costs rise, can companies continue giving away hundreds of games (including new blockbusters) for a low monthly fee?
Microsoft’s action suggests that the answer is NO, at least not without significant price adjustments. Analysts in the industry said this was indicative of a wider trend. We could see more of these tiered subscription models, perhaps with premium pricing for immediate access to new titles and a lower price for catalog content. Cloud gaming will also come into the intriguing picture, which could even mean cutting services to players with no console in their homes and shaking up the market more.
What’s Next for Gamers?
One has definitely left the door open for PlayStation Plus with the price hike in Xbox Game Pass. The company now has the chance to take advantage of its strong exclusive IPs, its competitively low prices, and its loyal fan base. By avoiding a price hike of its own, Sony can drive home the gamer-friendly alternative at a time of increasing prices.
Microsoft would want to prove to subscribers that the new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate justifies the additional cost. High-quality releases on launch day and consideration of bundled benefits are to be provided. The backlash is a powerful reminder that gamer loyalty is earned, not guaranteed.
The competition will be beneficial to the consumer. Both must innovate and improve their offer to convince you to subscribe. The choice is really up to you, whether to spend it on free Xbox Game Pass codes found online or subscribe to an upcoming PlayStation Plus plan.
FAQs
PlayStation Plus is a subscription service where subscribers can access free monthly games, cloud storage, and online multiplayer. Xbox Game Pass offers a game library consisting of over 100 titles that keep growing by adding new first-party products on day one.
Absolutely. Given time, it can also fill its catalog with various high-quality titles to add to the value competition with Xbox Game Pass.
Yes, both Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus have subscriptions that can be canceled at any time. However, your enjoyment of benefits ends when your subscription expires.
At this moment, Xbox is the leader in this area. Still, PlayStation is closing the gap in revamping its offerings and enticing current and future subscribers.
According to gamers, more exclusives, competitive pricing, and new features will help PlayStation Plus become a stronger contender in this subscription market.
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