Say goodbye to stacking subscriptions on Game Pass for console.
One of the best things about Xbox Game Pass for consoles is the fact that Microsoft has completely removed it from the service. In recent days, Microsoft has made a lot of noise by announcing that it would be increasing the price of Xbox Game Pass. Not only would all tiers of the subscription platform be increasing, but a new offering called “Xbox Game Pass Standard” is also set to go live in the coming months. Now, following the introduction of Game Pass Standard, Microsoft is attempting to phase out its console-only version of the platform in a disappointing way.
In a breakdown on the official website Xbox WebsiteMicrosoft has revealed that it will now prevent Xbox Game Pass for console subscriptions from being stacked for multiple years at once. When Game Pass has been available at various retailers in the past, some subscribers have opted to purchase multiple months or years of the service and add it to their account in one go to ensure their subscription remains active for the long term at a lower price. However, at the end of September, this will no longer be possible as Microsoft will cap the subscription at a maximum of 13 months.
“Starting September 18, 2024, the maximum extension duration for Game Pass for Console will be 13 months,” Microsoft said in its FAQ. “This will not impact the current game accrual duration on your account that exceeds 13 months, and will only impact your future ability to accrue more than 13 months after September 18, 2024.”
The main reason Microsoft is ending subscription stacking for Xbox Game Pass for console is because it wants to end that tier of the service. While Game Pass for console isn’t going away for active members, Microsoft has been phasing out the ability for new subscribers to join that tier. Instead, Game Pass Standard will become something of a replacement for Game Pass for console, though it won’t include all of the same benefits. Notably, Game Pass Standard won’t feature “Day One” additions to Game Pass, which was previously one of the service’s main selling points.
The good news here is that if you’re already a subscriber to Xbox Game Pass for console, you’ll be able to continue to be one in perpetuity as long as you keep your subscription auto-renewing. Additionally, Game Pass Ultimate isn’t affected much by these overhauls, aside from an overall price increase to $19.99 per month.