Microsoft is hitting the brakes on its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price hike — but only for a few countries

by

Microsoft recently made significant changes to Xbox Game Pass. They expanded access on Windows PCs and through Xbox Cloud Gaming, and also adjusted the subscription tiers and prices. The price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, in particular, caused a lot of backlash, with many users immediately canceling their subscriptions – so many, in fact, that Microsoft’s website had trouble processing the requests.

After strong criticism from gamers, Microsoft is pausing its planned price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in some countries. The price will remain unchanged for players in Europe, but those in the US and UK will still see the higher cost.

Microsoft emailed Game Pass subscribers to let them know that, in certain regions, they won’t see a price increase for Game Pass Ultimate just yet.

It looks like the benefit is now permanent for existing Game Pass Ultimate subscribers who had a membership before the price increase and keep it automatically renewed. If you cancel your subscription, you’ll have to pay the new, higher price to rejoin.

Microsoft announced in an email that these price changes will only apply to new purchases. If you already have a subscription that automatically renews, your current price won’t change. However, if you cancel and then sign up again, you’ll be charged the new price.

The company also promised to give users in affected regions 60 days’ notice before the price increase takes effect, or if there are any further changes to Xbox Game Pass pricing. This means the current delay will last at least two months, and probably much longer.

As a researcher, I understand Microsoft’s commitment to keeping users informed. They’ve stated that if any changes are made to your account, you’ll receive a 60-day notice. And importantly, you’ll always have the flexibility to cancel or switch your subscription plan whenever you need to.

It appears the company had to raise subscription prices due to rules and regulations, and the delay wasn’t caused by the negative reactions they received.

Microsoft explained the delay by saying it’s due to legal requirements in specific countries. A Microsoft representative stated that current subscribers in those countries will continue to renew their subscriptions at their current rates to comply with those local laws.

It appears the company was legally required to change subscription prices, and the delay isn’t due to negative customer reactions. If it *were* about the feedback, we’d likely see the change happen in the US and UK as well.

We’ve also contacted the company for a statement and will update this article if they respond.

Will Microsoft backpedal on the price hike?

The delay is a positive development for people in the limited number of countries affected. However, it’s frustrating for everyone else, and many are hoping Microsoft will be willing to revisit the price increase, even beyond what’s legally required.

Only time will tell for sure, but the recent increase might be due to the success of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate this past spring and summer. As Jez Corden from Windows Central explained, maintaining those kinds of content-filled seasons in the future likely comes with significant costs.

The delay is a positive development for customers in the limited number of countries affected. However, it’s frustrating for everyone else, and many are hoping Microsoft will be willing to revisit the price increase, even beyond what’s legally required.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate’s price might stay the same, and players may accept it if they continue to receive a great selection of games, as they did in 2025. However, Microsoft could also lower the price again, but that might mean fewer benefits or games for subscribers.

No matter what happens with Xbox in the future, it’s smart to buy Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gift cards now while they’re still available for $19.99 a month. If you have a good gaming PC or a handheld device, switching to PC Game Pass is a great option – I think it now offers the best value for gamers, assuming you have a compatible device.

Stay up-to-date with the latest from Windows Central by following us on Google News! You’ll get all our news, insights, and features right in your feed.

Read More

2025-10-07 22:40