Xbox Game Pass is set to undergo major changes in the coming months as Microsoft restructures its subscription tiers and pricing. announcementXbox Game Pass for console will no longer be offered to new subscribers, and a new Xbox Game Pass Standard subscription will take its place. This subscription tier will offer a library of hundreds of console games and access to multiplayer games, but it will not include day one releases.
Going forward, only Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and legacy Xbox Game Pass for Console subscribers will have access to day one releases.
For now, rates for existing subscribers will remain the same, but any new subscribers who sign up from today, July 10, will have to pay a higher subscription fee. This increase will apply to everyone from September 12, 2024.
The details of the Xbox Game Pass changes are very specific, but what you really need to know is this: Xbox Game Pass for console will eventually go away, there’s now a new subscription tier between Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you’ll pay more for Xbox Game Pass going forward, and day one games are now locked behind a more expensive subscription tier.
This is the second significant price increase for Xbox Game Pass in two years, with the move likely inspired by a combination of market conditions and Microsoft’s recent purchase of Activision Blizzard.
Read: Xbox reportedly considering further budget cuts in the future
Xbox Game Pass: New Australian price and tiers
Here’s the breakdown of how much Xbox Game Pass costs for Australian subscribers:
- Base Game Pass – AUD 89.95 (12 months)
- Xbox Game Pass Standard – $14.99 USD (TBD)
- PC Game Pass – 13.95 AUD
- Xbox Game Pass for Console – No longer offered
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – 22.95 AUD
Most tiers are now $3-$4 more expensive per month, which is a significant jump, especially considering Xbox Game Pass already saw a price increase in 2023. For those who no longer wish to renew their subscription based on this increase, it’s best to turn off automatic billing from your Microsoft subscription settings.
For more information on upcoming changes to Xbox Game Pass, head over to the Microsoft Support Frequently Asked Questions.