In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming subscriptions, Xbox Game Pass has carved out a significant niche, offering players an extensive library of games for a monthly fee. This service has become especially appealing for gamers seeking variety without the burden of hefty upfront costs. However, the affordability of Game Pass has been a topic of contention, particularly following a series of price increases since its inception.
The latest adjustment saw the price of Game Pass Ultimate rise to .99 per month, prompting a wave of criticism from users who began to question the value proposition of the service. In response to this backlash, Microsoft has taken a decisive step to recalibrate its pricing strategy.
Game Pass new pricing in April 2026
After careful consideration of player feedback, Microsoft has announced a reduction in subscription costs. Effective immediately, Game Pass Ultimate will now be available for .99 per month, while PC Game Pass has been adjusted to .99, down from .49. The Premium and Essential tiers will maintain their pricing established in October 2025.
| Subscription tier | US | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | .99 | .99 | £16.99 | €20.99 | .95 |
| Xbox Game Pass Premium | .99 | .99 | £10.99 | €12.99 | .95 |
| Xbox Game Pass Essential | .99 | .99 | £6.99 | €8.99 | .95 |
| PC Game Pass | .99 | .99 | £10.99 | €12.99 | .95 |
However, this price reduction comes with a notable caveat. Microsoft has confirmed that future releases of the Call of Duty franchise will no longer be available on Game Pass at launch. This strategic shift is significant, as day-one access to blockbuster titles has been a major draw for subscribers of the Ultimate and PC Game Pass tiers. Instead, new Call of Duty games will be added to the library nearly a year after their initial release, although existing titles will remain accessible.
For gamers who are less invested in the Call of Duty series, this change presents an opportunity to enjoy a more affordable subscription while still benefiting from a vast array of games and features such as cloud gaming and online multiplayer. This development also signals a pivotal moment under the leadership of Xbox’s new CEO, Asha Sharma, as the company adapts to the shifting demands of its audience.
