Microsoft Revamps Xbox Game Pass Plans and Hikes Ultimate Tier to $29.99 with New Perks

Microsoft revamps Xbox Game Pass plans and hikes Ultimate to $29.99
Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft's subscription service, has undergone a significant makeover with a price hike for the top-tier Ultimate plan. The Ultimate tier now costs $29.99 per month, a 50% increase, but includes new features like Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, and EA Play.
According to Tom Warren, "Microsoft is attempting to justify the price hike with a variety of upgrades across all of its Xbox Game Pass tiers." The Ultimate plan now offers access to over 400 games, including more than 75 day-one games per year.
The new Essential and Premium tiers also offer benefits, including access to PC games and cloud gaming capabilities. A Microsoft spokesperson stated that the changes are designed to "give Xbox fans more choices and flexibility when it comes to their gaming experience."
Critics argue that the price increase will alienate some subscribers, particularly those on a budget. As Jez Corden notes, "Xbox Game Pass is getting a ton of new games today via Ubisoft+, as well as new Fortnite benefits. Ultimate subscribers will have to swallow a 50% price increase to get it, though."